The City of Prague is praised not only for its astonishing sights, galleries, and museums (placing **4th in the world in Museums Category**) but also for the development undergone during the pandemic. The city flexibly modified public spaces to accommodate the current requirements in order to maintain a **high standard of living** for its citizens. The city, traditionally rich in sights and culture, is now becoming an **enticing destination for international companies**, such as Microsoft, Cisco and Oracle, attracting plenty of expats and young talents.

In the **World’s Best Cities Report**, cities are ranked on business and education development, prosperity alongside with infrastructure, housing, culture and overall atmosphere of the area.

Full report to be found at the [World's Best Cities Website](https://www.worldsbestcities.com/rankings/worlds-best-cities/).

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Prague Ranking 12th World’s Best City

Prague's dedication to sustainable urban development is evident in its strategic planning and policies, which encompass various aspects of sustainability. **Energy efficiency** stands as a crucial focus area, with the city implementing measures to reduce energy consumption and minimize its carbon footprint. Through investments in green technologies such as solar panels and efficient heating systems, Prague has made significant progress in adopting renewable energy sources and decreasing reliance on fossil fuels.

In addition to energy efficiency, Prague has also prioritized **effective waste management** and recycling programs. The city has implemented comprehensive waste management systems that encourage citizens to separate and recycle their waste responsibly. By doing so, Prague has not only reduced the amount of waste destined for landfills but has also fostered a culture of environmental responsibility among its residents.

Prague's commitment to **sustainable transportation** is evident in its efforts to enhance public transportation systems and promote eco-friendly mobility options. The city boasts a well-developed tram network, extensive bus routes, and a connected metro system, all of which contribute to reducing private car usage. These sustainable transportation initiatives have not only alleviated traffic congestion but have also mitigated air pollution, making Prague a more livable and environmentally friendly city.

One of the defining features of Prague is its abundant **green spaces**, which play a crucial role in the city's sustainability efforts. Parks, gardens, and urban forests are carefully maintained, providing residents with ample opportunities to connect with nature. These green spaces not only enhance the well-being of citizens but also support biodiversity and act as vital habitats for various plant and animal species.

Prague's ranking as the 10th most sustainable city in Europe underscores its commitment to creating a greener and more livable urban environment. The city's relentless pursuit of sustainability serves as an inspiration to other cities striving to implement environmentally conscious practices. As Prague continues to prioritize sustainability in the years to come, it is poised to further enhance its reputation as a model sustainable city, leading the way towards a more sustainable future for all.

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Prague ranks as the 10th most sustainable city in Europe

#### _**A) Social security**_

•	The minimum advances (social security) for 2023 are **CZK 2,944 per month** for the self-employed (if it is your main activity). The advances are changing slightly every year. For the Social Insurance you will be assigned a special number. In the first year of the Trade Licence, everyone starts off by paying the minimum social security contribution. The amount for the next year is calculated according to the business profit in the previous tax year.

•	If the business based on the Trade Licence is your **secondary activity** (possible only if you have other employment and earning more than minimum wage), you do not have to pay any advance payments for the first year. And if your annual income does not exceed the so-called decisive amount (for 2023 it is CZK 96,777), you do not have to pay any advance payments for social insurance next year as well.
•	Also, consider if you want to pay **“sickness insurance”**. It’s not your legal duty. If you want to pay it then the sickness insurance is paid in the amount of 2.1% of the monthly assessment base. The minimum amount is CZK 168 (for 2023) and it is also transferred to the Social Security Office (=OSSZ) account. Sickness insurance makes you eligible for sickness benefits and leave, and for the maternity leave. The sickness insurance starts to be paid only much later after an entrepreneur falls ill (usually even several weeks later), so it rather really covers serious illnesses and many entrepreneurs choose to pay a commercial insurance or put some money aside.
•	For the sake of possible future maternity leave it is very important to start paying the sickness insurance long enough in advance (the whole pregnancy and even sooner) and it definitely pays-off. Precise numbers are to be derived from the income and are worth consulting with specialised social workers.

