Emigration to the Czech Republic: how can Ukrainians move in 2025?

More than 578 thousand Ukrainians live in the Czech Republic. For many years, this country has remained one of the most popular options for emigration due to its stable economy, high quality of life and ample employment opportunities. Find out more about the algorithm of actions for emigration, peculiarities of paperwork for legalization of stay in the Czech Republic for Ukrainians in 2025

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The Czech Republic has been one of the most popular destinations for Ukrainian migrants for many years. Due to its geographical proximity, available support programs, and high standard of living, this country attracts both workers and students. Ukrainians can count on temporary protection, official employment opportunities, and social guarantees.

Before traveling, it is important to familiarize yourself with the conditions of entry, customs regulations and documents required for staying in the country. You should also find out about the possibilities of long-term residence, work or study permits. The Czech Republic offers great prospects for those who plan to stay here for a long time.

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Moving to the Czech Republic: Stages of preparation

The Czech Republic is one of the most popular countries for Ukrainians planning to move abroad. It is a country with a high standard of living, a stable economy, and ample opportunities for employment and education. We will tell you about the main stages of preparation for moving to the Czech Republic to make this process as comfortable and safe as possible.

The first stage. Choosing an emigration option

The first and most important step is to clearly define the purpose of your move:

- Work - obtaining a work visa or an employee card;

- Study - entering a Czech university and obtaining a student visa;

- Business - starting a business;

- Family reunification - if you have relatives already living in the Czech Republic;

- Temporary protection - in case of relocation due to military operations in the status of a refugee.

Each of these options involves different procedures for obtaining a residence permit.

If you need help choosing a ground for relocation and applying for a visa, please contact Visit Ukraine lawyers. We will help you prepare all the documents without any difficulties.

The second stage. Preparation of documents and visa issues

To enter the Czech Republic, Ukrainians must have a biometric passport. If you do not have it, you need to get it in Ukraine or at a consulate in another country.

For a long stay in the Czech Republic, you need to obtain one of the documents:

- Visa D (long-term) - issued for work, study, family reunification;

- Temporary residence card (povolení k pobytu) - for people who plan to stay for a longer period;

- Temporary protection - for Ukrainians fleeing the war. It gives the right to residence, work and social assistance.

Some documents (diplomas, certificates, certificates) require legalization (apostille) and official translation into Czech. Qualified Visit Ukraine lawyers can help with this.

The third stage. Preparing for the move

The Czech Republic offers many options for renting housing. You can find an apartment on the website Bezrealitky.cz, Sreality.cz, Expats.cz. In addition, there is also an assistance program for Ukrainians with public housing. Before signing the contract, it is important to check the terms of the lease, the deposit, and the possibility of registration (trvalý pobyt).

If you plan to work in the Czech Republic, you should familiarize yourself with the labor market in advance. The main resources for job search: Jobs.cz, Prace.cz, Profesia.cz. Also, many companies are open to hiring Ukrainians without knowledge of Czech, especially in the field of logistics, production, and service.

Health insurance is compulsory in the Czech Republic. Ukrainians can get state insurance if they are officially employed or have temporary protection status. We recommend that you take out a health insurance policy before your trip. You can order insurance through Visit Ukraine! We will help you choose the best option for your status.

The fourth stage. Registration upon arrival

Within 3 days of arrival, you must register at the police station for foreigners or apply for temporary protection status.

Moving to the Czech Republic by your car

There are two main routes to travel to the Czech Republic by car from Ukraine: through Poland or Slovakia. When choosing a route, you should take into account your final destination. For example, when entering through Slovakia, the nearest major city will be Brno, and when driving through Poland - Ostrava.

To cross the border by car, you must have the following documents: a foreign passport, a valid driver's license, a vehicle registration certificate, a Ukrainian vehicle identification mark, a national license plate, and a mandatory Green Card insurance policy.

It is impossible to travel in the Czech Republic without a Green Card. You can apply for an insurance policy online on the Visit Ukraine portal - it's fast and convenient. Insurance packages are offered from 15 days to 1 year for different types of vehicles: cars, trucks, trailers, semi-trailers, motorcycles and scooters.

