From 2025, Ukrainians residing in the Czech Republic under temporary protection will have the opportunity to apply for a special long-term residence permit. This new status provides greater stability and legal security, but it also introduces new conditions and requirements.
If you are planning to stay in the Czech Republic beyond 2025, here’s what you need to know about this residence permit and how it differs from temporary protection.
What is the Special Long-Term Residence Permit?
This new type of residence permit is designed for Ukrainian citizens who have been staying in the Czech Republic under temporary protection. Unlike temporary protection, which is renewed based on the current situation, the special long-term residence permit is granted for five years and follows the Czech immigration law.
How is it different from Temporary Protection?
- Longer validity – granted for five years, unlike temporary protection, which requires frequent renewals.
- Easier employment access – no need for a separate work permit.
- Pathway to permanent residence – this status counts fully toward the required time for obtaining permanent residence.
- More eligibility requirements – stricter conditions apply compared to temporary protection.
- Option to change residence purpose – can be later switched to study, Blue Card, scientific research, or family reunification.
Who Can Apply?
The special long-term residence permit is not granted automatically. Applicants must meet several legal requirements:
- Expression of interest – Before applying, individuals must first extend their temporary protection and register their interest online.
- Length of stay – Must have resided in the Czech Republic under temporary protection for at least two consecutive years (not required for minors under 18).
- Criminal record – Applies to applicants aged 15 and older (it is still unclear if a criminal record extract will be required).
- Financial independence – Applicants must meet a minimum income requirement (exact amount yet to be determined by government regulations).
- No social benefits – The applicant must not have received certain humanitarian benefits within a specified period.
- Health insurance coverage – Applicants must have continuous health insurance without outstanding debts.
- Valid travel document – A valid passport is required.
- Education requirement for children – School attendance is mandatory for children aged 6–14 years.
- Secured accommodation – Applicants must provide proof of stable housing in the Czech Republic.
Key Benefits of the Special Long-Term Residence Permit
This permit offers greater stability for foreigners in the Czech Republic, as it is issued for five years, eliminating the need for annual renewals. It also allows free access to the labor market without the need for a work permit. Additionally, the time spent under this permit counts toward the period required for permanent residency. Another advantage is the flexibility to change residence purposes, making it easier to transition to other types of residence, such as the Blue Card, study, or research permits.
Important Things to Consider
Application fee – The cost of issuing the permit is 2,500 CZK (for children under 15, the fee is 1,000 CZK).
Mandatory health insurance – Individuals over 18 years old must have valid health insurance (employees are covered by the public system, while others must pay for comprehensive health insurance themselves).
No entitlement to social benefits – Holders of this permit cannot claim non-contributory benefits such as housing allowance or parental benefits.
No personal identification number (rodné číslo) – Unlike permanent residents, holders of this permit will not automatically receive a personal ID number.
Step-by-Step Guide
- Extend your temporary protection – This is required before expressing interest in the special long-term residence permit.
- Online registration – Applicants must submit their interest through the Information Portal for Foreigners.
- Review and selection process – Authorities will verify whether applicants meet the necessary conditions.
- Appointment booking – Once pre-approved, applicants must schedule an appointment for biometric data collection.
- Receiving the permit – After biometrics are processed, applicants will receive a biometric residence card valid for five years.
Important: Registering interest is valid for one year. If an applicant is not selected in the first round, they can participate in the next round within the same year.
Extending Temporary Protection in 2025
Ukrainians residing in the Czech Republic under temporary protection can extend their status until March 31, 2026. The process involves two steps:
- Online registration via the Information Portal for Foreigners, available from early 2025 until March 15, 2025.
- In-person visit at the Department of Asylum and Migration Policy, where applicants will receive a new visa sticker.
This process is crucial for all Ukrainians who wish to remain legally in the Czech Republic beyond March 2025.
Navigating the Czech immigration process can be complex, but you don’t have to do it alone. At Foreigners, we specialize in assisting expats with residence permits, visa applications, and legal advice.
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Source of text: ipv.gov.cz , ipv.gov.cz, zákonyprolidi.cz , expats.cz
Source of photo: Canva
