Moving to Slovakia: Changes to residence permit laws as of July 1, 2025

On July 1, 2025, significant changes to Slovakia’s legislation governing the residence of foreign nationals took effect. These changes directly affect those planning to move to Slovakia, apply for a residence permit, start a business, renew their documents, or interact with the police regarding matters involving foreigners. Act No. 178/2025 Z.z. introduced quotas for business residence permits, changed the procedure for submitting initial visa applications, revised the rules for changing the purpose of residence, and made online appointment booking at police stations mandatory. For those considering moving to Slovakia in the near future, it is important to understand the new rules in advance and take them into account as early as the document preparation stage.

In this article, we will examine exactly which changes are already in effect, who they primarily affect, what has changed in the document requirements, and what practical implications the new regulations have for applicants and employers.

Main changes to Slovakia's legislation on residence permits

Global quotas for business residence permits

One of the most notable changes has been the introduction of strict quotas on applications for residence permits for business purposes. According to Act No. 178/2025 Z.z., a global annual limit of 700 applications has been set for 2025. This significantly changes the situation for foreigners planning to obtain a business residence permit in Slovakia. While more than 10,000 people received such a residence permit in 2024 without any numerical restrictions, this opportunity has now become much less accessible.

Initial applications must be submitted exclusively through Slovak consulates abroad

Another significant change concerns where applications are submitted. Initial applications for a business residence permit must now be submitted exclusively at Slovak consulates abroad. First-time applicants are no longer permitted to submit their applications at police stations within Slovakia.

It is important to note an exception: this restriction does not apply to the renewal of an existing business residence permit. Renewals are still processed at police stations in Slovakia.

Fixed three-year business residence permit

For first-time applicants, a residence permit for business purposes is now issued for a period of 3 years. Previously, the duration was stated as “up to 3 years,” but it is now set as a fixed term.

Mandatory business plan and assessment by the Ministry of Economy

Every application for a business residence permit must now be accompanied by a business plan prepared using the official template. The Slovak Ministry of Economy evaluates this business plan in terms of its contribution to the country’s economy. A positive opinion from the Ministry of Economy has become a mandatory requirement for the police to approve the application.

In practice, this means that it is no longer sufficient for an applicant to simply compile a standard set of documents. It is now necessary to prepare in advance a substantive and formally correct business plan that meets the established requirements.

Changing the purpose of residence to business - only after 2 years

Foreigners who already hold a residence permit in Slovakia, for example for work, study, or family reasons, can now change the purpose of their residence to business only after two years have passed since they received their current residence permit. Previously, this period was one year. According to official sources, this measure is intended to prevent the circumvention of quotas.

Changes to the financial resources verification process

From July 1, 2025, the requirement to prove sufficient financial resources to cover living expenses has been abolished for most categories of residence permits in Slovakia. However, this rule does not apply to all applicants.

The requirement to verify the availability of funds remains in effect in the following cases:

• when applying for a residence permit for the purpose of conducting business;
• when obtaining long-term resident status;
• when verifying an invitation for a foreign national.

At the same time, for those categories for which financial documentation is still required, the procedure itself has been simplified. Instead of providing bank statements for the past 3 months, it is now sufficient to submit a statement showing the current account balance.

A separate rule applies to business-purpose residence permits: the applicant must prove that they have funds in two accounts at the same time:

• personal;
• business.

What has changed in the document requirements? 

Paper photographs no longer required 

Foreign nationals are no longer required to submit 3×3.5 cm paper photographs when submitting their documents. Instead, police authorities collect biometric data electronically.

Extension of a type D national visa

The validity period of a Type D national visa, which is used to apply for a residence permit, has been extended from 90 to 120 days. However, this change does not apply to visas issued for the purpose of entrepreneurial activities.

According to official explanations, the purpose of this change is to give applicants more time to secure an appointment in the police booking system.

Changes to police operations and the reservation system

Online registration is now required

The use of the online appointment scheduling system for visits to police stations is now required by law. It is no longer possible to visit without a prior appointment.

The only visits permitted without an appointment are those for which the system does not provide an appointment option, such as:

• submitting documents to an already open case;
• receiving the completed residence permit card;
• submitting biometric data.

Even in these cases, applicants can only be served within the capacity of the specific department. 

Restriction: one reservation per 15 days

The reservation system imposes a limit: each person may have only one reservation anywhere in Slovakia during a 15-calendar-day period. Even a canceled reservation counts toward this limit.

Different conditions for authorized and unauthorized users 

The system distinguishes between two categories of users:

• authorized users with a valid residence permit can check available dates up to 60 days in advance;
• first-time applicants and unauthorized users can check dates only up to 40 days in advance.

To log in, authorized users must have:

• electronic proof of residence - a chip card;
• card reader;
• activated BOK code (secure personal code).

BOK code activation - Only at the place of registration

A BOK code can only be activated at the police station responsible for the foreign national's registered place of residence.

Who is primarily affected by these changes? 

Foreign nationals planning to obtain a business residence permit

This category has undergone the most significant changes. Now, several factors must be taken into account at once:

• the existence of a global quota;
• the requirement to submit applications through the consulate;
• the requirement to prepare a business plan;
• the mandatory evaluation by the Ministry of Economy.

Foreigners already residing in Slovakia

For this category, on the one hand, some of the procedures have become simpler: paper photographs are no longer required, and three-month bank statements have been replaced by a current balance statement (where proof of funds is still required). On the other hand, the new two-year waiting period before changing the purpose of residence to “business” creates an additional restriction.

All foreigners who contact the police

Virtually all applicants must now use the mandatory appointment booking system, plan their visits, and keep in mind a limit of one reservation per 15 calendar days.

Employers

Starting September 1, 2025, employers are required to submit notifications regarding the employment of foreign nationals exclusively in electronic form via the slovensko.sk portal. Submission by mail is no longer permitted.

For companies, this means they must adapt their internal processes in advance, verify access to the system, and prepare for a fully electronic format of interaction.

Comparison: Then and now

Checklist: What to check before submitting your documents

If you are applying for a business residence permit

• Find out which Slovak consulate you can submit your documents to.
• Check whether a quota is available for the desired period. 
• Prepare a business plan using the official template.
• Gather statements showing the current balances in your personal and business accounts.
• Allow plenty of time for the Ministry of Economy to review your business plan.

If you already live in Slovakia

• Please schedule your visit to the police station only through the online booking system.
• Please note the restriction: one reservation per 15 calendar days.
• If necessary, activate your BOK code at the police station responsible for your registered place of residence 
• Check whether your residence permit card is valid for electronic services.

If you are an employer

• Set up access to the slovensko.sk portal.
• Switch to an electronic format for notifications regarding the employment of foreign nationals.
• Ensure that the employees responsible for HR processes understand the new procedure.

Conclusion

The new rules require applicants to prepare more thoroughly and pay closer attention to details. This is especially true for those planning to apply for a business residence permit: now it’s important not only to gather the documents correctly but also to take into account quotas, new timeframes, and the application procedure. 

Those already living in Slovakia should also check in advance how the procedures have changed to avoid unnecessary complications when dealing with the police or renewing their documents. The better you prepare, the smoother and more predictable the process will be.

If you’re planning to move to Slovakia for business, the cost of making a mistake is particularly high right now: you could lose not only time but also your chance to secure a spot in the quota. The experts at Togetthere will help you navigate this process with confidence - from developing a strategy and preparing documents to obtaining a residence permit and settling into life in the country.