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SLOVAKIA: INFORMATION FOR PEOPLE COMING FROM UKRAINE

If you are fleeing Ukraine and need further information that is not included in this factsheet about your rights, implementation of the European Temporary Protection Directive, or the services you can access, please contact projectU@dlapiper.com. Volunteer lawyers from the UK and Europe will assess your case, respond to your question or refer your query to other service providers through a secure platform.

Who is this information for?

Temporary protection is provided to:

The questions below are answered for the people who are covered by the temporary protection measures.

 

Key information

                                 

  1. Immigration
  2. Employment
  3. Housing
  4. Education
  5. Childcare
  6. Healthcare
  7. Mental Health
  8. Access to Legal Aid and Human Rights Protection
  9. Bank Account and Taxation
  10. Other Services

SLOVAKIA: IMMIGRATION INFORMATION

What documents do I need to enter?

Everybody fleeing the conflict in Ukraine can enter Slovakia with a biometric passport. If you are travelling with children, take their birth certificates if you can.

How can I enter if I don’t have a biometric passport?

The following documents will also be accepted when entering Slovakia:

-          Driver's license, accompanied by birth certificate, or

-          Valid or invalid passport, or

-          Valid personal ID card, or

-          Other personal document with photo, accompanied by birth certificate

Authorities are making individual assessments in cases where people do not have a biometric passport.

How long can I stay?

You can stay in Slovakia without a visa for 90 days in any 180 days period. Temporary protection is provided until 4 March 2023. The term will be automatically prolonged by an additional 6 months up to a maximum of 1 year.

Are there any Covid-related requirements and if yes, what are they?

No requirements.

Where do I register for temporary protection?

You can apply for temporary protection: 

Children must be present with you when making the declaration.

Before making a declaration in person to the police, we recommend that you register here. That way, the police will already have your details and your application will be processed more quickly. The Foreign Police Departments are operating non-stop to process temporary protection applications from Ukrainians.

The provision of temporary protection does not apply to Ukrainian citizens who already have their permanent or temporary residence in Slovakia.

How long is the wait to get temporary protection status?

If you have a travel or other identification document, remember to take it with you and temporary protection will be granted to you immediately. If you do not have any documents, the application should be processed within 30 days. In justified cases, this period may be extended by 30 days, even repeatedly.

What are my rights while waiting to get temporary protection?

All persons fleeing the conflict who have been allowed entry through the Slovak border (usually with a Slovak entry stamp in their passport) are allowed for a short-term stay of up to 90 days. Free public transport is available in some areas. The Slovak Republic provides a temporary refuge, which includes accommodation, food, health care, hygiene and access to the labor market.

If you do not have any identification documents you must apply for temporary protection at the Humenné detention camp. In this case you are entitled to accommodation, meals, healthcare and hygiene supplies immediately.

What documents do I need to apply for temporary protection?

Complete the form here (only available in Slovak language for now). You will also need the following documents:

  1. a valid or invalid travel document,  
  1. an identity card, or  
  1. a driving license together with a birth certificate or  
  1. any other document with a photograph together with a birth certificate.

Here you can see the template of the temporary protection card (once issued), and a leaflet in Ukrainian language

What document(s) will I receive once I get temporary protection?

Once temporary protection is approved, you will receive a document confirming your tolerated stay in Slovakia marked DOČASNÉ ÚTOČISKO (initially, the documents were marked ODÍDENEC - if you have this document, you do not need to change it, it is still valid) which will attest to your status.

Official leaflet of the Ministry of Interior of the Slovak Republic in English and Ukrainian language is available here.  

Can I become a citizen after receiving temporary protection? How long do I need to stay to be eligible?

To become a citizen of the Slovak Republic, you must meet the following conditions:

 

Can I move around the country and the European Union freely while under temporary protection?

Yes. After you get the temporary protection status, you can travel within the European Union freely for 90 days within a 180-day period. In principle, you must reside in Slovakia during the validity of temporary protection and if you change your address of residence, you must notify the Foreigner Police.

However, we recommend that you contact the competent authorities (e.g. the embassy) of the country to which you intend to travel about the entry conditions applicable by that country.

Can I apply for asylum while under temporary protection?

Yes. You can always apply for asylum but you will lose the status of temporary protection.  Please note that if you apply for asylum, it is a time consuming and difficult process which will prevent you from returning to Ukraine while you are considered a refugee.

It is possible to apply for asylum if you have well-founded fears of persecution in the country of origin on grounds of race, nationality, religion, political opinion or membership of a particular social group and, because of these fears, you cannot or do not wish to return to this country, or if you are being persecuted for exercising your political rights and freedoms.  

