Co je A1?

Každý zaměstnanec, který jede pracovně do zahraničí, má povinnost s sebou mít formulář A1. 

A1 (dříve E101 a E103) je mezinárodně uznávaný formulář potvrzující hrazení sociálního a zdravotního pojištění v jiném členském státě EU a v rámci EHP*. Využívá se při vyslání do zahraničí, aby nedošlo k placení pojištění ve více zemích současně (nebo v žádné). Formulář A1 je povinností zaměstnance. Při nesplnění hrozí pokuta v řádu desetitisíců korun.

Koho se A1 týká?

Formulář je určen pro české občany pracující ve více státech Evropské unie*. Vztahuje se na všechny délky pracovních pobytů – ať už je to pár hodin či dní, nebo se jedná a tzv. vyslání na dobu několika měsíců. Maximální platnost A1 je 24 měsíců, formulář lze však vydat opakovaně s dodržením dvouměsíční přestávky po vypršení první lhůty platnosti. 

Jak A1 získat?

V ReloCare za Vás formulář A1 rádi zpracujeme, abyste se vyhnuli korespondenci s úřady a frontám. K vyhotovení žádosti od Vás budeme potřebovat jen kopie základních dokladů a pracovní smlouvy daného zaměstnance. Úřady si pro zhotovení formuláře vyžadují 30-40 pracovních dní, je tedy důležité nás o A1 požádat s předstihem.

Pro veškeré informace ohledně A1 můžete kontaktovat naší Business Visa & A1 konzultantku Lucii Šimonovou mailem na lucie@relocare.cz.

*A1 platí v zemích EU, EHP (Lichtenštejnsko, Island, Norsko), ve Švýcarsku a Velké Británii. 

When moving to a new country, finding a new place to call home is definitely one of the first (and possibly also one of the biggest) challenges. 

However, what happens once you have found the perfect place? What matters should you watch out for?

Let’s discover them together!

Review your lease agreement 

The first thing we suggest, before signing the lease agreement, is to carefully review it. Especially, always make sure that the property is legally owned by the person stated in the agreement. 

To find out, you can try to navigate the information through the cadastre website here. You may find out that the person who signed the contract is not legally entitled to do so or that you are simply signing a sublease without being informed. 

This is important to know as sublease agreements do not protect tenants to the same extent of lease agreements. 

For example, if the tenant who subleases the room or apartment to you breaches the contract with the landlord, the contract can be immediately terminated and you will be evicted from the property without any rights to a time notice or compensation.  Because of this, always make sure to be provided with all legal documents relating to the ownership of the property and evidence between the landlord and the tenant clearly stating that the last has the right to sublease the property.  

Moreover, a proper review of the lease agreement may be essential for further dealing with authorities (i.e. when applying for a Residence Permit in the Czech Republic, an extension of a Residence Permit or reporting a change of your address at the Ministry of Interior). 

Take pictures of the property

Before moving in, during the handover from the landlord, we advise that you take pictures of the property down to the details. This is to ensure that you take account of any defect present. Make sure to then share with the landlord the pictures you took, so that clear evidence exists of the condition of the apartment when it was handed over to you.

If it is possible to repair any of the present defects, agree with the owner on the steps to take with a specific deadline for completion. Make sure to write it down in the handover protocol and have it signed by the landlord. Otherwise, make a point to keep the pictures to be used, if needed, when you will be leaving the property at the end of your lease.

Report the change of your address 

Once you have selected a new property to move into, you are responsible for reporting the change of your address to the authorities:

• Non-EU citizens holding a visa for a stay over 90 days or a Long-term Residence Permit are required to report a change in the place of residence in the Czech Republic within 30 days of it occurring if the change in the place of residence is expected to last longer than 30 days.
• Non-EU citizens holding a Permanent Residence Permit are required to report a change in the place of residence in the Czech Republic within 30 days of it occurring if the change in the place of residence is expected to last longer than 180 days.
• EU citizens or their family members that are holders of Temporary/Permanent Residency are required to report a change in the place of residence within 30 working days of this change occurring. This obligation applies if the change in the place of residence is expected to last longer than 180 days.

If you are not sure how to proceed properly, contact us! We will be happy to help you!

CO JSOU VLÁDNÍ PROGRAMY?

