Prague tightens path from temporary protection to long-term residence for Ukrainians
The Czech government has approved a ‘Special Long-Term Residence Programme’ that lets only economically self-reliant Ukrainian refugees move from temporary protection to full long-term status. Applicants need two years’ residence, no welfare benefits or tax debts, school-enrolled children and household income above CZK 440,000. The move signals a pivot from blanket humanitarian support to selective labour-market integration and forces employers to verify that Ukrainian staff meet the new financial and compliance hurdles.
Feb 18, 2026