 

You may apply for asylum at any border crossing point at the competent police authorities. If you are already on the territory of the Slovak Republic, you can apply for asylum exclusively at the Asylum Department of the Police Corps in Humenne.

 

The Slovak Republic has 3 asylum facilities, where asylum seekers are usually placed after they have applied for protection:

 

In general, the asylum seeker is required to stay in the Slovak Republic until asylum is granted. Refugees are considered foreign nationals who have been granted permanent residence. The Migration Office of the Ministry of the Interior of the Slovak Republic is responsible for deciding on applications for asylum or subsidiary protection. You can find more info and contacts here. 

 

Asylum seekers can only work in Slovakia without a work permit only 9 months after the application for asylum is filed provided that they are filling a vacancy.

If I have family members outside of Ukraine, can I apply for family reunification? If yes, how?

Yes, temporary protection can be provided for the purpose of family reunification to:

What government and non-governmental bodies could I contact for more information on immigration?

The League for Human Rights

Non-governmental organization that provides information to foreigners and refugees about stay, visas and asylum in several languages.

Phone (hot line) for people from Ukraine: +421 918 366 968

Email: ukrajina@hrl.sk

More information: http://ukraineslovakia.sk

 

   Slovak Red Cross - Connecting families

If you have lost contact with your family, loved ones or relatives, you can use the service of the Slovak Red Cross - Family Reunion. For more information, visit the redcross.sk website.

 

International Organization for Migration (IOM)

Information and advice on entry and stay in Slovakia.

Info line: 0850 211 478 (from the territory of the Slovak Republic)

From abroad: +421 252 630 023, +421 556 258 662

Telegram and Signal applications: +421 908 767 853 (voice services only)

Email: mic@iom.int

Further information: www.mic.iom.sk

 

 SOS Ukraine Slovakia - Ukrainian community in Slovakia

Hotline +421 911 201 889

Email: ukrajina.sk.sos@gmail.com

Facebook: Ukraine-Slovakia SOS

SLOVAKIA: EMPLOYMENT INFORMATION

Do I need to apply for permission to be able to work? If yes, how do I do this?

If you have been given temporary protection, you can work in Slovakia without any further requirements. You do not need a work permit, but you cannot run a business or be a (self-employed) freelancer. If you want to conduct business, it is required to apply for temporary residence and obtain the required licence for the business activity or establish a company.

Am I eligible for unemployment benefits? How and where do I apply?

Any Ukrainian citizen in need can apply for benefits once the Foreign Police Department issues their ODÍDENEC. You can find the application form in Ukrainian here. You need to submit the document to the Office of Labor, Social Affairs and Family.

 

Refugees from Ukraine are entitled to the same benefits as Slovak citizens. Slovakian labour office representatives in Michalovce, Bratislava, Nitra, Žilina, Humenné (i.e. at the hot spots, large capacity centres) are supporting Ukrainians to make the application and give comprehensive social counselling.

 

Refugees from Ukraine are currently not entitled to a housing allowance. Refugees from Ukraine with temporary protection status are also not entitled to state social benefits such as child allowance, parental allowance, maintenance allowance, funeral allowance or childbirth allowance. These state social benefits are subject to temporary or permanent residence.

Are there any diploma and professional equivalence programmes? How and where do I apply?

There is no information available yet. The responsible institutions are currently preparing a project so that refugees from Ukraine will be able to retrain and obtain retraining and education.

What government and non-governmental bodies could I contact for more information on employment?

You can find practical information, tips and links to websites for finding a job in Slovakia are here. Jobs for Ukrainian-speaking applicants are also available at ISTP.sk, Profesia.sk, Kariera.sk, Sluzbyzamestnanosti.sk or Pracuj.sk.

SLOVAKIA: HOUSING INFORMATION

Can I access public housing/housing provided by the State?

Yes, you can access public housing provided by the Ministry of Interior and local authorities. Moreover, Habitat for Humanity is distributing hotel vouchers to families fleeing Ukraine through its various partnerships. See here.

How and where do I apply for public housing?

You can get help finding housing at the following links:

In partnership with Airbnb.org also IOM is providing free and private accommodation to families who fled Ukraine after 24 February 2022, for up to 30 days. You can contact IOM Slovakia by sending an email with your name, phone number, and a number of persons requiring housing or you can reach IOM at +421 915 135 654 between Mon – Fri (9:00-18:00). You will be asked to share an identification document and basic personal information during the registration process.

