Slovakia extended protection for Ukrainians: what legalization options will be next?
More than 100,000 Ukrainians living in Slovakia since the start of the full-scale war will retain their legal status until March 4, 2027, but this decision only gives them additional time to prepare, as after the end of temporary protection, those who plan to stay in the country will have to switch to another legal basis for residence.
Extension of temporary protection for Ukrainians in Slovakia
Slovakia has extended the temporary protection mechanism for Ukrainians until March 4, 2027 in accordance with the European approach. The status of dočasné útočisko allows Ukrainian citizens to legally stay in the country, work without a separate permit, use basic medical care, register children in public schools and apply for social support.
Ukrainians with a valid status do not need to re-apply or undergo an additional confirmation procedure. The extension is automatic, although an official confirmation in PDF format may be required from the employer, educational institution, social service or other institution, which can be downloaded via the portal of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Slovakia.
What rights remain until March 2027
Until the end of the extended period, Ukrainians with temporary protection status retain access to key rights that have been in effect since the first years of the full-scale war. They can work in Slovak companies without a separate employment permit, use medical care within the state system, arrange children for schools and receive social benefits according to established rules.
The amount of the benefit depends on the composition of the family, region and living conditions. For an adult, the amount can be about 80 euros per month, and for a child – from 60 to 160 euros. Such benefits do not cover all living expenses, but remain important support for families that do not yet have a stable income or are undergoing adaptation.
What will change after 2027
The European Union does not yet plan another extension of the Temporary Protection Directive after March 4, 2027. For Ukrainians in Slovakia, this means the need to determine a new basis for residence in advance, since the temporary protection status will not automatically turn into a residence permit.
The Slovak authorities have not announced mass deportations after the end of the mechanism, but the transition to another status will require a personal application, documents and compliance with the requirements of migration legislation. The closer 2027 is, the longer the queues at the Foreigners’ Police may become, so preparing documents in advance reduces the risk of losing time.
Work as the main basis for residence
The most practical way for many Ukrainians will be to obtain a residence permit through employment. This requires an employment contract with a Slovak employer and an application to the Cudzinecká polícia, which considers cases of foreigners.
This option is suitable for people who already work in Slovakia or can confirm professional experience, education and stable income. After several years of legal residence and work, the opportunity opens to apply for a longer status, in particular for permanent residence under the conditions stipulated by law.
Study, family and entrepreneurship
Ukrainians who enter Slovak universities can apply for a student residence permit. This option is suitable not only for young people after school, but also for adults who plan to get a new education, change their profession or use their studies as a legal basis for staying in the country.
A separate path is provided for family reunification. It can be used by people whose close relatives have permanent residence or citizenship of Slovakia. For those who run a business or plan to start a business, a residence permit through entrepreneurship remains a possible option, although such status requires financial confirmation and real economic activity.
International protection and humanitarian permit
For some Ukrainians, international protection or asylum may be relevant. This path applies to people who can prove a personal risk in the event of returning to Ukraine, in particular due to their origin from occupied territories, regions of active hostilities, or other circumstances that create danger.
A humanitarian residence permit is granted individually. It is usually considered for people with serious illnesses, complex family circumstances, or situations when leaving the country is objectively impossible. This format requires well-prepared documents and often legal advice.
What documents should be prepared in advance
Ukrainians who plan to stay in Slovakia after 2027 should now check the validity of their international passport, collect documents about education, work experience, place of residence, family status, medical circumstances, or training. For work status, a contract, certificates from the employer, and confirmation of income will be important.
It is also worth downloading confirmation of the extension of temporary protection from the Slovak Ministry of Internal Affairs portal, as it may be required by employers, banks, schools or social services. It is advisable to plan an appointment with the Foreigners’ Police in advance, as the workload on the department may increase significantly as the deadline approaches.
Ukrainians can receive free assistance on migration issues through international organizations, including UNHCR and IOM, as well as through local municipalities and social services at the place of residence. Legal advice is especially important for people considering asylum, humanitarian permission, complex family reunification or a change of status after a long stay in the country.
The extension of temporary protection until 2027 gives Ukrainians in Slovakia time to organize their documents, determine a real reason for residence and prepare for the transition to another status without haste and legal uncertainty.