Vládní programy jsou speciální projekty pod záštitou Ministerstva průmyslu a obchodu, které nabízí spoustu výhod pro určitý typ společností (např. investory, start-upy i  zavedené společnosti). Cílem těchto programů je zkrátit imigrační procesy tak, aby společnosti mohly rychleji nabírat a zaměstnávat své nové zaměstnance ze zemí mimo EU.

TYPY PROGRAMŮ:

• Vysoce kvalifikovaný zaměstnanec – pro pracovníky CZ ISCO 1-3 z celého světa
• Klíčový a vědecký personál – pro pracovníky CZ ISCO 1-3 z celého světa
• Kvalifikovaný zaměstnanec – CZ ISCO 4-8 ze zemí: Ukrajina, Mongolsko, Srbsko, Filipíny, Indie, Bělorusko, Moldavsko, Černá Hora a Kazachstán

KDO SE MŮŽE PŘIHLÁSIT?

• Společnost, která prokáže bezdlužnost vůči sociálnímu, zdravotnímu pojištění a daním
• Společnost, která nedostala v posledním roce pokutu za nelegální zaměstnávání
• Společnost určité velikosti coby do počtu zaměstnanců (liší se mezi programy)
• Společnost, která je na trhu po určitou dobu (liší se mezi programy)

DALŠÍ VÝHODY:

• Zařazení do programu je platné po dobu 1 roku, kdy během zařazení lze do programu přidat neomezený počet zaměstnanců, za předpokladu, že splňují dané podmínky. Po uplynutí této doby je možné opakovaně žádat o znovuzařazení.
• Požadované povolení (Povolení k dlouhodobému pobytu, Zaměstnanecká karta atd.) je schváleno během 30 dnů (oproti standardních 60 dnů)
• Kratší seznam potřebných dokumentů pro danou pobytovou žádost – odpadá nutnost dokládat Doklad o ubytování a Pracovní smlouvu, které lze nahradit pouhým Potvrzením společnosti. 
• Žádosti podané prostřednictvím vládních programů jsou na zastupitelských úřadech přijímány prioritně a za všech okolností – žadatelé bez programu často čekají i několik týdnů/měsíců. Žádosti jsou/byly přijímány i v době pandemie. 
• Zaměstnanci se nemusí účastnit adaptačních kurzů, které jsou jinak povinné pro většinu státních příslušníků třetích zemí

Pro bezplatnou konzultaci k vládním programům kontaktujte Janu Uhlířovou, vedoucí imigračního oddělení, na emailu jana@relocare.cz

Moving abroad is a stressful experience, even if we feel ready to do so or have a job prospect already lined up. It opens up many new exciting opportunities but also unknown variables we might not know how to tackle. 

What are the most common fears of moving abroad? And how can they be overcome?

• Language Barriers

Fear of cultural and language barriers is common when moving to a country with no English as its first language. In fact, while English is universal, not everyone speaks it, which is especially true in common everyday settings. The first time at the grocery store can easily become a haunting experience.

How to overcome this?

Start by learning the country language before moving. Make sure to learn the most common phrases, such as “Good morning” and “Thank you”, to help you establish a first connection with the locals and thus decrease the disconnect with the new culture. If you decide to make the new country your permanent home, you may want to undertake a full language course.

• Moving 

Relocating your entire life and belongings abroad requires a long and painstaking process that can quickly become overwhelming. Hiring international movers is an excellent way to speed up the process and reduce stress. The movers will take care of all the details for you, from packing to shipping, all the way to custom clearance and even, at times, unpacking in your new home. 

• Cost of Living

While the move can already prove expensive, you might be worried about the cost of living you’ll encounter. How should you plan for it? What are the prices you can expect? 

It would be best to research such information before moving to put some money aside to be used in case of emergencies or settling in expenses. For example, in the Czech Republic, first payments for properties usually include first rent + utilities (usually around 2.000 – 10.000 CZK) as well as a security deposit (between 1 to 3 months of rent) and a commission for the real estate agent (in the amount of 1 month rent + 21% VAT), which altogether can easily reach an amount between 50.000 and 150.000 CZK. Another good practice is to create a plan to respect before and after your move, to keep your finances under control.

• Bureaucracy 

To live and work legally in another country, depending on where you are coming from, might require you to obtain several documents. From visas to residence permits, navigating a new country’s bureaucratic landscape can be a nightmare.

To lessen the strain, you can look up a Facebook group of people looking to move or who have moved to the specific country you are interested in and ask them for advice or you can also hire a professional service to overcome language barriers and ensure you don’t miss any step.

