Slovakia attracts Ukrainians with its friendly attitude, convenient location near Ukraine, and simple legalization of stay. You can spend the winter in Slovakia if you are worried about security, heating and electricity in Ukraine. Find out about the rules and nuances of staying in Slovakia in 2024 to have access to the maximum number of public and social benefits of this European country

Legal advice for Ukrainians

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Located on the border with Ukraine, Slovakia has become one of the main countries hosting Ukrainian refugees in 2024. Thanks to updated rules and some support programs, such as temporary protection, Ukrainians can expect to have access to housing, work, education, and medical care. We will tell you about border crossing, customs control, and opportunities for those who wish to stay in Slovakia for a long period of time.

Rules for crossing the border with Slovakia

Slovakia has been demonstrating openness to foreigners for many years, and 2024 is no exception. However, before planning your trip, it is important to take into account the rules for entering Slovakia in 2024, which apply to both tourists and Ukrainian refugees.

Documents for crossing the border with Slovakia

Basic documents:

✔️ Foreign passport (biometric or regular). If you don't have a passport, you can enter with an internal passport, but the decision is made by the border guard service.

✔️ Visa (not required for short-term stays of up to 90 days).

✔️ Health insurance. We advise you to take out health insurance before leaving, as it may be required not only to provide timely medical care, but also to obtain temporary protection.

✔️ Confirmation of the purpose of the visit (hotel reservation, invitation, confirmation of accommodation).

For men:

✔️ Permission to travel outside Ukraine, according to the rules of martial law in 2024. This must be a deferral from mobilization, for example, in connection with accompanying persons with disabilities, a temporary business trip under the “Shlyakh” system, medical indications or other legal grounds.

Important! All men between the ages of 18 and 60 must present a valid military ID with a deferred military service card at the border.

For traveling with children:

✔️ Child's birth certificate.

✔️ Child's passport (required for children aged 12 and older).

Recommendation: Check the current rules on temporary protection in Slovakia in 2024, as the country continues to accept Ukrainians in need of assistance.

How to get from Ukraine to Slovakia?

Slovakia remains openfor Ukrainians in 2024. Let's look at the main ways to travel from Ukraine to Slovakia.

By train or bus

Popular routes:

✔️ Train Kyiv - Košice: daily trips, duration - about 10 hours.

✔️ Buses from Uzhhorod to Bratislava and Kosice: depart several times a day.

✔️ Bus route Lviv - Bratislava. This is a popular route that covers the central cities of Slovakia.

Also, the Kyiv-Bratislava train is expected to be launched soon.

Tip: book tickets in advance, especially during the holiday season, when demand increases significantly.

How to get to Slovakia by car

Traveling by car to Slovakia is a convenient option that provides freedom of movement and the ability to transport a large number of things. However, to make the trip comfortable and safe, it is important to consider a number of aspects.

Choosing a route

The most convenient checkpoints on the Ukrainian-Slovak border:

• Uzhhorod - Vysne Nemecke (the most popular checkpoint located near the regional center).
  
• Maly Berezny - Ubl'a (less busy, suitable for those traveling through Zakarpattia).
  
• Chop - Cierna nad Tisou (used mainly for rail transport).
  

Each of these points has a good infrastructure, but Uzhhorod - Vysne Nemecke is usually the busiest due to the high flow of cars.

Documents for crossing the border by car:

✔️ Technical passport for the car.

✔️ Valid green card (car insurance). Getting a green card will help you avoid fines in Slovakia.

✔️ International driving license.

Earlier, we told you in detail about car insurance in Slovakia

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Customs control

Customs control is an important part of crossing the border with Slovakia. Here are the basic rules of what you can/can't bring into Slovakia:

✔️ Allowed: personal belongings, food in small quantities (up to 2 kg), medicines for personal use, 2 packs of cigarettes, no more than 1 liter of alcohol per person

✔️ Prohibited: canned food, meat and dairy products, honey; weapons, explosives and other prohibited items; commercial goods without appropriate declarations.

Restrictions on the import of currency

Amounts up to 10,000 euros are allowed to be imported into Slovakia without a declaration.

If you are transporting more, you need to fill out a customs declaration.

We wrote indetail about how much currency you can take out of Ukraine in our previous article

Rules of stay in Slovakia

Slovakia for Ukrainians in 2024 offers several options for staying: without a visa, temporary protection or residence permit.

Duration of visa-free stay

Ukrainians can stay in Slovakia for up to 90 days within a 180-day period without any additional documents.

Using a Ukrainian car in Slovakia

Ukrainian cars can be used in Slovakia for up to 6 months without mandatory registration. However, the car must have a valid Green Card. This insurance is mandatory for traveling abroad by your own car.

Temporary protection in Slovakia

Will Slovakia accept Ukrainian refugees in 2024? Yes, Slovakia continues to accept Ukrainians and provide them with opportunities for a comfortable stay in this country.

Ukrainians who have been granted temporary protection (early settlement, residence permit) can stay in Slovakia under this document until March 2025. There is currently no information on the extension of temporary protection after March 2025.

The answer to the frequently asked question of Ukrainians “What is an odidenec in Slovakia” is a status that allows you to legally stay in the country as a refugee and receive assistance.

You can readmore about Slovakia for refugees in 2024 in our previous article

Registration of a single person in Slovakia takes place at the Migration Police. Thus, you can get an early residence permit in Slovakia only if you register online on the police portal in advance and receive the appropriate deadline (the date when you need to arrive at the police station).

Please note! You need to register online with the police in advance, 2-4 weeks before your planned trip to Slovakia, because there are currently some problems with the “dates” and the service does not issue them in the near future.

Important! If you decide to change your country of residence, you will need to terminate your residence registration in Slovakia by submitting a corresponding application to the Slovak Migration Police.

