What You Need to Teach in the Czech Republic
- TEFL certificate
For most private language schools, a TEFL certificate of 120+ hours is the baseline expectation.
- Degree
A Bachelor’s degree is often preferred by academies but not legally required. It is typically required for public schools and international schools (and the latter usually also want a recognised teaching licence).
- Experience
Prior classroom experience helps, but it is not essential. Many schools hire newly qualified teachers after a short demo lesson and a chat about your availability and approach.
- Czech language
You don’t need Czech to get hired, though learning a few phrases makes admin and daily life easier.
- Nationality and work rights
EU/EEA/Swiss citizens can work freely. Many non-EU teachers work as self-employed OSVČ on the “Živno” route (see below), while employer sponsorship via an Employee Card is less common in language centres due to paperwork and cost.
Getting Hired in the Czech Republic
Hiring seasons and contract length
The market surges twice: once around late August–September as the school year starts, and again in January when many corporate courses reset and mid-year timetables are built. However, language centres recruit year-round to replace teachers, add new company groups, and backfill private students. Language school/Academy agreements commonly run for 10–12 months, roughly tracking the academic cycle, with summer bringing reduced hours rather than full paid terms.
Job types and local timetables
Expect your hours to be shaped by Czech working patterns. A large slice of teaching is in-company, which naturally falls into early mornings (07:30–09:00) before office hours and lunchtimes (12:00–14:00). After school, academies fill the late afternoon and early evening with kids and teen groups (roughly 16:00–19:30).
Private 1:1 lessons often slot into gaps or get stacked on specific weekdays, and many clients think in 45-minute “lessons”, which affects how pay is quoted.
Preschools/kindergartens offer full-day fixed schedules; you’re paid for the day – including nap times, but you give up some flexibility compared with academy work.
Tip: Cluster off-site lessons along a single metro or tram line to avoid unpaid zig-zagging. Ask whether travel time or a per-visit supplement is paid. Teachers who thrive here keep a tidy calendar, over-communicate arrival times with Directors of Studies, and politely turn down impossible back-to-backs that leave no room for transfers.
Interviews and demo lessons
Most schools prefer in-person interviews once you’re in the city. The turnaround can be fast: it’s common to be asked for a short demo lesson at short notice – sometimes the same day – especially during peak hiring weeks. Demos are usually 10–15 minutes and focus on rapport, clear staging, and a realistic aim for the time you’re given. Schools aren’t looking for theatrics; they want to see that you can stage a task clearly, monitor effectively, and respond to what the learner actually says. Bring a “demo kit” to interviews (a few adaptable activities and a 10–15 minute demo plan). Having it ready saves you if they spring a demo on you.
Tip: In Prague it’s common – though not mandatory – to include a small, passport-style headshot on page one of your CV. Schools are used to seeing it and HR staff often expect it. Keep the style neutral and ensure the photo matches your ID so there’s no confusion during onboarding.
For more about CVs and interviews, see TEFL Interview Questions and How to Answer Them.
How to Choose the Right TEFL Course
You can take your TEFL course online or in person – both are accepted in the Czech Republic. However, if you plan to live here, taking your course locally can make a big difference. You can start to build a network and take advantage of the training centre’s contacts and expertise, and many employers prefer candidates who are already in the Czech Republic and ready to start.
Here’s what to prioritise when comparing TEFL courses:
- Recognised accreditation
Make sure the course is accredited and recognised by employers in the Czech Republic and abroad. For more about the importance of accreditation, see TEFL Accreditation: What is it and why is it important?
- Teaching practice
Look for a course that includes observed teaching practice with real students, not just mock lessons with peers. Feedback from experienced trainers makes a big difference.
- Support with finding work
Especially if you’re new to the Czech Republic, feedback on your CV, coaching for interviews, demos, and where to find jobs, and introductions to schools add real value.
For more about choosing a course, see our 6 Questions to Ask When Choosing a TEFL Course.
