Housing for Ukrainians in the Czech Republic: how to get up to 108,000 CZK for renting an apartment

After a long period of adaptation and uncertainty, many Ukrainian refugees in the Czech Republic faced new housing challenges. After the changes, which entered into force on September 1, 2024, some people lost access to free humanitarian housing – places in dormitories that were previously provided by the state. Now the residents are forced to cover their living expenses on their own, and a special assistance program has been created for them, which allows them to move into rented housing with compensation of up to 108,000 Czech crowns.

Where does the help come from and who provides it

The initiative has been in effect since January 1, 2025 as part of the cooperation of the Czech non-governmental organization Meet 2 Grow with the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Czech Republic. The program is financed with the support of the European Union within the framework of the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund. The term of its implementation is limited – until June 30, 2026. The main goal is to support those Ukrainians who are forced to leave hostels, but do not have enough resources or knowledge to enter the rental market on their own.

What you can get: the amount of support

Financial assistance is a one-time cash payment that covers the most important costs associated with renting:

• deposit (the so-called kauce, which is required by landlords in advance);
• payment for the services of a realtor (if the housing search takes place through an agency);
• the first months of rent;
• initial utility payments.

The amount depends on the number of people in the household:

• for 1-2 people – up to 60,000 kroner;
• for 3-4 people – up to 84,000 kroner;
• for 5 or more — up to 108,000 kroner.

In addition to monetary support, Meet 2 Grow provides practical assistance: finding housing, consultations, assistance in signing contracts, communication with landlords, translation of documents, clarification of contract terms.

Who can apply: Clear criteria

Only those who meet all of the following requirements can participate in the program:

• Has valid temporary protection in the Czech Republic, issued until December 31, 2023, and officially extended.
• He lived in the hostels of the Central Bohemian Region under the conditions of humanitarian accommodation until the end of 2023.
• Now he lives in the same dormitory, but already on self-payment terms.
• Plans to move into rented accommodation, but faces difficulties – lack of funds or language barrier.

How to ask for help

The first step is to contact Meet 2 Grow in person. Their specialists:

• will conduct a preliminary assessment of the life situation;
• check documents;
• if the criteria are met, they will help with the application process.

For submission you will need:

• foreign passport;
• a valid temporary protection document (visa sticker or confirmation in PDF format);
• a valid contract for living in a dormitory, which confirms the terms of self-payment.

What accommodation is suitable for the program

Assistance is available only in case of official lease. It can be:

• full-fledged apartment or house;
• settling in the housing of acquaintances – if an official lease agreement is concluded;
• sublease – only in cooperative apartments and only with the written consent of the housing cooperative.

Accommodation in dormitories or informal arrangements (verbal consent, accommodation without registration) do not allow participation in the program.

Assistance within the program is not counted as income when applying for humanitarian assistance. This means that a family that received funds for housing can in the future claim social benefits from the Czech state. However, it is important to understand: the program works only in a certain region (Central Bohemia). If you live in another region of the Czech Republic, where Meet 2 Grow or a similar organization does not implement the project, you will not be able to use the support.