If you are planning to leave Ukraine and need information about legislation, rights, temporary protection or services in a foreign country, contact us and book an online appointment on our website. Our lawyers will provide answers to your questions and help you find a solution to your problem. We understand that legal matters can create stress and anxiety, but our professionals are ready to take responsibility and relieve you and your family of unnecessary burden.
Who is this information for?
Temporary protection is granted to citizens of Ukraine and persons who had a permanent place of residence in Ukraine before the invasion of Russia and whose departure to their country of origin is impossible for them, as well as their family members.
Czech Republic: immigration information
What documents do I need for entry?
You need a Ukrainian biometric passport or a passport of a citizen of Ukraine in the form of an ID card. Entry without a passport of a citizen of Ukraine in the form of an ID card is possible, but not guaranteed.
How can I enter if I do not have a biometric passport?
See the question above.
How long can I stay here?
You can stay for up to 90 days without any additional documentation. You can also apply for temporary protection for up to a year.
Are there any Covid requirements and if so what are they?
For displaced persons, all entry requirements under the rules against the spread of COVID-19 are waived.
Where can I register for temporary protection?
In the Ministry of Internal Affairs or the Police of the Czech Republic. The presence of all Czech authorities is ensured in the temporary branches of the Special Regional Assistance Centers.
Regional Centers of Assistance to Ukraine (KACPU) have been created for the registration of citizens of Ukraine arriving in the Czech Republic. The list of centers and additional information can be found here . Within 30 days from the moment of arrival, registration with the police is mandatory in the department for residence of foreign citizens of the Police Service for Foreigners.
See https://www.policie.cz/sluzba-cizinecke-policie.aspx (CZ)
https://www.policie.cz/clanek/Police-of-the-Czech-Republic.aspx (in English).
More information from the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Czech Republic:
phone +420 974 801 802 (24 hours);
e-mail ukrajina@mvcr.cz ;
website https://www.mvcr.cz/clanek/informace-pro-obcany-ukrajiny.aspx
How long do you have to wait to get temporary protection status?
You must receive temporary protection immediately upon arrival.
What rights do I have while waiting for temporary protection?
You must obtain protection immediately (see above). Before you get it, you are considered a tourist. Emergency care is provided regardless of status, but the scope of support is limited.
What documents are required to obtain temporary protection?
Completed form (templates here and here ), passport and possibly a photo upon request.
Comprehensive information about the procedure is available here .
What document(s) will I receive after being granted temporary protection?
You will receive a visa sticker in your travel document. If this is not possible, you can get a temporary document to confirm your status.
Can I become a citizen after receiving temporary protection? How long do I have to stay to be eligible?
The right to permanent residence is granted to foreigners after at least 5 years of continuous residence, but the period of temporary protection is not included.
Can I move freely within the country and the European Union with temporary protection status?
Yes, you can travel within the country and within the Schengen area with an affixed visa.
Can I apply for asylum with temporary protection status?
If you have temporary protection status, any asylum proceedings will be suspended until that status expires. You will still be able to apply for asylum when your temporary protection expires. If a displaced person who has been granted temporary protection applies for international protection (asylum), this procedure will be suspended for the period of validity of temporary protection. After the expiration of temporary protection, it will be possible to continue the asylum procedure.
How to apply for asylum?
See above: in fact, you will be able to apply for asylum only after the expiration of temporary protection.
If I have family members outside of Ukraine, can I apply for family reunification? If so, in what way?
There is no special process for family reunification. If they are citizens of Ukraine, they can use the same immigration process. If they are nationals of another third country, they must use the standard post-immigration family reunification procedure, which will not be available to newly settled foreigners. As a rule, a stay of 15 months is required so that the family can be reunited. It is possible to apply other conditions for foreigners with different statuses (Employee Card, Blue Card, Asylum, etc.).
Czech Republic: employment information
Do I need to apply for a permit to be able to work? If so, how to do it?
No, you have the right to work with temporary protection status.
