How to Extend Temporary Protection (odídenec) Status in Slovakia

Update, 12 August 2026: from 6 August 2026 the conditions for submitting a new or repeat application for temporary protection changed for men aged 18–60. Details: new temporary protection rules for men from Ukraine. The change does not affect people whose status has been running without interruption.

The most common question Ukrainians in Slovakia ask sounds like this: “when and where do I extend my odídenec status?” The short answer: you do not need to go anywhere. Temporary protection is extended automatically, and in 2026 that is exactly how it works.

Updated: August 2026.

Status automatically extended until 4 March 2027

Temporary protection for people who fled the war in Ukraine has been automatically extended in Slovakia until 4 March 2027. This follows the implementing decision of the Council of the European Union and is backed by a resolution of the Slovak government.

What this means in practice: submitting an extension application, booking an appointment and queuing are not necessary. The validity is extended by itself, without any action on your part.

How to check whether your status is valid

You can check whether your status is valid online on the portal of the Slovak Ministry of the Interior. This is the most reliable way to make sure everything is in order, and it takes a couple of minutes.

It is worth checking in two situations: if you have not used the document for a long time, and if an institution (an employer, a bank, a doctor) has questioned its validity. A printout from the portal usually settles the matter.

Paper confirmation and the residence document

After registering for temporary protection you receive a paper confirmation “Dočasné útočisko” in A4 format. This is a temporary document that is valid until the state issues you a residence document.

The paper confirmation creases and gets lost easily, and you will be asked for it often. Take a photo and make several copies in advance, and keep the original separately from the documents you carry every day.

Do you need to visit the foreign police department?

Only in specific situations: when you change your address, if you lose the document, if your personal details change, or if the online check shows a problem. The extension itself does not require a visit.

If you do need to go, book an appointment in advance — the department works by appointment and free slots go quickly.

What to do if your status does not show up

  1. Check that you are entering the data correctly — one wrong letter or digit returns an empty result.
  2. Repeat the check the next day: the databases are not updated instantly.
  3. If there is still no result the second time, go to the foreign police department for your place of residence and take the paper confirmation with you.
  4. Do not put it off: without a valid status you will run into problems with work, insurance and benefits.

When the status stops being valid

Automatic extension does not mean the status cannot be lost. It ends, for example, if you give it up voluntarily, if you receive another type of residence, or if you leave the country for a long period. There is a detailed breakdown in the article on the current temporary protection status.

Frequently asked questions

Do you have to pay for the extension?

No. The extension is automatic and free of charge. If someone offers to “help with the extension” for money, that is a reason to be suspicious.

Is the status extended for children as well?

Yes, the automatic extension applies to everyone who has been granted temporary protection, including children.

What happens after March 2027?

The decision on any further extension is taken at the level of the European Union and the Slovak government. Judging by previous years, an extension is announced in advance, usually in February.

Does the status give you the right to work?

Yes, access to the labour market is open and no separate work permit is required.

Official information about residence is available here: MIC IOM instructions for the residence application and the official portal for Ukrainian citizens.

The odídenec status also changes how health insurance works: which insurance you are entitled to and what to do after your status is extended.

It is also worth thinking about protecting your home in advance — read how flat and house insurance works in Slovakia: what the policy covers and what the price depends on.

If you are planning a trip outside Slovakia, find out in advance which travel insurance you need to go abroad — the state policy barely covers you there.

Planning to move from protection status to ordinary employment-based residence? Find out how a work permit in Slovakia is issued for third-country nationals.

What to read next

The information is compiled from public sources online and is current at the time of publication. Rules and deadlines can change — check the current details on the website of the Slovak Ministry of the Interior, and in disputed cases consult a qualified adviser.