#### _**B) Health insurance**_

•	The amount paid in contributions depends on your profit (it amounts to about 2.7% of profit), but the minimum is **CZK 2,722 per month** (for 2023). In the first year of their trade licence, everyone starts with the minimum health care contribution.
•	The health insurance company will let you know their account number. You will be sending advance payments for health insurance. The identification number is usually the Birth Number (=rodné číslo, r.č.) which is used as the Variable Symbol. As a foreigner, please ask for the variable symbol.
•	In case you are in a Commercial health insurance system (non-EU), you don’t have to pay monthly advance payments, because you are already prepaying an insurance fee. Having a trade licence is unrelated to Commercial health insurance.

#### _**Flat-rate tax**_

•	**Registration for the Flax-rate tax was possible only until the 10th of January 2023.**
•	Flat-rate tax is a monthly payment made for Self-employed with an annual income of **up to two million crowns**. The flat-rate tax consists of income tax, health insurance and social insurance minimum contribution. The **monthly payment** for the year 2023 is **CZK 6,208**. No tax deductions or tax allowances can be asked.

#### _**!! IMPORTANT !!**_

Once a year, you are obliged to do a **Tax Return for the Self-Employed** and also submit the **Summary of Income and Expenses** to both the social security office and your health insurance office. The deadline is 2nd May. All self-employed persons (except those with flat-rate tax) are obliged to fill in and submit the summary, even those for which there is no minimum assessment base. Please ask your tax advisor for these statements along with Tax Return.

#### _**What if Self-Employment is Only My Secondary Activity?**_

Self-employment can also work as a secondary income, therefore you can have a full time job as well. This is possible only if you have other employment and** earn more than minimum wage**. No matter if you want to have your trade licence as your main or extra income, you still need to visit the Trade Licence Register to get your IČO (Identification Number) and then inform the Financial Administration Office, Social Security Administration Office and Health Insurance Company (see steps [here](https://expat.praha.eu/news/article/becoming-self-employed)).
If the earnings from your trade licence are your secondary income, you do not have to pay any advances in the first year of your business. **Monthly payments will become compulsory for you once the profit of your business exceeds CZK 96,777 per calendar year (2023)**. Even if your business turnover was zero, you are obliged to send a report to the Social Security and Health Insurance Company offices after the end of the year. This can be done by your accountant and included in the annual tax declaration. It is recommended to hire an accountant to help you fill in the forms. Based on the reports and your real income, you might pay some extra premiums to health insurance/social security offices at once.


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Regular payments for trade licence owners

Regular payments for Trade licence owners

**1.	What drew you to study in Prague? Were you considering other places?**
I had always heard positive things about Prague, so it had been on my radar for a few years already. When I started looking at potential programs, I realized that I wanted to prioritize doing an internship. There were only a few programs that offered an internship and Prague was the only one that assisted me in finding an internship. The other program I was considering was in Utrecht, Netherlands. They also had internships but I would have had to arrange everything myself (paperwork as a foreigner included).

**2.	Did you have any cultural shock moments here?**
Not really! I had been to Europe before and I have traveled quite a bit so nothing really shocked me in a significant way.

**3.	What has been your favourite place you discovered here?**
There was a little place around the corner from my apartment that served authentic Chai tea. It was fantastic. I liked to bring my laptop there to study.

**4.	What did you think of the university you attended? How did it compare to your university in the USA?**
My program was based out of a small building in Vyšehrad. I didn’t attend Charles university or any other big universities while here. In comparison to my experience back home, it was very convenient having all of my classes in one building. UCSD (University of California San Diego) has a very large campus and I have to consider the distance between them when I make my schedule each quarter. My program encouraged field trips in our classes which was an amazing way to discover new things in Prague with our professors who grew up here. I would love to have field trips back home. Other than that, everything else was pretty similar, I think they try to keep it as similar to a U.S. model as possible because all of the students are from the U.S..

