State Social Support Benefits

For researchers in 2026, applying for benefits in the Czech Republic is much more advanced than in the past. Most applications can now be handled on-line, which is a significant advantage for internationals who may find the Czech language challenging.

1. EU Citizens

EU nationals have the most straightforward access to benefits due to EU regulations.

  • Eligibility: Virtually immediate, as soon as you start working at the university (and are thus part of the sickness insurance system) and have been registered for residence in the Czech Republic for more than 3 months.
  • What you can claim:
    • Parental Allowance: Available without restrictions (provided you actually reside in the CZ).
    • Child Benefit / Housing Allowance: Subject to household income limits.

2. Non-EU Citizens (Long-term residence for Scientific Research)

The law grants researchers the same rights as people with permanent residence, even if you do not physically have a permanent residence permit in your passport yet.

  • Eligibility: Immediate upon starting your employment (according to Section 3, Para. 2, Letter j of Act No. 117/1995 Sb.).
  • What you can claim:
    • Parental Allowance: You are eligible for this benefit immediately.
    • Child Benefit / Housing Allowance: Same as EU citizens, provided you can prove a low household income.

Pro-tip: The application for benefits (e.g., parental allowance) should always be submitted by the parent who works at the university (the researcher), as they fulfill the legal "equal treatment" exception.

3. How and Where to Apply

All state social support benefits (parental allowance, child benefit, housing allowance) are managed by the Labour Office of the Czech Republic (Úřad práce ČR). You have two options:

  1. Online (Recommended) The fastest and most convenient way is via the JENDA client zone. The portal is intuitive and guides you through the process step-by-step.
    • Portal: jenda.mpsv.cz
    • Requirements: You need a "Citizen Identity" (Identita občana). For foreigners, the easiest way is Bank Identity (BankID), which you obtain automatically when opening an account with most Czech banks.
    • Advantage: No need to visit the office in person; you can track your application status online.
  2. In Person If you prefer personal contact or do not have a digital identity, you must visit the Labour Office branch in Ostrava according to your place of residence.
    • For Moravská Ostrava and Přívoz: 30. dubna 3130 street
    • For Ostrava Poruba: Opavská 1118 street
    • Office Hours: Mon & Wed (8:00 – 17:00), Tue & Thu (8:00 – 11:00)

Please note: Officers predominantly speak Czech. If you are not confident in your Czech skills, we strongly recommend bringing a Czech-speaking companion.

4. Required Documents

  1. ID and Residence Card: Biometric card with the purpose of "Scientific Research."
  2. Residence Cards of family members: Partner and children.
  3. Employment Contract: To prove your employment at the university.
  4. Birth Certificates of children: If applying for child-related benefits (foreign certificates must have an Apostilleand a certified translation into Czech).
  5. Lease Agreement: If applying for the housing allowance.
  6. Proof of Income: While the office can access most data automatically, it is recommended to have your payslips from the last 3 months ready.

Retroactive Payment: Most benefits (including parental allowance) can be claimed up to 3 months retroactively. If you don′t manage to apply immediately after arrival, you won′t lose your entitlement.

5. How can the Welcome Office help?

In the event of an unjustified rejection of your application, we can assist you in drafting an official appeal.


Updated: 17. 04. 2026