BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Although sequelae are commonly reported in intensive care unit (ICU) survivors following COVID-19, country-specific long-term health-related quality of life (HRQoL) studies are scarce. Therefore, the aims were to describe HRQoL and to identify early factors associated with impaired HRQoL 1 year after ICU admission following COVID-19. METHODS: This retrospective, cross-sectional, longitudinal observational study assessed HRQoL 1 year after ICU admission for COVID-19 during the first wave of the pandemic. HRQoL was measured using the EuroQol 5 Dimensions 3 Levels (EQ-5D-3L) questionnaire, which covers Mobility, Self-Care, Usual Activities, Pain/Discomfort and Anxiety/Depression, along with the EuroQol visual analogue scale (EQ-VAS). Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify associations between HRQoL and the independent variables. RESULTS: A total of 105 participants (median age 58 [interquartile range {IQR}: 51-66] years) completed the EQ-5D-3L. Over two-thirds ( CONCLUSION: The prevalence of impaired HRQoL 1 year after ICU care due to COVID-19 is a public health concern. Our findings imply that COVID-19 ICU survivors, and particularly those with diabetes, should be followed up beyond 1 year to identify those in need of continued mental and physical health care and rehabilitation.