Slovakia How to Apply for a Resident Permit in 2023?

Foreign nationals who intend to remain in the nation must apply for and be granted a residence permit in Slovakia. A residence permit serves as evidence that a person is able to remain in Slovakia legally.
 
The residence permits of foreigners wishing to remain in Slovakia are governed by the Law on Residence of Aliens and Amendment Supplementation of Certain Acts. Depending on the reason for and length of stay in Slovakia, residence permits may be either temporary or permanent. Before a residency permit is issued, a number of conditions must be met. Numerous clients have received help from our Slovakian legal practice with regard to obtaining residency permits.

Here are the general steps you may need to follow to obtain a residence permit in Slovakia in 2023:

1. Determine your eligibility: To apply for a residence permit in Slovakia, you must meet certain eligibility criteria, such as having a valid reason for staying in the country (e.g. work, study, family reunification, etc.), sufficient financial means, and no criminal record.

2. Gather the required documents: You will need to provide various documents to support your application, such as a valid passport, proof of accommodation, proof of sufficient funds, and in some cases, a medical certificate.

3. Submit your application: You can submit your application for a residence permit at the Slovakian embassy or consulate in your country, or in person at the Foreign Police Department in Slovakia.

4. Attend an interview: You may be required to attend an interview as part of the application process.

5. Wait for a decision: The processing time for a residence permit application in Slovakia can vary, but it typically takes several weeks to a few months.

6. Collect your residence permit: If your application is approved, you will need to collect your residence permit in person at the Foreign Police Department in Slovakia.

It's important to note that the exact requirements and procedures for obtaining a residence permit in Slovakia may vary depending on your specific situation, such as your nationality and the reason for your stay. Therefore, it's always a good idea to seek professional advice before submitting your application.

We are here to help everyone who wants to apply for a residence permit in Slovakia.

There are several categories of people who can qualify to immigrate to Slovakia and obtain a residence permit. The eligibility criteria and requirements may vary depending on the specific category, but here are some of the most common ones:

1. Employment: If you have a job offer from a Slovakian employer, you may be eligible to obtain a residence permit for employment purposes.
2. Business: If you plan to start a business in Slovakia, you may be eligible for a residence permit for business purposes.
3. Study: If you have been accepted into a Slovakian educational institution, you may be eligible to obtain a residence permit for study purposes.
4. Family reunification: If you have family members who are Slovakian citizens or permanent residents, you may be eligible for a residence permit for family reunification purposes.
5. Long-term stay: If you plan to stay in Slovakia for longer than 90 days without working or studying, you may be eligible to obtain a residence permit for long-term stay purposes.

It's important to note that the eligibility criteria and requirements may vary depending on the specific category, and there may be other categories available as well. It's recommended that you consult with a qualified immigration lawyer or the Slovakian embassy or consulate in your country for further information and guidance.

Our lawyers can also help you apply for a divorce in Slovakia.

Immigrating to Slovakia from EU countries

Slovakia welcomes citizens coming to work and investors interested in doing business here from everywhere in the world. However, it is easier for EU citizens interested in immigration to Slovakia to apply for residence permits as the procedure implies no entry visa.

Once arrived in Slovakia, a citizen of an EU member state needs to register with the local authorities and then start working (if he or she has made arrangements in this sense prior to entering the country), seek for employment, or start one’s own business.

Applying for a Slovakia residence permit as an EU citizen is not difficult and requires presenting the following documents with the local police department in the region the immigrant has moved to.

The documents to file are:

1. a duly completed application form (it is issued the office where the registration takes place);
2. two color photographs (one of them will be placed on the residency card);
3. the passport which must be valid at the time the application is made;
4. the proof of residence (the employment contract or another justificative document);
5. a certificate police indicating a clean criminal record;
6. proof of accommodation (a rental agreement or property title);
7. proof of financial sustenance (bank account statement or payslip).

