Leaving the Czech Republic
Saying goodbye to Ostrava doesn’t have to be stressful. Whether you are moving for a new job or returning home, here is a breakdown of the duties you need to settle before you go.
3 Months Before Leaving
- Resign officially: Submit a written resignation letter to your employer according to your contract terms.
- Employment records: Request your Record of Pension Insurance (ELDP), Confirmation of Taxable Income (Potvrzení o zdanitelných příjmech) and final payslips. Keep these for future pension claims abroad and tax duties.
- Cancel your lease: Standard notice for rental agreements is 3 calendar months.
1 Month Before Leaving
- Utilities & Services: Cancel electricity, gas, and water contracts in your name. Note that final settlements (vyúčtování) often arrive in the following calendar year.
- Connectivity: End your phone and internet contracts.
- Insurance: Terminate health, home, and liability insurance policies.
- Local & Media Fees: Unregister from waste collection and dog fees at the municipality. Also, cancel your TV and Radio fees.
- Vehicle: If you own a car, de-register it at the Registry of Vehicles (Registr vozidel).
- Taxes & Returns: Tax returns are filed in the following year (usually by April). If you worked only part of the year, you might be eligible for a tax refund. Since you will be away, consider using a Data Box or a tax representative (via power of attorney) to handle your filing remotely.
Last Week & Departure Day
- Residence Card: Return your card to the Ministry of the Interior. Ideally, visit an OAMP office at least 3 days before departure, or send it back via registered mail.
- Healthcare: Inform your GP and health insurance provider. Request a copy of your medical records to take with you.
- Bank Account: Close your account in person to settle final fees. Ensure you have a way to receive any remaining utility refunds.
Specific Situations
- Mail Forwarding (Dosílka) – The Czech Post offers a forwarding service, but only to addresses within the Czechia. To receive mail abroad, set up a Recipient’s Card (Průkaz příjemce) for a trusted friend in the Czech Republic who can scan or forward letters to you.
- EU Citizens: Form U1 – Before leaving, request Form U1 from the Labour Office (Úřad práce). It proves your social insurance periods and is essential for claiming benefits in other EU countries.
- For the Self-Employed (OSVČ) – Unregister at the Trade Licensing Office (Živnostenský úřad), which usually notifies the Tax, Social Security, and Health Insurance offices for you. Ensure you file final reports for social security and health insurance and keep your Data Box active.
Ostrava Public Transport, source: ostrava.cz
Leaving a country is a major milestone, and we want to make sure your departure from Ostrava is as smooth as your arrival. If you are unsure about a specific form, need help communicating with local authorities, or simply want to double-check your checklist, we are here for you.
Visit us at the Expat Centre Ostrava or send us an email. Let’s make sure you leave with only good memories and no paperwork left behind.
Safe travels on your next adventure!