Guide to Residency in Slovakia

Obtaining a residency visa in Slovakia is not always easy, but our Guide to Residency in Slovakia gives newcomers an overview of the steps involved and advice from others who have already navigated the process.

• Research the type of residency you qualify for
  • Visit the official website of the Ministry of Interior of the Slovak Republic for information on different types of residency permits: Residence of a Foreigner
  • Choose between temporary residency, permanent residency, or long-term residency based on your situation (employment, business, study, family reunification, etc.).
• Prepare the necessary documents
  • Passport and copies of your passport's personal data page and all pages with visas or stamps.
  • Two recent passport-sized photographs.
  • Document proving the purpose of your stay (e.g., employment contract, acceptance letter from an educational institution, marriage certificate).
  • Proof of accommodation in Slovakia.
  • Financial means to support yourself during your stay.
  • Criminal record check from your home country and any other country where you have resided for more than 90 days in the last 3 years.
  • Health insurance valid in Slovakia.
• Apply for a Tax Identification Number (TIN)
  • Visit the Financial Administration of the Slovak Republic's website for information on obtaining a TIN: Financial Administration
  • Complete the application form for a TIN, which can be found on the Financial Administration's website.
  • Submit the application form along with a copy of your passport to the local tax office.
• Submit your residency application
  • Fill out the application form for residency, which can be downloaded from the Ministry of Interior's website or obtained at a Foreign Police department.
  • Submit the application form in person at the Foreign Police department responsible for the area where you will reside. Find the nearest office here: Foreign Police Departments
  • Pay the application fee, which varies depending on the type of residency permit.
• Attend an interview and provide biometric data
  • After submitting your application, you will be scheduled for an interview at the Foreign Police department.
  • During the interview, you will provide your fingerprints and a signature for biometric purposes.
• Wait for the decision
  • The processing time for residency applications can vary, but it generally takes several months.
  • You can check the status of your application by contacting the Foreign Police department where you applied.
• Collect your residency permit
  • If your application is approved, you will be notified to collect your residency permit card from the Foreign Police department.
  • Make sure to bring your passport and any other documents they may require for identification.
• Register your place of residence
  • Within 10 days of collecting your residency permit, you must register your place of residence at the local municipal office.
  • Bring your residency permit card, passport, and proof of accommodation.

Please note that the above steps are a general guide and the specific requirements may vary depending on your nationality, the purpose of your stay, and changes in Slovak legislation. Always check the latest information from official sources before proceeding.

What tips do expats have about residency and visas in Slovakia?

"In order to visit Slovakia, foreign nationals must obtain a visa from a Slovak embassy or consulate prior to their arrival. The process of applying for a visa involves submitting a completed application form, a valid passport, two passport-sized photographs, proof of financial means, and a travel itinerary. In order to obtain residency in Slovakia, foreign nationals must apply for a residence permit. The process of applying for a residence permit involves submitting a completed application form, a valid passport, two passport-sized photographs, proof of financial means, proof of health insurance, and proof of accommodation. Additionally, applicants may be required to provide additional documents such as a criminal record check, a birth certificate, or a marriage certificate," commented one member living in Slovakia.