There are 3 distinct ways how to legally stay in Slovakia:


Temporary Residence

Temporary residence permit entitles the foreigner to reside in Slovakia, to travel abroad and back to Slovakia, for the time he was granted a temporary residence. Temporary residence permit is not required for a foreigner who was issued a certificate of Slovaks living abroad.

Temporary residence permit is always tied to a particular purpose. If a foreigner intends to engage in activities other than he/she had been granted temporary residence for, he/she must submit a new application for temporary residence permit, unless the Foreigners’ Act (this article) states otherwise.

A foreigner who has been granted a temporary residence for the purpose of business, employment, special activities, family reunification or army duties, may study during this temporary residence.

Purpose of the Temporary Residence

Temporary residence permit may be granted by a Foreign Police department for the purpose of:

  • business, based on an issued business license,
  • employment, based on work permit, unless an international treaty provides otherwise or the work permit is not required (in case of seasonal employment for a maximum of 180 days per year)
  • study, if the foreigner is a student or is studying at school/university in the Slovak Republic, such a foreigner may also do business during the temporary stay (temporary residence permit for study purposes is not required if the foreigner’s stay in the Slovak Republic does not exceed 90 days in one semester)
  • specific activity, if it is not business nor an employment relationship or similar relationship, the special activity means: lecturing, art, sport, internship related to studies outside the Slovak Republic, activities resulting from government programs of Slovakia or from the programs of European Economic Area or from a commitment of the Slovak Republic resulting from international contracts. Temporary residence permit is not required if the foreigner’s stay in Slovakia does not exceed 90 days in one semester
  • family reunification, if the foreigner is:
    1. married to a foreigner with Slovak temporary residence permit or permanent residence permit, if there are at least 18 years,
    2. a child (under 18 years of age) of foreigners with temporary residence permit in Slovakia or of a foreigner (one parent) with temporary residence permit, or his spouse or asylum holder, or of an asylum holder’s spouse who has the child in personal care by law or by decision of the competent authority,
    3. a dependent child over 18 years of age of a foreigner with temporary residence permit,
    4. relative in direct ascending order (parent, grandparent, etc.) of an asylum holder younger than 18 years,
    5. lone parent dependent on foreigner’s who has a temporary residence permit or a foreigner who has a permanent residence permit,
    6. dependent person under an international agreement.

The Police shall grant a permission for temporary residence for the purpose of a specific activity to a foreigner performing scientific research or development for the time required to achieve its goal, but not exceeding 2 years. A foreigner who has been granted temporary residence permit, may enter into an employment or similar employment relationship, where the subject is teaching. Again, the temporary residence permit is not required if the foreigner’s stay in Slovakia does not exceed 90 days in one semester.

The Police department shall grant temporary residence permit for family reunification purpose to a foreigner, who is a child under 18 years of a foreigner with temporary residence permit or his spouse, if the other parent agrees (parent who does not have the child in personal care, but has the right to meet that child).

Application for a Temporary Residence Permit

Application for a temporary residence permit should be made in person abroad at the embassy accredited to the country which issued applicant’s passport, or at the embassy accredited to the country in which he/she resides, unless the Foreigners’ Act provides otherwise (if there is no such embassy, or in special cases the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in agreement with the Ministry of Interior determines another representative office where the foreigner should apply). The embassy, or other authority that receives the application, issues a confirmation of receipt on the date of the application.

A foreigner who is granted a temporary residence permit may apply for change of purpose of the stay at the Police department in Slovakia, unless the purpose of temporary residence permit was:

  • seasonal employment,
  • study, except for foreigners who completed the studies and ask for a temporary residence permit for employment purposes in the field which they studied,
  • family reunification with a foreigner who is or was granted a temporary residence for the purpose of business or employment.

A foreigner who represents or works for a foreign investor in the Slovak Republic and also, is a citizen of a Member State of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), his/her spouse or child under 18 years can apply for a temporary residence permit in person at the Police department in Slovakia.

Documents needed for application:

  • the application – given on an official form,
  • valid passport,
  • photo – 2 pieces of the same picture with dimensions 3 x 3.5 cm, showing applicant’s current look
  • documents that are not older than 90 days and confirm:
    • the purpose of stay,
    • no criminal record,
    • enough financials for living,
    • accommodation during the temporary stay (this does not apply: if the foreigner regularly travels to work or to the school across the border from a neighbouring country, or if the foreigner was granted temporary residence permit for the purpose of study and he/she studies at university, and if the foreigner was granted temporary residence for the purpose of specific activities and he/she is not doing business and is not employed, and conducts scientific research or development),
    • intention of the foreigner for longterm stay,
    • agreement granted by the police department that a foreigner can reside for family reunification, if it is a child (under 18 years of age) of a foreigner with temporary residence permit or his spouse.

