Czech authorities have introduced a new type of residence permit for refugees from Ukraine. This type of residence permit is intended for those who wish to stay in the Czech Republic for a longer period. Find out more about the conditions for obtaining a residence permit

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This week, the Czech government approved amendments to the Lex Ukrajina draft law, defining two options for Ukrainians to stay in the country.

Czech Republic approves possibility of long-term residence permit for Ukrainians

According to the updates, temporary protection for Ukrainians in the Czech Republic has been extended for another year - until March 2026.

It is emphasized that the procedure for visa extension will remain the same as before: first, electronic registration, then a personal visit to the Ministry of Internal Affairs office, which will take place after the new year.

Ukrainians will also be offered a long-term residence permit (dlouhodobý pobyt). This special type of residence permit will be issued for 5 years and will provide free access to the labor market. Applications will be processed under a simplified procedure that differs from the one used by other foreigners.

 The Ministry of Internal Affairs will independently obtain all the necessary documents from the relevant ministries of finance, social protection and insurance.

"Long-term residence does not replace temporary protection, but it offers an alternative for those who want to live in the Czech Republic for a long time and meet the conditions that a foreigner must usually fulfill to obtain a standard residence permit," said Deputy Prime Minister Vlastimil Valek.

To apply for this type of residence permit, you must meet several criteria: have an official job, not be dependent on public assistance, and have no criminal record.

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Other conditions for obtaining a residence permit in the Czech Republic include:

- Continuous residence in the Czech Republic with temporary protection for 2 years.

- A valid passport.

- Having a job and economic self-sufficiency (not receiving humanitarian aid).

- Registered place of residence.

- Attendance at school by children of the appropriate age.

Valek noted that refugees will be able to check whether they meet these conditions, and added that there is no question of mass issuance of long-term residence permits. 

Only a few tens of thousands of refugees are expected to receive such permits.

Registration of those wishing to apply for long-term residence will begin approximately in the middle of next year. It is important to note that the entire family must apply.

To become a permanent resident of the Czech Republic, you will need to have lived here for 5 years. In the case of temporary protection, one year is counted as six months. 

That is, if a person has lived in the Czech Republic for two years on a temporary protection visa, he or she will have 1 year of experience for permanent residence, and after switching to a residence permit, the experience will be counted year by year.

Please note! It will not be possible to switch from a strpení visa to a special type of residence permit. In addition, the period of stay on this visa is not counted towards the length of service for permanent residence.

We remind you! Ukrainians who are unable to return home or move to another country but are not eligible for temporary protection in the Czech Republic can use an alternative option. Read more about what the country offers in our previous article.