If I am staying with friends or family in the long term, what documents do I need to fill in to make it official? How can I acquire proof of residency?

No additional documents are required.

In case of the change of your address you can report a change of address to the municipality or borough in which you live. There is no need to go back to a hot spot or the Foreigners' Police.

You must provide the municipality with proof that you have been granted temporary refuge (the document marked DOČASNÉ ÚTOČISKO or ODÍDENEC and a new proof of accommodation (e.g. an affidavit from the owner). The municipality will either record the change of address in the information system and issue you with a new residence document or record the change of address in the document you submit.

If I would like to rent a property privately, what documents do I need?

You can rent privately with a passport or proof of temporary protection.

What government and non-governmental bodies could I contact for more information on housing?

The best place for information on housing is the Help for Ukraine website

Additional information may be found at

https://www.employment.gov.sk/en/information-foreigners/housing/ 

SLOVAKIA: EDUCATION INFORMATION

How do I enrol my children (or myself) into school?

You can enrol in a school directly by visiting it and presenting your temporary protection documents or explaining that you have applied for them. Depending on the class that you are enrolling in, the school may set examinations to determine the child’s level. In Prešov and Košice education is available in Ukrainian, and there are Ukrainian-speaking school psychologists.

 

Schools and Universities are accepting the following qualifications obtained in Ukraine: Диплом кваліфікованого робітника, Диплом молодшого спеціаліста, Свідоцтво про базову загальну середню освіту. If you do not have evidence of your qualifications, you need to apply for assessment to the Ministry of Education.  

There is also the possibility of distance learning - provided by the Ukrainian side, i.e.:

In case of interest in distance learning, it is necessary to contact a child's school in Ukraine (i.e. school which the child attended), if the school organises distance learning or to contact the International Ukrainian School for admission to external studies. The necessary information is available on the school's website - https://uis.org.ua/. In case of high school graduates who are graduating from high school in the Ukraine this year and are interested in obtaining a Ukrainian high school diploma, such graduates need to contact the school in accordance with the above information, where they will then receive all the necessary information.

If I have a child with special educational needs, where can I apply for help to enroll them in a special school?

There is no single process; you need to do this on an individual level.

For more information you can contact the Ministry of Education (specific people deadline with people from Ukraine), Regional offices of education, or the school directly.

You can also contact the following non-governmental organisations:

Are universities putting in place schemes to welcome Ukrainians or people fleeing Ukraine? If yes, can you give some examples?

Universities throughout Slovakia have announced a range of measures to help people fleeing Ukraine including financial support, waiving of fees, temporary accommodation for family members, and counselling.

Contacts:

What government and non-governmental bodies could I contact for more information on education?

You can contact the Ministry of Education of the Slovak Republic, Regional offices of education or the school directly.

You can also contact the Ministry of Education on non-stop contacts in Ukrainian:

You can also contact the following non-governmental organisations:

SLOVAKIA: CHILDCARE INFORMATION

How do I enroll young children into nursery?

Visit a nursery of your choice and show your temporary protection documents, or explain that you have applied.

For more information you can contact the Ministry of Education of the Slovak Republic, Regional offices of education or the nursery directly.

You can also contact the following non-governmental organisations:

Are there any social benefits I can claim such as child support?

You can apply for subsidies for school meals in nursery and primary school. You can do this by indicating that you would like this support and they will put you in touch with the relevant authorities.

From September 2022, children from Ukraine integrated into schools will also be able to receive subsidies for school supplies.

Other social benefits are for example:

Are there any benefits for pregnant and nursing women?

A pregnant student who is a citizen of Ukraine or a family member of a citizen of Ukraine and is ODÍDENEC, is entitled to a pregnancy scholarship during an emergency situation declared in Slovakia due to the situation in Ukraine.

What government and non-governmental bodies could I contact for more information on needs specific to young children?

Ministry of Education 

Ministry of Labor, Social Affairs and Family 

Office of Labor, Social Affairs and Family  

 

SLOVAKIA: HEALTHCARE INFORMATION

Can I benefit from public healthcare?

You can benefit from free emergency healthcare upon presenting documents showing that you have applied for temporary protection. For additional services, see below.

 

Do I need to register in order to obtain health coverage, and if yes how?

You can register for public healthcare if you are employed. To apply, you need to provide your employment contract, identification card and proof of temporary protection. You will then receive an insurance card that will cover most medical services. Dependent children are covered by health insurance.

Other:

 

 

What does the public health care cover?

With the health card, most services are covered or reimbursed, including preventative care, diagnostics and treatment, nursing and natal care.

