IBS Services
Apart from several standard services like an introduction in Prague, school search, home search, obtaining work permit and visa, international moving and registration of the car and obtaining the Czech driving license, IBS also offers the possibility of providing a custom made package of services especially designed for your individual circumstances.
Such a custom made package can contain the above-mentioned services but e.g. also continuing support during the entire stay in Prague, we can even assign one of our relocation consultants exclusively to your company for dedicated support. IBS is very flexible in the services we provide and making the relocation of your expatriates to Prague a positive experience for the expatriate, the family and the company is always our objective.
Introduction to Prague
IBS can provide an introduction to Prague of one or several days, with a program specifically dedicated to your situation. One of our relocation consultants will meet you at the airport or your hotel and familiarize you with Prague, paying attention to the following aspects: welcome package containing a map of Prague and a wealth of practical information on working and living in the Czech Republic; global overview of the different districts of Prague with their specific characterizations; information on the international schools including location and curriculum; introduction to the practical aspects of living in Prague, including public transportation, shopping centers, social activities, international associations; information on health care and medical services; tourist attractions, restaurants, theatres, cinemas, fitness centers, etc. andother areas of interest.
International Schools
The selection of an international school is often one of the most important decisions impacting several other areas, including the Home Search. Prague offers a considerable number of international schools, including five English Schools, a French school, a German school, a Japanese school a Polish school and a Russian school.
IBS will provide you with all relevant information regarding the different schools and accompany you during visits to the selected schools and assist with the enrolment process. With the increased number of students at the International Schools a correct and timely application becomes essential to secure a place at the school of choice.
Home Search
IBS conducts an exhaustive search for the most suitable properties meeting the customer’s specifications. From our comprehensive database, we personally contact all relevant estate/letting agents in the chosen area. Our search also covers further potential properties from the unadvertised ‘private market’ through our extensive network of contacts.
From all the available properties our relocation consultant short-lists the most suitable options and discusses with the customer the best choice of properties for a viewing. We make all the arrangements for the viewing, selection of a property, assist with the negotiations and provide a standard lease agreement. IBS can also assist with the pre-move preparations (such as connections for telephone, gas, water, electricity, satellite, etc.) and document the hand-over on a formal hand-over protocol.
Immigration Compliance
In order to legally work and stay in the Czech Republic a foreigner might be required to obtain certain permits, the type of permits varies depending on the nationality and actual situation. For immigration compliance the main difference is between EU and non-EU nationals (including EEC nationals – Norway, Iceland and Lichtenstein – and Swiss nationals).
With the Czech Republic becoming part of the Schengen zone, legislation and legal guidelines were again updated further complicating the already challenging application process and requirements. Experience however learns that if the application process is started on time and with the correct information it can be concluded without complications. IBS has successfully obtained permits for customers originating from over 40 different countries and thanks to our extensive experience several embassies in Prague are referring expatriates to IBS for specialized support.
We will guide you through the application process step by step, providing you with detailed information on which documents are required including examples of the necessary documents. Where possible IBS will apply for the documents on your behalf and we will arrange for the required notarized copies and sworn translations. Our relocation consultants will accompany you during the required visits of the Czech authorities in Prague, reducing waiting times and stress.
Moving
IBS cooperates with several leading international moving companies. We work exclusively with renowned moving companies which have a proven track record of successful moves to the Czech Republic and which have offices both in the country of origin and in the Czech Republic. The latter is essential for assuring that customs clearance will be done without complications.
IBS can select one specialized moving company for you or provide you with competing quotes from several moving companies so you can make a well-informed decision. We will coordinate with the selected moving company all relevant details and assist with obtaining the required documents for the customs clearance.
Driving license
Expatriates in possession of a visa are in most cases obliged to apply for a Czech driving license. In case the original driving license meets the requirements as laid down in the conventions of Geneva (1949) and Vienna (1968) it is possible to obtain a Czech driving license based on the original driving license. In case the original driving license does not meet these requirements (e.g. for US and Canadian driving licenses) the original driving license needs to be accompanied by an international driving license.
Car registration
Within 6 months after importing a car it needs to be registered in the Czech Republic and the license plates exchanged for Czech License plates. In order to apply for Czech license plates several documents are required, including: the customs clearance form, visa, technical documents of the car, proof of insurance and a technical examination. IBS will guide you through the application process for obtaining the Czech driving license and license plates step-by-step preventing you from getting lost in a maze of rules, documents and government offices.
