WELCOME AT
MASARYK UNIVERSITY!

Foreign employees who come to work at Masaryk University get support and help from the Welcome Office (WO) which is a part of the MU Centre of International Cooperation (CZS). The WO is a university-wide contact and advisory centre which assists all international employees who are working at MU over 3 months in duration and their families with a range of related issues.

International students, interns and short-term visiting academics/researchers should refer to their faculties/institutes or departments. Please find more information and contacts on the website of the MU Centre for International Cooperation or on muni.cz (Organizational structure of MU).

PRE-ARRIVAL GUIDE

RELOCATION (before arrival)

Welcome support

Welcome Office can help you with practical issues relating to your relocation. We just need more information about you or your family. After you fill in the online personal questionnaire from HR department, we will get in touch with you by email afterwards.

Visa & Residence
  • If you and your family members are EU/EEA/CH citizens, none of you need a visa. 
  • If you or a family member are citizens of another country, you must have a valid visa or residence permit to stay in the Czech Republic.

The Welcome Office and the HR department of your faculty you plan to work at will help you complete all of the essential formalities with your visa or residence permit. Choose from below to get the right information on how to apply:

    ACADEMIC STAFF - research, science, teaching
   ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF 
   FAMILY MEMBERS

Housing

We advise you to first find a short-term rental for the first month or two and during this time look for a long-term accommodation.

SHORT-TERM ACCOMMODATION
LONG-TERM ACCOMMODATION
  • DOMEQ – very popular accommodation among international staff from all over the world. Minimum lease period is 6 months.
  • Real estate agencies – here is a list of several agencies that our international employees had a good experience with and who usually speak English. Minimum lease period is usually 1 year.
  • Bezrealitky.cz – used mainly by locals, you don´t have to pay a commission to the realtor, on the other hand the realtor usually provides you with valuable additional services (e.g. the person leasing an apartment is legally entitled to do so and that the lease contract contains all the necessary provisions.) For a non-Czech speaking person we recommend using a realtor.

How does a lease with an estate agency work in the Czech Republic?

  • Leases are usually signed for 1 year, can be extended if both sides are happy and can be terminated earlier if proper notice is given (usually one to three months).
  • The contract should be bilingual (Czech is the official language, English for your understanding). Czech administration offices (e.g. MOI) also require bilingual or Czech contract.
  • This contract needs to be in original or certified copy (you can get this one at any Czech post office „Česká pošta“)
  • Only the owner (or an individual with the power of attorney to represent the owner) can lease a flat or house. MOI will check if your landlord is also the owner of the flat (they have access to Property register). If your landlord isn´t the owner of the flat, they must also provide „power of attorney“ document confirming that they agree to provide you with accommodation.

What does the rent usually consist of and how much will you pay when you start a lease?

  • Basic rent – the payment just for the flat/room itself
  • Utilities – electricity, water, gas, internet, maintenance fee for common spaces
  • Deposit – one time payment at the start of your lease, can vary from 1 to 3 months´ rent, is returned upon termination of the rental unless damage has been caused to the property. In that case, the landlord can retain a part or the whole of the security deposit to cover damages
  • Comission – one time payment to the realtor for their services, usually equals to 1 months´ rents

The utilities can be paid in two ways:

  1. More often - an approximate cost of utilities per month is added to the basic rental fee. Once a year, the landlord adds up the actual consumption of electricity, water and gas and, depending on that calculation, you will either receive a refund or you will be asked to pay an additional sum to make up for the difference
  2. Less often – all utilities and its consumption are transferred to the tenant. That means that you have to go/contact each individual provider (mainly gas, electricity) and the contract is transferred to your name. For a foreigner this may be too complicated.

The lease contract may contain a description of the actual state of the flat, the furnishings, and the initial utility meter data. The latter is particularly important. You should check that the recorded figures are accurate. Also, check the furnishings to avoid being blamed for damages caused prior to your moving in.

If you have further questions or you need a help with housing issues, please don’t hesitate to contact us at staff@czs.muni.cz. ​

Storage

If you need to store some bigger amount of personal belongings (e.g. before renting a flat for a more permanent stay), there are several options:

  • SKLADUJU
    - 3 sizes of storage space
    - Price: 1900 – 3500 CZK/month
    - Location: Brno, Olomoucká

  • MINISKLADY
    - 2 sizes of storage space
    - Price: 1900 – 2900 CZK/month
    - Location: Brno, Královo Pole

  • FLEXI SKLADY
    - 2 sizes of storage space
    - Price: 2500 – 3500 CZK/month
    - Location: Brno, Královo Pole

  • SKLADY STANEK
    - 2 sizes of storage space
    - Price: 2000 – 2500 CZK/month
    - Location: Brno, Řečkovice

As most of information is available only in Czech, Welcome Office is ready to help. Don´t hesitate to contact us at staff@czs.muni.cz.

