In the context of the ongoing war in Ukraine, the Czech Republic has become particularly active in issuing tolerance visas to Ukrainians seeking asylum. Obtaining such a visa allows you to stay in the country without the right to state aid, but with the possibility to temporarily leave and return to the Czech Republic. Find out more about the conditions for obtaining the document

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The Czech Republic is one of the countries that has received the most Ukrainians over the past two years. Currently, more than 300,000 Ukrainian citizens live here, many of whom plan to stay in the country for a long time and do not intend to return to Ukraine in the near future.

The majority of Ukrainians have been granted temporary protection status, which is available to those who lived in Ukraine until February 24, 2022. However, the question arises as to what to do for those who want to stay in the Czech Republic but are not eligible for temporary protection? The answer may be a tolerance visa.

We will tell you what kind of document it is, what are the conditions for obtaining it and staying in the country.

What is a tolerance visa (vízum strpění) in the Czech Republic?

A tolerance visa is a standard immigration status offered by the Czech Republic. It can be obtained not only by Ukrainians but also by citizens of other countries. 

A tolerance visa is usually issued for 90+ days. People who have received this visa are not eligible for state aid, but there is an important advantage: the tolerance visa is not canceled if a person temporarily leaves the Czech Republic, for example, for a short-term return to Ukraine.

How can Ukrainians in the Czech Republic obtain a tolerance visa?

Ukrainian citizens can freely enter and stay in the Czech Republic for up to 90 days within a 180-day period under the Schengen Agreement. This time can be used to apply for a tolerance visa if you decide to stay in the Czech Republic.

To apply for a tolerance visa, you need to visit an office of the Department for Asylum and Migration Policy of the Czech Ministry of the Interior. You will also need to fill out an application form and bring it with you:

- A stamp in the amount of 300 CZK (only available in the Czech Republic).

- A 45 x 35 mm photo.

- Foreign passport.

- Documents confirming the obstacle to leaving the Czech Republic (for Ukrainians - a full-scale invasion of the russian federation).

Application processing usually takes up to 30 days, which allows you to save days of legal stay in the EU. It is important that all requirements are met, otherwise the request will be rejected. You will receive a response by mail.

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What is the difference between a tolerance visa and temporary protection?

Ukrainians who have been granted temporary protection in the Czech Republic have access to a variety of state aid, including humanitarian aid. 

At the same time, those who are in the Czech Republic on a tolerance visa do not have this right. Even basic forms of humanitarian support are not available to them, and they have the same rights as citizens of other countries who do not need additional assistance.

Temporary protection also provides Ukrainians with full access to the labor market, which is encouraged by local employers to facilitate rapid integration. In contrast, a tolerance visa does not provide an automatic right to work. In order to obtain a work permit, you must additionally apply to one of the offices of the State Employment Service.

In addition, those who hold a tolerance visa are forced to purchase commercial health insurance, which creates additional financial burdens.

Please note! Temporary protection provides a wider range of rights and access to services, while a tolerance visa is suitable for those who cannot apply for other forms of protection but still need legal status in the country.

Do not forget that when planning a trip outside Ukraine, it is important to take out an appropriate insurance policy in advance. We recommend that you take out medical insurance that covers standard medical care/treatment/diagnosis, etc., as well as injuries and accidents. Such insurance will allow you to be as protected as possible from any unforeseen situations. You can apply for an insurance policy on our portal by following this link.

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