Obtaining a residence permit

Life in Slovakia offers a wealth of opportunities for both working professionals and students. To start a new chapter in your life, you first need to gather all the necessary documents. Leave the process of obtaining a residence permit in Slovakia to the professionals so you can receive support at every stage of the application process.

Who is Eligible for a Slovak Residence Permit?

Foreigners who are going to stay in Slovakia for more than 90 days must apply for a temporary residence permit. Applications may be submitted by adults who have a legal basis for staying in the country and do not pose a threat to national security. The procedure is governed by the provisions of the Act on the Residence of Foreign Nationals.

Obtaining this status allows one to legally reside in Slovakia, access medical and social services, engage in business activities, and travel within the European Union and the Schengen Area. If a person has resided continuously in the country with a temporary residence permit for 5 years, they may apply to renew their temporary residence permit or apply for permanent residence.

Please note that Slovakia is a member of the European Union. Citizens of EU countries are free to live, work, and conduct business within the EU’s territory. No additional stay permissions are required for this. If a person holds an EU passport, they can move to Slovakia without any complicated procedures. All that is required is to register their place of residence.

How to Obtain a Slovak Residence Permit? 

We guide you through every step of the process of getting a residence permit in Slovakia, starting with a consultation. We take a personalized approach with each client, so we make sure to clarify all the important details. Our partnership is formalized through a contract that we sign with our clients.

To apply for a residence permit, you must submit the required application form along with all the necessary supporting documents. We are well-versed in all the intricacies of the law and update our information whenever there are changes. Our specialists will handle document preparation. We create a customized checklist based on the purpose of your stay – whether it’s for work, study, business, family reunification, or other reasons. Our team translates your documents into Slovak, registers your business if necessary, and schedules an appointment with the police. We guarantee that all documents are accurate and submitted on time.

The next step is your first visit to Bratislava. Over the course of a few days, you’ll complete all the necessary procedures: consultations, paperwork, and opening bank accounts. Together with your attorney, you’ll submit your application to the immigration authorities. With us, you won’t waste time on red tape or unnecessary trips.

While your documents are being reviewed, our team monitors the process. The police may request additional paperwork. 

Once your residence permit is approved, we’ll invite you for a medical examination. You can legally stay in Slovakia for the entire waiting period, even if your visa has expired.

Finally, you arrive in the country after getting a residence permit in Slovakia. You undergo a medical examination, submit your documents to the police, and choose a moving date. If needed, we can even help you settle in, including with housing, educational institutions, and other matters, ensuring that your move goes smoothly and safely.

What Types of Residence Permit in Slovakia Are Available?

Slovakia offers several types of residence permits for foreigners. They differ in terms of validity and the grounds for staying in the country. The main types of residence status are:

• temporary residence (prechodný pobyt);
• permanent residence (trvalý pobyt);
• tolerated residence (tolerovaný pobyt).

There is also a separate short-term residence permit, which allows a person to stay in the country for a limited time. It is usually issued for a maximum of 180 days, with the possibility of extension if there are grounds for doing so.

A temporary residence permit is issued for a longer period. It grants the right to live in the country, work, study, or engage in business activities. The validity period depends on the permit’s purpose. Most often, the permit is issued for approximately two years, after which it must be renewed.

If a foreign national has lived in Slovakia for five years under a temporary residence permit, they may apply for permanent residence. After ten years of residence from the date of receiving the first permit, they become eligible to apply for Slovak citizenship.

Features of the Residence Authorization for Employment

To obtain a work residence permit, you need an employment contract with a Slovak employer. Before signing the contract, the employer must notify the Labor Office of the job opening. It is necessary to verify whether there are any suitable candidates among Slovak or EU citizens. After that, the foreign national can apply for a residence and work permit.

The application is submitted to the immigration police in Slovakia or through the consulate. The permit is issued for the duration of the employment contract, but for a maximum of five years.

After receiving the permit, you must submit a medical certificate and obtain health insurance. If a person changes jobs or renews the permit, they must notify the immigration police and submit the relevant documents.

Legal Local Education 

What is a residence permit in Slovakia for study purposes? It is issued to full-time students. For high school students, the age limit is 20; for post-secondary programs, it is 23. The permit is valid only for official educational programs.

The permit is issued for the duration of the student’s studies, up to a maximum of 5 years. While studying, the student may also work up to 20 hours per week.

Submitting an application is free for students. Only the card issuance fee is payable. If studies continue, the permit can be extended. After completing studies, it is sometimes extended for a few more months to allow time to look for a job or start a business.

The time spent with a student permit counts only partially toward the total length of stay. Therefore, to obtain permanent status, it is usually necessary to change the basis of residence, for which our company is always ready to assist you.

Stay Permission for Business Activities  

A Slovak residence permit for foreigners to start a business is possible for those who have officially registered their business activities in the country. To apply, you must provide proof of company registration or submit a business plan.

You must also demonstrate sufficient financial resources to cover living expenses and business operations. The required amount depends on the type of business activity; requirements differ for entrepreneurs and company executives.

This right of residence is typically issued for up to three years and is renewable. To renew it, you must confirm income from business activities and submit an application to the immigration authorities before the permit expires.

