Slovakia: immigration

How many people apply for asylum in Slovakia?

130 first-time asylum applications were made in Slovakia in 2025, according to Eurostat, compared with 140 in 2024, 375 in 2023 and 505 in 2022. Monthly figures for 2026 have been between 5 and 25; there were 25 first-time applicants in August 2026, according to Eurostat's monthly data.

Eurostat rounds the figures to the nearest five and counts first-time applicants only. The Migration Office of the Ministry of the Interior decides on asylum. People who fled the war in Ukraine are mostly covered by temporary protection rather than asylum, and are counted separately.

Official sources: Eurostat: Asylum applicants, annual (migr_asyappctza) · Eurostat: Asylum applicants, monthly (migr_asyappctzm)

How many Ukrainian refugees are in Slovakia?

149,885 people held temporary protection in Slovakia at the end of August 2026, according to Eurostat, up from 145,280 at the end of May. Temporary protection is the EU scheme for people who fled the war in Ukraine.

Temporary protection gives people a right to stay, work and use public services without going through an asylum procedure. The number rises with new registrations and falls when people move on, return or switch to another residence permit. The Ministry of the Interior grants temporary protection in Slovakia; Eurostat publishes the monthly totals by citizenship, age and sex.

Official sources: Eurostat: Beneficiaries of temporary protection (migr_asytpsm)

How many immigrants live in Slovakia?

The latest figure from the UN Population Division, for 2024, is 5.9%. In 2015 the figure was 3.3%. It is 40th highest of 52 in Europe & Central Asia, where the median is 11.7%. World rank, highest first: 86th of 193.

Are more people leaving Slovakia than arriving?

The UN Population Division puts net migration in Slovakia at -31,377 in 2025. No year since 2005 has been lower. Across Europe & Central Asia the middle value was 158, and Slovakia placed 47th highest of 52. Of 193 countries with 2025 data, 163rd highest.

How many refugees live in Slovakia?

In 2025, the number of refugees in the country in Slovakia was 140,885, according to UNHCR. Its high point since 2005 was 2024, at 144,269; its low point was 2006, at 235. Europe & Central Asia median: 62,365; Slovakia is 16th highest of 50. Worldwide: 43rd of 169.

How many refugees have fled Slovakia?

UNHCR puts the number of refugees from the country living abroad in Slovakia at 625 in 2025. Since 2005 it has ranged from 157 (2010) to 1,426 (2021). Across Europe & Central Asia the middle value was 533, and Slovakia placed 24th highest of 49. Of 189 countries with 2025 data, 111th highest.

How big are remittances in Slovakia's economy?

According to the World Bank, personal remittances received in Slovakia was 2.1% of GDP in 2025. The peak was 2.7% of GDP in 2017 and the low 1.7% of GDP in 2010. Europe & Central Asia median: 1.4% of GDP; Slovakia is 20th highest of 47. Of 127 countries with 2025 data, 64th highest.