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.

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Foreigners legally residing in the Czech Republic now constitute ten percent of the total population, according to the latest figures published by the Czech Statistical Office on Wednesday. 

The number of foreigners with legal residence at the end of last year rose by 455,305 year-on-year to 1.12 million people.

Ukrainians were the nationality that saw the biggest increase in number, and they also make up over half of the total number of foreigners in Czechia, with over 630,000 registered in the country at the end of 2022.

Slovak and Vietnamese citizens respectively make up the next largest groups.

CSO Chairman Marek Rojíček highlighted that the surge was primarily attributed to foreigners with temporary residence, constituting 70% of the total, while 30% held permanent residence permits. Notably, 2,456 foreign citizens sought asylum in the Czech Republic.

The demographic landscape underwent significant changes, with an influx of mothers and children from Ukraine. Women’s representation among foreigners reached a historic high of 51.1%, up from 43.5% in 2021. Additionally, the proportion of children under 14 rose from 10.6% to 16.5% during the same period.

Despite these shifts, the ranking of the most represented nationalities remained stable. Ukrainians topped the list, experiencing a remarkable increase from 196,875 to 636,282 year-on-year, followed by Slovaks and Vietnamese. Russians, Romanians, Poles, Bulgarians, and Germans rounded out the top positions.

While the number of Romanians increased by 5%, Russians saw a slight decline of about 1,870. Citizens of the Philippines, Kazakhstan, and India recorded a notable increase in presence among foreigners in the Czech Republic.

According to labor and industry ministry statistics, approximately 905,000 foreigners were employed in the Czech Republic last year.

Ukrainian citizens, in particular, played a pivotal role in the job market, with 270,000 registered as employees, marking a 38% YoY increase.