Access to Housing for Ukrainian Refugees in Slovakia: Insights from the SMART UA Project

Access to stable housing is one of the most decisive factors shaping the integration pathways of refugees. Within the SMART UA project, dedicated research conducted in Slovakia explored how Ukrainian refugees access housing and how institutions, organisations and local actors respond to these needs. 

Since the large-scale arrival of refugees in 2022, Slovakia’s accommodation system has relied on a combination of state-secured housing and private provision. State-secured accommodation includes facilities operated by municipalities, self-governing regions and government institutions, often used for emergency or short-term stays, particularly for vulnerable groups.  

At the same time, private flats and houses, as well as commercial accommodation such as hotels and guesthouses, have played a central role. The system has been supported through financial contributions from the state, although over time these have evolved and increasingly targeted vulnerable populations. NGOs and church organisations have also contributed significantly to providing accommodation and support services. 

Looking beyond the current structure of the system, the research combines two complementary perspectives to better understand the housing landscape in Slovakia. On the one hand, an institutional mapping examines the network of actors involved in supporting access to housing. On the other hand, a market analysis explores the challenges refugees face when seeking stable accommodation, as well as the existing practices that help facilitate access to it. 

The mapping research highlighted the diversity of actors engaged in housing-related support, including public authorities, civil society organisations and charitable actors. This diverse group of partners represents key actors in the housing sector, including direct accommodation providers, social service coordinators, and municipal bodies responsible for local integration. 

The report also identifies several structural barriers that contribute to housing insecurity. A limited supply of affordable rental housing, complex administrative procedures and instances of discriminatory practices can hinder access to accommodation and make it more difficult for refugees to secure long-term housing solutions. 

Despite these challenges, the research documents a number of promising practices. Local authorities, NGOs and civil society organisations have implemented initiatives aimed at improving access to housing, including inclusive housing models, support schemes for landlords and targeted financial assistance programs. These approaches demonstrate how coordinated and community-based interventions can strengthen housing stability. 

Ultimately, the research confirms that housing is not only a basic need but also a key foundation for broader social inclusion, making housing support a central element of long-term integration strategies. 

By bringing together institutional mapping and market analysis, the SMART UA research provides a comprehensive overview of the housing landscape for Ukrainian refugees in Slovakia. These insights contribute to stronger evidence base for improving cooperation between institutions, civil society and other stakeholders working to develop more sustainable housing responses.

Co-funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are, however, those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Social Fund Agency. Neither the European Union nor the Granting Authority can be held responsible for them.