On 5 August 2026, a new Council of the European Union implementing decision entered into force, extending the temporary-protection regime for people fleeing the war in Ukraine until 31 March 2028. In the Czech Republic, new documentary conditions also apply to certain Ukrainian nationals submitting temporary-protection applications from 5 August 2026.
WHY THIS MATTERS
The new condition introduces an additional documentary and administrative requirement for certain Ukrainian nationals applying for temporary protection in the Czech Republic. In practice, the Czech authorities may require applicants to demonstrate that they have been permanently and fully exempted from military obligations in Ukraine. Applicants who are unable to provide such evidence may not qualify for temporary protection, which could affect their planned travel, residence, and employment in the country.
Employers supporting affected individuals may need to factor the documentation requirement into relocation timelines and proposed employment start dates. Confirming whether an individual is eligible to receive the temporary protection status or needs to pursue an alternative immigration route may be essential for workforce and mobility planning.
More Details
Temporary protection may no longer be granted to Ukrainian nationals aged 18 to 60 who do not provide evidence that they have fulfilled their military obligations or have been fully exempted from them under Ukrainian law. This condition applies to initial and repeat applications for temporary protection, as well as applications for temporary protection for the purpose of family reunification, submitted from 5 August 2026 onwards.
Compliance with military obligations is demonstrated by means of an electronic military registration document (eVOD) in Ukraine’s Reserv+ application. Applicants aged 18 to 22 are required to provide evidence of registration in Reserv+ and present a printed copy of their eVOD. Applicants aged 23 to 60 are required to demonstrate that they have been fully exempted from military obligations and that this is recorded in their printed eVOD. When submitting an application, applicants are also required to demonstrate that their eVOD is up to date by allowing an official of the Czech Ministry of the Interior to view their profile in the Reserv+ application.
An important exemption applies to persons whose temporary protection was already valid on the date the decision entered into force and who maintain it without interruption. The new condition does not apply to these persons, and their temporary protection will continue to be extended in much the same way as in previous years. In the Czech Republic, applicants will again first register online and then visit a Ministry of the Interior office in person to have a new visa sticker affixed. Once both steps have been completed, the ministry will extend temporary protection until 31 March 2028.
The new rules represent a significant change for Ukrainian nationals planning to travel to the Czech Republic and apply for temporary protection after 5 August 2026, as well as for those whose previous temporary protection expired without being extended and who intend to reapply. Employers and applicants themselves could verify compliance with the new conditions before an application is submitted.
KPMG INSIGHTS
Employers and assignees may wish to consider:
- Employers could identify Ukrainian nationals whose proposed relocation or employment in the Czech Republic may depend on an initial or repeat temporary-protection application.
- Employers may review anticipated travel, and employment start dates to allow sufficient time for affected individuals to obtain and verify the required documentation before applying.
- Applicants could confirm that their Reserv+ profile and printed eVOD contain current and consistent information that can be presented to the Czech authorities.
- Employers and applicants could discuss possible immigration alternatives with a qualified immigration professional if the documentation required for temporary protection is unavailable or does not reflect the applicant’s current status.
It is fair to note that the approach adopted by the Czech authorities is considerably stricter than the interpretation reflected in the Council implementing decision. It should be noted that this practice currently lacks a clear legal basis and has been subject to considerable criticism from applicants, employers, and other stakeholders involved in the process. As the proper implementation of the Council implementing decision remains the subject of ongoing discussion, further developments in this area might be expected and changes to the current administrative practice cannot be ruled out.
If readers have any questions or concerns about the scope of the update, they should consult with their qualified immigration professional or a member of the GMS immigration team with KPMG in Czech Republic (see the Contacts section).
RELATED RESOURCE
This article is excerpted, with permission, from "EU tightens conditions for granting temporary protection to Ukrainian nationals,” published on 31 August 2026, a publication of the KPMG International member firm in Czech Republic.
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The information contained in this newsletter was submitted by the KPMG International member firm in the Czech Republic.
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