 

Do I need extra private health insurance on top of the public health coverage? If yes, are there schemes available for low-income people?  

No.

What government and non-governmental bodies could I contact for more information on access to healthcare?

INFOLINE VšZP:

Up-to-date information on the provision of health care for citizens of Ukraine is provided by the General Health Insurance Company. See website here.

Infoline: 0850 003 003

Email: infolinka@vszp.sk 

HEALTH LINE FOR UKRAINE:

A quick consultation in Ukrainian is available free of charge, daily from 07:00 to 19:00. by phone or via online chat at +421 2 21025075, web: www.ua.diagnose.me. (Warning! The line does not serve as a first aid line. It is intended for orientation in the Slovak health care system and consultation of health status with medical staff. In case of an urgent problem, it is necessary to call the number 155 or 112.te information on the situation in Ukraine VšZP (vszp.sk))

See also, Ministry of Health https://www.health.gov.sk/?pomoc-ukrajine 

SLOVAKIA: MENTAL HEALTH INFORMATION

Can I access mental health support for free under public healthcare?

Mental health services are covered by public insurance. You need to contact a district doctor and present a proof of temporary protection. Then, the relevant specialist will be recommended.

 

Do I need to complete any additional administrative procedure to access mental health support?

No

What government and non-governmental bodies could I contact for more information on services for people suffering from mental health issues, especially trauma?

In case of need, you can contact free and anonymous crisis lines that provide psychological help in the Ukrainian language. They are addressed to people or their relatives who find themselves in a crisis situation as a result of the war in Ukraine.

You can contact:

●    Crisis line of People in Danger and counselling IPčko: 0800 500 888 or by e-mail, every day 8.00 a.m. – 8.00 p.m. https://www.krizovalinkapomoci.sk/psychologicka-pomoc/

●    Mental Health League Helpline “Nezábudka”: 0800 222 450, every day 1 p.m. – 9 p.m. More information

See also: SME SPOLU, MAREENA, ČLOVEK V OHROZENÍ, LIGA ZA DUŠEVNÉ ZDRAVIE 

SLOVAKIA: ACCESS TO LEGAL AID AND HUMAN RIGHTS PROTECTION INFORMATION

If I have a legal issue and need to retain a lawyer, am I eligible for legal aid? How to find a lawyer?

In general, according to Article 47 (2) of the Constitution of the Slovak Republic: ”everyone has the right to legal advice from the commencement of proceedings before courts, other public authorities or bodies of public administration, under the conditions set out by law.”

 In Slovakia, free legal aid may be provided in particular by:

 In case of Ukraine, legal aid is provided for free in particular by:

In addition to legal aid provided for free you can always use private legal aid provided by attorneys.

Is there an Ombudsman in the country which deals with human rights? What is the best way to approach the Ombudsman?

Yes, Slovakia has a Public Defender of Rights (Ombudsman). The Public Defender of Rights is an independent body with the mission to protect the fundamental rights and freedoms of citizens conflicting with the legal order or the principles of a democratic state in terms of actions, decision-making, or inactivity of a public administration body (such as the police, migration office, ministries, offices of labour, social affairs and family or by municipalities).

The Public Defender of Rights can be also approached by foreigners currently arriving in the Slovak Republic through border crossings with Ukraine due to a war conflict.

You can file a complaint directly via the website www.vop.gov.sk, by email podnet@vop.gov.sk or in writing to the address: Verejný ochranca práv, Grösslingová 35, 811 09 Bratislava.

The complaint can be also filed in person at the premises of the Public Defender of Rights at Grösslingová 35, 811 09 Bratislava.

Your complaint may be filed in the Ukrainian language.

How can I get help if I think I am a victim of trafficking? (police/health authority/social services/ immigration department, etc.)

Please contact:

The Financial Directorate of the Slovak Republic prepared a leaflet in Ukrainian, available under https://www.financnasprava.sk/_img/pfsedit/Dokumenty_PFS/Obcania/Clo/2022/2022.03.02_MV_Obchod_ludia_UA.pdf

SLOVAKIA: BANK ACCOUNT AND TAXATION INFORMATION

What documents do I need to open a bank account?

To open a bank account in Slovakia, in principle you must submit:

Some banks provide various benefits to Ukrainians, e.g. simplified account opening process, free maintenance of existing and new current accounts, etc. (e.g.Tatrabanka -  https://www.tatrabanka.sk/sk/blog/tlacove-spravy/pomoc-ukrajinskym-obcanom/).

When do I become tax liable in the country and what do I need to do to pay it?

