Before moving to the Czech Republic, it is worth thoroughly researching the country's peculiarities. Find out more about moving to the Czech Republic in 2024, entry rules, conditions of legal stay and other important nuances you need to know

Health insurance is a guarantee of your safety and peaceful stay outside Ukraine

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The Czech Republic has been one of the most attractive migration destinations for Ukrainians for many years. Special programmes to help Ukrainians, geographical proximity to home and comfortable living conditions make this country even more popular.

Let's take a closer look at the peculiarities of staying in the Czech Republic, the entry procedure, customs rules and opportunities for those who plan to stay in the country for a long period of time.

Read more about the rules for entering the Czech Republic in 2024, obtaining a humanitarian visa and living in the country here.

Detailed information on what you need to know before moving to the Czech Republic can be found here:

- Travelling to the Czech Republic for tourist purposes;

- Work in the Czech Republic;

- Immigration to the Czech Republic;

- Study in the Czech Republic;

- Temporary protection in the Czech Republic.

Rules of entry to the Czech Republic for Ukrainians in 2024: documents required

To cross the border with the Czech Republic, Ukrainians need to have the following documents:

- a foreign passport;

- visa (if the planned period of stay exceeds 90 days);

- health insurance. It is recommended to take out insurance in advance, which will not only protect you from unforeseen medical expenses, but also facilitate the process of obtaining temporary protection;

- proof of the purpose of the trip (accommodation reservation, invitation, confirmation of the place of stay).

Important! Men liable for military service additionally need to obtain permission to travel outside Ukraine. Such permission is granted if there are good reasons: accompanying persons with disabilities, temporary business trip under the ‘Shlyakh’ programme, medical indications and other circumstances provided for by law. Keep in mind that men aged 18 to 60 must have a valid military ID with a stamp of deferment.

Read more about travelling from Ukraine abroad in 2024 and the specifics of the procedure for persons liable for military service here.

Find out which men have the right to travel abroad in 2024 here.

To travel with minor children, you need to prepare:

- the child's birth certificate;

- the child's international passport (required for persons aged 12 and older).

Moving to the Czech Republic from Ukraine: convenient routes

Trains Ukraine - Czech Republic

➤ Train №715 ‘Kyiv - Prague - Kyiv’ - runs with a change of train in Przemysl, Poland. Departure from Kyiv is at 11:28, arrival at 20:20 - change of train - departure of the train RJ 1000 from Przemysl at 22:13, arrival in Prague at 06:37. On the way back, departure from Prague at 21:56, arrival in Kyiv at 20:02 (you can buy a single ticket or two separate tickets).

➤ The train of the Czech carrier Regiojet ‘ Chop - Prague - Chop ’ runs daily: departure from Chop at 17:35, arrival at 05:46.

Buses Ukraine - Czech Republic

Transport links between Ukraine and the Czech Republic are represented by a wide network of bus routes that meet the needs of different categories of passengers. Buses to the Czech Republic depart from various Ukrainian cities: Kyiv, Lviv, Rivne, Dnipro and other cities of Ukraine.

When choosing a carrier, passengers should pay attention to the details that shape the comfort of the journey. The key points are not only the cost and duration of the route, but also additional amenities. These include the availability of a bathroom in the cabin, the ability to recharge gadgets, access to a WiFi network, and free drinks or snacks. These nuances can significantly improve the experience of a long journey.

You can find out how to take out insurance for travelling abroad here.

How to get from Ukraine to the Czech Republic by car

There are two ways to get from Ukraine to the Czech Republic by car: transit through Poland or Slovakia.

Take into account the region of the Czech Republic you are heading to and the city of departure from Ukraine and choose the most convenient route.

It should be noted that when entering the Czech Republic from Slovakia, the nearest major city will be Brno, and from Poland - Ostrava.

We have described crossingthe border with Poland and Slovakia by car and checkpoints in our previous articles.

Documents for crossing the border by car:

- international passport;

- national driving licence with the expiry date;

- vehicle registration certificate;

- identification mark of Ukraine on the vehicle;

- nationally recognised number plate;

- compulsory insurance contract Green Card.

Readmore about how to get from Ukraine to the Czech Republic by car, the route, necessary documents and everything a driver needs to know here.

Keep in mind that a Green Card is a prerequisite for legal driving in the Czech Republic. On the Visit Ukraine portal, you can apply for a Green Card online from a licensed insurer. Packages are available for different periods from 15 days to 1 year for cars and trucks, trailers and semi-trailers for trucks, as well as motorcycles and scooters.

How long can I drive a car with Ukrainian number plates in the Czech Republic?

On 1 January 2024, a new requirement for the registration of vehicles registered in Ukraine came into force in the Czech Republic. All Ukrainian citizens staying in the territory of the Czech Republic on the basis of temporary protection or a tolerance visa are required to register their cars within seven days of obtaining the relevant status.