Many teachers who take our Prague course at School of TEFL have jobs lined up soon after completing the course.
From Training to Teaching in the Czech Republic: Getting Your First Job
Practical job-search tactics
Plan a focused first week: shortlist a dozen academies that match your availability, send a concise CV (with your headshot if you’re using one), and follow up by phone to request an in-person chat. Line up interviews by area to minimise travel. Use Expats.cz and Jobs.cz as well as the job listings on Eslbase to scan active listings, but don’t neglect school websites – many hire straight from their “Work with us” pages. After each interview, email a brief thank-you with your current timetable gaps; it makes it easy for a Director of Studies to plug you straight into a new group or cover.
Public schools via AIA
For placements in state schools – often outside Prague – look at the Academic Information Agency (AIA). AIA forwards teacher profiles to schools; those interested contact you directly and you apply to them. It’s a realistic pathway if you’re open to smaller towns and want a more stable school-day rhythm.
Tip: Group interviews and demos by neighbourhood/metro line. One small planning step can save hours of criss-crossing the city..
Visas & Work Permits
EU/EEA/Swiss citizens
If you’re an EU/EEA/Swiss citizen, you can live and work in the Czech Republic without a work visa. You’ll still handle residence registration and the standard tax/insurance steps, but the process is straightforward compared with non-EU routes.
Non-EU citizens – two practical routes
- Self-employed (Živnostenské oprávnění – “Živno”)Most non-EU teachers work as OSVČ (sole traders). First, open a free trade (živnost volná) in the education/lecturing category: Mimoškolní výchova a vzdělávání, pořádání kurzů, školení, včetně lektorské činnosti. Then apply for long-term residence for business. You’ll need: proof of accommodation, proof of funds, comprehensive health insurance, and documents with apostilles plus sworn Czech translations where required. The licence isn’t tied to one employer, so you can teach for multiple schools/clients.
Tip: The official name is Živnostenské oprávnění. You may also see the older term Živnostenský list; both are commonly shortened to “Živno”.
- Employer-sponsored (Employee Card)
More common with larger or international schools. Your right to work is tied to the sponsoring employer; if the job ends, your status usually depends on reporting a new employer or changing purpose promptly. Language centres tend to prefer the OSVČ model for flexibility and lower admin burden.
Proof of funds and bank letters
For long-term business visa applications, you must show you have enough savings to support yourself while getting established. In 2025, the typical benchmark is around 156,500 CZK (about USD 7,000) in your account. Many consulates want proof in the form of an original bank letter, ideally signed in blue ink, rather than just a printed statement. Check your consulate’s current checklist carefully, as some also set rules about currency format or require notarisation.
Tip: For the Živno, line up 2–3 letters of intent from schools saying they plan to use you once you’re legal. They help demonstrate real business activity.
Where to apply, processing, and fees
- Initial long-stay visa – Usually applied for at a Czech embassy or consulate outside the country before you move. Processing can take up to 90 days, so plan your timeline carefully.
- Long-term residence for business – Applied for in the Czech Republic after you arrive (often used for the “Živno” route). There’s a legal time limit for decisions, but the countdown can pause if you need to supply missing documents.
- Administrative fee – Expect to pay around 2,500 CZK for the long-term residence application. This is paid in revenue stamps (kolky), which you can buy at post offices.
Registration deadlines after arrival
If you’re from outside the EU, you normally need to register your Czech address within 3 working days of arriving – unless your landlord or hotel does it for you. Hotels and hostels almost always handle it automatically, but private landlords often don’t. To register, take your passport and proof of accommodation to the Foreign Police or a Ministry of the Interior office (which one depends on your visa stage). It’s a quick appointment, but missing the deadline can cause problems later.
Tip: For criminal-record and document rules, follow your Czech consulate’s checklist exactly. Apostilles and sworn translations are commonly required, and missing either can suspend processing.