At the time of the application, the documents cannot be more than 90 days older. Our lawyer can guide those interested in moving to the country and obtaining Slovakia permanent residence.

Those who relocate for employment purposes will also need to register with the Slovak Ministry of Labor, Social Affairs and Family.

We are at your service if you need guidance in obtaining a Slovakia residence permit.

Moving from the UK to Slovakia

Many of the UK's ex-EU citizens reside in other countries, and following Brexit, a significant number of them choose to relocate to other EU nations in order to continue enjoying the privileges of being EU residents.
 
The good news is that individuals who currently possess residence permits from Slovakia or other EU nations do not require the completion of any additional formalities in order to enter the nation. The process will be the same for those who are now thinking about moving as it is for non-EU nationals who must first get entry visas before applying for resident permits.

Moving and obtaining a residence permit is not difficult, as the procedure is straightforward from a legal point of view, however, our immigration lawyers in Slovakia are at your service in order to help you ensure a smooth relocation process.
 

A temporary residence permit in Slovakia allows a foreigner to stay in the country for a fixed period of time, usually up to one year. Here are the general requirements and steps to obtain a temporary residence permit in Slovakia:

1. Purpose of stay: You must have a valid reason for staying in Slovakia, such as employment, business, study, or family reunification.
2. Application: You must submit a temporary residence permit application to the Slovakian embassy or consulate in your home country or in person at the Foreign Police Department in Slovakia.
3. Required documents: You will need to provide various documents to support your application, such as a valid passport, proof of accommodation, proof of sufficient funds to support yourself, and in some cases, a medical certificate.
4. Biometric data: You will need to provide your biometric data (fingerprints and photo) at the time of application.
5. Processing time: The processing time for a temporary residence permit application in Slovakia can vary, but it typically takes several weeks to a few months.
6. Collecting the permit: If your application is approved, you will need to collect your temporary residence permit in person at the Foreign Police Department in Slovakia.

It's important to note that the exact requirements and procedures for obtaining a temporary residence permit in Slovakia may vary depending on your specific situation, such as your nationality and the reason for your stay. Therefore, it's always a good idea to seek professional advice before submitting your application.

Temporary residence permit in Slovakia

Only foreigners who possess legitimate travel documents may apply for and be issued a temporary residency visa in Slovakia. Permits for temporary residency are only good for the duration of the person's intended stay. Additionally, only particular purposes can result in the issuance of temporary residence permits, each of which has a set length. Even though a foreigner has been given a temporary residence permission for one reason, if they want to engage in another activity, they must get a different residence permit. These are the goals outlined by our Slovak attorneys:
 

1.  Business – three years;
2.  Employment – two years;
3.  Studies – six years;
4.  Special activity – two years;
5.  Research and development -  two years;
6.  Family reunion – five years;
7.  Performance of service obligations – five years;
8.  Blue card holders of the European Union – three years.

If you want to relocate to Slovakia in 2023, our lawyers can present the updated procedure. The Slovakia residence permit is not difficult to obtain with the help of our lawyers.

If you plan to start a business in Slovakia, you may be eligible for a residence permit for business purposes. Here are the general requirements and steps to obtain a residence permit by starting a business in Slovakia:

1. Business plan: You must have a viable business plan for a new or existing business in Slovakia. The business should create jobs or contribute to the economic development of the country.
2. Minimum investment: You must make a minimum investment of at least €50,000 in the business. This amount may be lower if the business is in a less developed region of Slovakia.
3. Registration: You must register the business with the Commercial Register in Slovakia and obtain all necessary permits and licenses.
4. Temporary residence permit application: You must submit a temporary residence permit application to the Slovakian embassy or consulate in your home country or in person at the Foreign Police Department in Slovakia.
5. Required documents: You will need to provide various documents to support your application, such as a valid passport, proof of accommodation, proof of sufficient funds to support yourself and your family, and a copy of the business plan.
6. Biometric data: You will need to provide your biometric data (fingerprints and photo) at the time of application.
7. Processing time: The processing time for a temporary residence permit application in Slovakia can vary, but it typically takes several weeks to a few months.
8. Collecting the permit: If your application is approved, you will need to collect your temporary residence permit in person at the Foreign Police Department in Slovakia.

