The Czech government approves extension of temporary protection for Ukrainian refugees
The Czech government has approved changes to the Lex Ukrajina bill, which concerns the stay of Ukrainian refugees in the country. According to these changes, temporary protection for Ukrainians has been extended for another year, until March 2026. Ukrainians have also been offered the opportunity to switch to long-term residence (dlouhodobý pobyt) for five years.
Conditions for obtaining long-term residence
«Long-term residence does not replace temporary protection, but offers an alternative for those who want to live in the Czech Republic for a long time and meet the conditions that a foreigner usually has to fulfill to obtain a standard residence permit here,» said Deputy Prime Minister Vlastimil Valek.
To obtain a permit for long-term residence, Ukrainians must have continuous stay in the Czech Republic with temporary protection for two years, a valid passport, no legal problems, employment and economic self-sufficiency (not receiving humanitarian aid), registered place of residence, and children of school age.
Process of switching to long-term residence
Registration for those wishing to switch to long-term residence is expected to start in the middle of the next year. Applications must concern the entire family. To obtain permanent residence in the Czech Republic, one must live here for five years. In the case of temporary protection, one year counts as half a year. The bill still needs to be approved by the Czech parliament.
Assistance provided to Ukrainian refugees
Ukrainian refugees with temporary protection status will also be provided with assistance from the Czech Republic to return to their homeland, including special medical transport.
