Czech Republic Residency 2026: Changes, New Rules & How to Obtain

New Rules for Obtaining Czech Republic Residency: ZDP for Ukrainians

Autumn 2026 marked a pivotal moment for many Ukrainian citizens in the Czech Republic under temporary protection. The Czech Ministry of Interior published the results of applications for a special long-term residence permit (ZDP) — zvláštní dlouhodobý pobyt. This status, issued for five years, provides a more stable position compared to temporary protection and is a crucial step for those planning a long-term stay in the country.

The period of stay under ZDP is fully counted towards the calculation for future permanent residency, unlike temporary protection, which is only half-counted.

How did the ZDP registration process work?

From October 1 to December 31, 2026, online registration for ZDP was open via the Information Portal for Foreigners (ipc.gov.cz). Applicants who successfully passed the preliminary check gained access to registration and could schedule a personal visit to the Ministry of Interior to submit biometric data.

Conditions for obtaining ZDP:

• Preliminary check: As of October 1, 2026, the results of the basic criteria check (length of stay, health insurance, receipt of benefits) were available in personal accounts. Conditions were indicated by color: green, yellow, or gray allowed the procedure to continue.
• Validity of travel document: The passport or other travel document must be valid both on the day of biometric data submission and on the day of receiving the ZDP card.
• Registered address of residence: At the time of biometric submission and card collection, the applicant must have an officially registered address in the Czech Republic that is not an administrative authority’s address. The address can be checked via Portál občana.
• Continuity of temporary protection: Temporary protection must remain continuous until the ZDP card is received.

It is important to note that registration and biometric data submission do not automatically mean a transition to ZDP. The new status is granted only after receiving the biometric card.

Who benefits from transitioning to ZDP?

Transitioning to ZDP is not beneficial for everyone. Rules for health insurance and access to certain social benefits change. Therefore, before making a decision, it is necessary to carefully weigh one’s work and family situation.

Compared to the previous year, interest in ZDP has decreased: the number of applicants fell from 81,873 to 56,503 people (by 31%). The proportion of those who did not meet the basic criteria decreased to 18% (compared to 35% a year earlier). All requirements were met by 38% of families, whereas a year ago this figure was 19%.

Those who did not pass the check retain the right to remain in the Czech Republic under temporary protection.

Restrictions for Conscription Age and New Avenues for Labor Migration in the Czech Republic

As of August 2026, the Czech government narrowed the scope of temporary protection status for Ukrainians subject to military conscription in Ukraine. New applicants from this category are no longer entitled to temporary protection.

Instead, the Czech Republic is actively opening new opportunities for labor migration, offering a transition from the emergency regime of temporary protection to standard types of stay. This applies to both those already in the Czech Republic and those who are just planning to come to obtain a Czech Republic long-term visa.

Expanding Opportunities for Work Visas

The Czech government approved changes expanding opportunities for obtaining work visas and residence permits for Ukrainian citizens. This includes short-term work visas and long-term residence permits, such as the “employee card” (zaměstnanecká karta) and the “blue card” (modrá karta) for highly qualified specialists.

Previously, Ukrainian citizens who had or currently have temporary protection in the Czech Republic could not apply for an “employee card” at Czech consular offices in Ukraine. This restriction has been lifted, opening new prospects for those who wish to transition to standard grounds for residence and work.

The goal of these changes is to bring economically motivated migration back into standard frameworks, separating it from the humanitarian regime of temporary protection, and to prepare for a possible increase in labor migration from Ukraine after the end of the military conflict.

For wealthy individuals considering the Czech Republic as an option for relocation abroad, these changes may be particularly relevant. The possibility of obtaining Czech Republic residency through employment, especially for highly qualified specialists, provides a more predictable and stable path to long-term stay.

Reduction of Temporary Humanitarian Housing Facilities

Due to reduced demand for temporary refugee housing, the Czech government decided to halve the overall capacity of accommodation facilities provided by regions – from 20,000 to 10,000 people.

This change means that newly arrived refugees without their own housing can still receive state-funded accommodation for up to 90 days after receiving temporary protection, but the number of available places has decreased.

What do the New Czech Republic Residency Rules Mean for Russians, Belarusians, and Israelis?

Although the main Czech Republic visa updates 2026 concern Ukrainian citizens, they form the general context of the country’s migration policy. The Czech Republic aims for more orderly and economically oriented migration, which may affect obtaining Czech Republic residency for Russians, Belarusians, Israelis, and other non-EU citizens.

For citizens of Russia and Belarus wishing to obtain Czech Republic residency, standard grounds remain relevant, such as:

• Employment: Obtaining an “employee card” or “blue card” with a job offer from a Czech employer.
• Business immigration: Starting your own business or investing in an existing one. This may be more complex than in some other countries, but with a clear business plan and sufficient financial resources, it is possible.
• Study: Enrollment in Czech educational institutions.
• Family reunification: If a close relative already has Czech Republic residency or citizenship.

It is important to consider that the political situation may affect the process of obtaining residence permits for citizens of certain countries. It is recommended to thoroughly study current requirements and consult with immigration lawyers to understand how to get Czech Republic residency in your specific situation. For instance, understanding Spain tax residency myths and reality can offer a broader perspective on international immigration nuances.

For those considering the Czech Republic as part of their international strategy, it is also important to consider the nuances of tax residency and asset planning. Investments in real estate in the Czech Republic do not automatically grant residency but can be part of an overall strategy if other grounds exist.

FAQ: Czech Republic Residency 2026

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