Czechia to offer long-term residence for Ukrainian refugees instead of temporary protection
Ukrainian refugees in Czechia may soon have the option to
decline temporary protection and secure long-term documentation under the
forthcoming law, Lex Ukrajina 7, slated for implementation in 2025, local
outlet proukrainu.blesk.cz
reported on April 3.
What does a special long-term type of residence in the Czech Republic entail?
The European Union is currently discussing how to further formalize the stay of refugees. The most likely option would be to extend the institution of temporary protection beyond 2025. At the same time, some EU countries are also considering the transition of refugees from temporary protection to standard long-term documents, including Czechia.
In the new Lex Ukrajina 7 law, the Czech government plans to expand the possibilities for refugees to formalize their stay. Ukrainians will be able to voluntarily switch to a special long-term type of residence. Those who do not meet the conditions or do not want to switch will be able to apply for temporary protection. At the same time, economically independent refugees who meet the conditions will be able to apply for standard long-term documents.
“The Institute of Temporary Protection for Ukrainian refugees will continue to operate,” said Vít Rakušan, the Czech interior minister.
“Some of them want to stay in the Czech Republic for a long time and have a clear perspective. Therefore, we offer economically active refugees from Ukraine the opportunity to obtain a long-term type of residence similar to that of other foreigners from non-EU countries.”
This is currently only a bill that is under discussion and will be considered as soon as the final decision is made at the European Union level.
A long-term residence permit means:
- free access to the labor market remains;
- refugees do not have to undergo an adaptation and integration course like other foreigners;
- instead of a visa sticker, they will receive a biometric card like other foreigners;
- only commercial insurance is available if the refugee is not employed (children remain in the VZP insurance system);
- all family members must apply for a long-term residence permit (for example, the mother alone cannot apply, if her child stays under temporary protection);
- refugees who have obtained a long-term residence permit will be able to register a vehicle in their name.
What are the conditions for obtaining a special type of residence?
Long-term residence in the Czech Republic will be granted under the following conditions:
- stay in the Czech Republic for at least two years;
- an external passport;
- a document proving financial security for your stay in the Czech Republic;
- a document proving that you have accommodation in the Czech Republic;
- a certificate of no criminal record;
- for children, it is also mandatory to attend school in the Czech Republic.
When and how to apply for a long-term residence permit and for how long it can be granted for
The Ministry of the Interior reports that currently, Lex Ukrajina 7 is likely to enter into force in early 2025. Initially, all refugees will continue to receive temporary protection after 2025, and then those who meet the conditions and wish to do so will be able to apply for long-term residence. The procedure for extending temporary protection after 2025 will be the same as this year: online registration and a visit to the Ministry of Internal Affairs to receive a visa sticker.
The procedure for obtaining a special type of residence permit will be similar to the extension of temporary protection:
- OAMP (the Czech Ministry of the Interior body responsible for refugees and the stay of foreigners) will not use the principle of individualized decision-making for each application in the case of refugees;
- The Czech Interior Ministry will collect all the information about each refugee and check for compliance with the conditions for obtaining long-term residence;
- refugees will be able to check whether they meet the conditions on the website of the Ministry of the Interior.
The specific terms, conditions, and procedure for obtaining a special long-term residence permit are still being discussed nonetheless. More details will be known when Lex Ukrajina 7 comes into force. Changes are still possible at the stages of discussion and adoption.
It is currently being discussed whether the special long-term residence permit will be issued for two or five years. Moreover, staying on this type of residence will be counted towards obtaining permanent residence in the Czech Republic.
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