CZECH REPUBLIC – Updates to temporary protection and new long-stay residence permit.

February 21, 2025

By: Clara Excler, Associate, Newland Chase Advisory

Since the onset of the armed conflict in Ukraine in 2022, the Czech Republic has been one of the countries that has welcomed the most Ukrainian nationals, followed by Germany and Poland. Over 300,000 Ukrainian people now live in Czech Republic, with the vast majority having been granted Temporary Protection under EU law, which was introduced in March 2022.

Under Czech law, Temporary Protection is currently valid until 31 March 2025. However, it has recently been extended until 31 March 2026 (Lex Ukraine 7 law amendment), in line with the latest extension approved by the European Council.

Requirements and deadlines.

As in previous years, extending Temporary Protection requires online registration followed by a personal visit to the Interior Ministry to receive the new visa sticker.

• The process must be completed by March 15, 2025.
• After online registration, a confirmation message will be sent to the individual. Registered users can also generate a confirmation of electronic registration for the extension of Temporary Protection in PDF format, e.g. for the purpose of proving the extension of the Temporary Protection to employers.
• The Temporary Protection extension can also be verified on the portal for Foreigners by entering the case number assigned during registration and the individual’s date of birth.
• Individuals who do not complete the extension by March 31, 2025 will lose the benefits of the Temporary Protection, including the right to work.

Under the latest amendment to Czech law (Lex Ukraine 7), a new residence permit will be introduced, granting eligible individuals a five-year residence permit, known as the “special long-term residence permit”.

• Individuals must first complete the Temporary Protection extension process to maintain valid rights until March 31, 2026.
• Afterward, they will need to express interest in the special long-term residence permit. The application for Expression of Interest will be available online through the Information Portal for Foreigners, but only once the registration for the Temporary Protection extension has closed.

Newland Chase insights.

Employers should ensure that employees and their family members complete the Temporary Protection extension by the deadline of March 15, 2025 and obtain a copy of the renewed visa to confirm continued work authorization in the Czech Republic.

Further details on the special long-term residence permit will be provided once the application process is launched. Please reach out to your Newland Chase dedicated contact or submit an inquiry should you have any specific questions regarding this announcement.

This immigration update is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for legal or scenario-specific advice. Furthermore, it is important to note that immigration announcements are subject to sudden and unexpected changes. Readers are encouraged to reach out to Newland Chase for any case- or company-specific assessments.