The Czech Republic is going through the first complete overhaul of the country’s immigration law since 1999. The 2026 rekodifikace cizineckého práva (‘recodification of aliens law’) is the government’s actionable response to the infamous bureaucracy, overwhelmed administrative workers in the immigration authorities, and the estimated 200,000 EU citizens managing to live in the country unregistered. The backbone of the new Aliens Act is the full digitalisation of residence proceedings. In the words of Radio Prague International, “České cizinecké právo se chystá na velkou systémovou změnu” (“Czech aliens law is preparing for a major systemic change”).

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What changes will the new law bring for internationals who currently live and work in Czechia, and for those who intend to relocate here in the near future, work-wise and life-wise? Since we have a well-established local presence and first-hand knowledge of the Czech migration and labor law, here is our take.

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What exactly changes in Czech immigration procedures under the new Aliens Act, and when?

The biggest shift is occurring not in the conditions for obtaining a visa or residence permit but in the way applications are handled. Residence proceedings will move fully online, and all immigration-related paperwork will be handled via a mandatory cizinecký účet (‘foreigner account’). Notably, if a third-country national holds a student, employee, researcher, or similar status in the Czech Republic, the corresponding company or institution will become their official guarantor with access to their account’s information.

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The act also gives the government stronger tools to regulate quotas for third-country nationals, introduces a register of approved representatives, extends the grounds for cancelling the residence of offenders and individuals considered a security risk, and adds safeguards against sham relationships. The bill was passed unanimously by the Chamber of Deputies on September 11, 2026, but it still needs Senate approval and the President's signature. If adopted, it will take effect on January 1, 2029, since the digital system will take years to build. Foreigner accounts will then be rolled out in phases between 2029 and 2031, and by July 2032, every non-Czech citizen living in the country should have one. 

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How does the new Aliens Act affect foreign citizens living or planning to live in the Czech Republic?

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For most non-EU citizens in Czechia – employees, EU Blue Card holders, students, entrepreneurs, or permanent residents – the reform will mainly mean a switch to digital paperwork. No requirement to reapply for or convert existing permits has been announced.

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Future newcomers can expect a fully online application process and closer monitoring from day one.

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In practice, the biggest change awaits EU citizens: from 2030, registration for stays over 90 days will become mandatory, with a two-year transition period for existing residents and fines of up to CZK 10,000 (approx. EUR 410). EU citizens currently living in Czechia do not need to wait until 2030, as voluntary registration is already available and brings immediate benefits, such as the right to vote in municipal elections.

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At the same time, non-EU family members of Czech citizens will face new restrictions: they will no longer fall under the EU free-movement framework, and stricter conditions and more paperwork are to be expected. Unmarried partners and more distant relatives of EU citizens will also lose access to residence cards reserved for close family members.

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🥜IN A NUTSHELL: The goal of the reform is to eliminate the outdated paper-based system and adjust the administrative capacity to the country’s growing foreign population. The new act also addresses security concerns, and it won rare unanimous support across the political spectrum. The changes may seem restrictive for non-EU family members of Czech citizens whose residence depends on their family status alone and not own employment, studies, or business. Employers hiring international talent should use the time to make sure immigration records are accurate and centralized, since guarantor duties will make that data part of the system.

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What does the new Aliens Act mean specifically for Ukrainian citizens living in the Czech Republic?

Although Ukrainians are one of the largest foreign communities in the country, for over 380,000 individuals currently registered under temporary protection, the new Aliens Act does not have any effect on their status. On 25 May 2026, the Czech government approved a separate security amendment, which is still being discussed in Parliament. If adopted, it will tighten the rules of temporary protection in several ways. Importantly, the humanitarian benefit would only be available to those who are employed, run a business, or are registered at the labor office, and who spend at least 16 days a month in the Czech Republic.

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💡GOOD TO KNOW: For long-term stability, the special long-term residence permit offers self-sufficient temporary protection holders a path to a more stable status. The key word here is self-sufficient: eligibility depends on proven income, a clean criminal record, and secured housing. Moreover, if the security amendment passes, applicants will also be checked for unpaid taxes. Simply put, Ukrainian citizens living in the Czech Republic under the temporary protection status and running remote employment or business activity should make sure their income is officially registered and taxed locally.

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Are you planning to relocate to the Czech Republic for employment? Is your company planning to enter the Czech market?

Save time, resources, and headspace – entrust work-related immigration to a competent third party with a Czech-speaking team. As your EOR provider, Acvian handles all administrative steps of relocation, including work permit acquisition, visa application, on-site support with registration, and visa renewal in case of a prolonged contract. We also manage taxes and payroll in Germany and ensure compliance with the local law at all stages of employment. To get in touch with us, submit your request or schedule an immediate meeting.