Workers with temporary refuge can switch to residence for employment

Since 15 July 2026, Slovakia has applied a transitional rule for third-country nationals granted temporary refuge because of the war in Ukraine. After that refuge ends, a worker who was continuously employed for at least six months immediately before that date will be able to retain free access to the labour market for up to one year. The date when temporary refuge will end has not yet been set.

Before temporary refuge ends, a worker may apply for a temporary-residence document for employment. They must have worked continuously for at least six months before filing the application and still be employed on the filing date. What counts is the duration of employment, not the employer’s identifier or the occupation code.

The application requires a valid passport, a Social Insurance Agency confirmation of employment no older than 30 days, a Ukrainian criminal-record extract no older than 90 days, and proof of accommodation. An incomplete set will not be accepted. The police send notification that conditions are met within 60 days and issue the document within 30 days after that notification. An employer of a worker who receives such a document after 15 July must submit an IK-form notification to the labour office and attach a copy of the residence card.