Legalization of a long-term stay in Slovakia

If you plan to stay in Slovakia for a longer period of time and legalize your stay in this European country, please read the specific rules of legalization:

Residence permit

Residence permit in Slovakia gives you the right to employment, education and medical services.

The process of obtaining a residence permit includes:

- Filing an application at the local police station for foreigners;

- Providing supporting documents, such as an employment contract, an invitation to study, or documents confirming family ties;

- Payment of the application fee.

Advantages and limitations

Immigration to Slovakia has its pros and cons. Temporary protection does not allow you to conduct business in Slovakia, but it provides basic social guarantees. Residence permit provides wider opportunities, but requires more documents and time for processing.

These options allow Ukrainians to stay in Slovakia legally, work, study, and access medical services. Each option has its own specific requirements that need to be taken into account.

If you have any difficulties with the preparation of the relevant documents for staying in Slovakia or in another European country, you can use the services of migration lawyers at Visit Ukraine in a few clicks. Our specialists help with the settlement of documentary issues, as well as provide meaningful advice and full legal support.

How to obtain a residence permit in Slovakia

To obtain a residence permit in Slovakia, you need to go through several stages:

1.Prepare a package of documents, which includes:

• - Valid foreign passport.
  
• - Confirmation of the purpose of stay (employment contract, invitation to study, - confirmation of family reunification, etc.)
  
• - Proof of financial resources (bank statement).
  
• - Proof of housing (lease or ownership agreement).
  
• - Proof of medical insurance.
  
• - Certificate of no criminal record (obtained at the post office).
  

2. Submit the application to the nearest police station for foreigners or Slovak consulate abroad.

• 3. Wait for the decision. The processing time can take up to 90 days, depending on the type of residence permit.
  
• 4. Receive your residence card after your application is approved. This card is your official confirmation of the right to stay in the country.
  
• 5. Register at the place of residence with the relevant authority (local council).
  

6. For more detailed information and advice on the nuances of obtaining a residence permit in Slovakia, you should contact migration lawyers or use the services of state information centers in Slovakia.

Useful information for your stay in Slovakia

Where to look for accommodation in Slovakia

Finding housing in Slovakia in 2024 is not an easy task, as the number of Ukrainians in this country is constantly increasing. You need to look for accommodation in Slovakia on your own.

Popular platforms where you can find accommodation in Slovakia: Booking, Airbnb, Facebook groups, and Telegram channels.

In the capital of Slovakia - Bratislava, it is more difficult to find accommodation than in such cities as Kosice, Presov, and Michalovske.

Please note! Slovakia currently has a program for refugees that allows homeowners to receive compensation in the amount of 150 euros per month for one refugee. However, this program is only valid for 120 days from the date of signing the housing contract.

Average housing prices in Slovakia

Renting a 1-room apartment in Bratislava will cost about 600 euros per month. Two- and three-room apartments in the Slovak capital will cost 700-1300 euros, depending on the conditions, condition of the property, and location.

Renting an apartment in Kosice will cost a little less. A 1-room apartment in this city will cost about 500 euros/month, 2- and 3-room apartments in Košice cost 700 to 1100 euros/month.

Where to look for work in Slovakia

Slovakia has a fairly developed labor market. There are many factories in and near large cities that are willing to hire foreigners. Also, men can find work in Slovak warehouses, and women can work in the beauty industry (beauty salons, cosmetology offices, etc.).

Among the advantages of employment in Slovakia is a full social package from the employer, which is valid even with temporary protection.

Vacancies can be found on Profesia.sk, LinkedIn, as well as through local employment agencies.

How to enroll children in a school or kindergarten in Slovakia

Studying in Slovakia has already become a common practice for children of Ukrainian refugees.

To enroll in school, you need the child's documents (birth certificate, passport).

To enroll your child in a local kindergarten, you just need to contact the administration of the kindergarten directly, they will provide all the necessary information.

To enroll a child in a Slovak school, contact the local education department for registration.

Other important nuances of staying in Slovakia

✔️ Medical care: Temporary protection includes access to free basic healthcare. However, the insurance included in the early residence permit is valid only in case of medical emergencies. If you have seasonal or chronic illnesses, minor injuries, or scheduled surgery, the hospital will issue a bill that will not be covered by this insurance.

To protect your finances and health and to be able to visit doctors in case of colds, injuries or other medical situations, take out health insurance for Ukrainians in Europe at Visit Ukraine. This is a proven and reliable insurance product that has only a good reputation.

✔️ Mobile communication: For inexpensive calls within Slovakia, it is better to buy a local SIM card.

✔️ When staying in Slovakia as a refugee (under temporary protection), it makes sense to seek help from Ukrainian volunteer centers at the UN in Slovakia. They operate in Bratislava and Kosice.

Slovakia is a country of opportunities for those who are ready to build a new life. Plan your trip, follow the advice and enjoy the safety and hospitality this European country offers.

However, the key to successful adaptation in Slovakia is preparation: check your documents, familiarize yourself with customs regulations, find accommodation, and find out the main aspects of employment or study. Don't be afraid to seek advice from our lawyers or use the services of support organizations.

Just a reminder. Due to the martial law in Ukraine, the rules for traveling abroad by minors have been slightly changed.

Want to know more? Read the latest news and useful materials about Ukraine and the world in the News section.

Our recommendation for a safe and comfortable trip: 

Visit Ukraine Insurance - insurance for a safe stay abroad without unnecessary expenses;

Green Card - compulsory car insurance for traveling abroad;

Visit Ukraine Tickets - book tickets for buses, trains, and airplanes to/from Ukraine and between cities around the world;

Private Lawyer service - professional legal support on visa and migration issues;

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