From September 1, 2026, new rules regarding prechodný pobyt (temporary residence) will apply in Slovakia, limiting it to one address and a maximum period of five years. These changes, introduced by the Ministry of the Interior, aim to organize citizen records and prevent abuses where people register at multiple addresses without actual residence.
Why is this important for you?
The new rules may affect receiving state aid, especially energy aid. Previously, inaccuracies with addresses of trvalý pobyt (permanent residence) and prechodný pobyt caused problems in granting subsidies. For example, if a person was registered at their parents' address but actually lived separately, it complicated receiving aid. Now the state hopes to make the system more targeted and fair.
The Slovak Ministry of Economy has already noted in its explanatory report that these changes "have the potential to be used as a tool to increase the targeting of various types of support and aid, including energy price assistance." This means that in the future, for example, rental agreements may be considered, allowing aid to those who really need it.
What is known about energy aid for 2026?
The Slovak government has not yet published final details about continuing energy aid for 2026. However, analysts like Radovan Potočár from Energie-portal.sk do not expect its complete cancellation, as the next year is an election year, and such a decision would be politically difficult.
It is known that from 2026 Slovakia will switch to a system of targeted energy aid, which will replace the previous general compensation scheme. Aid will be provided to households whose income is below a government-set threshold. It is estimated that about 90% of Slovak households will receive such support, with a cost of approximately 385 million euros, which, according to Prime Minister Robert Fico, will be drawn from EU funds.
For households meeting the criteria, the electricity price in 2026 will be 72.70 euros per megawatt-hour, which is much lower than the market price. For those who do not meet the requirements, energy prices will rise: gas by about 30%, and electricity by 20%.
How can Ukrainians in Slovakia switch to temporary residence?
From July 15, 2026, third-country nationals who have received dočasné útočisko (temporary asylum) in Slovakia can apply for prechodný pobyt through a simplified procedure. This applies to purposes such as business, employment, study, special activities, scientific research and development, or family reunification.
To apply, you need to:
Book an appointment through the online booking system of the Slovak Ministry of the Interior.
When booking, select the category "dočasné útočisko" (temporary asylum) and the situation "žiadosť o vydanie dokladu dočasné útočisko/prechod z dočasného útočiska na pobyt".
Meet the conditions set by law for the chosen purpose of prechodný pobyt and engage in this activity for at least six months directly before applying.
More details about the booking rules for switching from temporary protection were explained in this article.