**5.	What was your most memorable experience in Prague?**
I could say one of the nights I went clubbing with my friends but I think my most memorable experience was showing my dad the city when he came to visit. It felt so great to show him all of the famous buildings (and actually know something about them). He was very lucky to get his own private tour.
**
6.	What didn’t you like about Prague? Is there anything you struggled with?**
I felt like there were a lot of areas that I tried to avoid because of heavy crowds and over tourism. I wouldn’t say that I struggled with it but it was frustrating at times.
**
7.	You’re a history major, what was your favourite historical landmark to see here?**
I am a big fan of the defenestrations of Prague. I learned about them when I was 16 years old in my history class in high school and I have never forgotten them. Somebody pointed out the sites of one of the defenestrations to me in the first few weeks that I was here, and I was filled with pure joy.

**8.	You’ve been travelling a lot this past year, how do the other large European cities you visited compare to Prague?**
I did travel quite a bit while I was here. I visited Berlin, Munich, Vienna, Bratislava, Istanbul, London, Dresden, and Budapest. I felt like Prague was prettier and had better public transportation than every other city I visited. Some places had better food and some had other exciting things but every time I came back to Prague I became more impressed with how beautiful it is. In my opinion, the architecture just doesn’t compare, it’s the perfect size to walk everywhere or take a short tram ride, it’s affordable, and the nightlife is fantastic.

**9.	If you were to show your friends who have never been to Prague, what would you show them?**
I actually got to do this a couple of times! I had a few people visit. I would start at Vyšehrad where we would appreciate the view, then we would walk up along the river past Dancing House and the National Theater. Then we would cut in to see the Franz Kafka Head. Next, we would walk to Old Town Square and see the Astronomical Clock and maybe walk to the top of the clock tower. After that we would walk across Charles Bridge and see the Lennon Wall. The next day we would go to Prague Castle and then walk around that area to shop in the stores. We would finish the day at Letná Park (probably in the beer garden) for sunset. If we have time, we would also go to Petřín and go to the top of the tower for the view.

**10.	 Are you planning to come back to Prague in the future?**
I would love to come back to Prague in the future. I don’t know when but I will definitely be back!

At the end of our interview, I asked Samantha how she would rate her stay in Prague and what tips she would give to people considering staying in Prague for a longer period of time. Her rating of her stay was 9.5, nearly perfect, as “there’s still a 10/10 in the world that I haven’t come across yet”. When it comes to tips, we both agree that the best way to discover Prague is walking around and exploring as there is always a charming hidden space to discover or new friends to find. 

_Author: Eliška Unzeitigová_


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Samantha Skorstad: ‘Every time I came back to Prague I became more impressed with how beautiful it is’ 

**Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?**

Hi and thank you for giving us the space to tell our story. My name is Martin, I am from Argentina and together with Tomáš we run Coffice Prague which is a space that works as a Café/Bistro during the day and Bar/Event space at night. Beyond the physical space, a great value that Coffice has is the beautiful community that gives life to the place.


**When and why did you choose Prague as your home away from home?** 

My journey away from home started a long time ago. First, I moved from Argentina to Brazil in 2009 following the dream of living on the beach. After a few years of life in paradise, I took my backpack and started to travel. First in Southamerica and later, in 2014, I came to Europe with the idea of travelling around for 6 months and coming back to Brazil. 

After wandering around the old continent (between Portugal and Russia), the fifth month I arrived, we can call it by coincidence, to Prague with the idea of staying for 5 days. For me, Prague was a totally unknown city as well as the country (in my school they didn't teach me much about this part of Europe). But as soon as I arrived, everything changed forever. I was lucky to make local friends, especially [David Tesinsky](https://www.facebook.com/DavidTesinskyOfficial), an incredible Czech photographer who became my great friend and daily buddy in bars and adventures. Obviously, these 5 days were extended, and when it was time to return to Brazil, I decided to stay here. Why? Why not?


**How do you find living in Prague as an expat and entrepreneur?**

I came with the mentality of a traveler, and although my perception of the city was changing, for me Prague is still that charming city that captivated me from the beginning. As an entrepreneur, I would say that my experience was also positive, despite having gone through difficulties such as the Covid nightmare (I hope it is part of the past) I think it is a place full of opportunities. 