It's important to note that the exact requirements and procedures for obtaining a residence permit by starting a business in Slovakia may vary depending on your specific situation. Therefore, it's always a good idea to seek professional advice before submitting your application.

 How to launch a business in Slovakia and get a residency permit

If you plan to start a business in Slovakia, you may be eligible for a residence permit for business purposes. Here are the general requirements and steps to obtain a residence permit by starting a business in Slovakia:

1. Business plan: You must have a viable business plan for a new or existing business in Slovakia. The business should create jobs or contribute to the economic development of the country.
2. Minimum investment: You must make a minimum investment of at least €50,000 in the business. This amount may be lower if the business is in a less developed region of Slovakia.
3. Registration: You must register the business with the Commercial Register in Slovakia and obtain all necessary permits and licenses.
4. Temporary residence permit application: You must submit a temporary residence permit application to the Slovakian embassy or consulate in your home country or in person at the Foreign Police Department in Slovakia.
5. Required documents: You will need to provide various documents to support your application, such as a valid passport, proof of accommodation, proof of sufficient funds to support yourself and your family, and a copy of the business plan.
6. Biometric data: You will need to provide your biometric data (fingerprints and photo) at the time of application.
7. Processing time: The processing time for a temporary residence permit application in Slovakia can vary, but it typically takes several weeks to a few months.
8. Collecting the permit: If your application is approved, you will need to collect your temporary residence permit in person at the Foreign Police Department in Slovakia.

It's important to note that the exact requirements and procedures for obtaining a residence permit by starting a business in Slovakia may vary depending on your specific situation. Therefore, it's always a good idea to seek professional advice before submitting your application.

If you want to immigrate to Slovakia this way, you can rely on our lawyers who can assist you in drafting the paperwork related to obtaining an investor visa.

Options in Slovakia for international employees

Foreign workers in Slovakia have several options for obtaining legal status and working in the country. Here are some of the most common options:

1. Blue card: If you are a highly skilled worker with a university degree or equivalent and a job offer in Slovakia with a minimum salary threshold, you may be eligible for a Blue Card, which allows you to work and live in Slovakia for up to four years.
2. Work permit: If you do not qualify for a Blue Card, you may still be able to work in Slovakia with a work permit. Your potential employer in Slovakia must apply for the work permit on your behalf, and you must meet certain qualifications and conditions, such as a minimum salary requirement.
3. Intra-corporate transfer: If you are being transferred to Slovakia by your current employer, you may be eligible for an intra-corporate transfer permit, which allows you to work in Slovakia for up to three years.
4. Business visa: If you are planning to conduct business in Slovakia, you may be eligible for a business visa, which allows you to stay in the country for up to 90 days in a six-month period.
5. Self-employment: If you plan to start your own business in Slovakia, you may be able to obtain a residence permit for self-employment. You will need to provide a viable business plan and meet other requirements, such as a minimum investment.

It's important to note that the exact requirements and procedures for obtaining legal status and working in Slovakia may vary depending on your specific situation. Therefore, it's always a good idea to seek professional advice before pursuing any of these options.

If you have questions on the Employment Law, our immigration lawyers in Slovakia are at your disposal with detailed information.

