The Czech government has decided to prolong – rather than phase out – the special residency pathway introduced in 2024 for economically-independent Ukrainian refugees. Speaking after Thursday’s cabinet meeting, Prime Minister Andrej Babiš confirmed that the programme, which grants an initial five-year residence permit and free access to the labour market, will be opened for a new round of applications in April. (expats.cz)
The move reflects the tightest labour market in Central Europe. Czechia’s unemployment rate is hovering just above 3 percent, while vacancies in manufacturing, healthcare and IT remain chronic. Officials say almost 613,000 Ukrainians now live legally in the country and that more than half are in paid work, collectively contributing an estimated CZK 8 billion in payroll taxes last year. By tying eligibility to proof of stable income, health insurance and housing, Prague hopes to keep those workers – and their tax receipts – in the country while avoiding welfare costs. (expats.cz)
For those navigating the complexities of Czech residence permits—whether individuals or HR teams—VisaHQ can simplify the process by offering document checks, timeline tracking and appointment scheduling through its dedicated Czech Republic portal (https://www.visahq.com/czech-republic/). The platform’s step-by-step tools help applicants assemble compliant files quickly, reducing the risk of delays in a quota-limited programme.
![Czech Cabinet Green-Lights Five-Year Residency Extension For Self-Sufficient Ukrainian Workers]()
At the same time, the ruling ANO-SPD coalition must placate populist partners who campaigned on promises of ‘tighter borders’. Interior-Ministry lawyers are therefore drafting a parallel bill that would raise penalties for companies employing undocumented staff and introduce behavioural vetting for long-term residents. Observers expect a noisy parliamentary debate, but business lobbies from the automotive heartland of Moravia to Prague’s tech sector have already welcomed the extension as “an economic necessity”.
For mobility managers, the practical takeaway is twofold. First, Ukrainian employees who obtained the five-year permit in 2024 will be able to renew it on identical terms in 2029, removing a looming retention risk. Second, HR teams have a fresh window – likely six months – to file new applications for skilled candidates still on temporary protection. The Interior Ministry says the entire process will be handled via the new Foreigners Information System, meaning less paperwork and, in most cases, only one biometric appointment.
Immigration advisers caution, however, that the quota is capped at 25,000 places and will be filled on a ‘first complete, first processed’ basis. Companies are therefore urging assignees to assemble translated diplomas, employment contracts and proof of accommodation now so that files can be uploaded the moment the electronic portal opens.
The move reflects the tightest labour market in Central Europe. Czechia’s unemployment rate is hovering just above 3 percent, while vacancies in manufacturing, healthcare and IT remain chronic. Officials say almost 613,000 Ukrainians now live legally in the country and that more than half are in paid work, collectively contributing an estimated CZK 8 billion in payroll taxes last year. By tying eligibility to proof of stable income, health insurance and housing, Prague hopes to keep those workers – and their tax receipts – in the country while avoiding welfare costs. (expats.cz)
For those navigating the complexities of Czech residence permits—whether individuals or HR teams—VisaHQ can simplify the process by offering document checks, timeline tracking and appointment scheduling through its dedicated Czech Republic portal (https://www.visahq.com/czech-republic/). The platform’s step-by-step tools help applicants assemble compliant files quickly, reducing the risk of delays in a quota-limited programme.
At the same time, the ruling ANO-SPD coalition must placate populist partners who campaigned on promises of ‘tighter borders’. Interior-Ministry lawyers are therefore drafting a parallel bill that would raise penalties for companies employing undocumented staff and introduce behavioural vetting for long-term residents. Observers expect a noisy parliamentary debate, but business lobbies from the automotive heartland of Moravia to Prague’s tech sector have already welcomed the extension as “an economic necessity”.
For mobility managers, the practical takeaway is twofold. First, Ukrainian employees who obtained the five-year permit in 2024 will be able to renew it on identical terms in 2029, removing a looming retention risk. Second, HR teams have a fresh window – likely six months – to file new applications for skilled candidates still on temporary protection. The Interior Ministry says the entire process will be handled via the new Foreigners Information System, meaning less paperwork and, in most cases, only one biometric appointment.
Immigration advisers caution, however, that the quota is capped at 25,000 places and will be filled on a ‘first complete, first processed’ basis. Companies are therefore urging assignees to assemble translated diplomas, employment contracts and proof of accommodation now so that files can be uploaded the moment the electronic portal opens.