![martin_miguel_interview_1](https://expat-praha-eu.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/DSC_05661_c3a118d61b.png)


**How did the idea of Coffice come to life?**

Before Coffice I opened a bar/cafe in Vrsovice - Prague, although that experience only lasted one year. Then 3 years after arriving here, I met Veronika (who became my wife and life partner) and agreed that Prague would be our favourite place, the idea of opening a Café ended up being Coffice, a Coworking space for the day and event space during the night.

The outlook was encouraging, we opened in January 2020 and two months later, BOOM, Covid arrived. And so 2 years passed, organizing events when there were no quarantines, and closing when there were. Beyond all the bad, a beautiful community began to grow, celebrating life through music and gatherings.

Despite this, it was not enough to continue and at the end of 2021, we were forced to close Coffice. Everything seemed to be falling apart until Tomáš appeared to save Coffice, with the intention of joining forces, keeping the community alive and opening Coffice in a new place. Personally, I was emotionally discouraged, but his energy and courage were so great that at the end of January he told me: Martin, I have reserved a place and we can reopen Coffice. By the end of February (7 weeks after closing) we reopened in a new house in Letna - Prague 7.

The rebirth of Coffice was wonderful, almost the entire community that we had created, despite being on the other side of the city, was loyal and followed us to the new house together with new people who came through Tomáš and the new neighborhood. The union of forces with Tomáš implied a new direction for the Coffice concept, less focused on coworking and with all the energies put into events, coffee and food. Our events are now more cultural, with lots of music and more local culture thanks to the Tomáš network.


**Who is the project intended for?**

This answer is very simple and honest: the Coffice community is intended for all those who want to be part of a group of simple and happy people whose main interest is to strengthen their social relationships and mingle with the local culture.
It is definitely not our intention to be a place only for Expats, but a space for Czechs to interact with expats, and vice versa.

On the other hand, Coffice is a place for artists or beginners who want to show their qualities, something that happens every Friday in our Open Mic Music Jam or in the exhibitions of various kinds that we have.


**What can people expect when they come to Coffice?**

Here everyone has a good time, many people arrive alone and soon they are making friends with the rest.
Here we are not interested in showing off, if you wear branded clothes or not, or what kind of job you have. Here we are interested in people who are willing to socialize and be themselves (of course, always respecting others)


**Was it easy to start your own business in Prague? What obstacles did you face?**

It was not due to personal circumstances but in general I consider the Czech Republic to be a place that offers many opportunities for those who do not give up. When comparing having a business here and in South America, without a doubt I can confirm that here the rules of the game are much less bureaucratic and without so many obstacles.

In the case of Coffice, it was also very difficult to open a business 2 months before the arrival of Covid, but given this unexpected event, I believe that no country in the world has been different.


**What are Coffice’s biggest accomplishments so far?**

Our community. Although I repeat this word a lot, we are proud of the beautiful group that has been formed. Hundreds of beautiful souls who come here every day, forget everything bad that is happening in the world (at least for a few hours) and come together to celebrate life.


**What are you currently working on and what are your plans for the future?**

We are currently focused on creating new events and further increasing the presence of the Czechs in our community. Regarding the events, for the rest of the year we want to create more meetings during the morning for those who do not have to go to the office every day. We will create meetings in which people can get together for breakfast, lunch and create workshops and an exchange network where everyone can help each other professionally and personally.

Regarding Coworking, although we now work as a Café/Bistro, we have good news. We have joined forces with [Locus Workspace](https://www.facebook.com/LocusWorkspace) in Vinohrady and thanks to that we can offer a 30% discount on the first month of Locus membership. Also, those who are members of Locus will be able to work in both locations (there in Vinohrady and here in Letna). If any of you are interested or want a free day at Locus, you can contact us.

Regarding plans for the future, there is always the possibility of opening in a new location, but at the moment we are taking it step by step and focusing on the current growth of Coffice. Beyond the business, both I and Tomaš love what we do and want to continue doing it without falling into a wild race of living just for work.


**What would you say to other expats who are thinking about moving to Prague?**
If for some reason Prague is within your interests, I think that everything you have seen online about this city is true. The city is extremely beautiful, with a great social life, great demand for work and opportunities for everyone.

