Aid for refugees in the Czech Republic: the authorities want to change the conditions for providing aid to Ukrainians

The Czech Republic is preparing tough reforms for those with temporary protection status. The new amendments require refugees to work in order to receive benefits and to spend at least 16 days a month in the country. The rules governing the issuance of residence permits, payment of health insurance and vehicle registration will change. Find out under what circumstances status will be revoked and who will be protected from these measures

Legal assistance on migration issues for Ukrainians in Ukraine and abroad

GET

The Czech authorities have drafted a major amendment to the law that significantly alters the rules on residence and the conditions for financial support for those granted temporary protection. According to data from the Ministry of the Interior, there are currently over 386,000 refugees registered in the country, mainly from Ukraine. The new initiatives are aimed at tightening controls, integrating foreigners into the labour market and preventing potential abuse of the system.

What conditions for receiving humanitarian aid are they seeking to introduce in the Czech Republic?

The main change concerns employment and actual residence in the country. From now on, to receive financial assistance from the state, applicants will be required to be economically active: to be in official employment, run their own business or, at the very least, be registered with the local employment office. The authors of the bill refer to this as a basic standard that motivates people to provide for their own needs.

In addition, a physical presence rule is being introduced. To receive a payment for a specific month, a refugee must have been present on the territory of the Czech Republic for at least 16 days during that month. This measure is designed to prevent people who actually live outside the Czech Republic from receiving the money. It is important to note that the strict employment requirements will not apply to vulnerable groups: children, full-time students and the elderly.

How can Ukrainians obtain a special residence permit in the Czech Republic?

Since last year, refugees have had the opportunity to transition from temporary protection status to a more stable special long-term residence permit. Interest in this option is high — around 56,500 people have already submitted applications. However, the new amendment significantly tightens the requirements for applicants.

One of the key conditions for the approval of a residence permit will be the complete absence of any tax arrears owed to the Czech state. The Ministry of the Interior also plans to tighten biometric checks and verification of the accuracy of the data provided. If it transpires that an applicant has provided false information when submitting documents, their registration may be immediately revoked.

Under what circumstances can temporary protection status in the Czech Republic be revoked?

The draft law clearly sets out the situations in which temporary protection status will be revoked. First and foremost, those who leave the Schengen area for a period of more than 30 days will lose their status. Protection will also be automatically revoked in the event of the administrative or criminal expulsion of a foreign national.

The changes will also affect documentation. The Ministry of the Interior will cease the practice of issuing foreign passports and special travel documents to persons with temporary protection. Previously, this was permitted if a person could prove they were unable to obtain documents from the authorities of their country of origin.

Don't want to miss important updates and useful articles? Subscribe to our weekly newsletter!

Health insurance for refugees and recognition of qualifications

Until now, the Czech state has paid for medical insurance for adult refugees if a serious illness prevented them from working for a prolonged period. Under the new rules, a diagnosis alone will not be sufficient. Only those persons who have been officially assigned a specific degree of reduced independence (disability) will be entitled to state-funded insurance.

The changes will also affect the education sector. The state is abolishing the exemption that previously allowed persons under temporary protection to be exempt from paying fees for nostrification — the procedure for the official recognition of foreign school certificates and educational diplomas.

Is it mandatory to register cars with Ukrainian number plates in the Czech Republic?

The amendment introduces strict rules for drivers using cars with Ukrainian number plates. Vehicles will need to be entered into the Czech register.

The option to voluntarily register such a car will be available from January next year. However, according to the proposal, such vehicles will not yet be subject to technical inspections under the same strict conditions as local cars. Nevertheless, a strict deadline has been set: from January 2028, the use of vehicles with foreign number plates that are not entered in the Czech register will be completely prohibited.

Why are the new rules being introduced?

Government representatives explain the need for the amendments as a matter of safety and adaptation to modern realities. The authorities’ aim is to establish transparent rules for the stay of foreigners and to introduce effective tools against abuse of the European social system. Certain court proceedings relating to the granting or withdrawal of asylum will now be heard in an expedited and centralised manner exclusively by the Prague Municipal Court.

However, the authorities’ initiative has faced sharp criticism from relevant non-profit organisations. Martin Rozumek, director of the ‘Refugee Aid Organisation’, considers the new measures unnecessary and politically motivated.

According to human rights activists, Ukrainian refugees are already actively contributing to the budget: thanks to the taxes and social contributions of working foreigners, the state receives funds to support Czech unemployed people and pensioners. Statistics also confirm that the level of security threat posed by refugees does not exceed that of the local population. The organisation notes that such laws contravene European law and create unjustified demographic and economic barriers for people seeking refuge from war.

If you’re unsure which status is right for your specific situation, it’s worth consulting with an immigration lawyer — the Visit Ukraine platform offers this option, where you can receive professional legal assistance online.

Reminder! The Czech Republic is discussing tough measures against Ukrainian refugees. Radical politicians are demanding that men of conscription age be stripped of their protection status and are drafting a strict law for all migrants, including new rules for vehicles. Find out whether aid could be withdrawn contrary to EU decisions and what Ukrainians can expect.

Want to know more? Read the latest news and useful materials about Ukraine and the world in the News section.

Our recommendation for a safe and comfortable trip: 

Visit Ukraine Insurance - insurance for a safe stay abroad without unnecessary expenses;

Green Card - compulsory car insurance for traveling abroad;

Visit Ukraine Tickets - book tickets for buses, trains, and airplanes to/from Ukraine and between cities around the world;

Private Lawyer service - professional legal support on visa and migration issues;

Visit Ukraine Merch - buy patriotic clothing and accessories with worldwide delivery.

© 2018-2026, Visit Ukraine. Use, copying or reprinting of materials on this site is permitted only with a link (hyperlink for online publications) to Visit Ukraine.

All rights reserved.