Health & social contributions (OSVČ) – 2025 minimum
If you’re working as an OSVČ (self-employed) in the Czech Republic, you’ll pay monthly advances for both health insurance and social security, then settle the exact amounts once a year. In 2025, the minimum monthly payment is about 3,143 CZK for health insurance and 4,759 CZK for social security (main activity). These figures change every January, so always check the latest rates with your health insurer and the Czech Social Security Administration before you make your budget. If it’s your first year in business, you may qualify for a reduced social payment.
Tip: When setting up as an OSVČ, the smoothest order is: Trade Licensing Office → Health insurer (VZP, OZP, or ZPMV) → Social Security Administration. Doing it in this sequence helps you avoid having to file extra paperwork twice.
Note: Visa regulations can change at short notice. Always check official government sources before making travel or work plans.
Teaching Jobs in the Czech Republic: What You’ll Earn and When to Apply
Pay ranges you can actually expect
- Private language schools
Commonly 280–500 CZK per 45-minute lesson, with specific rates reflecting experience, travel, and specialisms.
- Private 1:1 tutoring
Often 400–600 CZK per 45 minutes; premium for exam preparation or niche corporate topics.
- Public schools
Broadly aligned with local scales, with many roles falling around 30,000–35,000 CZK gross monthly depending on region and experience.
- International schools
highest salaries/benefits, with experienced, licensed teachers typically at 55,000 CZK+ monthly.
Tip: Get policies in writing for same-day cancellations (many schools don’t pay if a client cancels inside 24 hours) and for travel time between off-site classes (some pay a per-visit supplement; others don’t).
When to Apply
As noted above, the main hiring peaks are in late August–September and January, but language centres also recruit year-round to replace teachers, start new in-company groups, and take on private students mid-semester. Your flexibility with hours and neighbourhoods will matter more than the calendar once you’re on the ground.
Living Costs & Saving Potential
Prague has the most work and the highest rents; Brno usually lands in a comfortable middle ground; and cities like Ostrava, Olomouc, or Plzeň have lower costs alongside smaller markets. How much you save depends on your timetable, how far you commute, and whether you add private 1:1s or short exam preparation intensives during busy periods.
- Housing (Prague)
Flat-shares around 8,000–12,000 CZK per person are common; simple one-bed flats run roughly 12,000–25,000+ CZK depending on district and condition. Brno is generally lower; Ostrava and Olomouc lower again.
- Utilities
For small flats, budget 3,000–6,000 CZK/month. Many leases include an estimated utilities line that is reconciled annually against meter readings.
- Transport (Prague)
Single tickets cost 30 CZK for 30 minutes and 40 CZK for 90 minutes. A monthly pass is 550 CZK. The PID Lítačka app sells tickets and shows disruptions in real time.
Most teachers in Czechia cover their monthly expenses comfortably, but building meaningful savings usually takes some planning. In Prague, higher rent can eat into your surplus, even if hourly rates are good. Brno offers a better balance between income and housing costs, while smaller cities and towns mean lower living expenses but fewer teaching hours. Many teachers boost their savings by adding private one-to-one lessons, exam-preparation intensives, or summer camp work.
Tip: Budget for uneven months – July and August can be quieter. Many teachers front-load savings in spring and add exam preparation or camps before the summer slowdown.
Based on publicly available data sources (actual costs may vary):
Where You Can Live and Teach in the Czech Republic
- Prague
The broadest mix of clients and roles. Cluster classes if you can along a single metro line – A (green), B (yellow), or C (red) – to cut transfer times. Many large offices are close to A/B interchanges.
- Brno
University and tech hubs provide steady in-company demand. Housing is cheaper than Prague, and cross-town travel is short, which helps you stack lessons sensibly.
- Ostrava
An industrial base and fewer schools than Prague/Brno, but lower costs and loyal corporate clients once you’re established.
- Plzeň & Olomouc
Mid-sized and manageable, with lower rents, smaller academies, and a greater role for word-of-mouth private students.