• Safety

When we do not know the reality of the country we are going to move into, it is normal to ask ourselves “Is it safe?”. 

In the case of Prague, the answer is yes. The city has often been rated high in safety indices around the world. However, even in safe areas, it is important to always apply common sense and research beforehand.

For a more complete outlook on the country’s situation, we would suggest checking not only government websites but also blogs of people living there and possibly finding ways to get in touch with locals.

Here at ReloCare, we offer 1 on 1 consultations to answer any questions you may have concerning your move abroad. From Cost of Living and Safety to Bureaucracy and Moving, our expertise is at your service to resolve all your doubts. 

If you would like to know more, do not hesitate to reach out.

Moving to a new country presents many exciting opportunities, but also a number of challenges, some of which we might not have envisaged before embarking on our journey. While being away from family, having to learn a new language and lots of paperwork are expected obstacles, we often tend to overlook how much harder little things can become in a new environment.

How do people purchase produce in supermarkets? Where can you buy a specific house product? How do pharmacies work? And especially, where can you throw your trash?

Waste management rules can differ greatly from country to country, from their breadth to how they are enforced. For example, where in one country paper might be thrown into mixed waste, it may need to be separated into different types in another. At the same time, a blue bin can be used for plastic collection in one place and for cans in another. 

As the city of Prague is increasingly attentive to the care of the environment and sorting waste correctly, there exists a wide set of well-encoded rules. With over 3000 collection bins around the city for paper, glass and plastic, it is easy to dispose of trash thoughtfully and do your part in keeping the city beautiful.

How to sort trash correctly in Prague?

At the time of the writing of this article, according to the valid Ordinance of the Capital City of Prague No. 24/2001, waste should be sorted as follows: 

• Paper and Cardboard (blue containers)
• Glass (white containers for clear glass, green for colored glass)
• Plastics (yellow containers)
• Cans (grey containers)
• Bulky waste (high-capacity containers in selected locations)
• Hazardous waste (only at selected collection points)
• Mixed waste (black containers)

The city is also testing a separate collection of packages for beverages (orange containers) and biological waste.

Other important collections sites

Of course, from time to time we might need to dispose of less common items like expired medicines or small electronics. Where can we do so?

• Pharmacies

You can bring to pharmacies around Prague any expired or unused drug/medicine, old mercury-filled thermometers and used syringes.

• Red Containers

Small electronic waste, batteries and lightbulbs can be disposed of at specific red bins. Such containers are also available in every elementary school and in every secondary school.

• Collecting yards

Any type of waste (with the exception of mixed waste) can be disposed of at the collecting yards of the city of Prague. Other than pneumatics, every type of waste can be disposed of free of charge. Please note, however, that to use the collecting yards the person needs to verify themselves as a permanent resident in Prague with a valid identity card.

Items hard or impossible to recycle

Unfortunately, not every item can be recycled. Currently, in Prague it is impossible to recycle the following items:

• CDs
• Tapes
• Vinyls
• Any item featuring C/ on the label, as they are a composite material (with the exception of beverage containers that can be recycled in the orange bin as mentioned above)
• Cigarette Butts

If possible, try to down-cycle such items or include them in creative projects. Otherwise, all of them need to be disposed of in mixed waste containers.

You are now ready to take on the waste sorting challenge in Prague! If you still need a little help, you can use the following website to find the appropriate collection point near you for any material: https://www.kamsnim.cz/ 

Happy sorting!

When moving abroad, it is important to get to know and understand how the healthcare system of the country we just moved into actually works. 

The Czech Healthcare system is among the best in Central Europe, with most citizens enjoying universal healthcare coverage via their employers. In fact, the country has one of the most accessible systems and ranks 4th in Europe for its number of Operational Hospital Beds: with 6.6 hospital beds per 1,000 citizens, it is 35% above the EU average of 4.9 per 1000 citizens.

Nevertheless, how does it actually work?

Private vs. Public

In the Czech Republic, both EU and Non-EU citizens are required by law to have health insurance. For this reason, during the immigration procedure, people are required to provide proof of actually owning health insurance.

It is possible to have either Private and/or Public Insurance. With Public Insurance, you will be granted similar coverage as Czech Citizens which includes diagnostic and preventative care, hospital care (including rehabilitation and care of chronic illnesses), basic dental care and medicines. 

Private Insurance coverage depends on the company and plan chosen. However, you have to consider that in order to be able to complete your immigration process, your insurance company must be recognized by the Czech National Bank list. If it is not, you will have to buy another local Czech insurance for the full duration of your permit in addition to the private insurance you have obtained. This is a very crucial point when searching for insurance options as you may end up paying for two. 

Do I need a General Practitioner (GP)?

In the Czech Republic, it is necessary to be registered with a general practitioner (GP) to receive care. Many expats are not required to do so in their home country and do not see the need to become a patient in a specific clinic. However, it is a needed step to do upon your arrival since if you will require treatment in the future, you may have a problem finding an available GP to accept you. Even when visiting a specialist such as a dermatologist, neurologist and similar, you will have to show a reference from your GP or pay as a private service. 

In Prague, you may face difficulty finding a general doctor who is well versed in the English language, so it is advised to start looking for a public clinic with which to register, right upon arrival. Please be aware that it may require you to call several places before you will find one that is available. If you know foreigners in Prague, ask them for recommendations on where they care about their health as not all the clinics can be provided with English (or other languages) support. 

One can choose to register via a private or public clinic. Private clinics might be included in a private insurance plan, but can be accessed via public insurance by paying an additional yearly membership fee for the upgraded service level. Public clinics do not require any membership fee, however have limited availability. It is becoming more and more popular that gynecologists take yearly membership subscriptions even if they are considered public medical centers. However, the government is trying to fight the habit and soon it will be forbidden.

What to Expect In a Czech Hospital?

Prague has many hospitals, so you will always find one that is no more than 10-15min. distance from your home.  Motol Hospital is located in Prague 5 and is the biggest hospital and the only one that has a building dedicated to children’s care. 

When attending the hospitals you may have a language barrier during admission or registration, as the nurses often do not speak any language but Czech.  However, once you pass that obstacle you will have with high probability an English-speaking doctor, even though the level of English can differ from one doctor to another.

Consider that when attending the hospital during working hours, you may be requested to go back to your GP or other specialists. The hospital does not normally treat cases that are treatable by other open clinics.  

When arriving after working hours at the hospital, you will be required to pay a fee of CZK 90 to be admitted during the registration process. There are special machines dedicated to the payment of this fee close by the reception area. 

The emergency department is called “Pohotovost” or “Ambulance”. 

Insurances and Charges at the Hospitals

Czech Hospitals are quite strict on which types of health insurance they accept. This can lead to two different scenarios when visiting a hospital:

• If you have insurance

By law, you can be treated immediately if you are insured by a company recognized by the Czech National Bank. You will also be admitted immediately if insured with either the Czech public insurance (VZP) or the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).

• No Insurance

If visiting for an ordinary procedure, we would suggest you visit the Motol University Hospital. This hospital also treats patients who do not have the Czech National Insurance. You will have to, however, visit the Foreigner’s Department of the hospital, leave a deposit and then return after treatment to settle the payment.

In life-threatening or trauma cases, you will be taken straight to emergency.

Special Rules of the Czech Healthcare System

Additional facts about the Czech healthcare system that might be useful to know are the following:

• If you would like to visit a specialist, you must have a written reference from your general practitioner.
• Children in the Czech Republic are under pediatric care until they are 18 years old.
• It is mandatory in both private and public schools for enrolled children to be vaccinated.
• Most doctors accept visits only during working hours. While the hospital is open 24/7, outside of working hours it will accept patients only if it’s really necessary. For non-urgent cases, they will ask the patient to visit their general practitioner in the morning.

Ambulance Services

There are two types of ambulance in the Czech Republic: 

• • Emergency medical service (Zdravotnická záchranná služba, ZZS)

• Transport medical service (Dopravní zdravotnická služba, DZS)

You will call the emergency medical service in the event of a sudden accident or serious acute health problem. The contact line is 155 or 112. The transport is then covered by the public health insurance company. For private insurance, you most probably will need to pay and then ask for the reimbursement of the fee from the insurance later. 

The transport medical service is used for planned journeys for examinations by specialists – in a situation where other types of transport are not suitable for health reasons, for example due to reduced mobility, malaise, infectivity of the disease, post-operative conditions or psychiatric illnesses. 

In order to use a transport medical service, a pre-written request from the general practitioner is required. If it is a journey from home to an examination, the doctor must provide the patient with a transport voucher in advance at the same time as he files a request for the examination by the specialist. When a journey back home is required due to health conditions, a transport voucher will be issued by the doctor who sends the patient home, i.e. the doctor from the ambulance or hospital where the patient was treated. Such transports are covered by the health insurance company.