Prague’s coalition cabinet confirmed on 12 February that it will table an amendment next week to prolong the so-called ‘Ukraine Self-Reliance Programme’, a scheme that allows economically independent Ukrainian refugees to swap temporary protection for a five-year residence permit leading to permanent status.
Under the pilot run in 2025, some 16 000 Ukrainians who could prove stable income, health insurance and suitable housing were fast-tracked to long-term residency, easing pressure on migration offices that had been issuing annual extensions. The Interior Ministry says the measure is now essential for labour-market stability: Ukrainians account for almost a third of the 1.13 million foreign nationals living in Czechia and fill chronic shortages in construction, logistics and healthcare.
The renewal, however, comes amid growing populist push-back. Junior coalition partners demand stricter asylum rules and faster deportations for offenders; opposition MPs accuse Prime Minister Andrej Babiš of “rewarding queue-jumpers.” Ministers insist that only applicants who are financially self-sufficient and tax-compliant will qualify, and that the programme actually reduces welfare costs.
![Czech Government Moves to Renew 5-Year Residency Pathway for Self-Sufficient Ukrainian Nationals]()
At this stage, many prospective applicants are already looking for professional guidance to ensure their documentation meets Czech requirements. VisaHQ’s dedicated Czech Republic platform (https://www.visahq.com/czech-republic/) can help by outlining every step—from securing apostilled bank statements to arranging certified translations—and even liaising with local authorities, streamlining the process for both refugees and the companies that employ them.
For employers the extension is welcome news. HR specialists at Škoda Auto and Foxconn told Expats.cz that five-year stability will save thousands in repeated work-permit renewals and help retain skilled staff who are currently lured away by Germany’s Blue Card. Immigration advisers nevertheless urge companies to start document collection early—bank statements, lease contracts and clean-record certificates must all be apostilled and translated before filing.
If parliament signs off before the Easter recess, applications could reopen in May, with decisions issued within 60 days. Successful candidates receive the same labour-market access as Czech citizens and can apply for permanent residence after five years of uninterrupted stay, provided they pass a Czech-language exam.
Under the pilot run in 2025, some 16 000 Ukrainians who could prove stable income, health insurance and suitable housing were fast-tracked to long-term residency, easing pressure on migration offices that had been issuing annual extensions. The Interior Ministry says the measure is now essential for labour-market stability: Ukrainians account for almost a third of the 1.13 million foreign nationals living in Czechia and fill chronic shortages in construction, logistics and healthcare.
The renewal, however, comes amid growing populist push-back. Junior coalition partners demand stricter asylum rules and faster deportations for offenders; opposition MPs accuse Prime Minister Andrej Babiš of “rewarding queue-jumpers.” Ministers insist that only applicants who are financially self-sufficient and tax-compliant will qualify, and that the programme actually reduces welfare costs.
At this stage, many prospective applicants are already looking for professional guidance to ensure their documentation meets Czech requirements. VisaHQ’s dedicated Czech Republic platform (https://www.visahq.com/czech-republic/) can help by outlining every step—from securing apostilled bank statements to arranging certified translations—and even liaising with local authorities, streamlining the process for both refugees and the companies that employ them.
For employers the extension is welcome news. HR specialists at Škoda Auto and Foxconn told Expats.cz that five-year stability will save thousands in repeated work-permit renewals and help retain skilled staff who are currently lured away by Germany’s Blue Card. Immigration advisers nevertheless urge companies to start document collection early—bank statements, lease contracts and clean-record certificates must all be apostilled and translated before filing.
If parliament signs off before the Easter recess, applications could reopen in May, with decisions issued within 60 days. Successful candidates receive the same labour-market access as Czech citizens and can apply for permanent residence after five years of uninterrupted stay, provided they pass a Czech-language exam.