Ensure peace of mind when traveling - apply for a Green Card at Visit Ukraine right now!

Starting from January 1, 2024, the Czech Republic will introduce new rules for registering cars with Ukrainian registration. All Ukrainian citizens staying in the country on a temporary protection status or a tolerance visa are required to register their cars within 7 days of obtaining the status. Violation of this requirement is subject to fines. At the same time, Ukrainian license plates remain valid.

Financial assistance for Ukrainians in the Czech Republic

Ukrainians residing in the Czech Republic with temporary protection status can receive financial support in the form of emergency emergency assistance from the state. This payment is aimed at covering expenses that arise due to unforeseen circumstances and may threaten the life or well-being of refugees.

This type of assistance is provided in case of the need to pay a deposit when moving to a new home, undergoing a medical examination for official employment, purchasing tickets for voluntary return to Ukraine or transportation of the deceased. Assistance is also provided to cover increased electricity costs or the first rent when moving from emergency housing.

This payment is especially relevant for those who cannot return home due to its damage or destruction. The maximum amount of assistance is not set - the amount is determined depending on the needs of the applicant. It can range from 15,000 CZK for a single person to 24,000 CZK for families of four or more people.

The application can be submitted at the Labor Office at the place of residence. It is important to note that in the application for emergency assistance, it is necessary to indicate humanitarian support as income, but emergency assistance itself is not considered income and does not affect other benefits.

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Long-term residence permit in the Czech Republic in 2025

In early 2025, Ukrainian refugees in the Czech Republic will be able to apply for a special long-term residence permit (ZDP). This permit can be applied for at the time of registration for an extension of temporary protection. As in previous years, the procedure will include online registration, after which applicants will be able to receive a visa sticker at a branch of the Ministry of the Interior of the Czech Republic.

Only those who express an interest during the online registration process will be eligible for a special long-term residence permit. They will be included in a closed list of applicants. It is important to understand that this permit does not replace temporary protection, but is an additional opportunity for a certain category of persons. If the applicant does not meet the conditions for obtaining a ZDP, he or she will continue to stay in the Czech Republic based on temporary protection without any status changes.

Conditions for obtaining a long-term residence permit in the Czech Republic

Ukrainian refugees who meet the established criteria can obtain a special long-term residence permit (ZDP) in the Czech Republic. The main conditions for obtaining this status are continuous residence in the country based on temporary protection for more than two years (does not apply to persons under 18), no criminal record (except for persons under 15) and economic independence. Other important requirements are the absence of debts for health insurance, self-sufficiency in housing, a valid passport, and fulfillment of schooling obligations for children aged 6-14.

If an applicant does not meet these conditions at the time of registration but fulfills them within a year, he or she must re-disclose his or her interest during the registration process to extend temporary protection. The interest in obtaining a special long-term residence permit can only be confirmed during the online registration and will be valid for one year.

Spouses and minor children must jointly express their interest in obtaining a permanent residence permit. This applies to official partners and their children under their care. Each of the spouses registers separately, but must indicate the data of the other partner in his/her application. One of the parents must also indicate minor children under his/her care.

In addition, it is possible to add members of the joint household to the application if they are dependent: these can be adult children, parents aged 65 or older, or parents with disabilities who cannot meet their needs on their own. In this case, one of the spouses may include the data of these persons in their application, and they, in turn, must indicate this person in their registration.

Persons who are not included in the definition of a joint household (e.g., non-dependent relatives or unmarried partners) may apply for ZDP separately. However, in this case, their income will be considered separately, which may make it more difficult to meet the requirements for economic independence.

It should be noted that a person holding another type of residence permit (e.g. a work card) is not a member of a joint household and his/her income cannot be taken into account when calculating the family's economic independence.

Opportunities with a special long-term residence permit in the Czech Republic

After obtaining a special long-term residence permit (ZDP) in the Czech Republic, refugees acquire a new legal status by the Foreigners' Residence Act. The permit is issued for 5 years and provides significant benefits, including free access to the labor market without the need for additional permits. At the same time, persons with this status are exempted from taking an adaptation and integration course, which is mandatory for other foreigners.

However, ZDP holders have several obligations. First of all, it is necessary to pay an administrative fee of CZK 2,500 for each card issued, and for children under 15 years of age this amount is CZK 1,000. In addition, persons over the age of 18 are required to have health insurance. Employed people are automatically enrolled in the public health insurance system, while unemployed people must take out a private insurance policy on their own. The costs of health insurance for children under 18 are borne by their legal representatives.

It is important to note that holders of a special permit are not entitled to several social benefits, including housing assistance, immediate financial assistance, child benefits and other types of support. They are also not assigned a personal identification number (rodné číslo), which is provided to Czech residents.

Over time, persons holding a special permit may apply to change the purpose of their stay. In particular, they can obtain a residence permit for family reunification, study, research, or apply for a Blue Card for highly skilled workers.

As for the prospects of permanent residence, ZDP holders can apply for a permanent residence permit after 5 years of continuous residence in the Czech Republic. The period of residence under the ZDP is fully counted, while the period of residence on the basis of temporary protection is only half counted.

Do you need help with paperwork? Visit Ukraine is your reliable partner in visa and migration issues. Contact our lawyers and we will help you at every stage of your move!

Where and how should Ukrainians look for work in the Czech Republic?

Before looking for a job in the Czech Republic, Ukrainians should know that they do not need a special work permit. Persons who have received a temporary protection visa can freely apply to employers and work without additional bureaucratic procedures. One of the options for finding vacancies is to apply to state employment offices (Úřad práce), where you can not only find a job but also receive financial assistance. However, an active approach, such as sending resumes to open positions through specialized websites, significantly increases the chances of finding a job quickly.

Popular job search platforms in the Czech Republic include Uradprace, Adaid.eu, prace.cz, volnamista.cz, cz.indeed.com, jobdnes.cz, profesia.cz, careerjet.cz, pracevcr.cz, Workania.eu. These resources have vacancies in Ukrainian, Russian, and English, as well as the ability to add your resume.

Among the most sought-after professions in the Czech Republic are engineers, doctors, and IT specialists (programmers, designers, testers, project managers). In addition, the country is in high demand for workers in the logistics, automotive, and heavy industries.

Due to a significant outflow of skilled workers to other European countries, the Czech Republic is experiencing a shortage of specialists, particularly in the medical field. Many young doctors choose to work in Germany, Switzerland, or the UK, where salaries can be two or even three times higher.

The Czech economy is heavily focused on the production of consumer goods, automotive and logistics. Large companies find it profitable to locate their factories in the Czech Republic because of its strategic location between Eastern and Western Europe. Numerous companies manufacture components for well-known automotive brands.

Salaries in the Czech Republic 2025

In 2025, the average gross salary in the Czech Republic will reach CZK 50,000 (about EUR 2,100), which is 12% higher than in 2024. The largest growth is expected in the fields of information technology, healthcare, and construction, where the demand for specialists is much higher than the supply.

Salaries of IT specialists, especially software and cybersecurity developers, could rise to 90,000 kroons per month. Healthcare professionals, including doctors and nurses, will receive a 15-20% salary increase.

In 2025, the minimum wage in the Czech Republic will be CZK 12,200 (approximately EUR 477). If an employee earns a lower income, he or she will be required to pay a portion of the health insurance premium on his or her own, so that the total amount of the premium is at least CZK 1,647 (EUR 64) per month.

The minimum hourly wage increased to 73 CZK (2.8 EUR).

The subsistence level for an adult without a family is 3,410 CZK (133 euros). For married couples, the calculation is different: the first adult needs 3,140 CZK, the second - 2,830 CZK. For a child under 6 years of age, 1,740 CZK is provided, from 6 to 12 years - 2,140 CZK, from 15 to 26 years - 2,450 CZK. The total amount of the family subsistence minimum is defined as the sum of the minimum needs of each family member.

What documents are required for employment in the Czech Republic?