Regarding the bad thing you have read about the city or the country: It is true that the language is difficult but with effort, study, patience and perseverance it will not be impossible to communicate. In addition, already a large part of Czechs, at least in Prague, speaks English. If your plan is to open a business or deal with authorities, you will surely need someone local to help you. Regarding Czechs being cold people – I don’t think so, you get what you give. I personally have made many friends here who are now like my family, who have helped me whenever I needed it and vice versa.

On the other hand, if you still have doubts, I recommend contacting the Expat Centre. They have helped me a lot and the work they do is incredible. I take this opportunity again to thank and congratulate you for your arduous task of making the life of Expats a little easier.

I do not want to say goodbye without first inviting all of you who are reading this article, to visit us and meet us in person. If you want more information about our events, you can find more about us here: [Facebook page](www.facebook.com/cofficeprague ) | [Instagram page](www.instagram.com/cofficeprague) | [Web](www.cofficeprague.com)

Online Groups: 
[Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/groups/dailymeetupsprague/) | [Meetup](https://www.meetup.com/daily-meetups-prague/) | [WhatsApp Group](https://chat.whatsapp.com/FgtN696zevSLI7ae6BHdJL)

Or contact us directly via Phone/WhatsApp: +420 774890273 or [wa.me/420774890273 ](https://wa.me/420774890273). If you prefer to visit us in person, our address is [Malířská 14, 170 00 Praha 7-Holešovice](https://goo.gl/maps/AVKNZo5ETXDYacNV6)


martin_miguel_interview

Martin Miguel: The Czech Republic is a place that offers many opportunities for those who do not give up

#### **General Information**

Granting scholarships to citizens from developing and specific countries listed below for studies at the Czech public higher education institutions is an important part of the foreign development cooperation of the Czech Republic and has a long tradition. From the late 1950s to the present day over 20 000 foreign nationals have completed their studies at Czech universities with a scholarship of the Government of the Czech Republic.

**Eligible Countries and Study Programmes**
Scholarships for the academic year 2024/2025 are offered only to the citizens of the following countries:

**Belarus,
Bosnia and Herzegovina,
Cambodia,
Ethiopia, 
Georgia, 
Moldova, 
Ukraine, 
and Zambia.**

The Government Scholarships are structured to cover the standard duration of study in the following ways:

**Follow-up Master Study Programs**
This includes a one-year preparatory course in the Czech language (integrated with field-specific training). These scholarships are offered to graduates of Bachelor's degree programs. Applicants can only enroll in study programs within select areas where instruction is conducted in Czech. Depending on the subject matter, applicants may be required to pass entrance examinations at the relevant university as a prerequisite for scholarship consideration.


**Follow-up Master and Doctoral Study Programs**
These scholarships are available for graduates of Bachelor or Master study programs, respectively, who enroll in study programs with instruction in the English language.

Each applicant is obliged to fill in an electronic application form at the latest by **30 September 2023**. The successful applicant starts studying in the academic year **2024/2025**.

Detailed information on the terms and conditions of scholarship awards is provided in the binding ["Guidelines for Granting Scholarships of the Government of the Czech Republic"](https://www.msmt.cz/eu-and-international-affairs/government-scholarships-developing-countries-2), issued in Czech and English.



**Source:** Website of the Ministry of Education Youth and Sports




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Deadline for Government Scholarships Approaching

We all have many common and a number of specific requirements that quality design and architecture help address, which is why we want to know yours!

Whether you are part of any group, whether you walk, use public transportation, a car, a bicycle, or combine all options, your feedback will help us incorporate your needs into the emerging wayfinding and make it the best for everyone.

If you are interested in participating in the research, please sign up using the [questionnaire](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdF6Uiz-AWi-WMwzme5lEkeZel375Ueg5VzzEntitsQl8j7-A/viewform).


Currently, we are looking for respondents for the autumn research at the HolKa location near the Štvanická lávka, where we are piloting elements of pedestrian navigation – an obelisk and directional sign. For a 30-minute interview at the location, respondents will be rewarded with a gift package and the opportunity to be among those who help make Prague more legible for everyone.

Source: Czechdesign

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Help your city to navigate better

As an expat living away from home, whether it be for a short-term stay or a permanent move, the struggles can be ‘real’, and our mental health may be impacted. Unfortunately, many expats are unaware of what their new city has to offer in terms of free services and resources and may just end up neglecting their mental health altogether. 


Luckily, the post-Covid world is a different one in many ways, and one of the positive changes the pandemic initiated was a heightened  awareness and the importance of self-care. With this, a slew of great services and wellness projects have been launched in Prague and surrounding areas, both for natives and expats alike!  


Here is a list of services that can ease the pain of adjusting to a foreign land, and help you in your new journey, strengthening your mental health and emotional well-being!


**Resources for foreigners in the Czech Republic**

[Prague Integration](https://pragueintegration.cz) provide foreigners with a variety of services, from personal support and counselling, group counselling, mental health workshops and events, as well as support programs for businesses.  


[Terapie.Cz](https://www.terapie.cz/) is a fantastic app (desktop version available) where you can browse through a long list of Prague-based therapists and find a good match based on languages spoken, availability and specialization. The price for each therapy session is also indicated, so you can choose based on your budget!


[InBáze.cz](https://inbaze.cz/en/) is a great resource offering psychological counselling, and you can browse according to languages spoken and availability. One important thing to note is the majority of the counsellors provide their services on a voluntary basis, so they are primarly a donation based organization. InBáze also offers free Czech lessons, another considerable way to help foreigners integrate and feel more comfortable and confident in their new country!


[Terap.io](https://terap.io/) is a website with certified English-speaking therapists and offers online sessions exclusively. This is a great option if you’re looking for an easy, and more anonymous therapy experience from the comfort of your own home.


[Balanced Lifestyles](https://www.praguetherapy.com) - A renowned Prague-based therapist with extensive experience working with expats and those dealing with the adjustment to a new city, job, or lifestyle. 


[Charles University](https://cuni.cz/UKEN-189.html) Free counselling services for full- time students are available at Prague’s largest English-speaking University. The Counselling Centre for International Students can provide help with any personal, family, or academic/professional issues and can schedule sessions in person or online through Zoom. 


[Expats.cz](https://www.expats.cz/directory/health-and-medical/therapists) This great online resource provides a list of English-speaking therapists already working with foreigners, as well as many other helpful contacts and tips for anyone new to Prague!


Czech Governmental Helpline – For a helpline with an English option, call 1221


[Crisis Intervention Center in Bohnice](https://bohnice.cz/krizova-pomoc/) - If you require emergency services and would need to speak to someone immediately, the Center is open 24 hours a day. You can consult with a doctor by by calling their hotline (+420 284 016 110) or in person without appointment (Psychiatrická nemocnice Bohnice Ústavní 91, 181 02 Prague 8)


Many foreigners (and Czechs alike) are not aware of the financial compensation they may be eligible to receive from public insurance. For example, if you are registered with VZP insurance, some policies cover therapy sessions, and you can now receive a contribution of up to CZK 2,500 per person. The above-mentioned resource Terapie.cz even provides a list of VZP-covered certified counsellors, making it easy and hassle- free to choose a registered professional! For the list of specialists, click [here](https://www.terapie.cz/prispevek-na-terapii-vzp). Some foreign insurance providers like Allianz and Cigna International are also offering similar contributions, so it would be worth considering these options before choosing a therapist.

_Author: Trinity Reda_

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In need of a helping hand?: 8 English-friendly mental health resources

Mental health resources

[**People in Need**](https://www.peopleinneed.net) is a non-profit organization that focuses on providing **human rights, humanitarian aid, and development cooperation** to people in need globally. They operate in 30 countries worldwide and have been active in the Czech Republic since 1992, supporting marginalized communities, people with disabilities, and vulnerable children, among others.

[**Dobry Andel**](https://www.dobryandel.cz/en/assistance-rules/) works to provide material, financial, and emotional support to **families facing financial distress** due to a severe illness of a child or parent. They help families pay for medical bills, and they also organize events and activities to support and uplift them.

[**Rekola**](https://www.rekola.cz/en/) is an innovative social enterprise that promotes **sustainable urban transportation** by providing shared bikes across Prague. This organization aims to reduce carbon emissions and traffic congestion while also promoting and facilitating healthy lifestyles in the city. Volunteers can help by maintaining the bikes, promoting riding events and supporting marketing campaigns.

[**Pink Crocodile**](https://www.smilingcrocodile.org) is a non-profit organization that **supports the LGBTQ+ community** in Prague by organizing a range of events and campaigns, including their famous annual drag ball event! Volunteers can help in planning, coordinating, and promoting their events.

[**Prague Youth Theatre**](https://www.pyt.cz) provides opportunities for youth interested in the performing arts to develop their skills and shine on stage. They offer programs in **acting, writing, directing, and other aspects of theater**, and volunteers can help in technical support, publicity, and front of house positions.

[**Cool Critters**](https://coolcritters.org) is a **non-profit dog shelter** located in Prague that is dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming dogs in need. They provide a safe and loving environment for dogs that have been abandoned, abused, or neglected. The shelter is run by volunteers who are committed to improving the lives of these animals and ensuring they find their forever homes. Visitors can help by volunteering their time or donating funds to support the shelter's ongoing efforts. Additionally, they offer the opportunity to foster dogs, sponsor a dog or adopt a furry friend. 

[**Dobrovolnik.cz**](https://tinyurl.com/bdha9bet) is a place that groups together **offers for volunteering** for non-Czech speakers in Prague. Take a look and maybe you find something tailored to your interests.

There are many non-profits covering an array of social and environmental causes, so joining one that aligns with your skills and values can allow you to make a significant contribution while also gaining deeply rewarding experiences.

_Author: Trinity Reda_

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Looking for a meaninful way to spend your time?

##### 1. Deadline
The basic deadline for submitting a tax return for 2022 is **3 April 2023**. If the tax return is filed electronically, then the deadline is extended to 2 May 2023.

A tax return can be filed: in person, by mail, electronically. Taxpayers with a data box submit their tax returns through it. Self-employed persons (in Czech “OSVČ”) must file their tax return through a data box.

##### 2. You will need these documents
If a person is employed, they will need a **certificate of taxable income** from their employer. Trade license holders should compile their **invoices** paid for the given calendar year. Flat-rate expenses or real expenses related to their business may be applied. If flat-rate expenses are used, filers are not obliged to keep any receipts or invoices received.

Trade license holders must determine any **advances** they paid for **pension insurance** (ČSSZ, or PSSZ in Prague) and **public health insurance** (VZP or provider you are registered with). Taxpayers should automatically receive this information after the end of the year (if you have an e-account with these institutions the information is available online). These numbers will be needed to prepare a statement of income for self-employed persons.

##### 3. Deductions
Tax filers also need a confirmation of their deductions. In order to claim the **mortgage interest deductions**, those filing taxes must prove how much interest they paid the previous year via confirmation from the bank. If the taxpayer has **dependent children**, one of the parents may claim a deduction for them. Similarly, if a taxpayer wishes to claim a **deduction for a non-working spouse**, then that spouse must sign a declaration that his or her income has not exceeded a certain limit that year (CZK 68 000). You may also deduct payments for **kindergarten**.

After summing up all your types of income, you will get your **tax base**, from which you can deduct all that we mentioned above (if applicable). The **tax rate** imposed on your total tax base is 15% for the tax base up to approximately CZK 1 867 728 and 23% for the tax base above this amount.

##### 4. Download the tax return form
Find a tax **[return form online](https://www.financnisprava.cz/en/taxes/tax-forms/personal-income-tax)** (in English), but you have to submit the filled in form solely in the Czech language. Thus, we recommend finding an English-speaking accountant or even a tax consultant to help you with this task.

##### 5. Submit
You can submit your tax return in any **office** of the Financial Authority (there are [12 offices in Prague](https://www.financnisprava.cz/cs/financni-sprava/financni-sprava-cr/organizacni-struktura/organy-financni-spravy/financni-urady/2000-financni-urad-pro-hlavni-mesto-prahu)), but if you already have **temporary/permanent residence**, it should be in the area of your residence. Find out with this website which office you belong to. On this website fill „PSČ PLÁTCE DANĚ“ which refers to the postal code of your accommodation. If you submit your tax return once you also have to do it in the same office the following year, unless you will ask the Tax Authority for the relocation of your “profile” to another tax office (in case of moving).
You can submit it online via government website **[mojedane.cz](http://mojedane.cz/)** (you can access it through your Data mailbox), unfortunately only in the Czech language.

