Fresh figures released on February 21 by the Czech Labour and Social Affairs Ministry reveal that humanitarian payments to Ukrainian refugees under temporary-protection status cost the state CZK 8.8 billion (€358 million) in 2025, while taxes and social-security contributions from the same group exceeded CZK 20 billion. The result: a positive fiscal balance of CZK 11.7 billion, equal to roughly 0.15 % of GDP.(mezha.net)
According to the ministry, 210,000 Ukrainians are now formally employed—about a quarter of the country’s entire foreign workforce. Employment is concentrated in manufacturing, construction, healthcare and elder-care, sectors where domestic labour shortages persist despite slowing economic growth. Deputy Labour Minister Daniela Pešková said the data “confirm that temporary protection is not a cost centre but an investment in the labour market,” adding that employers who depend on Ukrainian staff can expect processing times for employment cards to be shortened from the current 60 days to 30 days in the next quarter.(mezha.net)
For employers and refugees alike who need help navigating Czech immigration rules, VisaHQ provides an easy online pathway to arrange work visas, residence permits and other documentation. The platform’s digital wizards, document-check services and courier options can save weeks of processing time—especially useful if temporary protection holders wish to convert to long-term residence under the coming reforms. Learn more at https://www.visahq.com/czech-republic/
![Ukrainian refugees become net contributors to Czech budget, new data show]()
The report also notes a downward trend in the number of households receiving subsistence allowances, suggesting increasing self-sufficiency. Over the four years since Russia’s invasion, cumulative humanitarian spending has reached CZK 32.4 billion, offset by at least CZK 42 billion in direct fiscal revenue. Economists at Komerční banka estimate the indirect contribution—through higher consumption and VAT—could add another CZK 6–8 billion per year.
For global-mobility and HR teams, the findings strengthen the case for extending fixed-term contracts and offering vocational Czech-language training to refugee employees. The Interior Ministry is expected to publish a draft amendment next month that would allow holders of temporary protection to convert to standard long-term residence after two years of continuous employment, rather than the current five. If adopted, the change could lock in scarce skills for the automotive, IT and healthcare industries.
At the same time, populist parties have called for stricter benefit caps. Business associations warn that any sudden policy reversal could trigger a loss of up to 4 % of industrial output during the current investment cycle. The latest numbers give the pro-integration camp fresh ammunition ahead of the Senate debate scheduled for March 10.
According to the ministry, 210,000 Ukrainians are now formally employed—about a quarter of the country’s entire foreign workforce. Employment is concentrated in manufacturing, construction, healthcare and elder-care, sectors where domestic labour shortages persist despite slowing economic growth. Deputy Labour Minister Daniela Pešková said the data “confirm that temporary protection is not a cost centre but an investment in the labour market,” adding that employers who depend on Ukrainian staff can expect processing times for employment cards to be shortened from the current 60 days to 30 days in the next quarter.(mezha.net)
For employers and refugees alike who need help navigating Czech immigration rules, VisaHQ provides an easy online pathway to arrange work visas, residence permits and other documentation. The platform’s digital wizards, document-check services and courier options can save weeks of processing time—especially useful if temporary protection holders wish to convert to long-term residence under the coming reforms. Learn more at https://www.visahq.com/czech-republic/
The report also notes a downward trend in the number of households receiving subsistence allowances, suggesting increasing self-sufficiency. Over the four years since Russia’s invasion, cumulative humanitarian spending has reached CZK 32.4 billion, offset by at least CZK 42 billion in direct fiscal revenue. Economists at Komerční banka estimate the indirect contribution—through higher consumption and VAT—could add another CZK 6–8 billion per year.
For global-mobility and HR teams, the findings strengthen the case for extending fixed-term contracts and offering vocational Czech-language training to refugee employees. The Interior Ministry is expected to publish a draft amendment next month that would allow holders of temporary protection to convert to standard long-term residence after two years of continuous employment, rather than the current five. If adopted, the change could lock in scarce skills for the automotive, IT and healthcare industries.
At the same time, populist parties have called for stricter benefit caps. Business associations warn that any sudden policy reversal could trigger a loss of up to 4 % of industrial output during the current investment cycle. The latest numbers give the pro-integration camp fresh ammunition ahead of the Senate debate scheduled for March 10.
