Czechia Hosts Most Ukrainian Refugees Per Capita in the EU

The Czech Republic continues to host the highest number of Ukrainian refugees relative to its population size within the European Union, a trend that has persisted since the onset of the conflict in Ukraine. While the influx has placed a strain on the country’s resources, the Czech Republic remains a key destination for those seeking temporary protection.

Current Situation and Numbers

As of February 26, 2026, approximately 500,000 Ukrainian refugees have received temporary protection visas in the Czech Republic [1]. This represents a significant proportion of the over 4 million Ukrainian refugees who have migrated to EU countries since February 2022 [2]. Around 612,000 citizens of Ukraine currently reside in the Czech Republic, including both those with temporary protection and those who were already living in the country prior to the conflict.

Refugee Numbers Per Capita

Data from Eurostat indicates that there are approximately 35.99 Ukrainian refugees for every 1,000 inhabitants in the Czech Republic [1]. This is considerably higher than the rates observed in other EU nations, such as Poland (26.54), Germany (14.85), and France (0.77) [1].

Recent Trends and Challenges

The Czech Ministry of Internal Affairs reports that while the situation is currently stable, the country’s capacity to accommodate further refugees is nearing its limit [1]. An increase in arrivals was noted after Ukrainian authorities permitted men aged 18 to 22 to leave the country. While the weekly influx has decreased from over 1,000 young men last fall to several hundred, the trend continues [1].

Temporary Protection Status

The European Council initially adopted a decision in March 2022 to provide temporary protection to individuals fleeing Ukraine due to the Russian invasion [3]. This status, initially granted for one year, was extended until March 2024 due to the ongoing conflict. Refugees with temporary protection status have access to public health insurance, education, and the labor market [1]. Those whose visas are expiring may apply for an extension.

UNHCR Monitoring and Support

The UNHCR Czechia provides ongoing protection monitoring, offering insights into the profiles, displacement patterns, protection risks, and needs of Ukrainian refugees [4]. Data is collected quarterly to inform response efforts and address emerging challenges.