- Smaller towns
Often reached via the AIA route to public schools. Accommodation can be included or subsidised, and timetables tend to be stable.
Housing in Prague
Czech listings use a room code that’s easy to decode once you know the rules. The first number is the count of habitable rooms (not just bedrooms). The second part tells you about the kitchen: “+kk” is a kitchenette, while “+1” indicates a separate full kitchen. So “1+kk” is a studio with a kitchenette, and “2+1” means two rooms plus a separate kitchen. Don’t rely on square-metre photos – visit, check noise, and look for heating type; electric can bump up winter bills.
- Deposits & utilities
Deposits of 1–3 months’ rent are common. Monthly rent often includes a utilities estimate; at year-end, meter readings are reconciled and you either top up or receive a refund.
- Where to find flats
Start with Facebook housing groups, Sreality.cz, and Expats.cz. Many teachers begin in flat-shares until their hours stabilise, then move to studios or 1-beds.
Tip: Ask the landlord to show last year’s utility settlement (vyúčtování). It tells you whether the monthly estimate was realistic or you’re likely to owe at the end.
Cultural Tips for Teaching in the Czech Republic
- Student participation
Many Czech students start quietly, especially in the first lesson with a new teacher. Give them a clear structure and low-pressure speaking tasks early on; once they feel comfortable, they tend to contribute much more openly.
- Comfort with grammar talk
Thanks to the way English is taught in schools, most students – even in conversation-focused classes – are happy discussing grammar terms and rules. Being able to explain points clearly will build credibility quickly.
- Punctuality
Meetings or lessons sometimes start a few minutes late, but you’re expected to be set up and ready on time. Don’t mirror an informal start by arriving late yourself.
- Public transport
Always validate paper tickets in the yellow machines and activate app tickets before boarding. Revizoři (inspectors) issue on-the-spot fines; standard surcharges for travelling without a valid ticket start around 1,500 CZK (often reduced if paid immediately).
Tip:Winters are long and grey, and daylight drops quickly from late October. If you’re teaching evenings, plan accordingly.
Career Growth and Opportunities
- Cambridge & maturita prep
Teens often target B1/B2 and the Czech maturita (school leavers exam). Results matter to parents and school directors, and strong exam seasons bring referrals.
- Corporate specialisation
Finance, IT and engineering clients value reliability and concise feedback. Early morning blocks are prized and can pay slightly more.
- Young Learners
If you like routine and one site, preschool contracts provide a stable day, though you’ll trade some flexibility.
- Upskilling
Short courses in Business English, YL, exam assessing or CLIL can round out your profile; longer routes include Cambridge DELTA or a Masters in TESOL.
Tip: If you work as an OSVČ, set monthly reminders to pay your health insurance and social security on time, and keep a simple record of each payment. The minimum amounts change every January, so check the new rates at the start of each year to avoid underpaying.
Avoid Headaches: Mini-Checklist
- Proof of accommodation
Visa applications often need a signed landlord form plus a lease. Confirm your landlord will provide official proof before you pay a deposit.
- Police registration
As mentioned above, hotels/hostels usually register you automatically; private flats usually don’t. Put registration on your first-week checklist (3 working days is standard for most third-country nationals).
- Translations & apostilles
Budget time and money for sworn Czech translations and apostilles on degree/background checks. Missing documents can suspend your application.
Ready to Get Started?
If you choose a solid TEFL course, understand the Živno versus Employee Card routes, and have realistic expectations, the Czech Republic offers a friendly, workable start to your TEFL career.
When you’re ready, here’s how we can help:
- Take our quiz to see if teaching in the Czech Republic is a good fit for you.
- View our Prague TEFL course at School of TEFL, our dedicated training site run by the same team as Eslbase.
- Get in touch if you’d like honest advice or just want to ask a few questions before making any decisions.
We’ve been helping new teachers take their first steps in TEFL since 2005, and we’re here to help when you’re ready.
Helpful Links
Sources & References