Family reunification in Slovakia

Family reunification in Slovakia allows the family members of non-EU citizens who have a legal residence permit in Slovakia to join them and reside together in Slovakia. Here are some general requirements and steps for family reunification in Slovakia:

1. Legal residence permit: The family member who is already in Slovakia must have a valid legal residence permit, such as a work permit, study permit or a long-term residence permit.
2. Relationship: The family member who is joining the other in Slovakia must be a spouse, minor child, or dependent adult child, and they must be able to prove their relationship with the permit holder.
3. Financial support: The permit holder must have sufficient financial resources to support their family member without relying on social assistance.
4. Accommodation: The permit holder must have adequate accommodation for their family member.
5. Application process: The family member who is joining the permit holder must submit a visa or residence permit application at the Slovak embassy or consulate in their home country.
6. Required documents: The family member will need to provide various documents to support their application, such as a valid passport, proof of relationship with the permit holder, proof of financial support, and proof of accommodation.
7. Biometric data: The family member will need to provide their biometric data (fingerprints and photo) at the time of application.
8. Processing time: The processing time for a family reunification visa or residence permit application in Slovakia can vary, but it typically takes several weeks to a few months.

It's important to note that the exact requirements and procedures for family reunification in Slovakia may vary depending on your specific situation. Therefore, it's always a good idea to seek professional advice before submitting your application.

While financial instability is the primary justification for bringing parents and parents-in-law to Slovakia, dependent adult children can be brought under certain conditions if their health issues prevent them from being able to support themselves.
 
If you want to bring your family with you, our law office in Slovakia can assess your case and assist you in requesting residence permits for them.
 
Permanent residency can be obtained in Slovakia after 5 years of residence, and Slovak citizenship can be obtained after 8 years of residence for people who choose to make Slovakia their permanent home. They must provide documentation demonstrating their familiarity with the language and culture of the nation.

Having a Slovak passport comes with numerous advantages, among which the possibility of buying properties and traveling to other countries without applying for visas.

Long-term residence and permanent residence in Slovakia

There is a difference between a long-term residence permit in Slovakia and permanent residency, as the latter enables an applicant to relocate here on an indefinite period of time. The following need to be considered in this sense:

• long-term residence is available for foreign citizens who have lived in Slovakia for 5 uninterrupted years;
• long-term residency is also available for persons who are EU residence card holders for at least 5 years;
• permanent residence is can be obtained for those how have had long-term residence permits for 5 years and have lived 4 years in Slovakia based on them.

If you are interested in applying for a Slovakia residence permit, you can count on our immigration lawyers.

Slovakia residence permit in 2023

If a foreign individual is granted a permanent residence permit in Slovakia in 2023, that person is allowed to reside, leave, and re-enter the country within the time allowed by the police department, the entity in charge of regulating the entry and exit of foreign individuals. The initial duration of validity of a permanent residence permit is five years but can later be extended to an unlimited duration if all requirements under the Law on Residence of Aliens and Amendment Supplementation of Certain Acts are complied with. Our lawyers in Slovakia can give you legal advice on how to obtain a permanent residence permit.

We can also assist those interested in Slovakia permanent residence. It is imperative to keep in mind that you must apply for the appropriate visa in order to lawfully reside and work in Slovakia. The country also participates in the EU Blue Card initiative, so employee relocation is possible here. You can rely on our local law company for assistance if you want to obtain a Slovak residence permit.

Steps in applying for a residence permit in Slovakia in 2023

Foreign individuals who want to apply for Slovak residency in 2023 must complete a few steps which generally include choosing a type of permit and preparing the documents they need to file with the Immigration Authorities. Among these, the valid passport and information about the reason to relocate here will need to be presented.

At the level of 2023, the procedure for obtaining a residence permit in Slovakia can be completed online with the support of our lawyers. They will present all the information you need to know and will also help you prepare and file the documents for immigration. Also, if you have any questions, you can send them to our specialists.

Other changes at the level of 2023 imply no labor market test is necessary for non-EU nationals applying to renew their Single Permit/Blue Card to continue their employment with the same sponsoring company and in the same position. Also, non-EU nationals can now continue working in Slovakia while their renewal application is being processed.

There are legal steps that need to be taken if you want to obtain a residence permit in Slovakia.  Just get in touch with our law firm in Slovakia and have our associates help you with the process.