Am I entitled to unemployment benefits? How and where can I apply?
Unemployment benefits are granted after at least 12 months of participation in the Czech social security system. People in temporary protection status can ask for other types of financial social support (living wage and housing allowance, as well as a one-off payment of emergency immediate assistance). There is also a special humanitarian payment of 5,000 Czech crowns per month if a person does not have the means to provide for the basic needs of life. Upon request, the payment may be granted again within a maximum of five calendar months after the calendar month in which temporary protection was granted. Payment is made by bank transfer or cash. You can apply for payment here: https://davkyuk.mpsv.cz/uk
Are there programs for the recognition of diplomas and professional qualifications? How and where can I apply?
There is a standard procedure for recognition of foreign education or qualifications. In certain situations, it is possible to replace the necessary documents with the applicant’s affidavit. More detailed information is available here (in Czech only).
Which governmental and non-governmental bodies can I turn to for additional information on employment?
Special regional assistance centers for Ukraine have been created in some regions, which simplify the procedure for refugees and provide them with advice (the list can be viewed here ).
The Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs and the Czech Labor Office also provide useful support and information. A very useful portal created in collaboration with the government can be found here .
Czech Republic: information about housing
Can I access public/government-provided housing?
So.
How and where can I apply for public housing?
The easiest way is to visit the Special Regional Assistance Centers for Ukraine, where consultations and assistance will be provided (the list is available here ) .
If I live with friends or family for a long time, what documents do I need to fill out to legalize this? How can I get proof of residency?
You must obtain written confirmation from the owner or authorized occupier of the property, bearing their official signature or signed in the presence of a Home Office Asylum and Migration Policy officer.
If I personally want to rent a property, what documents do I need?
You need an ID to get a rental agreement, which in turn is proof of residency. If you are renting a property privately, you need to register with the Foreigners Residence Department of the Police Service of the Czech Republic for Foreigners (Please note that the deadline for notification is only 3 days).
Which governmental and non-governmental bodies can I turn to for additional information about housing?
All important information is provided in Special regional assistance centers (the list can be viewed here ) .
Czech Republic: information on education
How do I enroll my children (or myself) in an educational institution?
It is necessary to contact the educational institution. An interactive map with educational institutions and kindergartens is available here .
If I have a child with special educational needs, where can I go for help to enroll them in a special school?
It is necessary to contact a specialized school, if necessary. Any educational institution will be able to help you find the school that will best meet your child’s special needs. An interactive map with educational institutions and kindergartens is available here .
Do universities introduce admission schemes for Ukrainians or people who are forced to leave Ukraine? If so, can you give examples?
Yes, universities are preparing to accept Ukrainian students. Charles University’s dedicated website is available here . Other information can be found here.
Which governmental and non-governmental bodies can I turn to for additional information about education?
Information about education, as well as further contact information, can be obtained from this link .
Children with a basic knowledge of the Czech language can enroll in standard classes held with the support of the Ministry of Education and such settlements as Prague and Brno. Children who do not know the Czech language can sign up for special classes in their native language. Parents can register their children here: https://www.detiukrajiny.cz/ (the site is available in Ukrainian or Czech, click on the corresponding flag in the upper right corner). Adults and children can sign up for free Czech language courses if they wish to learn; you can register for courses here: https://www.cizinci.cz/web/en/knowledge-of-the-czech-language (the site is available in Ukrainian, English, Czech, Russian, etc., click on the two corresponding letters on the right upper corner).
Czech Republic: information on child care
How to enroll young children in daycare centers?
