Temporary asylum in Slovakia gives Ukrainians the right to live, work, and receive social protection. However, many people have questions about keeping this status when leaving the country. Do you need to close your status? What happens when you move? What formalities are important to consider? We explain in simple terms.
What is Temporary Asylum in Slovakia
Temporary asylum (dočasné útočisko) is a special form of international protection introduced in EU countries after Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine began on February 24, 2022. Slovakia grants this status to people fleeing armed conflict.
What does the status odídenec/dočasné útočisko mean
A person with this status (odídenec - a person granted temporary protection) has the right to legally stay in the Slovak Republic. This is confirmed by a document with the inscription "DOČASNÉ ÚTOČISKO". The state gives the holder of this status a range of rights and social guarantees: access to healthcare, food, hygiene, education, housing, and the labor market. Financial assistance from the Ministry of Labor, Social Affairs, and Family, and international organizations is also provided.
Who is granted the status
The following people can receive temporary asylum in Slovakia:
Citizens of Ukraine.
Persons who had international or equivalent domestic protection in Ukraine before February 24, 2022.
Foreigners with permanent residence in Ukraine who cannot return to their country.
Family members of the above-mentioned persons (spouse, minor children, parents of a minor child who is a citizen of Ukraine, close relatives who lived together and were dependent).
Validity period of the status
As of today, temporary asylum in Slovakia is valid until March 4, 2027. The EU Council extended the temporary protection for Ukrainians for another year. If you have already received the status, it is automatically valid until this date without any additional actions on your part.
Main rights and limitations
The status grants:
The right to work and conduct business activities in Slovakia according to the law.
Access to medical care (emergency and necessary).
Access to education for children.
The right to social benefits and housing assistance.
Important limitations:
The status is valid in only one EU country at a time.
The odídenec status itself does not grant the right to live, work, or be self-employed in other countries.
For travel within EU countries, a valid passport is required in addition to the plastic ID card.
Does temporary asylum end when leaving Slovakia?
In short, no, leaving the country does not automatically cancel the status. From the perspective of Slovak law, leaving the country, including for Ukraine, does not terminate temporary asylum. However, it is important to know all the nuances and aspects of this status.
Difference between temporary and permanent departure
Temporary departure means traveling to Ukraine or another country for a period of time with the intention to return to Slovakia later. Your status remains fully valid. Permanent departure means moving to another country with the intention to stay there or returning to Ukraine forever. In this case, the status formally remains valid until its expiration date, but the actual need for it disappears.
Common questions from social media
"How long can I be away?" Slovak law does not set limits on the duration of absence to maintain temporary asylum. There is no "day limit". "Does leaving Slovakia cancel the status?" The mere fact of leaving does not. The status can only be terminated for specific legal reasons (see section 4). "What should I do if I'm leaving for good?" Nothing urgent. The status will end on its own after March 4, 2027. However, there are practical steps you should take – see section 7.
Temporary Departure: When the Status is Not Closed
If you are leaving for Ukraine or another country temporarily – for business, to visit relatives, for medical treatment, or just traveling – your status remains valid. You do not need to go anywhere, "suspend," or close anything. The status continues to be valid automatically.
What documents are important to have for returning
To return safely to Slovakia, have with you:
A valid passport – the main document for crossing the border.
The plastic odídenec ID card – it confirms your status and right to return.
If you only have a paper printout – before traveling, check with the embassy or the relevant authority of the destination country whether you will be allowed to return to Schengen with this document.
What you don't need to do
When leaving temporarily, you do not need to:
inform the migration office about your trip;
submit any applications;
"suspend" or "close" your status.
Simply return with valid documents.
Leaving Slovakia for good
It is not mandatory to cancel temporary asylum. If you decide to return to Ukraine or move to another country permanently – you are not obliged to voluntarily cancel your status. The status will end automatically anyway after its expiration date.
What happens if the status is not canceled manually?
Usually, there are no consequences if you leave the status active. The status will simply "live out" its natural term. However, if you have left permanently, it is advisable to take a few practical steps (section 7) to avoid bank fees, overpayments of social benefits, etc. Voluntary cancellation is recommended in two situations:
If you are moving to another EU country and plan to obtain similar protection there – your Slovak status must be canceled, as you cannot have protection in two countries simultaneously in the EU.
If you understand that you will definitely not return and want the state to have up-to-date data on the number of people with active status – this helps to allocate aid resources more effectively.
The status also automatically terminates, without any applications, if:
you obtain temporary or permanent residence permit in Slovakia;
you apply for asylum;
you obtain protection in another country.
How to cancel the status voluntarily?
To voluntarily cancel, you need to submit a written statement of renunciation of temporary asylum, signed by hand to the Migration Office of the Ministry of Interior of the Slovak Republic. You can do this in two ways:
Electronically: send the statement along with a scanned copy of your odídenec card and a copy of your passport to po.mu@minv.sk.