In principle, you become a taxpayer when you have income from employment, business, other gainful activities or lease. Information on taxation and tax obligations is available on the website of the Financial Directorate of the Slovak Republic at https://www.financnasprava.sk/en/businesses/taxes-businesses

For customs, contact exclusively the Call Center of the Financial Administration of the Slovak Republic, phone number 048/43 17 222, option 5. There are consultants in the customs area available on a permanent basis. In addition, the Financial Administration has set up a specialized subpage on its portal, where all important information on assistance to Ukraine, prohibitions and restrictions, as well as customs procedures can be found in one place (available at: https://www.financnasprava.sk/obcania/clo/zakazy-a-obmedzenia).

SLOVAKIA: OTHER SERVICES

Where can an unaccompanied minor get help?

Unaccompanied minors entering Slovakia will be escorted by border police and placed in the Medzilaborce centre where you get a temporary guardian. They will be able to speak Ukrainian, will help you with your needs, and will temporarily act on your behalf.

In the centre in Medzilaborce you will also be provided with the food, accommodation or other necessary help (social support, etc.).

The temporary guardian will immediately apply to the court for legal appointment of a guardian. The process is very fast.

Your guardian will apply for temporary protection on your behalf.

 

How and where can I apply for disability benefits?

The disability benefits will not be provided by the state, but by UNICEF and IOM. Such disability benefits will be provided to refugees from Ukraine for the care of a person with a severe disability. The amount of such financial support is in the amount of EUR 508 per month.

ODÍDENEC who believes that is entitled to disability benefits should state this during the UNHCR registration process.

UNICEF (for children) and IOM (for adults) will carry out an assessment of entitlement to such care allowance (disability benefit). This assessment will determine whether or not the person is entitled to a care allowance. This means that not all individuals with disabilities will be entitled for this allowance (disability benefit).

Persons who are entitled for a care allowance (disability benefit) will be notified whether or not they have been granted this allowance. Persons who are approved for a care allowance will receive further information on when and how the aid will be granted.

The general information is provided here and here (only in Slovak). Please note that more information is not available yet.

Are there any other social benefits and services available which are not covered above?

The Slovak Railway Company has introduced free transport on all trains for citizens of Ukraine who present a valid passport or ID card. On trains with compulsory seat tickets, transport is also possible without a valid seat ticket.

Several Slovak regions are providing free bus transport.

Train and bus connections can be found HERE.

Vehicles registered in Ukraine do not have to pay for a highway stamp in the territory of Slovakia.

From May 2022, refugees from Ukraine are entitled to financial support from the UN and the International Federation of Red Cross, which will be paid to them from June 2022. This financial support is incompatible with the provision of allowance in material need, and therefore from May 2022 such persons are not entitled to allowance in material need.

The amount of allowance is:

The specific amount of support depends on the number and age of your family members (household). Maximum amount of aid is EUR 380 per month.

If you are a recipient of allowance in material need from the Office of Labor, Social Affairs and the Family, and in the application for material need you have indicated the contact Slovak mobile phone number you do not need to register again. UNHCR will pay you financial support on June 15, 2022. In May 2022, you will be paid assistance in material need from the Office of Labor, Social Affairs and Family.

If you have not provided a contact Slovak mobile phone number in your application for material need, it is necessary that you complete this information immediately or by 31 May 2022 at the latest. For provision of the financial support from UNHCR, this mobile phone number is required. You can report the mobile phone number in person, by telephone or by e-mail to any Office of Labor, Social Affairs and Family. You can find a list of offices and their addresses here. If you provide the contact Slovak mobile phone number to the Office of Labor, Social Affairs and Family you do not have to do anything else, your data will be transferred to UNHCR, which will automatically pay you financial support. If you do not have a Slovak mobile phone number, please visit the nearest store of any mobile operator (Orange, Telekom, O2, 4ka). You can get a Slovak SIM for free in the large-capacity centres in Bratislava or in Michalovce.

If you want to register with UNHCR in person (or want to update data other than the telephone number, e.g. place of accommodation, bank account, Slovak mobile phone number, or have data protection concerns or other reasons), please make an appointment with UNHCR. In case you cannot arrange for an online appointment, you can arrange it at the UNHCR and UNICEF contact points (“blue dots” in Gabčíkovo, Dunajská 1376/6, 930 05 Gabčíkovo) and in large capacity centres.

The general information is provided here and here (only in Slovak). Please note that more information is not available yet.

Can you please list 3-4 NGOs giving language classes and other integration programmes to Ukrainians?

NGOs giving language classes:

 

 Language school giving language classes:

 NGOs giving other integration programmes: