Czech Republic Immigration

After 2022, most Ukrainians living in the Czech Republic will do so on the basis of temporary protection. This status allows them to legally reside and work in the country without applying for a traditional long-term permit.

What rights does temporary protection grant?

As a rule, a person receives:

• legal residence in the country;
• access to the labor market;
• access to the healthcare system according to the rules applicable to this status;
• education for children;
• the ability to open bank accounts;
• access to social support (under certain conditions);
• short-term trips to other countries in the Schengen area (usually up to 90 days in a 180-day period, without changing their place of residence).

Is it possible to stay permanently with temporary protection?

No. Temporary protection is a temporary mechanism that is extended by EU decisions and implemented through Czech procedures. For long-term residence, a transition to other types of permits is usually considered.

For detailed information on temporary protection in the Czech Republic for Ukrainians in 2026, follow the link.

Ukrainians can apply for standard residence permits in accordance with the rules for third-country nationals.

The most common grounds

• employment (Employee Card / Zaměstnanecká karta)
• EU Blue Card
• entrepreneurial activity (živnostenské oprávnění — under certain conditions)
• study
• family reunification

The first long-term residence permit in the Czech Republic is usually issued for a period of 1 to 2 years, depending on the grounds and the documents submitted. After this period, it can be extended provided that the grounds for residence remain valid.

Where to submit the application

- The first long-term visa (nad 90 dnů) is usually submitted through a Czech consulate or diplomatic mission abroad.

- Applications for long-term residence (dlouhodobý pobyt), extension of a permit, or change of the basis for residence are usually submitted in the Czech Republic at the Ministry of the Interior (MOI), Department of Asylum and Migration Policy (OAMP).

❗️ The specific place of submission depends on the type of permit and your current residence status.

General procedure and documents

1. Choose a basis (work/study/family, etc.).

2. Prepare a package of documents:

• passport;
• standard application form;
• proof of accommodation;
• document confirming the purpose of stay (contract/certificate from an educational institution/family documents, etc.);
• proof of financial support (as required for the specific type);
• medical insurance.

3. Submit your application (to the consulate or MOI/OAMP, depending on the case).

4. Wait for a decision: the time frame depends on the type of permit. For example, for an Employee Card, the legal processing time is often specified as 60 days, in exceptional cases it can be 90 days. For other permits, the time frame may be longer.

5. Receive a biometric card (after a positive decision).

Current application forms for each type of permit can be found on the official portal for foreigners of the Czech Ministry of the Interior at this link.

📌 Important: the grounds must correspond to the actual activity — otherwise, the permit may be refused, not renewed, or revoked.

❗️ For safe relocation, travel, or employment in a new country, you will need medical insurance. You can purchase an extended policy on our website at the link.

Permanent residence (trvalý pobyt) is one of the most stable statuses in the Czech Republic for foreigners. It provides broad rights in the field of labor and social guarantees and is the basis for applying for citizenship.

What does TRP give you

• permanent residence;
• free access to the labor market;
• access to the public health insurance system (according to the rules for this status);
• social guarantees (under certain conditions);
• simplified access to banking products (loans, mortgages);
• simplification in terms of long-term planning.

When can you apply for TRP?

General rule: you can apply after 5 years of continuous residence, which is counted as “continuous residence” (with certain limits on absence during the entire period of residence).

📌 Important: long trips outside the Czech Republic may interrupt the continuity of residence (in particular, absence for more than 6 months in a row or exceeding the annual limits).

Basic requirements for obtaining

• confirmation of continuous residence;
• knowledge of the Czech language (often A2 is required for TRP — depending on the grounds/exceptions);
• no serious offenses;
• fulfillment of tax/insurance obligations;
• actual residence in the Czech Republic.

How to apply for permanent residence?

An application for permanent residence (trvalý pobyt) is submitted in person at the Czech Ministry of the Interior — Department of Asylum and Migration Policy (MOI / OAMP) at the place of registered residence.

The most common reasons for refusal are:

- interruptions in legal status

- long stays outside the Czech Republic

- errors in address registration

- medical insurance debts

- incorrect calculation of years of residence

💡 Tip from Visit Ukraine

To avoid mistakes and go through the procedure without stress, we recommend contacting specialists.

Visit Ukraine's immigration lawyers will help you:

• choose the right basis for residence;
• check or compile a package of documents;
• meet deadlines and requirements;
• maintain legal status in the Czech Republic.

Citizenship can be acquired in various ways, but for most foreigners, the main route is conferment of citizenship after fulfilling the conditions of the law.

The main route: naturalization (granting of citizenship)

According to the official portal, the applicant must normally:

• have been permanently resident in the Czech Republic for at least 5 years, or
• be a permanent resident and have lived legally for a total of at least 10 years (including previous types of residence).

The following are also usually checked:

• knowledge of the Czech language (usually level B1 for citizenship) and an exam on “realities” (society/institutions/culture)
• no debts (taxes, fines, insurance)
• center of vital interests in the Czech Republic (work, housing, tax history, social ties)

Other grounds for acquiring citizenship

- by birth/origin (when one of the parents is a Czech citizen);

- establishment of paternity;

- adoption by a Czech citizen;

- special services to the state (exceptional cases).

Does buying real estate give you the right to reside?

No. Buying real estate in the Czech Republic is not a basis for a residence permit — another legal basis is required (work, study, family, business, etc.).

Is dual citizenship allowed?

Yes. The Czech Republic allows dual citizenship.

💡 Advice from Visit Ukraine

To ensure a safe move to a new country, we recommend consulting a specialist. Our qualified specialists with legal education will help you avoid unpleasant situations during migration.