Beginning 1 October 2026, holders of Czech temporary protection who meet a set of economic and integration criteria can formally register for a brand-new five-year residence permit known as the “special long-term stay.” The Interior Ministry announced that nearly 57 000 Ukrainians expressed interest in the status, but only 21 900 people in 13 000 households cleared the automatic pre-screening that drew on social-security, tax and health-insurance databases. Successful applicants must have spent at least two consecutive years in the Czech Republic under temporary protection, hold a valid Ukrainian passport, show no arrears in public-health premiums, prove self-sufficiency above CZK 440 000 per adult per year, and confirm that they are not drawing the humanitarian benefit. They must also demonstrate secured accommodation that meets local housing codes. Families are assessed as a single economic unit, a change that the ministry says cut the failure rate due to insufficient income from 56 % last year to 44 % this year. From today until 31 December 2026, eligible households book appointments exclusively through the Foreigners’ Information Portal. At the in-person visit, officials will verify documents and take biometrics; if all conditions are met, the applicant will receive a five-year residence sticker conferring free access to the labour market and the right to apply for permanent residence later. Those who do not qualify may continue to stay under temporary protection until that regime expires in March 2027. For mobility managers the new status is significant: staff who fled Ukraine can transition from the precarious, annually renewed temporary protection scheme to a stable five-year permit, simplifying HR planning, social-security compliance and travel scheduling. Employers should prepare to update HR files, extend payroll benefits and, where necessary, assist with proof of income or housing leases. Because the long-term stay is a national permit, holders remain exempt from intra-EU mobility rules; business trips to other EU states will still require visas where applicable. The ministry cautions that appointment slots are limited and urges companies not to book en-masse without first checking employees’ eligibility. A communication campaign in Czech, Ukrainian and English is running on social media and at regional assistance centres. The government expects the first permits to be issued before Christmas, giving qualified Ukrainian talent a clear, long-term path to remain in the Czech labour market.