Failure to comply with this requirement entails administrative liability in the form of a fine.

It is important to note that registration does not require the replacement of Ukrainian licence plates with Czech ones.

Read more about the mandatory car registration in the Czech Republic here.

What cannot be imported to the Czech Republic from Ukraine?

First of all, as in any other European country, it is prohibited to import narcotic and psychotropic substances, firearms and ammunition without a special permit, explosives and flammable substances, cold steel and firearms without the appropriate permits.

Strict rules apply to the importation of food products in the Czech Republic. The following restrictions apply to citizens crossing the Czech border:

- meat products: the transit of raw meat products, including sausages, ham and other semi-finished meat products, is strictly regulated. Importation is not allowed without official confirmation of the quality and safety of the product;

- dairy products: the importation of dairy products, such as cheese, milk, yoghurts, is subject to strict control. Each product must have the appropriate certificates to ensure compliance with European safety and quality standards:

- plant products: imports of fresh fruit and vegetables from outside the European Union require mandatory sanitary documents.

Alcohol and tobacco products can be imported into the Czech Republic, but only in the amount prescribed by law:

- alcohol: up to 1 litre of spirits or 2 litres of wine;

- tobacco: no more than 50 cigarettes or 25 cigarillos, up to 10 cigars or 50 grams of tobacco per person.

Take care of your health when travelling to Europe with health insurance from Visit Ukraine, which guarantees reliable protection. Ensure your peace of mind while travelling.

How much money can I bring to the Czech Republic?

When crossing the border of the European Union, Ukrainian citizens must adhere to strict financial control rules. If the amount of money you are carrying exceeds EUR 10,000, you must declare it.

The declaration procedure is carried out directly at the border crossing point through the customs services. This rule applies not only to traditional cash in banknotes or coins, but also to other financial instruments, such as traveller's cheques, securities, etc., the total value of which reaches or exceeds the established limit of EUR 10,000.

It is important to understand that such control is a standard practice for all EU countries and is aimed at preventing illegal financial transactions and ensuring transparency of the movement of funds across state borders.

Find out more about drug analogues in the Czech Republic and how to choose medicines here.

How long can I stay in the Czech Republic without a visa?

During any 180-day period, Ukrainians can stay in the country for up to 90 days without a visa. This regime applies to various types of travel: tourist routes, business meetings, and personal trips.

To accurately record your stay in the Schengen area, there are specialised online tools - calculators- that will help you track the number of days you have spent there.

If the duration of your stay exceeds the 90-day limit or the purpose of your trip is study or employment, you will need to apply for a long-term visa or a temporary residence permit. This is a fundamental requirement for legal residence in the Czech Republic.

To make your move successful and avoid any troubles, you should contact a specialist. The lawyers of Visit Ukraine provide full support and advice on visa and migration issues to successfully resolve any nuances.

Temporary protection in the Czech Republic

The Czech Republic has demonstrated consistent and active support for Ukrainians since the first days of the large-scale military invasion. Immediately after the outbreak of the war, the government developed a special assistance programme for Ukrainians, and recently the EU

Council officially extended temporary protection for Ukrainians until 4 March 2025.

The procedure for obtaining temporary protection in the Czech Republic in 2024 includes several mandatory conditions:

- filling in a standardised application form;

- a valid foreign biometric passport;

- proof of stay in Ukraine on 24 February 2022 and forced departure as a result of military aggression;

- proof of residence, if not provided by the anti-crisis committee.

Please note! If the accommodation is provided by an individual, one form is used, if it is provided by a legal entity, another form is used.

Documents required to apply for temporary protection in the Czech Republic:

- foreign passport (biometric or regular);

- a passport of a citizen of Ukraine or an ID card;

- for children: passport or birth certificate;

- for the elderly: a pension certificate;

- it is also recommended to have a passport-size photo (45x35 mm).

After registration, you will receive temporary protection for a period of one year with the right to reside and receive social support in the Czech Republic.

Important! The official grounds for refusal to grant temporary protection in the Czech Republic may be the existence of temporary protection in other EU countries, or the impersonal submission of documents or submission of documents by an unauthorised person. Also, the Czech Republic does not re-issue temporary residence permits for Ukrainians

The Czech Republic has recently changed the rules for extending temporary protection. Read here what visa holders need to know.

How to move to the Czech Republic: opportunities for foreigners

Temporary residence permit in the Czech Republic

The conditions for obtaining a temporary residence permit in the Czech Republic have certain specific requirements. The algorithm of actions for a foreigner is as follows: first, you need to apply for a long-term (annual) visa at the Czech consulate, and then, before its expiry, submit documents directly in the country to extend your stay and obtain an official permit.

It is important to realise that the purchase of real estate in the Czech Republic does not automatically entitle you to a residence permit.

An application for a residence permit is submitted to the police department for foreigners at the place of official registration. On the basis of this application, foreigners can obtain a residence permit for a period of two years with the possibility of subsequent extension. The official deadline for processing documents is 60 calendar days.

