Roughly 80,000 Ukrainians applied for a new long-term residence permit in Czechia.

Only 15,000 people—about one in five applicants—met the strict conditions set by the Interior Ministry. Those who qualify can now register online and book an appointment with immigration authorities.

The program, launched on September 8, 2025, targets refugees who have been living in Czechia under temporary protection since the start of the war.

To qualify, applicants had to prove they:

• have lived in the country for at least two years under temporary protection,
• hold a valid travel document,
• are financially self-sufficient,
• have no criminal record,
• maintain housing,
• hold continuous health insurance without debt,
• and do not rely on humanitarian payments.

The Interior Ministry assessed eligibility using official state registers, treating families as single households.

Who Did Not Qualify

Out of nearly 47,000 households applying (representing 80,000 individuals), 35% failed to meet basic conditions such as health insurance coverage or proof of independence from welfare.

Another 45% were disqualified due to insufficient household income. In the end, just 20% of households—around 15,000 people—passed the requirements.

Among applicants:

• 81% were economically active adults,
• 18% were children.

By region, the largest share of successful applicants lives in:

• Prague – 22.5%,
• Central Bohemian Region – 15.5%,
• Plzeň Region – 14%,
• Hradec Králové Region – 3%.

What Successful Applicants Receive

Those approved must now complete registration through the Information Portal for Foreigners and book an appointment at a Ministry of Interior office.

If all conditions are confirmed, they will receive a special long-term residence permit valid for five years, with full access to the labor market and the option to later apply for permanent residency.

This permit is available only to Ukrainians who already expressed interest during the registration process. Others can continue to stay under the system of temporary protection.

The government will evaluate results from this first wave before deciding whether another round of registration will take place, and if so, under what terms.

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