Temporary protection in the Czech Republic for Ukrainians

Temporary protection and tolerance visa in the Czech Republic for Ukrainians

The Czech Republic has granted Ukrainian citizens the opportunity to legally stay in its territory on the basis of temporary protection or a tolerance visa. These statuses allow them to live, work, study, and receive basic social and medical support.

Temporary protection for Ukrainians in EU countries has been extended until March 4, 2027, but in the Czech Republic, it must be confirmed annually through mandatory online registration and a personal visit to the Ministry of the Interior.

Tolerance visas issued in connection with the armed conflict in Ukraine have been automatically extended until March 31, 2027, in accordance with current Czech legislation. To confirm the extension, a new visa sticker must be obtained in the document.

Extension of temporary protection in the Czech Republic in 2026

To maintain legal status in 2026, online registration is mandatory.

Key dates:

• start of online registration — January 8, 2026, after 4:00 p.m.;
• end of registration — March 15, 2026.

Registration takes place exclusively through the Information Portal for Foreigners in the Czech Republic, after which you must book a date for a personal visit to the Czech Ministry of the Interior to have a new visa sticker affixed.

⚠️ Without online registration and personal presence, it is impossible to extend your status.

Social benefits for Ukrainians in the Czech Republic in 2026

Ukrainians with temporary protection status are eligible for humanitarian aid, which is intended to cover basic living expenses.

Key provisions:

• payments are provided to persons who do not receive free housing, food, and hygiene products from the state;
• the amount of assistance depends on the age and composition of the family;
• after the first months of stay, the amount may be reduced.

Payments can be made in cash or to a bank account in a Czech bank (you need to open an account).

The conditions for providing social assistance are subject to change, so it is recommended to check the current rules or seek advice before submitting an application.

Health insurance in the Czech Republic for Ukrainians

After obtaining temporary protection status:

• for the first 150 days, health insurance for Ukrainians is paid by the state;
• after this period, persons aged 18 to 65 are required to take out insurance themselves, with the exception of certain categories (students, registered unemployed persons, certain social groups).

You must notify the insurance company yourself within 8 days of the end of the 150-day period, either in person or online.

Health insurance is a mandatory requirement for legal residence in the Czech Republic. Failure to obtain insurance may result in problems with extending your status or receiving medical care.

Work and study for Ukrainians in the Czech Republic

Employment

Ukrainians with temporary protection status have free access to the Czech labor market without the need to obtain a separate work permit.

Opportunities:

• official employment;
• registration with the state employment service;
• participation in retraining programs.

Knowledge of the Czech language significantly increases the chances of finding employment, but there are also vacancies on the market without high language requirements.

Education

Ukrainian children have the right to:

- attend kindergartens and schools free of charge;

- study in adaptation classes and preparatory groups.

Ukrainians can also enroll in Czech vocational and higher education institutions in accordance with the general rules for foreigners.

Leaving the Czech Republic and termination of status

Temporary protection is not automatically revoked upon departure from the Czech Republic. However, to officially terminate your status, you must contact the Department of Asylum and Migration Policy of the Czech Ministry of the Interior.

When planning a long-term departure, moving to another country, or changing the type of stay, it is worth assessing the legal consequences in advance.

Legal assistance for Ukrainians in the Czech Republic

The procedures for extending status, obtaining insurance, combining work and study, or planning a move often raise questions.

Visit Ukraine lawyers will help you:

• understand the rules of temporary protection in the Czech Republic;
• prepare for the extension of your status;
• avoid the risk of losing your legal residence.