Glossary
Temporary protection (začasna zaščita)
This text was generated by AI and has not been reviewed by an editor. Every figure shows its law and source. Confirm the conditions for your case at a consultation before deciding.
In short
Začasna zaščita is a special status that Slovenia grants, under an EU Council decision, to people who fled the war in Ukraine. It is extended until 4 March 2028 and gives the right to live in Slovenia and work freely.
Key figures
- Temporary protection runs until
- 4 March 2028existing holders are extended without new conditionsLegal basis: Izvedbeni sklep Sveta (EU) 2026/1912 · as of 10 October 2026 · source
- New condition for applications
- since 5 August 2026 people with military obligations must prove they meet them in Ukraine or have permission from the Ukrainian authorities to leaveLegal basis: Izvedbeni sklep Sveta (EU) 2026/1912 · as of 10 October 2026 · source
- How to get the status
- register with the police, then file at any upravna enota within 3 working days; decision within 30 daysLegal basis: ZZZRO-1 · as of 10 October 2026 · source
- Rights under temporary protection
- residence, accommodation and financial aid, urgent health care, labour market access, education, family unityLegal basis: ZZZRO-1, 31. člen · as of 10 October 2026 · source
- Switching to a single permit
- you can apply in Slovenia for a first single permit for employment; temporary protection ends when it is deliveredLegal basis: ZTuj-2, 34. člen · as of 10 October 2026 · source
- When protection ends
- within 10 days you can apply for a permit on any ground; the filing certificate counts as a permit until the decisionLegal basis: ZZZRO-1, 19. člen · as of 10 October 2026 · source
- Free attempt
- one free course and one free first exam attempt for non-EU nationals with permanent residence, a permit valid at least 1 year, family of Slovenian and EU citizens, or temporary protectionLegal basis: ZTuj-2, 106. člen · as of 10 October 2026 · source
Who can get it
It covers people who lived in Ukraine before the full-scale war began: Ukrainian citizens and their families, and stateless people and other nationals who had protection or permanent residence in Ukraine.
New condition: since 5 August 2026 people with military obligations must prove they meet them in Ukraine or have permission from the Ukrainian authorities to leave. Existing holders are extended without this condition.
Procedure: register with the police, then file at any upravna enota within 3 working days; decision within 30 days.
Rights it gives
- Rights: residence, accommodation and financial aid, urgent health care, labour market access, education, family unity.
- Work: free access to the labour market, without Employment Service (ZRSZ) consent.
- Language: temporary protection holders are entitled to a free Slovenian course and a free first exam attempt.
Moving to a regular permit
- Single permit: you can apply in Slovenia for a first single permit for employment; temporary protection ends when it is delivered.
- After protection ends: within 10 days you can apply for a permit on any ground; the filing certificate counts as a permit until the decision.
- Family: former temporary protection holders who obtain a permit can bring their family without the usual waiting period.
Frequently asked questions
How long does temporary protection last in Slovenia?
Until 4 March 2028. It was extended by an EU Council decision.
Can I work with temporary protection?
Yes. Temporary protection holders have free access to the labour market and need no work authorisation.
How do I move from temporary protection to a residence permit?
The most direct route: you can apply in Slovenia for a first single permit for employment; temporary protection ends when it is delivered. If protection has already ended: within 10 days you can apply for a permit on any ground; the filing certificate counts as a permit until the decision.
Related terms
Sources
This text was generated by AI and has not been reviewed by an editor.
Updated: 10 October 2026
General information, not individual legal advice. Rules and amounts change: confirm the exact conditions for your case at a consultation.