On 15 March 2026, Government Regulation No. 28/2026 Coll., amending Government Regulation No. 86/2025 Coll. on the details of registration for a special long-term residence permit, entered into force.
In addition to temporary protection, selected foreign nationals also have the option to apply for a special long-term residence permit. An application for the extension of temporary protection had to be submitted by 15 March 2026; otherwise, temporary protection will expire on 31 March 2026.
The process of obtaining a special long-term residence permit takes place in several steps:
- Expression of interest (April 2026 – online)
- Assessment of compliance with the conditions by the Ministry of the Interior
- Online registration for the special long-term residence permit (October–December 2026)
- Visit to a Ministry of the Interior office and collection of biometric
- Issuance of a residence permit.
Expression of Interest
An expression of interest in a special long-term residence permit is submitted via an electronic form on the website of the Ministry of the Interior. A means of electronic identification must be used. For persons under 18 years of age, the expression of interest is submitted by their legal representative. The expression of interest remains valid for one year.
Spouses living in the same household must both submit an expression of interest and must also include any children living in the same household. These persons are then assessed jointly.
Assessment of the Conditions
The Ministry of the Interior subsequently assesses whether the statutory conditions are met, in particular:
- continuous residence in the Czech Republic for at least 2 years on the basis of temporary protection,
- a valid travel document,
- public health insurance with no outstanding arrears,
- sufficient income and compliance with tax obligations,
- not having received humanitarian benefits during the prescribed period,
- a registered place of residence in the Czech Republic,
- in the case of children, compliance with compulsory school attendance.
Advantages of the Special Long-Term Residence Permit
- residence authorisation for up to 5 years,
- free access to the labour market,
- no obligation to complete an adaptation and integration course.
HR Legal Update 03/2026 download here.