For official employment in the Czech Republic, Ukrainians need to prepare an appropriate package of documents. First of all, you need a temporary protection status or a tolerance visa, which allows you to legally stay in the country and work. A Ukrainian passport (with a copy) and a foreign passport are required, which should expire no earlier than three months after the end of the contract.

It is also important to have a valid health insurance policy with a minimum coverage of 30,000 euros, as insurance is a prerequisite for work and entry in Europe. You can buy a policy online on the Visit Ukraine portal.

Additionally, you will need a certificate of education, a police clearance certificate, and a medical certificate. Depending on the field of employment, the employer may require special permits or certificates, so it is worth checking in advance whether they are necessary.

To properly prepare a package of documents and protect your rights during employment, it is recommended to contact experts. The Visit Ukraine portal can help you get professional legal assistance, check the reliability of your employer, obtain diplomas for work abroad, and solve related organizational issues related to moving.

Medical care for Ukrainians in the Czech Republic

Citizens of Ukraine who have been granted temporary protection in the Czech Republic are entitled to health insurance and appropriate medical care. A health insurance card can be issued at the regional centers for assistance to Ukrainian citizens, which also provide temporary protection. However, as of February 11, 2025, new rules for financing health insurance by the updated Lex Ukrajina law came into force.

Key changes to health insurance payments

From now on, the state has shortened the period of coverage of insurance premiums for persons with temporary protection. Previously, this support lasted 150 days, but starting in 2025 it will be valid for only 90 days from the date of obtaining the status.

- For those who received temporary protection before February 10, 2025, the state will cover insurance for 150 days;

- Those who obtained the status after that date will be provided with free insurance for 90 days.

After this period, only certain categories of people will be eligible for continued free insurance.

Who remains under state coverage?

Health insurance will continue to be paid for by the state for the following groups of people:

- Children under 18 years of age;

- Students under 26 years of age studying in the Czech Republic or Ukraine;

- People aged 65 and older;

- Parents taking care of one child under 7 years of age or two or more children under 15 years of age;

- Officially registered unemployed persons who are registered with the Employment Service;

- Persons with disabilities or chronic diseases;

- Persons caring for people with disabilities.

All other categories of citizens must independently resolve insurance issues after the end of the grace period.

Actions after the end of the free insurance period

If you belong to one of the categories that continue to receive free insurance, you need to confirm this status with your health insurance company. The exceptions are children under 18 and people over 65, as this is automatic for them.

Ukrainians who work under an employment contract do not have to take any additional measures - their health insurance is provided by their employer. However, in the case of work under a “Dohoda o provedení práce” or “Dohoda o pracovní činnosti” agreement, the terms of coverage must be specified separately.

Separate rules apply to entrepreneurs. They are required to notify the health insurance company of their activities and start paying monthly health insurance premiums. In 2025, the amount of the mandatory contribution is CZK 3,143. Payment must be made in advance from the 1st to the 8th of each month.

Persons without income can either register as unemployed and receive free insurance from the state, or pay the premiums of CZK 2,808 per month on their own. In this case, you need to contact the insurance company to get the details.

For more information on health insurance, you can contact the Czech Ministry of Health hotline at +420 226 201 221 or visit the official website of the Ministry. Also, many issues can be resolved remotely through a special VZP portal created for Ukrainians with temporary protection. On the website, you can extend the validity of your insurance document or get other advice on health care.

If you are planning to move to Czech Republic, you should take care of health insurance in advance. You can get advice on obtaining a policy for Ukrainians abroad at Visit Ukraine.

How to obtain Czech citizenship?

One of the main conditions is legal residence in the country for a certain period - from 5 to 10 years, depending on individual circumstances. An applicant for citizenship must be well integrated into Czech society, comply with legal requirements, have no criminal record and pay taxes on time.

The key requirement is knowledge of the Czech language. The candidate must pass a language test that assesses both written and oral language proficiency. In addition, it is necessary to confirm a stable financial situation and a steady income.