Car in the Czech Republic

Where to go: Magistrát města Brna, Odbor registru vozidel a řidičů (only in Czech)

You have to come in person, book an appointment ideally electronically via their website (only in Czech).

You need to bring these documents:

  1.  If you buy a new car in the Czech Republic
    - fee 800 CZK
    - filled in a form Žádost o zápis silničního vozidla do registru silničních vozidel
    - proof of technical suitability of roadworthiness of the vehicle (technical license, COC sheet)
    - green card (proves the insurance of the card and is issued based on the VIN number)
    - ID of the owner – passport + biometric card (the owner must have one of these residence permits – permanent residence, long term residence, temporary residence)
    - proof of purchase of the car (invoice, loan agreement, etc), including VAT

  2. If you buy an older car from someone in the Czech Republic (the owner of the car changes)
    - fee 800 CZK
    - filled in form Žádost o zápis změny vlastníka nebo provozovatele silničního vozidla
    - both parties (the seller and the buyer) are present at the registration center, if not, there needs to be a written power of attorney
    - proof of the technical suitability of the vehicle (technical license, COC sheet)
    - vehicle registration certificate
    - vehicle inspection certificate (evidenční kontrola) not older than 1 year
    - green card (proves the insurance of the card and is issued based on the VIN number, within 15 days the new owner should insure the car themselves)
    - ID of the new owner – passport + biometric card (the owner must have one of these residence permits – permanent residence, long term residence, temporary residence)

  3.  If you bring a car from abroad into the Czech Republic
    - fee 800 CZK
    - filled in form Žádost o zápis silničního vozidla do registru silničních vozidel
    - document from the country of origin – registration certificate and technical licence, COC, etc. or any other document confirming the roadworthiness and technical suitability of the vehicle)
    - vehicle inspection certificate (evidenční kontrola) - import technical check at one of the technical inspection stations (STK)
    - green card (proves the insurance of the card and is issued based on the VIN number)
    - ID of the owner – passport + biometric card (the owner must have one of these residence permits – permanent residence, long term residence, temporary residence)
    - certificate from the customs - if the country of origin of the car is not within the EU, also the customs office should be contacted
    - confirmation of tax payment - if the car is new (less than 6000 km) and from within EU, additionaly the Revenue Office (Finanční úřad) should be contacted and added value tax (DPH) to be paid

As it is a complicated process and most of information available only in Czech, Welcome Office is ready to help. Don´t hesitate to contact us at staff@czs.muni.cz

Travel health insurance
  • EU citizens do not need additional travel health insurance.
  • Non-EU citizens must present health insurance till the beginning of employment (at least one month of coverage is recommended)

Once your visa/residence permit application is approved, you will need to buy the travel health insurance. We recommend to buy online a Basic Foreigner´s Medical Insurance for one month (provided by PVZP). It covers EU countries as well as transit countries.

How to get to Brno

When travelling to Brno by air, flights to Prague (Praha) or Vienna (Wien) airports are equally good options, as the travel time from these airports to Brno is roughly the same (two and a half to three hours).

FROM VIENNA:
Buses
  1. REGIOJET’s comfortable coaches provide a direct connection from the terminal to Brno city centre. This is a very convenient connection and can also be the fastest, but coaches run on a rather infrequent schedule.
  2. FLIXBUS´s coaches are another option to get you directly from the terminal to Brno city centre. The departure timetable varies by day, so you should check the timetable for your particular travel dates.
Trains

To get to Brno, you need to take a city train (S-Bahn) from the airport and change trains at the Vienna central train station (Wien Hauptbahnhof or Hbf). You can find timetables and tickets here.

FROM PRAGUE:
Buses
  1. REGIOJET
    While journeys by coach from the airport to Brno are possible, there is no direct route from Vaclav Havel Airport to Brno, so you will have to change buses at Florenc Bus Station in Prague.
  2. FLIXBUS
    This coach company departs from various bus stops in Prague. You will find more information on their website.
Trains

To get to the main railway station (Praha hlavní nádraží or hl. n.) you can take public transport or an Airport Express (AE) bus (jízdenka dopředu + cena).