Family Reunion

This option applies to close relatives of a foreign national legally residing in Slovakia. It covers spouses, minor children, and adult children who, due to illness or disability, are unable to support themselves. In some cases, parents are also eligible if they are dependents, as are other individuals officially recognized as dependents.

A residence permit Slovakia is usually issued for a period of up to 5 years, but it cannot be valid for longer than the main applicant’s residence permit. The application is free of charge for minors. Adults pay an administrative fee when submitting the application.

Other Reasons to Obtain a Slovak Residence Permit

If the previous options for obtaining a residence permit in Slovakia do not suit you, there are other possibilities. One option is to participate in volunteer programs. A foreign national must have an agreement with an accredited organization. The permit is issued for the duration of the program, typically up to one year. It can be extended, but work is permitted only within the scope of volunteer activities.

Another option is an internship. Applications may be submitted by students or graduates who completed their studies no more than two years ago. The internship must correspond to the applicant’s field of study. The permit is usually issued for up to one year with the possibility of extension.

If you are engaged in scientific research, you can get a residence permit in Slovakia. This requires an agreement with an officially recognized scientific institution in Slovakia. The permit is granted for approximately two years and can be extended if the research continues.

Advantages of the Residence Permit in Slovakia

To take full advantage of everything the country has to offer, you should first become a legal resident. Once you do, you’ll be able to enjoy the following benefits:

• long-term residence in Slovakia with the right to enter and leave the country freely without a visa;
• travel within the Schengen Area without obtaining additional permits;
• official employment in private companies;
• education in kindergartens, schools, and other educational institutions;
• registration and operation of a business in the European market without customs barriers;
• the ability to bring or invite close family members;
• access to medical care with a valid insurance policy;
• banking services at European banks and making international transfers;
• the ability to change tax residency and take advantage of corresponding benefits;
• the prospect of obtaining Slovak citizenship and an EU passport in the future.

A temporary permit is issued based on the purpose of your visit. Choose what you want to do in this country – run a business, engage in research, or even reunite with your family. If you’re afraid of making a mistake, it’s best to ask us for help.

What is the Slovakia Residence Permit Cost? 

Many people are wondering: how much does a residence permit cost in Slovakia? Our company offers transparent pricing and advice on the terms of our partnership right from the moment you contact us. We oppose hidden fees and are always committed to ensuring our clients are satisfied with our work.

The Slovakia residence permit cost depends on many factors. The initial application will cost more than the renewal. There are also additional administrative fees.

If you don’t want to overpay for a Slovakia residence permit, don’t try to gather and submit the documents on your own. The cost of hiring professionals is well worth it, as it saves you the most valuable things of all: your time and your peace of mind.

How Long to Wait for a Residence Permit in Slovakia?

Meeting all the Slovakia residence permit conditions and completing the application process takes approximately 3-4 months. For example, if you plan to run a business here, you will receive a residence permit ID card. The required documents are prepared for either a limited liability company (LLC) or a sole proprietorship. The company is registered in the commercial and tax registers. You will register with a health insurance company. The process is quick and convenient, after which you can begin building a successful future for yourself and your family.

A Few Reasons to Live in Slovakia

When choosing a country to move to, it’s worth researching what it’s known for and what opportunities it offers to foreigners. If you’re still unsure whether to start the residence permit process in Slovakia, consider these benefits:

1. High level of safety. The crime rate is low, so life here is peaceful.
2. The economy is stable. There are job opportunities in tourism, retail, and the automotive and electronics industries. The standard of living is rising, while housing prices remain affordable. This is advantageous for students, especially when living in dormitories.
3. Slovaks are friendly and hospitable. They help tourists and immigrants, offer advice, and treat everyone with respect, creating a welcoming atmosphere.
4. Education is diverse and accessible. Many programs are taught in English. Students can choose a course that perfectly matches their interests.

Slovakia is conveniently located in the heart of Europe. From Bratislava, it’s easy to reach neighboring countries in just a few hours.

If you are an entrepreneur, you can take advantage of favorable business conditions. The corporate income tax rate is low – 10% for LLCs and 15% for sole proprietors with a turnover of up to €100,000. Renewing your status requires a minimum profit. Government agencies operate transparently, and the tax authority is cooperative. You only need to file an income tax return once a year. You can conduct business with partners throughout Europe and around the world.

Why Choose Us?

We offer impeccable service and help you avoid common mistakes. Often, due to a lack of knowledge and experience, people who dream of starting a new life in Slovakia end up wasting time and money. Our goal is to do everything we can to make this stage of their journey as smooth as possible.

If you have any questions, such as “How long does it take to get a residence permit in Slovakia?” or “How to apply for a residence permit in Slovakia?”, please feel free to contact us. We have long established ourselves as a highly client-focused company that puts our clients’ comfort first.

We will inform you of all the residency requirements so that you can proceed to the next step: applying for permanent residency. We also offer services to help you obtain citizenship, which will make you a full-fledged citizen of the European Union.

Obtaining a residence permit in Slovakia isn’t as difficult as it might seem at first glance. Our company will take full responsibility, ensuring legal accuracy, promptness, and efficiency. You won’t need to wade through all the details or verify their current relevance. Thanks to our many years of experience, we know how to avoid mistakes, so we protect you from rejections. Our specialists will guide you through your interactions with government agencies and will always be available to assist you. Contact us today to start preparing for a new and happy chapter in your life in a European country!