In March 2025, the Czech government approved a regulation that will allow selected holders of temporary protection to transition to a special long-term residence. The new regime is for persons who have already integrated well in the Czech Republic, are economically self-sufficient and plan to live in the country in the long term. Holders of a special long-term residence will gain greater security and stability, because their residence will be valid for up to five years compared to the usual two-year long-term residence.
They will not be required to complete an adaptation-integration course.
This regime is intended exclusively for persons who are economically self-sufficient and do not require humanitarian assistance from the state.
Who can apply?
The condition for obtaining this status is at least two years of continuous residence in the Czech Republic under the temporary protection regime, a valid travel document, good conduct, economic self-sufficiency (e.g. a minimum annual income of CZK 440,000 for an individual), and secured housing or not receiving humanitarian benefits for at least six months. Families ( so-called joint households) are assessed as a whole and children are required to complete school attendance. Interested persons are able to express their interest in obtaining such a special long-term residence permit online as of April. During the summer months the authorities will be assessing the applications and the registration itself will take place from September. Registration will be followed by a personal visit to the Ministry of the Interior and the issuance of a biometric document.
After evaluating this first round, the government will decide whether to expand the program and announce another round of registrations. The goal is to ensure a smooth transition to long-term residence for those who want to live and work in the Czech Republic for the long term, while maintaining a support system for those who still need it.