Foreigner should also deliver to the Police – documents certifying medical insurance for the time of staying in Slovakia and that he/she doesn’t suffer from a disease which threatens public health, within 30 days of entry or granting the temporary residence permit. This does not have to be delivered, if the foreigner applied for the permanent residence.

Embassy or Police department may require a document that is not older than 30 days, proving that the foreigner will not be a burden on the social security system of the Slovak Republic.

Financial liability of the foreigner should be shown with the amount equal to the minimum living wage of Slovakia for each month of stay. A foreigner who applies for a temporary residence for the purpose of business, demonstrates financial security of residence of at least five times the minimum wage for each month of stay.

The police will decide on applications for temporary residence permit within 90 days, especially in complex cases, this period may be extended up to 90 days. If the foreigner applying for temporary residence permit to study or to determine specific activity, the police department will decide within 30 days of receipt.
Renewal of a temporary residence permit

The police department may renew a temporary residence permit:

  • up to 180 days if the temporary residence permit for the purpose of seasonal employment granted to less than 180 days and completion of the work requires a stay,
  • up to three years if the foreigner’s stay will be expected to last at least three years, or
  • up to five years if the foreigner with a long-term residents.

An application for renewal of temporary residence permit submitted in person on the official form for the police department. The police department issued to the applicant on the date of the request confirmation of receipt. An application for renewal of a temporary residence for business purposes, a foreigner must be accompanied by a certificate that has paid the tax and duty liabilities, premiums for health insurance premiums for social insurance contributions and superannuation, it does not apply if the long-term resident foreigners. If the foreigner is not liable or not liable to pay premiums for health insurance and social insurance premiums, accompanied by a document confirming this fact.

Temporary residence permit until a decision on an application for renewal of temporary residence permit in place.

A foreigner is obliged to request the renewal of a temporary residence for the purpose of business to demonstrate that it is capable of taxed income from the business herself, or his family, this does not apply if the foreigner’s long-term residents.

Termination of Temporary Residence Permit

Temporary residence permit shall lapse if:

  • foreigner entry into the SR within 180 days of the authorization for temporary stay,
  • foreign police in writing to terminate the stay,
  • foreigner has expired temporary residence permit,
  • foreigner has been sentence of expulsion,
  • the foreigner was deported
  • Police department decided to request the foreigner to change the purpose of stay (if the foreigner or his widow marriage was divorced and his continuous temporary residence in the Slovak Republic takes at least three years, or reached the age of majority);
  • foreigner has been granted permanent residence permit,
  • foreigner has acquired the citizenship of Slovakia or
  • The police department set aside the foreigner a temporary residence permit.

Revocation of a Temporary Residence

The police department canceled temporary residence permit if:

  • passed over the purpose for which the foreigner was granted temporary residence permit,
  • finds facts that justify a refusal to grant a temporary residence permit,
  • not submitted a document certifying the foreigner medical insurance during their stay in the Slovak Republic and the proof that suffer from a disease which threatens public health,
  • foreigner without written notification to the police constantly staying abroad for more than 180 days
  • finds that a foreigner married to obtain a residence permit, or
  • foreigner serious or repeated breach of an obligation imposed by this Act.

This does not apply if the consequences of a temporary residence permit was unreasonable because the abolition of temporary residence permit in particular with regard to private and family life of a foreigner.

The police in the decision to revoke the temporary residence while the foreigner a reasonable period determined by the exit, the longest 30 days after the final decision.


Permanent Residence

The residence permit entitles the foreigner to reside in the SR and on trips abroad and return to the territory of Slovakia in time for the police department he was granted a permanent residence.

The police granted the request of a residence permit for the first time in five years (the “initial approval”). After five years, given the police department on the next request permission to reside permanently (called ‘additional authorization “).

Initial Approval

The police granted the first permit for permanent residence foreigner

  • who is the spouse of a citizen of the Slovak Republic with permanent residence in the Slovak Republic or dependent direct relatives in the Slovak Republic’s citizens with permanent residence in the Slovak Republic
  • which is a single child under ako18 years vested in the personal care of a foreigner who is married to a citizen of the Slovak Republic with permanent residence in the Slovak Republic
  • single child who is younger than 18 years with the foreigner permanent residence permit or a child under 18 years vested in the personal care of a foreigner with permanent residence permit,
  • which is a dependent child over 18 years with the foreigner permanent residence permit or
  • if it is in the interest of the Slovak Republic.

