Formerly a part of communist Czechoslovakia, today, the Czech Republic – or Czechia – is a staple to European travel itineraries. With UNESCO heritage sites, medieval architecture, idyllic old towns, and beer gardens, this central European hub welcomes 23+ million visitors annually.

But there's more to this charming country than fleeting visits and pub crawls. Despite high levels of English proficiency, business professionals, tourist workers, and students seek English teachers to help boost their career prospects. Read on for The TEFL Org's guide to teaching English in the Czech Republic, from the requirements, salaries, top locations, and more.

Key Takeaways

• The Czech Republic has a high number of English speakers; there's a lively but competitive TEFL market especially in bigger cities like Prague and Brno.
• The average salary for English teachers in the Czech Republic ranges from 20,000Kč–55,000 Kč ($960–$2,650 / £710–£1,960).
• Teachers generally need a TEFL certificate, bachelor's degree; native English speakers or teaching experience are preferred.
• Most teachers work at private language academies or international schools, but public school jobs are available through recruiters like AIA.
• Teachers with EU citizenship don't need a visa; non-EU teachers need an Employee Card or a živno freelance visa to teach in the Czech Republic.

Requirements for Teaching English in the Czech Republic

With a growing emphasis on English in the national curriculum Czech schools can be picky about who they hire. That means you'll need to consider the right training and qualifications if you want to teach here.

Here's what Czech employers usually look for when hiring English teachers.

Do I need a TEFL certification to teach English in the Czech Republic?

Yes, you need a TEFL certificate to teach English in the Czech Republic. You can legally teach without one, but it's a competitive environment and getting TEFL certified is one of the best ways to show employers that you're classroom ready.

The 120-hour TEFL course from an accredited provider is enough for most jobs, but inexperienced teachers or non-native English speakers can also go for the Level 5 TEFL course to dive even deeper into TEFL theory.

Can I teach English without a degree in the Czech Republic?

Generally, you need a bachelor's degree to teach English in the Czech Republic, especially if don't have an EU passport. This is due to employer requirements rather than legal visa requirements, but a lengthy visa process for non-EU teachers will sway employers in the direction of degree holders.

But don't worry, you can still teach English abroad without a degree in other European countries (and beyond).

Can I teach English without experience in the Czech Republic?

You can teach English without experience in the Czech Republic (especially if you're TEFL certified), but employers generally seek experienced teachers. However, private language schools show interest in entry-level teachers, just as long as they're TEFL certified.

Visa requirements for teaching English in the Czech Republic

The Czech Republic is a member of the European Union, so EU citizens aren't required to get a visa to work. This also means that employers favour EU teachers over non-EU teachers because of the convenience when it comes to the hiring process.

If you're a non-EU teacher, you'll need to get the correct visa and work permit to teach legally in the Czech Republic. You can do this by finding a job before entering the country, and your Czech employer will sponsor your Employee Card. You'll need to submit an application at a Czech embassy or consulate.

To get the Employee Card, you'll need the following:

• Completed visa application form
• Proof of contract with a Czech employer
• Biometric data (fingerprints)
• Academic and professional qualifications (Bachelor's degree, TEFL)
• Proof of your accommodation arrangements in the Czech Republic
• Valid passport and photographs
• Clear criminal background check

Some documents may also need to be legalised and notarised.

If you want more flexibility, the Živnostenský List (or 'živno' for short) is a Czech business licence or freelance visa which allows you to work as a self-employed teacher, whether as a private tutor or at a private language school (part-time or full-time).

This self-employment licence authorises holders to engage in business activities, including English language instruction. Prospective applicants must couple the živno with a long-term residence visa which is valid for up to 1 year.

Salary and Cost of Living

The Czech Republic may be an affordable travel destination, but what about for English teachers? Here's everything you need to know about the teaching salary and living costs in the Czech Republic.

How much can you earn teaching English in the Czech Republic?

The average salary for English teachers in the Czech Republic ranges from 20,000Kč–55,000 Kč ($960–$2,650 / £710–£1,960), but this varies according to your teaching experience, academic and teaching qualifications, and your job type.

Here's how salaries compare across teaching jobs in the Czech Republic:

• Public schools: Most public school jobs are found on teaching programmes, with salaries for foreign teachers ranging from 25,000Kč–32,000 Kč ($1,200–$1,500 / £890–£1,110).
• Private schools: Most teaching jobs are found in private language schools, with a salary ranging from 20,000Kč–40,000 Kč ($960–$1,925 / £710–£1,425).
• International schools: International schools offer the highest salaries and benefits, with teachers earning around 40,000Kč–65,000Kč ($1,925–$3,130 / £1,425–£2,815) per month.
• Private tutoring: Many English teachers do private lessons outside of work to supplement their income, with rates ranging from 300Kč–800Kč ($14–$38 / £10–£28) per hour.

