Czech Interior Ministry Opens Registration for New Five-Year ‘Special Long-Term Residence’ Permit

The Czech Ministry of the Interior (MoI) this morning opened online registration for a brand-new immigration status known as the Special Long-Term Residence Permit. The programme, created specifically for holders of temporary protection from Ukraine, will run from 1 October through 31 December 2026. According to the MoI, almost 57,000 protection holders—grouped in more than 33,000 family units—expressed interest during the summer pre-screening phase. Automated checks of state databases found that 38 % of those households (about 21,900 people) met all eligibility criteria, which include at least two years of continuous residence in Czechia under temporary protection, proof of economic self-sufficiency (minimum annual income CZK 440,000), no reliance on humanitarian benefits during the past six months, valid health insurance with no arrears, secure accommodation and a valid travel document. Successful applicants can now log into the Foreigners’ Information Portal (IPC) to book an in-person appointment at one of the Interior Ministry offices. At the visit, officials will verify original documents, capture biometrics and issue a five-year residence card that grants free access to the Czech labour market and a possible pathway to permanent residence after three years. Those who do not yet meet the criteria may continue to stay under temporary protection, which remains valid until at least March 2027. For employers, the new status provides greater certainty: unlike temporary protection, the special permit can be extended and is not tied to developments in the war in Ukraine. Companies with Ukrainian staff are therefore advised to encourage eligible employees to register early, since appointment slots are expected to fill quickly in Prague, Central Bohemia and Plzeň—regions where 51 % of qualifying households are concentrated. The MoI has also published multilingual step-by-step guides and FAQs on the IPC to facilitate the process. The rollout is the first practical test of Czechia’s broader draft Act on the Entry and Residence of Migrants, which aims to merge humanitarian and economic migration tools into a single, digital-by-default system by 2029. Observers say the special permit could serve as a template for future skills-based or humanitarian pathways if it proves administratively manageable. From a mobility-management perspective, HR teams should map affected assignees, prepare income confirmations and book translation services where needed. Travellers should note that the new online portal requires either BankID or another recognised Czech electronic identity to log in; early troubleshooting of e-identity access is therefore recommended.