- Care services for children up to 3 years old
a) Groups of children (dětské skupiny)
b) Private institutions within the framework of the professional specialization “Day care for children up to three years of age” (zařízení pro žeží o děti do 3 let) in accordance with Act No. 455/1991 of the Compendium of Laws on the Regulation of Professions (Professions Act)
c) Services of the type “child care” according to the professional specialization “Providing services to families and households” in accordance with the Law on Professions
- Care services for children of preschool age
a) Kindergartens (mateřské školy)
b) Private institutions in accordance with the Law on Professions
c) Services of the type “child care” according to the professional specialization “Providing services to families and households” in accordance with the Law on Professions
It is necessary to contact the kindergarten (mateřské školy) directly. An interactive map with educational institutions and kindergartens in which there are free places is available here . Kindergartens (for children up to 6 years old) are marked in dark blue. You can send an e-mail to the kindergarten in any language and the kindergarten will send you its reply. For communication assistance, please contact ukrajina@shkola.cz .
You may qualify for child support. More information can be obtained from the Labor Office of the Czech Republic .
Are there any benefits for pregnant and breastfeeding women?
The Czech health insurance system covers medical procedures related to pregnancy. In addition, standard social support is applied. More information can be obtained from the Labor Office of the Czech Republic .
Which government and non-government agencies can I turn to for more information about the needs of young children?
All important information is provided in the Special Regional Assistance Centers. You can also find out here .
Children’s groups (dětské skupiny), which provide non-commercial care services for children aged 6 months to the start of compulsory schooling (i.e. up to 6 years), are regulated by the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs of the Czech Republic (MoLSA): www.mpsv.cz
Kindergartens (mateřské školy), which provide pre-school (pre-school) education for children usually from the age of 3 until the start of compulsory schooling (i.e. up to the age of 6), are regulated by the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports of the Czech Republic (MEYS, or MŠMT in Czech ): www.msmt.cz
Czech Republic: health care
Can I use the public health care system?
So, persons with the status of temporary protection are automatically covered by state health insurance.
Do I need to register to get health insurance, and if so, how?
As soon as temporary protection status is granted, a person becomes a member of the state health insurance system with full access to medical services, while the Czech Republic pays insurance premiums. Any Czech health insurance company provides a health insurance certificate – this is usually explained immediately at the Special Regional Assistance Centers.
What does the public health care system cover?
The state health insurance system covers full access to medical care, including dental care, however, some services require additional payment.
Do I need additional private health insurance in addition to public health insurance? If so, are there any schemes available to low-income people?
There is no need for additional private health insurance.
Which government and non-government bodies can I turn to for more information about access to health care?
Health and other information can be found here .
Czech Republic: information on mental health
Can I get free mental health support services through the public health system?
Here you can find a special webpage of the Ministry of Internal Affairs on psychological assistance for Ukrainians.
Is there any additional administrative process to access mental health support services?
No
What government and non-government agencies can I contact for more information about services for people with mental health problems, especially trauma?
Here you can find useful contacts .
Ministry of Internal Affairs. Hotline: + 420 974 801 802 (24/7). Website: here
Czech Republic: access to legal aid and information on the protection of human rights
If I have a legal problem and need to hire a lawyer, can I get legal aid? How to find a lawyer?
There are basically three options:
- Pro bono services (for the public good). A number of law firms have agreed to provide free services to refugees from Ukraine. A complete and up-to-date list of all participating law firms and individual lawyers (which are also available in Ukrainian) can be found here. This is probably the option most often preferred by those who need legal advice, because the participating lawyers do so on a voluntary basis and their services are thus easily accessible without unnecessary formalities.
- Free legal assistance.The Law of the Czech Republic “On Advocacy” provides for specific cases where free legal aid can be provided based on an individual request sent to the Czech Bar Association. The scope of this legal assistance is limited to legal advice (up to 2 hours per year) or legal service. There are 3(three) conditions when one can be entitled to this type of legal aid: the applicant (i) does not meet the conditions for the appointment of a lawyer by the court according to the special legislation (see the next paragraph “lawyer appointed by the court”); (ii) is otherwise unable to provide legal services (previously refused by at least 2 lawyers); and (iii) the monthly income does not exceed 3 (three) subsistence minimums. In this regard, the Association of Bars of the Czech Republic stated,
- A lawyer appointed by the court. For the completeness of the picture, it should be noted that the criminal, civil, as well as administrative procedural law provides for situations when the court can appoint a lawyer to the party, whose expenses are covered by the state. This usually occurs when (i) the individual requests the designation, (ii) legal aid is necessary to protect his or her interests (or is required by law), and (iii) the individual’s circumstances warrant the designation.
