Czech Republic Hosts Largest Ukrainian Community: 570,000 Residents, 200,000 with Permanent Status

Ukrainian Immigration to the Czech Republic

According to ХВИЛЯ: At the start of 2026, the Czech Republic has become the leading destination for Ukrainian immigrants, hosting a community of over 570,000 individuals. This significant influx is largely a result of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, which has driven many to seek safety and stability in neighboring European nations. Of this population, 200,000 people have already secured permanent resident status, a key step that facilitates their long-term integration into Czech society.

The Path to Czech Citizenship for Ukrainians

Ukrainians wishing to settle in the Czech Republic long-term must navigate a multi-stage naturalization process. The standard residency requirement for citizenship is 10 years, though this is reduced to 5 years for citizens of other European Union member states. Citizenship becomes possible after holding a permanent residence permit (PRP) for 5 years, which itself can be obtained after 5 years of legal stay in the country.

To obtain a long-term (Type D) visa for purposes such as:

• study,
• work,
• family reunification, or
• investment,

an application fee of approximately 20 euros is required. Processing a temporary residence permit costs 100 euros, while a permanent residence permit ranges from 40 to 100 euros. Applicants must also budget for mandatory tests: a language exam costing 150 euros and a test on Czech cultural and civic realities for 80 euros.

The administrative fee for a citizenship application is between 12 and 20 euros, and issuing the final passport costs from 4 to 24 euros. For former citizens of Czechoslovakia, the passport application process takes up to 60 days, with an administrative fee of 98 euros. A notable advantage for many immigrants is that Czech law does not require renunciation of one's previous citizenship, allowing for dual nationality.

Consequently, the Czech Republic remains an attractive destination for Ukrainians seeking new opportunities for life and work. The country's supportive immigration framework and multiple pathways to citizenship reflect a society open to new residents. This development is likely to play a key role in the nation's future demographic and economic stability, as immigrants contribute significantly to the workforce and enhance cultural diversity.