There are several ways to obtain Czech citizenship:

1. By birth - if at least one of the parents is a Czech citizen;

2. By adoption - if one of the adoptive parents is a Czech citizen;

3. Establishment of paternity - if the father of the child is a Czech citizen;

4. If a child is found in the Czech Republic - if an infant under the age of 3 is found in the country and his or her identity cannot be established;

5. Restoration of lost citizenship - for persons who used to be citizens of the Czech Republic or Czechoslovakia;

6. Marriage with a Czech citizen is one of the most common ways to acquire citizenship;

7. Naturalization or family reunification - the process of obtaining citizenship for persons who have been legally residing in the country for a long time;

8. Special cases of citizenship acquisition.

The Czech Republic may grant citizenship based on special merit. This may be a humanitarian, cultural, sports, scientific or educational contribution to the development of the state. If a person has made a significant contribution to the public life of the country, the government may consider his or her candidacy on an individual basis.

Obtaining Czech citizenship by naturalization

To become a Czech citizen, a person must meet several criteria that indicate his or her integration into society and ability to live by the laws of the country. First of all, the applicant must not pose a threat to the security of the state, its sovereignty or its democratic system.

The main condition is continuous residence in the Czech Republic for a certain period. For non-EU citizens, this period is at least 5 years. If the applicant is an EU citizen, the period is reduced to 3 years. It is also possible to obtain citizenship if a person has a permanent residence permit and the total period of stay in the Czech Republic has reached 10 years.

In addition, it is necessary to prove knowledge of the Czech language and the basics of the country's constitutional system, culture, history, and geography. Important factors are the absence of a criminal record, timely payment of taxes, and stable sources of income. Additionally, the applicant must prove that he or she has not been a burden to the state social security system.

Czech citizenship for refugees

According to paragraph 66 of Act No. 326/1999, persons with refugee status in the Czech Republic can obtain permanent residence. In most cases, this is possible after five years of residence based on refugee status. However, this period may be reduced for certain categories of persons. In particular, the spouse of a Czech citizen, if the marriage was concluded before the asylum application was submitted, as well as refugee children or minors who are dependent on the asylum seeker, are eligible for permanent residence without the mandatory five-year waiting period.

Asylum status allows you to reside in the Czech Republic for five years, which is also taken into account when calculating the required period for citizenship. The main reasons for granting asylum and international protection may be political persecution, and infringement of rights and freedoms.

Documents for obtaining Czech citizenship

The procedure for obtaining Czech citizenship involves submitting documents to the Ministry of the Interior or a local authority responsible for citizenship issues. The applicant must personally fill out an application form and prepare the required package of documents.

The list of documents may vary depending on the situation, so it is worth checking the current requirements in advance before submitting them. The standard package includes an application for citizenship written in Czech, a copy of the birth certificate, and, if necessary, marriage, divorce, or death certificates of the spouse. You will also need to provide a history of your stay in the country, an extract from the criminal record, proof of financial stability and absence of debts.

A certificate of passing the Czech language, history, and culture exam is also required. Employers may request employment contracts, tax returns, and pension insurance records.

Additionally, a curriculum vitae may be required, which describes employment, integration into society, and other aspects that may affect the decision on citizenship. The Ministry of the Interior reserves the right to request additional documents if necessary.

Thus, emigration to the Czech Republic from Ukraine requires compliance with a clear algorithm of actions, from submitting documents to legalizing your stay. All these actions require careful analysis and preparation, which is not always possible for ordinary citizens without appropriate qualifications to complete.

Therefore, we advise you to contact the migration lawyers on the Visit Ukraine platform, who will help you with emigration to Czech Republic, take care of the process of submitting documents to various structures and obtaining appropriate decisions.

Visit Ukraine lawyers provide professional advice to Ukrainians on any migration issues. To get a professional consultation, choose a specialist profile, country, and a convenient format of cooperation. Contact our managers via Telegram or WhatsApp - they will help you choose the best option for your situation. Contact our specialists to make your migration to Czech Republic go quickly and without any problems.

We remind you! Pension reform in the Czech Republic has already begun, but changes will be implemented over several years. Read more about the key features of this country and how they will affect foreigners, including Ukrainians.

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