The Czech government has confirmed that holders of EU Temporary Protection fleeing Russia’s invasion of Ukraine will get a new chance to convert their status into a national long-term residence permit later this year. A notice published on 30 June by the European Commission summarises Prague’s decision to conduct a fresh registration round between October and December 2026. To qualify, applicants must prove at least two years of continuous stay under temporary protection, a clean criminal record, secured accommodation and annual income of at least CZK 440 000 (about €17 530). They also must have avoided humanitarian-benefit dependency for six consecutive months.
![Czechia to reopen applications for special long-term permits for self-sufficient Ukrainians]()
In that context, VisaHQ can be a valuable ally: its Czech Republic desk helps individuals and HR departments compile income evidence, secure appointment slots and track status updates for all visa and residence filings—full service details are available at https://www.visahq.com/czech-republic/
In 2025, 80 000 Ukrainians expressed interest and 17 000 were approved; officials expect a similar volume this year. The move signals a policy shift from emergency shelter toward selective integration of economically active refugees. For employers, especially in manufacturing and IT where Ukrainian talent is in demand, the new route offers longer planning horizons: the special permit is issued for five years and can transition to permanent residence. Unlike Temporary Protection, it also lifts some sectoral work-permit ceilings. NGOs have welcomed the announcement but warn that the income threshold – roughly 1.4 times the Czech median wage – may exclude low-paid essential workers. The Interior Ministry counters that the aim is to “reward self-reliance” and relieve pressure on social services. Ukrainian community groups in Prague and Brno are organising workshops to help candidates gather proof of income and accommodation leases before the October window opens. Companies that already employ Ukrainians under Temporary Protection should begin auditing payroll records and contract renewals now; only applicants with uninterrupted legal work histories will pass the economic self-sufficiency test. Relocation providers are advising clients to book biometric appointments early, as 2025 slots filled up within three weeks.
In that context, VisaHQ can be a valuable ally: its Czech Republic desk helps individuals and HR departments compile income evidence, secure appointment slots and track status updates for all visa and residence filings—full service details are available at https://www.visahq.com/czech-republic/
In 2025, 80 000 Ukrainians expressed interest and 17 000 were approved; officials expect a similar volume this year. The move signals a policy shift from emergency shelter toward selective integration of economically active refugees. For employers, especially in manufacturing and IT where Ukrainian talent is in demand, the new route offers longer planning horizons: the special permit is issued for five years and can transition to permanent residence. Unlike Temporary Protection, it also lifts some sectoral work-permit ceilings. NGOs have welcomed the announcement but warn that the income threshold – roughly 1.4 times the Czech median wage – may exclude low-paid essential workers. The Interior Ministry counters that the aim is to “reward self-reliance” and relieve pressure on social services. Ukrainian community groups in Prague and Brno are organising workshops to help candidates gather proof of income and accommodation leases before the October window opens. Companies that already employ Ukrainians under Temporary Protection should begin auditing payroll records and contract renewals now; only applicants with uninterrupted legal work histories will pass the economic self-sufficiency test. Relocation providers are advising clients to book biometric appointments early, as 2025 slots filled up within three weeks.
