Ukrainian citizens enjoying temporary protection in the Czech Republic will have the opportunity to obtain a long-term residence permit. This will allow them to legalize their status and establish a stable foundation for their future in this country. Find out more about the changes

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Recently, the Czech Ministry of the Interior has submitted proposals for amendments to the Lex Ukrajina legislation, which will provide Ukrainians with temporary protection with the opportunity to obtain a long-term residence permit in the Czech Republic, provided that they are economically self-sufficient.

The change of status for refugees proposed by the Czech government provides for the possibility for Ukrainian refugees to refuse temporary protection and obtain long-term residence permits in the Czech Republic, proukrainu.blesk.cz reports.

Czech Republic proposes to change residence status for refugees from Ukraine: what is known

The issue of the further stay of Ukrainian refugees after the expiration of the Temporary Protection Directive in 2025 is being discussed at the EU level, and it is likely that protection will be extended. Some countries are considering the possibility of transitioning Ukrainians from temporary protection to standardized long-term residence permits, as the war continues and many people have already integrated into the labor market and social life.

In the new version of Lex Ukrajina, the Czech authorities propose to expand the possibilities of legalizing stay for Ukrainians by allowing refugees to voluntarily switch to a special long-term type of residence. Those who do not wish to obtain a new status or do not meet the conditions will be able to remain under temporary protection. Standard long-term residence permits will be available to economically independent refugees, i.e. those who can provide for their own living without state assistance.

"The institute of temporary protection for Ukrainian refugees will remain in force, because some of them want to stay in the Czech Republic for a long time and have a clear perspective. Therefore, we are offering economically active refugees from Ukraine the opportunity to obtain a long-term type of residence similar to that of other foreigners from non-EU countries," explained Interior Minister Vit Rakusan.

According to Pavla Novotna, Director of the Department of Asylum and Migration Policy of the Czech Ministry of Interior (OAMP), the decision was made primarily on the basis of advice from the Ukrainian community in the Czech Republic, which emphasized that refugees were making such a request.

The relevant bill is still under discussion and will be considered as soon as a decision is made at the EU level.

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As for the rights of Ukrainians within the framework of long-term residence, the following is provided:

• Free access to the labor market.

• No need to undergo an adaptation and integration course, as is required for other foreigners.

Issuance of a biometric card instead of a visa sticker.

• Only commercial health insurance is required if a refugee is unemployed (children remain in the VZP system).

• Obligatory long-term residence permit for all family members (for example, if a mother is issued a residence permit, the child must also receive the same status).

• Possibility to register a vehicle in the name of a refugee who has obtained a long-term status.

The conditions for obtaining a special type of residence are as follows:

• Minimum period of stay in the Czech Republic for at least 2 years.

• Holding a foreign passport.

• Proof of financial security for staying in the Czech Republic.

• A document confirming the place of residence in the Czech Republic.

• Certificate of no criminal record.

• Compulsory attendance of school in the Czech Republic for children.

When will it be possible for Ukrainians to apply for long-term residence in the Czech Republic?

It is noted that Lex Ukrajina 7 may enter into force in early 2025. Initially, all refugees will continue to stay under temporary protection after 2025, and then those who meet the conditions and wish to do so will be able to switch to long-term residence.

The extension of temporary protection after 2025 will be similar to that until 2024. First, online registration will be carried out, and then refugees will visit the Ministry of Internal Affairs to receive a visa sticker.

The procedure for obtaining a special type of residence will be similar:

• The Department of Asylum and Migration Policy of the Czech Ministry of the Interior will not consider each application individually.

• The Czech Ministry of the Interior will collect all the necessary information and check the compliance with the conditions for obtaining a long-term residence permit.

• Ukrainians will have the opportunity to check whether they meet the conditions on the website of the Ministry of the Interior.

The terms, conditions and procedure for granting a special long-term residence permit are still being discussed and may be subject to change. In particular, the government will decide whether to issue a special long-term residence permit for 2 or 5 years. This period will be taken into account when obtaining a permanent residence permit in the Czech Republic.

Earlier, we wrote that Ukrainian refugees in the Czech Republic may have to fulfill a number of conditions in order to stay in the country for a longer period of time. To do this, the country's authorities want to launch a special system. Find out what exactly it is about and at what stage the potential innovations are.

If you need assistance with obtaining a residence permit in the Czech Republic or any other migration issues, please contact the Visit Ukraine legal team. Our specialists will answer all your questions, help you with the preparation of the necessary documents and solve your immediate problems.

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