Prague, June 11, 2025 – The Czech government on Wednesday greenlit a substantial pay raise for soldiers, alongside a significant boost to housing allowances, effective from July 1, to strengthen the armed forces amid rising living costs.
Starting in July, soldiers in lower ranks will see a 7.5% increase in their base salaries, while those in higher ranks will receive a 5% raise, Defense Minister Jana Černochová announced. An identical increase is scheduled for January 2026. Combined, these raises will result in a 15% salary boost for ranks from corporal to senior warrant officer and a 10% increase for officers and generals, equating to a minimum annual gain of CZK 8,378 ($350) per soldier.
Housing allowances will also double, rising from CZK 3,000 to at least CZK 6,000 monthly for all soldiers. In Prague, where housing costs are higher, the allowance will reach CZK 7,000. Additional stabilization and recruitment bonuses will also increase, Černochová confirmed.
The Defense Ministry estimates the salary increases will cost CZK 752.5 million ($31.4 million) this year, with an additional CZK 510.3 million ($21.3 million) allocated for housing allowances. For 2026, the measures are projected to impact the defense budget by CZK 4.307 billion ($179.5 million).
In parallel, police and firefighters will receive a CZK 3,000 monthly stabilization bonus starting in July, following a coalition agreement last week. Their base salaries are also set to rise in January, with Interior Minister Vít Rakušan indicating a 5% increase as the starting point for negotiations.
The reforms aim to enhance the financial security of Czech security forces, ensuring competitiveness in recruitment and retention.