How much does it cost to live in the Czech Republic?

The Czech Republic is known for being an affordable travel spot, but teachers should budget carefully (especially in Prague).

Costs vary across the country, but a single person spends on average 15,000Kč–20,000Kč ($720–$960 / £530–£710) per month without rent. Rent for a 1-bed apartment averages at around 15,000Kč ($720 / £530), or around 22,000Kč ($1,060 / £785) in Prague.

Depending on where you work, your living costs could take up a large chunk of your salary.

Here's how you can stretch your salary as an English teacher in the Czech Republic:

• Look beyond Prague: Cities like Brno, Ostrava, and Pilsen offer more affordability and lower competition than cities like Prague.
• Split the rent: Teachers often band together to split rent, and it's a great way to make friends. While rent for a 1-bed apartment sits at ~15,000Kč ($720 / £530), a 3-bed apartment costs around ~8,660Kč ($420 / £320) per person. You could put the rest towards your gym membership, restaurant meals, weekend trips, or savings.
• Eat locally: Daily lunch menus or denní nabídka at local eateries offer traditional Czech food (like svíčková and goulash) for as little as 150Kč ($7 / £5)!
• Teach private lessons: Many teachers supplement their income by teaching privately, earning from 300Kč–800Kč ($14–$38 / £10–£28) per hour to cover expenses like food.

English Teaching Jobs in the Czech Republic

Most teachers find English teaching jobs in the Czech Republic in the private sector, mainly through private language academies or international schools, but public school opportunities also exist on government-sponsored teaching programmes.

You can apply to jobs directly or browse forums like The TEFL Org Job Centre, or you can go for an English teaching programme which usually more hands-on support for teachers.

Public schools

Most public school teaching positions come through programmes like the Academic Information Agency (AIA) or the Fulbright scholarship. The AIA is an intermediary between applicants and public schools, and they verify teaching qualifications. You'll need at least a university degree, a 120-hour TEFL certificate and preferably some previous teaching experience.

What to expect at Czech public schools:

• Going through mediators like AIA or Fulbright
• Teaching in larger classrooms than private schools
• Teaching as a language assistant teacher alongside a local Czech teacher

Private language schools

Many private language schools offer year-round hiring and flexible entry requirements, making them the most common path for foreign English teachers. Classes are typically smaller than at public schools, and students' ages can range from young learners to adult professionals.

With English being part of the school curriculum, there's also steady demand from students and teenagers. Subjects range too, from exam preparation, conversational English, to business English and more.

What to expect at private language schools in Czech Republic:

• Smaller class sizes
• Evening and weekend classes
• English lessons range from exam preparation, business English, and conversational English
• Competitive salaries depending on experience and institution

International schools

International schools are typically the highest paying jobs for TEFL teachers, but requirements and responsibilities are also high. Teachers at international schools are often expected to have a bachelor's or even master's degree, TEFL or teaching licence, and teaching experience to lead classrooms of local and international students. These students learn English in their bilingual education from an international curriculum.

What to expect at international schools in Czech Republic:

• Teaching English as a primary language
• Potentially teaching special subjects like maths, science, arts
• High salary and benefits
• High entry requirements and intense workload

Universities

The Czech Republic has a range of universities that offer English-taught programmes. As an English lecturer, you'll teach English to adults who are studying for their bachelor's degrees to doctoral studies. While teaching hours are low, lecturers are expected to engage in other aspects of academia, like academic research, mentorship, and more.

What to expect at universities in Czech Republic:

• Lecture-based teaching
• Emphasis on academic research and mentorship
• High requirements, including teaching licence and a master's or PHD in your chosen field

Private tutoring

Private tutoring is a great option for English teachers in the Czech Republic. With adult professionals working in telecoms, hospitality, tourism, and international business, there's a broad range of students looking to improve their English in the workplace.

For more information on employers and recruiters in the Czech Republic, check out English Teaching Jobs in the Czech Republic.

Teaching English in Major Cities

Here are the most popular locations for English teachers to consider in the Czech Republic.

Teach English in Prague

Nicknamed the City of a Hundred Spires, Prague feels like stepping into a postcard. From crossing Charlies Bridge, gazing upon the Astronomical Clock, and the tip of Prague Castle following you wherever you are in the city, it's obvious why millions of people visit each year.

If you struggle to find long-term jobs at language centers or international schools, you can use a živno visa to teach freelance, whether that's by private tutoring or working for multiple language academies like Language House TEFL and EDUA group, or Spěváček (which also offers summer camp jobs). If you've got free hours between classes, consider teaching English online to cut down on commuting costs.

Teach English in Brno

Teach English Abroad Confidently with a TEFL Certification