The Czech government has decided to extend its "special long-term stay" programme that offers a simplified route to permanent residence—and eventually citizenship—for Ukrainian refugees who have proved they can support themselves. At its meeting on 17 February 2026 the coalition led by Prime Minister Andrej Babiš voted to renew the scheme first launched after Russia’s 2022 invasion. Far-right junior partner SPD had threatened to block the renewal, arguing that the criteria were too lenient and encouraged a permanent influx. In the end SPD’s three ministers were out-voted, and Interior Minister Lubomír Metnar (ANO) stressed that the government would "not water down" existing financial and language requirements, but neither would it make them tougher.
Under the programme, Ukrainian nationals who have held temporary protection in Czechia for at least two years and who can demonstrate an annual income of CZK 440,000 (plus CZK 110,000 per dependent), clean criminal records, continuous health-insurance coverage and secure housing may apply for a five-year residence permit. The permit confers free access to the labour market and, after five years’ uninterrupted stay, eligibility to apply for permanent residence— a prerequisite for citizenship. Last year 80,000 Ukrainians applied; fewer than 17,000 were approved, largely because they could not meet the income test.
For individuals and employers who find Czech immigration paperwork daunting, VisaHQ can streamline the process. The company’s portal (https://www.visahq.com/czech-republic/) lets users check requirements for Czech visas and residence permits, upload documents securely and arrange courier pickups, saving valuable time and reducing errors that could delay approval.
![Czech cabinet keeps easier citizenship track for self-reliant Ukrainian refugees despite SPD opposition]()
For employers, particularly in construction, care services and health care, the decision is good news: according to the Labour Office, some 210,000 Ukrainian protection holders are already working and plugging acute labour shortages. Business groups had warned that losing experienced staff would aggravate wage inflation and hurt export competitiveness. Municipalities—many of which rely on Ukrainian workers for public-service jobs—also lobbied for continuation.
The renewal signals that Prague is doubling down on an economic-needs-based model of immigration while trying to assuage populist concerns. Observers note that the scheme aligns with EU discussions on transitioning from temporary protection to more permanent statuses before the current EU-wide safeguard expires in March 2027. Companies should review payroll records to ensure that employees who may qualify start gathering the required documentation early; applications open on 1 March and must be submitted online via the Interior Ministry’s portal.
Practically, Ukrainian assignees and their employers should budget extra time: the Interior Ministry expects processing volumes similar to last year and warns that appointments at regional offices will be scarce in the spring. Intra-company transferees who switch to the special long-term status retain their right to free movement within the Schengen Area for business trips, making the permit attractive to multinationals with hubs in Prague and Brno.
Under the programme, Ukrainian nationals who have held temporary protection in Czechia for at least two years and who can demonstrate an annual income of CZK 440,000 (plus CZK 110,000 per dependent), clean criminal records, continuous health-insurance coverage and secure housing may apply for a five-year residence permit. The permit confers free access to the labour market and, after five years’ uninterrupted stay, eligibility to apply for permanent residence— a prerequisite for citizenship. Last year 80,000 Ukrainians applied; fewer than 17,000 were approved, largely because they could not meet the income test.
For individuals and employers who find Czech immigration paperwork daunting, VisaHQ can streamline the process. The company’s portal (https://www.visahq.com/czech-republic/) lets users check requirements for Czech visas and residence permits, upload documents securely and arrange courier pickups, saving valuable time and reducing errors that could delay approval.
For employers, particularly in construction, care services and health care, the decision is good news: according to the Labour Office, some 210,000 Ukrainian protection holders are already working and plugging acute labour shortages. Business groups had warned that losing experienced staff would aggravate wage inflation and hurt export competitiveness. Municipalities—many of which rely on Ukrainian workers for public-service jobs—also lobbied for continuation.
The renewal signals that Prague is doubling down on an economic-needs-based model of immigration while trying to assuage populist concerns. Observers note that the scheme aligns with EU discussions on transitioning from temporary protection to more permanent statuses before the current EU-wide safeguard expires in March 2027. Companies should review payroll records to ensure that employees who may qualify start gathering the required documentation early; applications open on 1 March and must be submitted online via the Interior Ministry’s portal.
Practically, Ukrainian assignees and their employers should budget extra time: the Interior Ministry expects processing volumes similar to last year and warns that appointments at regional offices will be scarce in the spring. Intra-company transferees who switch to the special long-term status retain their right to free movement within the Schengen Area for business trips, making the permit attractive to multinationals with hubs in Prague and Brno.