Does the country have an ombudsman who monitors the observance of human rights? How can I contact the ombudsman?
Yes, there is an ombudsman who deals with complaints about illegal behavior, in particular, violations of human rights. You can contact him online, by writing a letter to an e-mail address, postal address or in person in Brno. The easiest way is to contact him online. However, all methods are equally effective. The website, the section of which is also available in Ukrainian, is located at this link: https://www.ochrance.cz/en/alert/ .
The easiest and most effective way is to contact the nearest police station. Police officers will provide the victims with everything they need and, if necessary, refer them to other agencies.
National hotline – 158 – free emergency line serviced by the police of the Czech Republic. More detailed information can be found on the Police website: https://www.policie.cz/clanek/Police-of-the-Czech-Republic.aspx .
Czech Republic: bank account and tax information
What documents are required to open a bank account?
Czech banks have generally stated that they will use simplified identification methods for Ukrainian refugees. Specific requirements differ from bank to bank. However, it is generally sufficient to have a valid passport with a refugee visa affixed to open an account. Some banks (ČSOB and UniCredit Bank) require only a valid passport without the need to prove refugee status. Other banks (Air Bank) accept ID cards with inscriptions in Latin (i.e. passport is not required). Current requirements of individual banks should be discussed directly with the bank as they may change.
When do I have to pay taxes in the country? What do I need to do to pay them?
If you are employed by a Czech employer, your income will be taxed (including health care and social insurance contributions) automatically, and tax will be paid by the employer. The employer will pay income tax (15% deducted from the employee’s salary), health insurance (13.5%; 9% is paid by the employer and the rest is deducted from the employee’s salary) and social security contributions (31.3%; 24, 8% is paid by the employer, and the rest is deducted from the employee’s salary). In general, a person becomes a tax resident after 183 days of stay in the country, however, it is currently not completely clear whether refugees will acquire the status of a tax resident in the Czech Republic (based on the interpretation of the double taxation treaty between the Czech Republic and Ukraine). We hope that clear instructions will be provided in the coming months.https://www.financnisprava.cz/cs/dane/informace-valka-na-ukrajine/informacija-scodo-podatku-na-dochodi-fizicnich
If a refugee receives taxable social benefits and is unemployed or self-employed, it is necessary to register and submit documents to the competent authorities of the Czech Republic (Tax Service, insurance company and Czech Social Security Administration). In this case, it is recommended to get a specialized consultation.
Czech republic: other services
Where can an unaccompanied minor get help?
You can contact the social and legal protection of children (they are part of the social affairs departments of municipal and regional authorities, whose contact details are available on the websites of all departments). You can also contact the 24-hour information line of the Ministry of Internal Affairs: +420 974 801 802 or send a letter to the e-mail address ukrajina@mvcr.cz .
How and where can I apply for disability benefits?
Contact information related to special needs can be found in Czech and Ukrainian here.
Injured persons may seek emergency medical care. Foreigners with the status of temporary protection will be able to receive financial assistance in the amount of 5,000 Czech crowns as assistance with the payment of vital needs.
Can you list 3-4 public organizations that conduct language classes and offer other integration programs for Ukrainians?
- The Metropolitan University in Prague is not a public organization, however, it conducts free courses in the study of the Czech language. ( https://www.mup.cz/studium-jazyku/pripravny-rok-kurz-ceskeho-jazyka-pro-cizince/ )
- Center for the Integration of Foreigners ( https://www.cicops.cz/en/about-us/105-mission-values )
- AKCENT International House in Prague is not a public organization, however, it conducts free Czech language courses.. ( https://www.akcent.cz/en/studenti/clanek/survival_czech )
- Refugee centers can also be recommended by other organizations
