Help for Ukrainian Refugees in Bratislava

Slovakia is a small country in the centre of Europe, bordering Ukraine to the east. Since the start of the full-scale war, hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians have made use of temporary protection here. This article covers the practical side: who can apply for temporary refuge, what help is available, how to open a bank account and where to go in Bratislava.

Why Ukrainians choose Slovakia

There are several reasons why many people stay here in particular.

Close to home. Slovakia borders Ukraine, so a trip home is affordable both in distance and in money.

The attitude of local people. Most Slovaks are friendly and willing to help, which makes the first months in a new place noticeably easier.

A close language. Slovak sounds similar to Ukrainian and many words mean the same thing — you can often follow the gist of a conversation from the first few sentences, and in a Slovak-speaking environment you pick it up quickly. We wrote about free language courses in the article Bratislava for Ukrainians.

Temporary refuge: what it is and how to apply

With a biometric passport, a Ukrainian citizen has the right to stay in Slovakia for 90 days. To stay longer and get access to social support, you need to apply for temporary refuge (dočasné útočisko).

Temporary refuge is the fastest form of protection for a displaced person. It gives access to housing and medical care, and allows you to work legally in the Slovak Republic.

Where to submit the application

You can apply when crossing the border, at foreign police (migration police) departments, or at dedicated registration centres. There is a large assistance centre in Bratislava for this — before you travel, check the current address and opening hours on the official ua.gov.sk portal, as the way applications are handled has changed several times.

The status is granted for a set period and extended by government decision. We look at the current validity periods and the rules for extending in the article The current status of temporary refuge in Slovakia.

Financial assistance

Holders of temporary refuge status can apply for financial assistance, which is paid monthly for as long as the temporary protection document is valid. The amount depends on the make-up of the family: separate sums apply to a single person, to a couple without children and to families with children — the more children, the higher the sum.

The exact amounts have been revised several times, so always check the current figures with the Office of Labour, Social Affairs and Family (Úrad práce, sociálnych vecí a rodiny) or on ua.gov.sk.

What you need in order to receive it

You will need valid temporary refuge status, an open account with a Slovak bank and an application submitted to the Office of Labour. Without a bank account the payment cannot be arranged, so opening an account is one of the first practical steps after registering.

There is also a separate accommodation compensation programme — it applies to people who provide housing. Details are in the article The accommodation compensation programme.

How to open an account with a Slovak bank

Slovak banks have simplified the process of opening accounts for Ukrainian citizens. As an example, consider Tatra banka, which offered Ukrainian citizens a simplified account opening and preferential terms.

Which documents you need

As a rule, you need proof of your right to stay (the temporary refuge document) and a document showing a photograph, your first name, surname, date of birth and citizenship. You can open an account at any branch of the bank.

The conditions for free account maintenance and the list of preferential services have changed over time, so check them directly at the branch or on the bank’s website before you visit. It is worth comparing offers from several banks — terms for Ukrainian citizens differ.

How opening an account works

The procedure is straightforward: a bank employee fills in and checks the documents, and you need to provide a number of signatures, both handwritten and electronic. One of the steps is saving your electronic signature.

After that, the employee will explain how to use the card and internet banking, help you install the mobile app and show you its main functions. The app lets you track money coming into and going out of the account.

You give your account number (IBAN) to the institutions that ask for it — in particular to the Office of Labour when applying for financial assistance. Cash machines at the major banks are also available in English and Ukrainian.

Other help available

Alongside state support, Slovakia has non-profit organisations, volunteer initiatives and assistance centres where you can get legal advice, psychological support, humanitarian aid and help finding work.

From the beginning of the war, Slovak companies and banks took an active part in helping new arrivals: they provided housing, transport and food, and hundreds of employees volunteered right at the border. Later the emphasis shifted from emergency aid to adaptation and integration programmes — language courses, retraining and help with finding a job.

Practical contacts and a walk-through of the first steps are collected in the articles Bratislava for Ukrainians and Emergency service phone numbers in Slovakia.

For official information about residence, see here: the MIC IOM guide to applying for residence.

Frequently asked questions

How long can I stay in Slovakia without applying for a status?

With a biometric passport, 90 days. To stay longer and get access to support, you need to apply for temporary refuge.

Can I work with temporary refuge status?

Yes, temporary refuge gives you the right to take up employment in Slovakia without a separate work permit. However, you cannot run a business on the basis of this status alone — for that you need a residence permit.

Do I need a bank account to receive assistance?

Yes, financial assistance is transferred to an account with a Slovak bank, so opening one is a required step before you apply to the Office of Labour.

Which documents do I need to open an account?

Usually the temporary refuge document and a photo ID are enough. Check the exact list with the specific bank — requirements may differ.

Where can I find the current payment amounts?

The sums have been revised several times, so the most reliable place to check them is the ua.gov.sk portal or the Office of Labour, Social Affairs and Family directly.

Important. The information in this article has been collected from public sources online and is up to date at the time of publication. Conditions and rules change. Before making any decisions, check the current information and consult a relevant specialist.