Foreign-born population – 2024 | 9.9% of the population | Main countries of birth: |
1.1 million, 52% women | Evolution since 2014: +170% | Ukraine (49%), Slovak Republic (22%), Russia (4%) |
International Migration Outlook 2025
In 2024, Czechia received 40 000 new immigrants on a long-term or permanent basis (including changes of status and free mobility), 7.3% more than in 2023. This figure comprises 30% immigrants benefitting from free mobility, 43% labour migrants, 25% family members (including accompanying family) and 0.5% humanitarian migrants. Around 5 000 permits were issued to tertiary-level international students and 1 400 to temporary and seasonal labour migrants (excluding intra-EU migration). In addition, 79 000 intra-EU postings were recorded in 2023, an 8% increase compared to 2022. These posted workers are generally on short-term contracts.
Ukraine, the Slovak Republic and the Philippines were the top three nationalities of newcomers in 2023. Among the top 15 countries of origin, the Philippines registered the strongest increase (900) and Ukraine the largest decrease (‑205 000) in flows to Czechia compared to the previous year.
In 2024, the number of first asylum applicants decreased by ‑8.8%, to reach around 1 000. The majority of applicants came from Ukraine (200), Uzbekistan (200) and Viet Nam (100). The largest increase since 2023 concerned nationals of Ukraine (70) and the largest decrease nationals of Türkiye (‑100). Of the 770 decisions taken in 2024, 21% were positive.
Emigration of Czech citizens to OECD countries increased by 4% in 2023, to 14 000. Approximately 32% of this group migrated to Germany, 11% to Austria and 9% to Switzerland.
Under the digital nomad programme, from July 2023 eligible foreign nationals can now obtain visas which allow them to stay in Czechia while they either telework for their home employer or work as a self-employed freelancer. Applicants must have either three years of experience in the field of information technology, or hold a university level degree, or higher, in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics. Family members of the Nomads may also be included into this Programme. In February 2025 the Digital Nomad visa was expanded to include applicants from Brazil, Israel, Mexico and Singapore, and marketing specialists may now also apply for the visa.
In August 2024, the government approved the new law on Stay of foreigners in the territory of Czechia. Among the main changes are: digitalisation of the foreigners’ residence register (routine); new system of registration of EU citizens who intend to stay in Czechia more than 90 days; and the strengthening of the role of a guarantor, i.e. a person or an institution who/which will guarantee the purpose of a foreigner´s stay in the territory. This new law will come into effect in January 2026.
Changes have been made to work authorisation rules. From July 2024, employers of nationals of Australia, Canada, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, the United Kingdom and the United States will no longer need to conduct a labour market test for positions they seek to fill with a foreign worker, and they will not need to publish a vacancy regarding the role. Additionally, nationals of the above countries will be able to change employers in Czechia without waiting for government approval. From March 2025, these relaxed work authorisation rules also apply for Chinese Taipei.
Czechia’s amendments to its EU Blue Card regime, and its restrictions on long-term visas and residence permits, along with other law changes, came into force in July 2023. The implementation process was hastened because many of these amendments were necessary for the country to align with the EU Blue Card Directive.
From September 2023, foreign nationals can source travel and health insurance from any insurer authorised to operate in Czechia.
After July 2024, any registration, deregistration of employment status or other labour-related change (i.e. change of employer, employee transfer) has to be submitted online instead of by mail or in person (depending on the situation).
Since September 2024 the period of providing of humanitarian accommodation for Ukrainian war refugees has been shortened from 150 to 90 days. A new law will provide a special type of long- term residence permit, for Ukrainians who were granted temporary protection, during 2025, entitling these persons to stay in Czechia for 5 years.
For more information: www.mvcr.cz | www.mpsv.cz | www.cizinci.cz.