There are frequent train connections between Prague and Brno which are operated by two Czech companies (ČD and RegioJet). Seat reservation ticket recommended. To find out more:

Living in Brno

Brno is the second largest city of the Czech Republic and the capital of the region of Moravia. With a population of just under 400,000, it is much smaller than Prague and is a friendlier, less crowded, and more relaxed city.

Things We Love About Brno...

ONBOARDING AND SETTLING DOWN (after arrival)

Public transport in Brno

Public transportation in Brno is organized by DPMB company. Using public transport is the easiest and cheapest way (and sometimes even faster).

There are several ways how to pay for your travels:

  • Beep and go – if you have contactless credit/debit card, you can use machines in buses/trams and trolleybuses and simply tap on upon boarding the vehicle
  • Paper tickets – you can buy those at the main train stations, tobbacco shops „trafika“ or in yellow ticket machines which are situated at some stops and stations, you validate the paper ticket in the vehicle
  • Public Travel Ticket - in case of regular commuting, we advise to get a season ticket (called "šalinkarta" in Brno) - for 1 month/3 months/1 year

For times, schedules and routes, see the search engine: https://idos.idnes.cz/en/brno/spojeni/ or get a mobile application Czech Public Transport IDOS with an English version.

To get more information on how to travel in/out of Brno, see the Employee Portal (you need MU login).

Welcome meeting

Before you arrive, Welcome Office will arrange a meeting with you to welcome you and provide you with some practical information on:

  • housing
  • registration at Foreign Police/Immigration Office (MOI)
  • banking services
  • public transportation
  • mobile operators
  • medical examination
  • waste collection fee
  • family unification
  • anything you need to know

If you did not get an invitation for welcome meeting, don´t hesitate to let us know at staff@czs.muni.cz.

Registration at Foreign Police/Immigration Office

EU/EEA/CH

You must register for residence in the Czech Republic within 30 days after arrival at the Foreign Police.

Registration with Immigration Office (Department of Asylum and Migration Policy of Ministry of Interior) is recommended for nationals of EU/EEA/CH countries with stay exceeding 6 months. You will receive a registration certificate which enables you to get several benefits. Check more information at this website

NON EU

You must register for residence in the Czech Republic within 30 days after arrival at the Immigration Office - Department of Asylum and Migration Policy, Ministry of Interior (MOI) - address.

The Welcome Office will help prepare your documents, arrange the appointment at Immigration Office and will assist you at the meeting.

Medical examination

Before signing a contract of employment, you will have to undergo a medical examination at our university doctor. Your faculty HR department will get in touch with you and inform you in advance.

University doctor for entrance medical examination:

MUDR. VĚRA PŘIBYLOVÁ
Slovákova 279/11
Tel.: +420 545 216 962
Walk-in hours:
Mon: 7:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Tue: 7:30 a.m. – 12:00 a.m.
Wed: 7:30 a.m. – 12:00 a.m.
Thu: 7:30 a.m. – 12:00 a.m.
Fri: 7:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

Please note that dr. Věra Přibylová is not automatically your GP. To find a GP, see the list of English-speaking doctors in Brno and contact them to find out whether they accept new patients.

Visit your new workplace

The faculty HR department will inform you via email about further steps regarding your employment at MU. After medical examination, you will:

  • sign the contract of employment with HR department at your faculty
  • get access to university information systems (IS, inet, etc.) - receive MU login details
  • arrange an employee card
  • find out where you will be working, what working hours are, get your keys and any essential equipment
  • meet your new colleagues and get to know your faculty/department
  • safety and health protection training & fire protection training
  • arrange further duties and obligations with HR department and payroll accountant (you may be eligible for bonuses including meal allowances and pension insurance contributions)
Bank account

There is a number of large banks offering wide scale of products (ČSOB, ČS, KB, Raiffeisen Bank, Fio Bank, Air Bank).

Based on our experience we especially recommend Raiffeisen bank, Fio Bank and Air Bank.

To open an account you will need:

  • identity document (passport, driving license etc.) - EU citizens just one, non-EU citizens should have 2 identity documents
  • residence permit (non-EU citizens)
  • contract of employment / certificate of study
  • tax identification number (TIN)
  • Czech mobile operator to send the authorization code to for internet banking

Recommended banks with contact details and further information are available in Employee Portal (MU login details).