In person: sign the statement directly in front of employees of the Migration Office of the Ministry of Interior of the Slovak Republic at the main offices in Bratislava, Nitra, or Michalovce (from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM). They will also accept all necessary documents.
Important: No decision or separate confirmation of status termination is issued – the fact of renunciation is simply recorded in the information system.
Moving to another European Union country
The EU Directive clearly states: you can only have temporary protection in one European Union country. If you obtain temporary protection in another EU member state, your Slovak status will automatically terminate. Conversely, if you keep your Slovak status active and apply in another country, that country may theoretically refuse you protection.
Why is it recommended to cancel your status in Slovakia before applying in another country?
Without canceling your Slovak status, you are formally not entitled to apply for status in another EU country. Some countries may overlook this – but some will refuse to accept your application. To avoid risk, it is recommended to first cancel your Slovak status and then apply for protection in the new country.
What does the decision of another country depend on?
The decision of the host country may be influenced by:
The presence or absence of an active status in Slovakia.
How much time has passed since you crossed the border of the new country.
The specific country's internal migration policy.
Main risks of not canceling status
If you move to another EU country without first canceling your Slovak status:
The new country may refuse to accept your application for protection.
Complications with documents and social rights may arise in the new country.
Any misunderstanding with the systems is your responsibility.
Moving to a country outside the EU
If you are moving to a country that is not part of the EU, the procedure is similar to returning to Ukraine: it is not mandatory to cancel temporary asylum – the status will simply expire on its own. However, you should still complete the practical steps from the checklist (section 7) in this case.
Do I need to close my status?
This is not mandatory. However, if you want to do everything "correctly" – you can submit a voluntary application for renunciation (the procedure is described in section 4). This is a personal choice, not a legal obligation.
How does this move differ from returning to Ukraine?
From the perspective of Slovak law – it doesn't. The difference is that when moving to a country outside the EU, you will not receive temporary protection under the EU directive there (it simply does not exist outside the European Union). You will need to arrange your status in the new country yourself.
What to do before leaving: a practical checklist
This checklist applies to those who are leaving permanently or for a very long time. You do not need to do any of the following for short trips.
Bank accounts and fees
Close your bank account in Slovakia to avoid monthly service fees. Do this in person at a branch or through the banking app before you leave.
Social and housing benefits
De-register from the social and housing benefits system. Contact the relevant Úrad práce (Labor Office) at your place of registration. Continuing to receive benefits after you have actually left may lead to a demand for their repayment.
Mobile operator and internet
Sort out your mobile operator: either terminate the contract or switch to a prepaid tariff without a monthly subscription. The same applies to your internet contract, if you have one.
Work, school, kindergarten
Notify about your departure: your employer (within the legally stipulated deadlines), school, or kindergarten. For children, it is recommended to obtain a certificate of completion of a certain grade – it will be useful when enrolling in a new educational institution.
Documents and their copies
Before leaving, check and make copies of:
All confirmations of temporary refuge (even with an old date – they are still valid).
Foreign passport (check the expiry date).
Plastic ID card odídenec (if you have one).
Documents about education or work.
Tip: do not laminate or put temporary refuge documents in a plastic cover – this can damage the document and make it difficult to use.
Common mistakes and myths
"The status will be canceled immediately after leaving" Fact: This is not true. Leaving – even to Ukraine – is not a reason for automatic cancellation of temporary refuge. Slovak law directly states that this does not cause the termination of the status. "With this status, you can work in any EU country" Fact: The odídenec status gives the right to live and work only in Slovakia. It does not apply to other EU countries and does not replace a residence or work permit in another country. To legally work in another EU country, you need to obtain the appropriate status or permit there. "No additional documents are needed for travel within the EU" Fact: To travel between EU countries, you need not only the odídenec ID document but also a valid foreign passport. Without a passport, you may not be allowed to cross the border or board a plane. "The odídenec ID card replaces a passport" Fact: The card confirms your status and right to stay, but it is not a full travel document for international trips. "Social benefits can be received even after leaving the country" Fact: Most benefits are provided only when you are actually living in the country. If a person leaves permanently and does not inform the authorities, they may be required to return the payments.
Conclusion
The main thing to remember is that leaving Slovakia – even permanently – does not automatically cancel temporary refuge. The difference between a temporary and a permanent departure lies not in legal formalities with the status, but in your practical actions: closing accounts, stopping payments, informing your employer and school. An exception is moving to another EU country: in this case, you should cancel your Slovak status in advance to easily obtain protection in the new country. If you still have questions, you can get free legal advice from the organizations Liga za ľudské práva (League for Human Rights) or Migračné informačné centrum IOM (Migration Information Centre IOM).