##### 6. Other obligations for self-employed
Once a year you have to also submit the **Summary of Income and Expenses** to both the **social security office and your health insurance office**. The deadline is **2nd May**. All self-employed persons (except those with flat-rate tax) are obliged to fill in and submit the summary, even those for which there is no minimum assessment base.

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Czech income taxes for 2022: a guide for foreigners

Income tax for 2022

[**Pride Counseling**](https://www.praguepride.cz/en/support/coming-out-support-group) is part of the non-profit counseling organization that focuses on providing mental health services to LGBTQ+ individuals. The organization offers confidential sessions with trained therapists, and they make sure to provide services that are culturally aware and attuned to the unique needs of the LGBTQ+ community.

[**Queer Geography**](https://queergeography.cz/en) is a non-profit organization that provides support and care to LGBTQ+ persons in the Czech Republic. They offer a broad spectrum of help, including counseling, legal advice, and other community-centered events to support and connect people.

**Proud** is an organization that advocates for LGBTQ+ rights and promotes understanding and inclusivity. They offer education and training programs for schools, businesses, and other organizations to promote knowledge on the topic and provide support and advice for those who need it.

One of the major events that provides visibility to the LGBTQ+ community in Prague is the [**Prague Pride festival**](https://www.praguepride.cz/en). This annual event typically takes place in August and includes a range of activities and events, such as parties, cultural events, and an equality march. The festival is a celebration of diversity and inclusivity, and it attracts thousands of participants each year!

In addition to Pride, there are many cultural events organized in the community each year. [**Mezipatra Queer Film Festival**](https://www.mezipatra.cz/en/)
is a queer film festival organized by non-profit organizations Mezipatra and STUD Brno. Every year, they introduce around a hundred Czech and foreign films centred around LGBTQ+ issues, and their creators. The films are apprised by a professional jury as a part of a prestigious international competition. Inherent part of the program are the accompanying discussions, lectures, workshops, exhibitions and parties.

[**Trans*Parent**](https://jsmetransparent.cz) provides social and psychological support to transgender individuals. They offer peer-to-peer counseling, support groups, and transgender meetups to help individuals navigate their identity and feel a sense of belonging.

It is also worth mentioning **Queer Expats in Prague**, a private Facebook group where you simply request to join and can find common ground/have discussions with other members of the community living in the city. This is a great place to make friends if you’re new to the city, or just a friendly place to share experiences.

Furthermore, various businesses in Prague have also show their support for the LGBTQ+ community by joining the **We Are Fair initiative**. We Are Fair is a campaign that supports companies in making their workplaces more welcoming and inclusive for LGBTQ+ employees and customers.

As you can see from the few of many mentioned above, Prague now offers a wide variety of support groups and resources to meet the needs of the LGBTQ+ community. These organizations provide a safe and welcoming environment for individuals, and they offer essential services and support towards promoting equality, inclusivity, and acceptance.

_Author: Trinity Reda_

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Community-led organizations and events that make Prague open and safe for everyone

LGBTQ+ resources

This is the end of a situation that was criticised by almost everyone: ministry officials, politicians and insurance companies.

The monopoly meant that foreigners could only pay for insurance through the VZP insurance company, which is a commercial joint-stock company set up by the General Health Insurance Fund. On Wednesday, MEPs abolished the monopoly.

Some foreigners have to pay for health insurance in the Czech Republic if they stay longer than 90 days. This applies to people from so-called "third countries" - citizens from outside the EU or Switzerland (who are covered by the single European insurance system). This insurance is supposed to cover them both for the common flu and for acute surgery.

Previously, they could choose from the offers of several insurance companies, but after the intervention of ANO MPs, only the VZP insurance company is allowed to offer this service from 2021.


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