More than one million foreigners are currently living in the Czech Republic, marking a significant increase over the last ten years.

This represents approximately 10% of the country’s population, according to the Czech Statistical Office. The number of foreigners has doubled compared to 2013, when roughly 500,000 were registered.

The majority of immigrants come from Ukraine, Slovakia, and Vietnam. Together, these groups make up over half of the total foreign population in Czechia. The largest increase has been among Ukrainians, partly due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, which prompted many to seek refuge in the country.

The number of Slovaks living in the Czech Republic has also risen steadily. Their close cultural ties, shared history, and lack of a language barrier continue to make the Czech Republic an attractive destination for Slovak nationals.

The Vietnamese community remains the third-largest group, maintaining a strong presence due to long-standing migration ties dating back to the 20th century.

Key Reasons for the Growth

The rise in foreign residents is closely tied to economic opportunities and improved living standards in the Czech Republic. Many foreigners relocate for employment, as the country has a low unemployment rate and a growing demand for labor in various industries. Additionally, the Czech Republic’s strategic location in Europe and its relatively low cost of living compared to Western European nations make it an appealing option.

Another factor influencing this trend is the country’s integration policies, which, although not without challenges, offer certain pathways for foreign workers and students to settle. For instance, in recent years, government programs have aimed to simplify visa processes for qualified workers in industries facing labor shortages.

Regional Distribution

Foreigners are predominantly concentrated in urban areas, with Prague hosting the largest share.

Over 20% of the capital’s residents are foreign nationals, underscoring its role as an international hub for business, education, and culture. Other regions with a significant foreign presence include Brno, Ostrava, and Central Bohemia, where industrial zones and multinational companies attract a global workforce.

Would you like us to write about your business? Find out more

The Czech Republic and Poland have been called out for breaching EU laws, following a landmark ruling by the European Court of Justice on November 19.

The court found both nations guilty of violating EU citizens’ rights by barring foreigners from joining political parties, a move that restricts their ability to run in local and European elections under the same conditions as nationals.

Under current Czech law, foreigners—including citizens from other EU member states—are prohibited from joining political parties or movements. While this may surprise some, this policy persists even in 2024, despite the Czech Republic’s status as a liberal democracy.

This rule affects not only non-EU citizens but also Slovaks and other long-term EU residents, raising questions about fairness and inclusivity in Czech political life.

Limited Participation in Political Life

A skeptic might ask: why would a foreigner want to join a Czech political party? The answer lies in how political influence works. Without party membership, foreigners lack the tools to engage fully in municipal and European elections, despite having the legal right to vote and run for office.

This poses a paradox: EU residents in the Czech Republic can stand for election but must do so as independents. Without party support, their chances of securing leadership roles or winning elections diminish significantly.

For instance, forming electoral coalitions or earning prime positions on candidate lists is far easier within a party structure. Denying foreigners this access essentially limits their role in the democratic process.

Legal Barriers to Inclusion

The Charter of Fundamental Rights and Freedoms, part of the Czech Constitution, reserves political party membership exclusively for Czech citizens (Article 20, Paragraph 2). Similarly, the Act on Association in Political Parties specifies that only Czech citizens aged 18 or older can join.

Yet, EU residents with permanent status already enjoy significant political rights in the Czech Republic. They can vote in municipal and European Parliament elections and even run as candidates. Extending party membership to these individuals seems only logical to align with their voting rights.

The European Commission began addressing Czechia’s restrictions in 2012 by opening formal proceedings for breaching EU rules.

Despite repeated criticism, Czechia has maintained that its laws comply with EU regulations.

Would you like us to write about your business? Find out more

Search