Are expat freelancers still welcome in the Czech Republic?

Over the past few years, freelancers have become an important part of the expat exodus, but are they still welcome in the Czech Republic?

The tech revolution was the spur for freelancers aiming to make it big at best, or at least get away from constricting regulations and the high cost of living in the home country. Prague became a favoured destination early on, with the city’s freelance economy now well developed and becoming more professional year by year. Networking, cooperation, sharing business know-how and teaming up with like-minded expats at what it’s about nowadays, with the improvement benefiting by attracting higher rates of pay and important assignments.

The mindsets of Czech clients are now well-adjusted to delegating work to experienced expat freelancers well able to provide what’s needed, as it’s now understood that business skills as well as expertise are necessary to get good rates. Even so, there are a good few skilled experts who're not yet familiar with the required business skills and who need to learn fast if they want the best gigs. Incomers who recognise Prague’s definitive success in proving a base for expat entrepreneurs will also find it’s one of Europe’s most welcoming cities for freelancers.

Some 40 percent of freelancers live in the metropolitan area, taking advantage of more than 40 co-working spaces as well as a huge number of dedicated freelancer events from basic to expert level. Basically, Prague’s ambience is suited to freelancers’ needs, as is its reasonable cost of living compared with other European capitals. For those unable to learn the local language, the international marketplace is all that’s needed, with many living and working for some years and never dealing with Czech clients. In addition, a good number of international companies are opening local headquarters in the country, meaning new talent is always welcome.