Czech phone number
  • there are three major providers in the Czech Republic – O2, T-Mobile, Vodafone
  • we advise to get a Czech SIM card for your phone after arrival (necessary for opening a bank account) - a prepaid card with credit – is a quick and cheap solution, if you just want to browse the internet using wi-fi mainly and be able to call
  • Masaryk University cooperates with Vodafone and can offer an employee package for postpaid deals
  • after signing the contract of employment at MU, you can simply switch to an employee programme (no need of business phone)
Health insurance
INSURANCE FOR AN EMPLOYEE

As an employee of MU, you are automatically insured and a participant in public health insurance (your insurance company is VZP). The insurance starts on the first day of your employment. It will take some time before you receive your new insurance card (1-1,5 months). In case you need a medical help and do not have your card yet, please let us know. Please always carry your insurance card and ID/passport when going to see a doctor.

INSURANCE FOR A RELATIVE OLDER THAN 18 YEARS

As a family relative who is not employed and thus insured by the employer, you must have a commercial health insurance, according to the law it must be PVZP. Insurance can be arranged and paid easily online. Before going to see a doctor please first check if they do accept the PVZP insurance.

INSURANCE FOR A FAMILY RELATIVE YOUNGER THAN 18 YEARS (CHILD)

From 1. 1. 2024, children under the age of 18 who have a valid long-term residence permit in the Czech Republic will be participants in public health insurance (insured by VZP) which is free of charge – insurance paid by the state. The insurance automatically starts on the day when the child receives their biometric card at the Immigration Office (OAMP). Insurance is valid until reaching the age of 18 years or until the expiration of long-term residence permit. In case your child is already residing in the CZ after 1. 1. 2024 and has a valid commercial health insurance, it is necessary to contact the insurance company of your choice at least 8 days before the expiration of commercial insurance and register your child there. If this does not happen, an insurance debt will arise. You can choose where you will register your child, here is a list.

As you yourself are insured by VZP (code 111), we suggest that you register your child there as well.

Medical Care

Health insurance for MU employees is provided from the start of the employment contract.

Employees get standard coverage of medical treatment including surgeries and hospital visits. Medication can be fully, partly or not covered by insurance depending on the prescription.

You are free to register at general practitioner (keep in mind that the doctor for medical examination before signing the contract of employment is not automatically your GP). You can see a list of English speaking doctors and other important information on medical care in the Czech Republic at MU Employee portal.

When you visit a doctor in the CZ, you should carry with you your ID/passport and insurance card.

Czech language courses

Whilst English is widely spoken as a second language in the Czech Republic, not everyone will be able to converse with you if you do not speak at least some basic Czech, especially outside of the main cities. In order to make your life a little easier and more enjoyable, a basic knowledge of Czech is highly recommended.

FREE CZECH COURSES
COMMERCIAL COURSES
Education for children

With the exception of preschool facilities, education is free of charge in the Czech Republic.

PRESCHOOLS

Preschool educational facilities look after children from the age of three to six. It is not easy to find a kindergarten which will accept your child unless you live in the area of that kindergarten or your child is in his or her last year before compulsory school attendance. It is highly recommended that you contact the facility in advance to inquire about vacancies. If your child cannot speak Czech or you would prefer a facility located in a different part of the city from where you live, you will have to search for a private preschool. There are various options for private kindergartens in Brno. For instance:

ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS

They are attended by children aged 6 to 15 and are compulsory in the Czech Republic.

There is just one school in Brno offering education with English as the language of instruction – the International School of Brno. It offers preschool, elementary and secondary education, and it charges tuition fees.

Other schools focusing on teaching children from foreign countries (websites only in Czech, contact the school directly):

There are also two schools in Brno with several subjects (industrial arts, informatics and biology) taught in English:

SECONDARY SCHOOLS

They are for teenagers aged 16 to 19. They offer education in numerous specialised fields. There are three types of secondary education to choose from:

  1. Secondary education programme for one to two years, culminating in a final examination (Závěrečná zkouška in Czech);
  2. Secondary education with a vocational focus for two to three years, culminating in a final examination and a vocational certificate (Závěrečná zkouška s výučním listem in Czech);
  3. Secondary education with an exit examination after four years (Závěrečná maturitní zkouška in Czech).

Anyone who completes his or her studies at a secondary school with an exit examination (type 3 above) may apply to a university.

While the only secondary school at which all subjects are taught in English is the International School of Brno, there are some other secondary schools offering education partly in Czech and partly in other languages:

Practical guide and checklist for you:

Contact us:

Address

MU Centre for International Cooperation
Welcome Office
Komenského náměstí 2

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