Migration in the Czech Republic
Introduction
Migration significantly influences the demographic, economic, and cultural landscape of the Czech Republic. Historically a country of emigration, it has transformed into a destination for labor migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers since the fall of communism in 1989. This page offers a comprehensive analysis of migration trends, foreign resident populations, their countries of origin, and the policies shaping these dynamics, with a special focus on the impact of the Ukrainian refugee crisis since 2022.
Total Number of Foreign Residents
Statistic: As of December 31, 2023, 1,061,737 foreigners resided in the Czech Republic, accounting for 9.7% of the total population of approximately 10.9 million.
Additional Data: This figure marks a significant increase from 524,065 in 2015, reflecting a doubling of the foreign population in less than a decade, largely driven by labor migration and the Ukrainian crisis.
Source: Czech Statistical Office – Population Change – Year 2023, Foreigners in the Czech Republic 2024
| Year | Number of Foreigners | Percentage of Total Population |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 524,065 | 4.9% |
| 2020 | 634,790 | 5.9% |
| 2023 | 1,061,737 | 9.7% |
Net Migration Figures
Statistic: In 2023, net migration reached 94,672 people, with 141,298 immigrants and 46,626 emigrants.
Additional Data: The peak net migration occurred in 2022 at 322,588, driven by the Ukrainian refugee influx following Russia’s invasion. Historically, net migration has been positive since the early 1990s, averaging 20,000–30,000 annually before 2022.
Source: Czech Statistical Office – Population Change – Year 2023
| Year | Immigrants | Emigrants | Net Migration |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 62,922 | 36,854 | 26,068 |
| 2022 | 361,806 | 39,218 | 322,588 |
| 2023 | 141,298 | 46,626 | 94,672 |
Primary Countries of Origin
Top Nationalities of Foreign Residents in 2023:
- Ukraine: 589,456 (55.5% of total foreigners)
- Slovakia: 121,472 (11.4%)
- Vietnam: 69,015 (6.5%)
- Russia: 44,625 (4.2%)
- Mongolia: 11,696 (1.1%)
Additional Data: The Ukrainian population surged from 131,000 in 2021 to over 589,000 by 2023 due to the war. Slovakia and Vietnam have been consistent sources of labor migration, with Vietnam’s community growing steadily since the 1990s.
Source: Czech Statistical Office – Foreigners in the Czech Republic 2024, European Website on Integration – Czech Republic Report 2023
Impact of the Ukrainian Refugee Crisis
Statistic: By April 1, 2023, 504,107 Ukrainian individuals had been granted temporary protection, with 325,742 applying for extensions beyond March 2023.
Additional Data: By June 2023, over 530,000 Ukrainians received temporary protection, though only 349,140 remained active by mid-2023, indicating some returned to Ukraine or moved elsewhere. The Czech Republic hosts the highest number of Ukrainian refugees per capita in the EU (32.2 per 1,000 inhabitants vs. the EU average of 9.1).
Source: European Website on Integration – Czech Republic: Annual Report 2023, UNHCR – Czech Republic, Expats.cz – Ukrainian Refugees Report 2023
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Temporary Protections Granted (June 2023) | 530,000 |
| Active Temporary Protections (June 2023) | 349,140 |
| Refugees per 1,000 Inhabitants | 32.2 |
Asylum Applications
Statistic: In 2023, the Czech Republic received 1,397 asylum applications, or 129 per million inhabitants, one of the lowest rates in the EU.
Additional Data: By comparison, Germany received 350,000 applications in 2023 (4,200 per million). Historically, asylum applications peaked at 18,000 in 2001, dropping significantly post-EU accession in 2004. In 2022, 1,685 applications were filed.
Source: Expats.cz – Czechia EU Migration Pact 2025, Migration Policy Institute – Czechia Asylum Trends
| Year | Asylum Applications | Per Million Inhabitants |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 1,405 | 130 |
| 2022 | 1,685 | 156 |
| 2023 | 1,397 | 129 |
Integration and Policy Measures
The Czech government has prioritized migrant integration through the State Integration Programme, offering free Czech language courses, socio-cultural orientation, and employment support via 14 regional integration centers (10 state-run, 4 NGO-managed). In 2023, 54.29 million CZK (2.32 million EUR) was allocated, focusing on Ukrainian refugees. Labor market access is granted to temporary protection holders, with 70,000 Ukrainians employed by June 2023.
Additional Data: The Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund (AMIF) allocated €69.98 million for 2021–2027, emphasizing language education and regional support. Challenges include employment agencies pushing refugees into low-skilled jobs, with wages averaging 100–130 CZK/hour.
Source: European Website on Integration – 2023 Integration Policy, Ministry of the Interior – Asylum and Migration
Conclusion
The Czech Republic’s demographic and economic fabric is increasingly shaped by migration, with over 1 million foreigners and a record influx of Ukrainian refugees. While integration policies have adapted, challenges remain in leveraging high-skilled migrants and ensuring equitable labor market access. As the EU Migration Pact looms in 2026, the country’s strategies will be pivotal for social cohesion and growth.