The Czech government has approved a resolution1 to confirm that holders of temporary protection would again be able to apply for the special long-term residence permit in 2026 under Lex Ukraine. This residence status, introduced in 2025, may offer a more predictable option for qualifying Ukrainian nationals.
WHY THIS MATTERS
The special long-term residence permit provides a five-year stay, free access to the Czech labour market and a pathway to selected future residence options, including permanent residency. It offers increased stability for Ukrainian nationals and may support employers in retaining employees. Early preparation may be beneficial, as financial self-sufficiency conditions continue to be rigorous.
This is underlined by the statistics from 2025 showing that only 15,000 out of 80,000 applicants met the criteria for receiving the long-term residence permit. Considering that there are currently almost 400,000 active holders of temporary protection in the Czech Republic, the special long-term residence permit remains limited in availability.
Key Highlights
The 2026 procedure is expected to follow the same structure as last year, with only one timeline adjustment, namely that the registration for the issuance of the permit is scheduled to start in October 2026 instead of September. Demand is expected to remain high due to the benefits associated with this type of residence even though the conditions are stringent.
- Expression of interest: During April 2026, the individuals wishing to receive the special long-term residence permit must express their interest by registering themselves in the Information Portal for Foreigners of the Ministry of Interior.
- Assessment of applications: Upon the initial registration round, the Ministry of Interior will assess individual applications to ascertain whether the conditions are met. Individuals who meet the criteria may proceed to the second round of registration for the long-term residence permit.
- Permit registration: After applicants are notified of meeting the conditions, they must register for the issuance of the permit itself. This step would also need to be done in the Information Portal for Foreigners and would already include scheduling the appointment for the biometric data collection, which is a mandatory step for the permit issuance.
- Permit card issuance: Once the biometrics are provided to the Immigration Office, the applicants would be invited to the final appointment for the permit card collection.
KPMG INSIGHTS
The special long-term residence permit for Ukrainian nationals marks the intention of the Czech immigration authorities to offer a longer‑term residence option to the holders of temporary protection. Nevertheless, the conditions remain rather rigorous, and based on previous years, it is expected that only a small share of applicants may qualify.
Introducing the second round of the special long-term residence permit process highlights the fact that the war in Ukraine appears to be nowhere near its end. Hence, the immigration authorities in the Czech Republic are providing an alternative way to receive a permit with more stability and outlook for the future stay.
If assignees and/or their programme managers have any questions or concerns about the scope of the update, its application and potential impacts, and appropriate next steps, they should consult with their qualified immigration professional or a member of the GMS immigration team with KPMG in the Czech Republic (see the Contacts section).
ENDNOTE:
1 Vláda České republiky, Government of the Czech Republic (in Czech), “Výsledky jednání vlády 16. února 2026,” published on 16 February 2026.
Contacts
Disclaimer
* Please note the KPMG International member firm in the United States does not provide immigration or labour law services. However, KPMG Law LLP in Canada can assist clients with U.S. immigration matters.
The information contained in this newsletter was submitted by the KPMG International member firm in Czech Republic.
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