The list of documents required to apply for a temporary residence permit:

- a valid foreign passport;

- two photographs;

- a document on financial security (a bank statement showing that the amount of €4 thousand per person is in the account);

- a document confirming the provision of housing (a document on the right to own real estate, a lease agreement, etc;)

- medical insurance;

- a certificate of no criminal record from the country of residence.

Read more about insurance in the Czech Republic, who needs to have it and what kind of policy is required in this country here.

Permanent residence permit in the Czech Republic

The right to permanent residence in the Czech Republic is granted to foreigners who have been legally residing in the country for five years.

Upon obtaining this status, a special internal Czech passport is issued or a corresponding mark is made in the foreigner's national passport.

The main ways to obtain permanent residence:

- five years of legal residence in the country;

- marriage to a Czech citizen;

- having a direct relative living in the Czech Republic;

- adoption of a Czech citizen;

- if the state is interested in a particular specialist (it is necessary to submit a document on education and confirm the level of qualification).

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Obtaining Czech citizenship

Czech citizenship can be obtained in various ways.

Children with at least one Czech parent can become citizens. Citizenship is also granted to children adopted by Czech citizens or to abandoned children found in the country.

If you marry a Czech citizen, your spouse can apply for citizenship after five years of legal residence in the country, provided that their marriage is real and not a sham.

For foreigners wishing to become Czech citizens, there is another way - citizenship by investment. To obtain this type of permit, you need to invest more than CZK 75 million in the Czech economy, create at least 20 jobs for EU citizens, and have a detailed business plan.

Useful information for your stay in the Czech Republic

Where to look for a job in the Czech Republic?

In 2024, the Czech Republic offers many interesting opportunities, especially for foreigners.

The most effective channel is online resources, in particular specialised job websites: Jooble, Layboard, Robota.ua (a Ukrainian job search site with a section with vacancies in the Czech Republic), LinkedIn.

You can also contact specialised employment agencies, such as Work and Staff or EuropeService.

Social media and Facebook groups also play an important role, where employers often post current offers. Especially useful are groups for foreigners and groups for specific cities or industries.

Jobs in the Czech Republic for Ukrainians 2024: vacancies, salaries, conditions.

Where to look for accommodation in the Czech Republic?

In 2024, the most convenient way to look for housing in the Czech Republic is through specialised online platforms that offer up-to-date ads for renting apartments and houses: Sreality.cz, Bezrealitky.cz, UlovDomov.cz.

Social media also remains a popular tool for finding accommodation, as offers are often posted in thematic groups without intermediaries. Some owners continue to use traditional methods by publishing ads in local newspapers or on bulletin boards.

It is important to pay attention to the terms of the lease, check the authenticity of the adverts and always sign a formal contract.

Average housing prices in the Czech Republic

In 2024, the average rental price in the Czech Republic varies depending on the region and type of housing. According to the real estate portal UlovDomov.cz, in the third quarter of 2024, the average monthly rent was CZK 15,791.

Prague traditionally has the highest rental prices. A two-bedroom apartment of 53 sq m can be rented for around 22,000 CZK per month.

In smaller cities and regions, rents are much lower. For example, in Karlovy Vary, the average rent is 215 CZK per square metre, and in Usti nad Labem, it is 194 CZK per square metre.

Read moreabout the cost of living in the Czech Republic and how much housing, food, and travel costs are.

How to enrol children in a school or kindergarten in the Czech Republic

Kindergartens

Preschool education is available for children aged 2 to 6 years. It is compulsory for children who turn 5 years old by 31 August. Enrolment in kindergartens usually takes place from 2 to 16 May. The exact dates are set by each institution separately, so it is recommended to check the information on the official websites of the selected kindergartens.

Documents required:

- a completed application (the form can be obtained from the kindergarten or its website);

- a document confirming the legality of the child's stay in the Czech Republic;

- the child's birth certificate;

- a certificate from a Czech paediatrician confirming that the child has received all the required vaccinations or has any contraindications.

Primary and secondary schools

In the Czech Republic, nine years of school education is compulsory for children aged 6 to 15 years. Primary school enrolment usually takes place in April. For secondary schools (gymnasiums), applications are submitted in two rounds: the first one is until 30 November for the areas with creative competitions, the second one is from 1 to 20 February for other areas.

Required documents:

- a completed application form (the form can be obtained from the school or its website);

- a document confirming the legality of the child's stay in the Czech Republic;

- the child's birth certificate;

- a medical certificate of the child's health status.

For more information about compulsory school education for Ukrainian children in the Czech Republic, rules and penalties, please follow the link.

Just to remind you! Pension reform in the Czech Republic has already begun, but changes will be implemented over several years. What are the key features of the pension reform in the Czech Republic and what it means for Ukrainian refugees - read here.

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