Czech Republic Launches New Long-Term Residency Program for Ukrainians
The Czech government has announced a new application window for a special long-term residence permit (ZDP), aimed at Ukrainians currently under temporary protection. The process will begin on April 1, 2026, and involves strict eligibility criteria, including financial self-sufficiency, minimum income thresholds, continuous residence, and other requirements. This initiative represents a significant pathway for Ukrainians seeking more stable status in the Czech Republic.
According to draft amendments published on the official portal odok.gov.cz, the procedure will be conducted in two phases:
- Expression of interest applications will be accepted from April 1 to April 30, 2026;
- Registration for the status itself will run from October 1 to December 31, 2026.
It is crucial to note that all interested individuals must submit a new application for this program, including those who were not selected in the 2025 process.
Key Eligibility Criteria for Applicants
The primary criterion for obtaining the special long-term permit is complete financial independence. Applicants must not have received humanitarian assistance between October 1, 2025, and March 31, 2026. The minimum official income threshold for the main applicant for the 2025 tax year is 440,000 Czech crowns. An additional 110,000 crowns must be confirmed for each family member.
For entrepreneurs paying a lump-sum tax, the indicative income amounts are:
- 224,880 crowns for the first group;
- 336,600 crowns for the second group;
- 514,800 crowns for the third group.
Other requirements include:
- Continuous residence in the Czech Republic under temporary protection until April 1, 2026;
- Possession of state health insurance without outstanding debts by March 31;
- Officially registered place of residence;
- School-age children of applicants must meet compulsory school attendance requirements.
As noted in the explanatory memorandum, this program offers an opportunity for a portion of temporary protection holders and is not a mandatory or guaranteed next step. Successful candidates who transition to the special long-term permit will retain free access to the labor market.
This development is significant for the large Ukrainian community in the Czech Republic, as it provides a new avenue for securing long-term legal status. The introduction of stringent financial criteria may limit the number of applicants who can benefit, potentially affecting the social integration of Ukrainian refugees. The program's implementation will be closely watched as a measure of the Czech Republic's ongoing commitment to supporting displaced persons.