New conditions for Ukrainians in the Czech Republic: to stay, you need to work

The government of the Czech Republic plans to launch a new campaign to facilitate the issuance of a special long-term residence permit (ZDP) for Ukrainian refugees who currently have temporary protection status. Enrollment is expected to begin in the spring of 2026.

Official changes to the regulations have already been published on the website of the Czech government. The process for obtaining a new permit involves two steps: everyone who wants to apply, including those who failed last year, will have to reapply.

It is important to emphasize that even meeting all the conditions does not guarantee an automatic permit. This applies only to a part of the applicants, and does not mean mandatory participation for all those who have the status of temporary protection.

The main requirement for switching to ZDP is financial independence. Applicants cannot receive humanitarian aid from October 1, 2025 to March 31, 2026. The minimum annual income for 2025 will be set at a certain level, and everyone who earns will be required to pay income tax and file a return by May 4, 2026. Different income thresholds will also be defined for businessmen who use the flat tax, depending on the tax group.

Among the additional criteria for obtaining a new permit: continuous stay in the Czech Republic with the status of temporary protection until April 1, 2026, valid state health insurance without debt as of March 31, officially registered place of residence, as well as compulsory school attendance by school-aged children.

Those Ukrainians who successfully obtain a special long-term permit will retain the right to free access to the labor market, which means that there is no need to issue additional employment permits.