Recently, more and more people want to become holders of residence permits in the European Union. However, in most EU countries it is quite difficult to obtain a temporary residence permit or permanent resident status, even though the business immigration procedure.

Obtaining a residence permit in Slovakia is the goal of many foreigners, especially from post-Soviet countries and South-East Asia. The state is perfect for immigration, as it offers many advantages for every social category: students who lean towards free education, wage earners for decent work and fair wages, and businessmen for moderate taxation and loyal business. Moreover, the process of obtaining a residence permit in Slovakia is much easier than in other European countries.

Well-developed urban planning and mobility, minimal corruption, stability, and high levels of social security – all attract foreigners.

Temporary residence permit in Slovakia

Moving to Slovakia is a perfect option for those who want to integrate quickly and economically into Europe. The migrant receives a residence permit at the same time as his or her family as part of a family reunification project. And the process of obtaining a temporary residence permit itself takes place without unnecessary organisation moments and bureaucratic chicanery.

There are several options for obtaining a temporary residence permit:

• Work visa for employment. Prerequisites: full-time or temporary work. First, you need to find a local entrepreneur who has registered his or her company with the Ministry of Labour, Social Affairs and Family Affairs, posted job vacancies and is willing to hire foreigners. After a month of official employment, you can start applying for a temporary residence permit;

• Student visa. To obtain a student visa, a student must be studying full-time. Most tertiary institutions (both public and private) require knowledge of the official language, but some target English-speaking students.

• Promotion through special programmes: for medical professionals, scientists, cultural professionals, athletes or for internships.

• EU Blue Card. This method is only applicable to highly qualified professionals who are in short supply in the EU. Knowledge of the national language is required. This type of visa provides excellent conditions but is difficult to obtain.

• Family reunification or having ethnic Slovaks in the family. 

Important:  if you are absent for more than 180 days in a year, you may lose your temporary residence permit, so we recommend that you comply with the time outside the country.

Our Visit World specialists can help you collect the necessary documents and apply for a residence permit.

Permanent residence permit

A permanent residence permit is granted for 5 years, indefinitely or as a long-term resident permit. This status allows you to do almost as much as citizenship.

Almost all ways of obtaining a permanent resident status involve family reunification:

• You are the spouse of a Slovak citizen;

• You are the dependent of a Slovak citizen and live in the country;

• You are a minor child with at least one parent being a Slovak citizen.

There is another way to obtain permanent resident status - naturalisation. For this, you need to have lived legally in the country for five years with a temporary residence permit (work visa, student visa, business visa, etc.).

Once you have been granted a permanent residence permit for five years, you must come to Slovakia within 180 days. You must then notify the local police of the start of your stay (within 3 working days of entry) and select a health insurance plan within 3 working days of receiving your permanent residence document. In addition, it is necessary to inform the police about your health insurance in Slovakia and submit a medical certificate (not older than 30 days) confirming that you do not suffer from diseases that are a threat to society.

Citizenship

Citizenship can be obtained in two ways:

• by birth (if one parent is a citizen of the state);

• by naturalisation.

To obtain citizenship by naturalisation, it is necessary to have lived in the country for a total of 12 years, with a temporary residence permit and resident status.

Important: dual citizenship is prohibited, so you will have to give up your first citizenship.

Once the citizenship application is approved, the applicant will receive a Slovak passport and become a full member of the country.

Products from Visit World for a comfortable trip:

Checklist for obtaining a visa and necessary documents in Slovakia;

Legal advice on immigration issues in Slovakia;

Travel insurance for foreigners in Slovakia;

Medical insurance around the world.

We monitor the accuracy and relevance of our information. Therefore, if you see any error or discrepancy, please write to our hotline.