The main changes introduced by Lex Ukraine VII:

1. Long-term residence for economically self-sufficient temporary protection holders: The amendment allows Ukrainian refugees who are economically independent and do not receive social benefits to obtain long-term resident status in the form of a special long-term residence. The conditions for obtaining this status include integrity, economic self-sufficiency, and a stay in the Czech temporary protection system of at least two years. At the same time, the conditions will be assessed in the scope of the jointly assessed persons; therefore, family members, including children, who will have to be enrolled in compulsory schooling in the Czech Republic.

2. Registration of families: Entire families will be registered together to avoid a situation where family members have different residence schemes. Therefore, the conditions for the transition to long-term residence must be met by the family as a whole.

3. Registration process: Registration for long-term residence will be similar to the electronic registration for the extension of temporary protection. The Ministry of the Interior will verify compliance with the conditions using data from state administration information systems. Applicants for a change of residence status will be able to check online in advance whether they meet the conditions for registration.

4. Extension of temporary protection: Persons who do not meet the conditions for long-term residence or do not wish to use this option may continue to remain under temporary protection which will not have to be renewed annually as part of the new legislative measure. The specific year has been deleted from the wording of the act, and only the time span of temporary protection has been specified. The obligation to register for extension remains the same, i.e. until 15 March of the relevant calendar year.

At European level, the concept of temporary protection is time-limited until March 2025. The European Union will discuss further action in the coming days. Therefore, Lex Ukraine VII represents an important step towards better integration of Ukrainian refugees who decide to live in the Czech Republic on a long-term basis. It provides more stable and predictable living conditions for those who are able to provide for themselves economically and supports their integration into Czech society.