Poles attracted by cheaper real-estate and lower taxes move to the Czech town of Tesin

Record ID: 877853

  • Title: Poles attracted by cheaper real-estate and lower taxes move to the Czech town of Tesin
  • Date: 2nd June 2017
  • Summary: (SOUNDBITE) (Polish) CESKY TESIN MAYOR, VIT SLOVACEK, SAYING: "We are living on the border here. Czechs live with the Poles together here, we are a unique city and a unique community because there are two nations here, two languages. This is something only we have." MAIN SQUARE POLISH BAKERY MEN SITTING ON BENCH BAKERY BUILDING
  • Embargoed: 16th June 2017 13:16
  • Keywords: migration taxes real estate Czech Republic Poland
  • Location: CESKY TESIN, CZECH REPUBLIC
  • City: CESKY TESIN, CZECH REPUBLIC
  • Country: Czech Republic
  • Topics: Arts / Culture / Entertainment,Living / Lifestyle,Society/Social Issues
  • Reuters ID: LVA0056JL5Q2H
  • Aspect Ratio: 16:9
  • Story Text: The Czech town of Cesky Tesin is becoming popular among Poles who look for cheaper real-estate, lower taxes and less red tape for small firms.
    In the last year, Cesky Tesin residents have seen how Poles are buying and renting flats and houses and how many business are moving to the small town as well.
    Cesky Tesin, originally split into two parts at the border between Poland and the Czech Republic, is currently only divided by the Olza river.
    Piotr Wojcik, a translator, bought an office and a big flat for himself and his family only a few from the border.
    He sees great social benefits for his two children as health insurance and pension depends on the income in Poland and in Cesky Tesin he can pay half the sum he would pay in Poland.
    Wojcik says he has also experienced better and cheaper railway and bus communications.
    Real-estate agency owner Martina Rzeszutowa has seen a clear difference in the last year. She has sold more flats, houses and land for construction of houses to Poles from the border areas.
    "(For the price) of a 2 + 1 (room) classic apartment in Polish Cieszyn of 40 to 50 square meters here you can buy an 80 square meter apartment," she told Reuters.
    Irmina Dziadek owns a beauty salon and says she founded her business in just one day.
    She argues the Czech Republic is not a "tax heaven" but highlights it is less bureaucratic and therefore believes more revenue can be spent on investments without unnecessary formalities.
    Ceky Tesin mayor Vit Slovacek is glad about how the situation is developing as services are expanding and coexistence between Poles and Czechs is harmonious.
  • Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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