Did not get special long-term residence in 2026? What happens to temporary protection?
Not obtaining special long-term residence (ZDP) in 2026 does not, by itself, end valid temporary protection. The Czech Ministry of the Interior confirms that people who do not qualify for ZDP can continue to stay under temporary protection. Its validity and renewal still need attention. [1]
Updated 5 November 2026.
No residence card yet? Registration is still open
As of 5 November, the 2026 process is still running. Assessment results have been available in the Information Portal for Foreigners (IPC) since 1 October. Registration closes on 31 December 2026. The earlier expression-of-interest stage ended on 30 April; December is not a new deadline to express interest. [1, 2]
If your account lets you proceed, complete registration and book an appointment. The person who created a joint household registers its members. ZDP takes effect when you collect the biometric card. Until then, you must continuously hold valid temporary protection. [4]
What if a condition is marked as unmet?
A red result blocks registration. If your documents show that you met the condition, contact the responsible authority or health insurer listed for it. Where records held by several authorities are wrong, contact each separately. [3]
Some conditions concern earlier periods and fixed assessment dates. A higher salary in November cannot change your 2025 income. Every jointly assessed household member must qualify. [2] Before contacting an authority, note the exact issue and gather the documents relevant to it.
Protection until 2027 and the next renewal
The 2026 renewal required online registration by 15 March and a new visa sticker by 30 September. Completing both steps extended protection until 31 March 2027. Check the date in your own document. [5]
The Ministry has announced renewal to 31 March 2028 through online registration and an in-person visit for a new sticker. It will publish further scheduling details on IPC. The announcement does not automatically renew your current document. [6]
If your protection has already expired, contact the Ministry about your situation now. Do not wait for the next registration round or treat news of a future extension as proof of your current residence status.
Can you keep working?
Valid Czech temporary protection provides free access to the Czech labour market. Not obtaining ZDP does not, by itself, remove that access. Employers need to check the person's actual residence status and validity, rather than relying on the ZDP assessment result. [7]
Show HR your current document and agree when you will provide evidence of the next renewal. If you are changing jobs, read our guide to what foreign workers need to arrange when switching employers.
What to prepare now
- Check the residence documents of everyone in your family, including children.
- Make sure you can access your IPC account and the email address used for notifications.
- Keep confirmations, employment documents and evidence needed to correct any records.
- Watch for the next renewal timetable. Do not reuse dates from last year's instructions.
Plan for another ZDP opportunity only when the rules for that round are published. Improving your income or collecting missing documents may help you prepare, but cannot guarantee future eligibility.
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