Legal Assistance for Citizens of Ukraine

Mgr. Nikola Šedová
3. March 2022
5 minutes of reading
5 minutes of reading
Legal news

For the second time, we are using and providing our system—based on an e-shop platform—that connects individuals in difficult situations with attorneys willing to offer consultations at a reduced fee. Those interested can contact us on the “Tailored Solutions” service page.

The Russian military’s invasion of Ukrainian territory is a serious violation of international law by Russia that cannot be tolerated under any circumstances. We do not want to stand idly by in the face of this situation, and since laws and legal provisions are our main weapons, we want to help citizens of the attacked country at least by applying them.

We are happy to assist any person of Ukrainian nationality who is facing a legal problem, whether in connection with an unplanned arrival in the Czech Republic (e.g., regarding housing, work permits, insurance, etc.) or in connection with planning their next steps (family reunification, etc.).

We reached out to our attorneys to ask if they were willing to get involved. Every single one agreed and became a volunteer. We cannot prevent war, but we can at least offer our free time and help those who have fled the war for a reduced fee.

Our system allows us to quickly receive a case from a client and provide advice remotely. You can also contact us by phone or in person.

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Our team of experienced attorneys will help you solve any legal issue. Within 24 hours we’ll evaluate your situation and suggest a step-by-step solution, including all costs. The price for this proposal is only CZK 690, and this is refunded to you when you order service from us.

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Below is some basic information regarding Ukrainian citizens, effective as of July 1, 2026:

Residence, Temporary Protection, and International Protection

Ukrainian citizens with a valid biometric passport may enter the Schengen Area without a visa and stay there for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. The visa-free regime is intended for short-term, non-remunerated stays and does not in itself authorize employment. Holders of non-biometric passports cannot rely on the visa-free regime.

Individuals who have fled the war and meet the legal requirements may apply for temporary protection in the Czech Republic. The application must be submitted in person, typically at the Regional Assistance Center for Ukraine. Applicants must submit, in particular, a completed form, a passport or other form of identification, proof of residence in Ukraine prior to February 24, 2022, and proof of accommodation. For children, authorization from a legal guardian must also be provided.

Temporary protection valid through March 31, 2026, could be extended by registering online by March 15, 2026. Registration extended its validity through September 30, 2026. However, the holder must appear at the Ministry of the Interior on the scheduled date to have a new visa sticker affixed; this extends the protection until March 31, 2027. For those who did not complete the registration, protection expired on March 31, 2026. They may submit a new application, but re-granting of protection is not automatic.

Every foreign national has the right to apply for international protection, i.e., asylum or subsidiary protection. However, it cannot be generally stated that one option is more or less appropriate than the other; it depends on the applicant’s individual circumstances. If a holder of temporary protection applies for international protection, the asylum proceedings will be suspended for the duration of the temporary protection.

Ukrainian regulations continue to restrict the travel of certain men between the ages of 18 and 60 in connection with the state of war. However, this is not an absolute ban, and there are legal exceptions. Conditions may change and should be verified with the Ukrainian State Border Service.

Registration upon Arrival

A third-country national who enters the country, for example, visa-free with a biometric passport, must report their place of residence to the relevant department of the Foreign Police within three business days. This obligation is usually fulfilled by the accommodation provider if the foreign national is staying at a hotel, hostel, or other registered accommodation facility. Persons under the age of 15 are not subject to the registration requirement.

Holders of temporary protection must also report a change of address within three business days if they plan to stay at the new address for more than 15 days. Maintaining a registered address solely at the Ministry of the Interior’s office for an extended period may, under conditions specified by law, result in the termination of temporary protection.

Employment and Work Permits

Holders of temporary protection have free access to the Czech labor market. They do not need to apply to the Labor Office for a work permit. They may begin employment under conditions similar to those of Czech citizens; the employer notifies the relevant authorities of the start, changes, and termination of employment.

Visa-free stay alone , however, is not sufficient to engage in employment. The visa-free regime applies only to short-term, non-remunerated stays.

Health Insurance

Travel health insurance is required for a visa-free stay. A person granted temporary protection by the Czech Republic becomes a participant in the public health insurance system from that moment on and has access to the full scope of health care.

For individuals who were first granted temporary protection on or after February 11, 2025, the state automatically pays the insurance premiums for the first 90 days. For temporary protection granted no later than February 10, 2025, this grace period was 150 days. After that, adults of working age in particular must notify the health insurance company of who is paying the premiums—for example, an employer, the state for another legal reason, or the insured person themselves as a self-payer.

The extension of temporary protection also extends participation in public health insurance. After the extension is noted or confirmed, it is advisable to obtain an updated replacement insurance card from the relevant health insurance company.

Phone Calls to Ukraine

T-Mobile and Vodafone are offering a discounted rate of 2 Kč per minute for calls from the Czech Republic to Ukrainian numbers; however, this is not a blanket offer of free calls. The specific price may vary depending on the carrier and rate plan.

Current contact information for the Ministry of the Interior

Information hotline for temporary protection: +420 974 801 802
Email: ukrajina@mv.gov.cz
Hours of operation: Monday through Thursday 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m., Friday 8:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.

The most significant change from the past is the replacement of the extraordinary long-term visa with the temporary protection regime. Holders of this status do not need a work permit, are covered by public health insurance, and, provided they complete the renewal process, may remain in the Czech Republic until March 31, 2027.

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Are you solving a similar problem?

Solutions Tailored for You

Our team of experienced attorneys will help you solve any legal issue. Within 24 hours we’ll evaluate your situation and suggest a step-by-step solution, including all costs. The price for this proposal is only CZK 690, and this is refunded to you when you order service from us.

I Need help

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