Special long-term residence or a second chance for Ukrainians to live a stable life in the Czech Republic

Olena has been living in the Czech Republic for the third year. She works, her children go to school, and the family is gradually building a new home here. Yet every year he asks the same question: What's next?

Temporary protection allows her and her children to legally reside and work in the Czech Republic (currently extended until March 2027), but her future is still dependent on another decision by the European Union.

That is why for many Ukrainians the so-called special long-term residence (ZDP) is a key issue, which represents a more stable and predictable solution over the longer term.

Reopening of applications in April 2026

The opportunity to obtain a special long-term residency reopens in April 2026. It is necessary to express interest by April 30, 2026, through the portal of the Ministry of the Interior.

However, it is important to emphasize that the expression of interest alone does not automatically imply obtaining residency. The authorities assess the fulfilment of the conditions retroactively on the basis of data available from Czech registers.

Who has a chance to succeed?

The basic condition is a continuous two-year stay in the Czech Republic on the basis of temporary protection as of April 1, 2026 and a valid travel document.

In addition, the applicant must meet several criteria:

• integrity
• secured housing
• no arrears on health insurance
• proper schooling of children
• non-receipt of a humanitarian benefit within the specified period
• filing a tax return no later than May 4, 2026

The key is the financial criterion

But the most common obstacle is economic self-sufficiency. For 2026, the income for 2025 will be assessed.

The minimum limit is set at CZK 440,000 per year, and for a joint household the amount is increased by CZK 110,000 for each additional person. Income is assessed in aggregate for the whole family.

Statistics from last year show that it was this criterion that posed a fundamental problem. Although some 80,000 people expressed an interest in special long-term residency, only around 17,000 applicants succeeded. The main reason for the refusal was non-compliance with the financial condition.

What does ZDP bring?

For those who meet the conditions, a special long-term stay means significantly more security:

• the permit is issued for up to 5 years,
  
• the holder has free access to the labour market,
  
• the period of residence shall be counted for a future application for permanent residence,
  
• there is no annual uncertainty associated with the extension of temporary protection.
  

However, it should be taken into account that this type of residence does not establish entitlement to social benefits, and holders are not automatically assigned a birth number. However, it should be taken into account that this type of residence does not establish entitlement to social benefits and holders are not assigned a birth number.

Stability in exchange for self-sufficiency

For many Ukrainian families, a special long-term stay represents a real chance for a stable life in the Czech Republic, which, however, is conditional on economic self-sufficiency and proper integration into society.

For employers and HR departments alike, 2025 is therefore crucial. It is the amount of income for this period that will decide whether their Ukrainian employees will meet the conditions.

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