Residence Permit for EU Citizens in Slovakia - Registration Process and Local Rights
Any citizen of an EU country holding a valid passport or ID card may stay in Slovakia for up to 3 months from the date of entry without any additional formalities. If the stay exceeds this term, you must register your place of residence free of charge within 30 days of the expiration of that period. Obtaining a residence permit for EU citizens isn't that difficult, so it's worth learning more about it.
What Steps Need to Be Taken?
EU citizens can apply for a residence permit and work permit. If you fail to contact the immigration office in time, you may be fined €300. Here are the step-by-step instructions:
- Submit an application if your stay exceeds 90 days.
- Online registration - you can submit your application online up to one month before the procedure.
- Confirmation by email - usually arrives within 2 weeks.
- Report any changes - must be submitted within 10 days.
- Notify authorities upon departure if the person is leaving the country permanently. You must send a letter and return your ID card.
All documents required for a residence permit must be prepared in Slovak. To avoid errors and delays, seek professional assistance.
What Documents Will an EU Citizen Receive?
On the day the application is submitted, the immigration police issue a registration certificate. It includes the applicant’s first name, last name, city, and date. If the exact address has not been confirmed, only the city or town is listed. Features of getting an ID card:
- proof of living;
- photographs - 2 copies, 3 × 3.5 cm in size.
- card processing - takes up to 30 days.
- validity period - the card is valid for 5 years.
- permanent residence - you may apply for permanent residence after the card expires.
In other words, the certificate is issued immediately, while the plastic card requires additional documents and time to produce.