The police department grants first permit a foreigner who is a single child under 18 years vested in the personal care of a foreigner who is married to a citizen of the Slovak Republic with permanent residence in the Slovak Republic or a single child under 18 years vested in the personal care of a foreigner with permanent resident if the merger agreement and the parent whom the child was entrusted to the personal care and has the right to meet with that child.

Application for the grant of the authorization given in person at the Embassy of Slovakia or in person at the police department.

An application for initial approval

Application for the grant of the authorization given to a foreigner official form. An application for initial authorization, a foreigner must present a passport, photo (see photo for temporary stay) and the documents are not older than 90 days confirming:

  • facts stated in the heading “Initial approval”
  • integrity, it does not apply if the foreigner younger than 14 years, or a foreigner with a temporary residence permit,
  • financial security of residence,
  • parental consent, which was entrusted to the personal care and has the right to meet with that child (see above in the subheading “Initial Approval”), if necessary, and
  • secure accommodation during the residency.

Foreigner handed the police a document showing their health insurance during their stay in the Slovak Republic and the proof that suffer from a disease which threatens public health, within 30 days of entry or granting a permanent residence permit.

Representative office or police department may require proof of a foreigner is not older than 30 days, proving that not a burden on the social security system of the Slovak Republic.

Financial security of residence of the foreigner demonstrates subsistence minimum for each month of stay, at least one year; foreigner younger than 16 years at half rate.

The police will decide on applications for initial approval within 90 days of receipt of the request, particularly in complex cases, this period may be extended up to 90 days.

Other Permit

Police department to request additional authorization granted foreigner

  • has granted the first permit
  • which
    1. the temporary residence permit for employment purposes, if the previous ongoing temporary residence lasts for at least five years immediately preceding the application,
    2. the temporary residence permit for business purposes if the previous ongoing temporary residence lasts for at least five years immediately preceding the application,
    3. the family (not the husband) a foreigner authorized temporary residence for business or employment and is granted a temporary residence permit for at least five years immediately preceding the application,
    4. is married to a foreigner with permanent residence permit and be granted temporary residence permit for at least five years immediately preceding application, or
    5. lone parents are dependent on care of the foreigner with permanent residence permit and be granted temporary residence permit for at least five years immediately preceding application.
  • has ceased to another permit on the grounds that the additional authorization granted by the previous point and the foreigner has been granted long-term resident or resident 6 years outside of the SR and it was canceled because a foreigner authorized by the preceding paragraph shall be permanently stayed outside European Economic Area for 12 consecutive months;
  • is a child younger than 18 years with another foreigner permission.

Application for Additional Licenses

An application for further authorization submitted in person on the official form for the police department, as a foreigner, for which inertia can personally make a request, may make a request of his family. The police department issued to the applicant on the date of the request confirmation of receipt. An application for further authorization by the foreigner is obliged to provide a passport and photograph (see above). If the foreigner does not travel document, a police department request for additional authorization adopted.

The police will decide on applications for additional authorization within 90 days upon receipt the police. The first permit or temporary residence permit until receipt of the decision on applications for additional authorization is considered valid.

Termination of residence permit

The residence permit shall lapse if:

  • foreigner entry into the Slovak Republic, within 180 days of authorization to reside,
  • foreigner in writing terminate the stay the police,
  • foreigner has expired granted initial approval and requested additional authorization,
  • foreigner has been sentence of expulsion,
  • the foreigner was deported
  • foreigner has acquired the citizenship of Slovakia,
  • is a special case of further authorization (see paragraph 2 and 3 in the top of the other license), and the foreigner has been granted long-term stay or six years living outside the Slovak Republic, or
  • Police department set aside the foreigner permanent residence permit.

Abolition of the Residence Permit

The police residence permit revoked if:

  • becomes aware of facts which are grounds for rejection of application for a residence permit,
  • foreigner not submitted evidence showing his health insurance during their stay in the Slovak Republic and the proof that suffer from a disease which threatens public health,
  • foreigner without written notification to the police constantly staying abroad for more than 180 days
  • found that married a foreigner to obtain permanent residence permit,
  • foreigner has been granted permanent residence permit for family reunification with her husband and their marriage has been dissolved five years after the first authorization,
  • foreigner determined in 2nd and 3 point in the other permit is continuously resides outside the European Economic Area for 12 consecutive months or
  • foreigner shall intentionally false or misleading information, submit false or forged documents.

This does not apply if the consequences of a permanent residence permit was unreasonable because of the abolition of the residence permit in particular with regard to private and family life of a foreigner.

The police in the decision to revoke the permanent resident foreigner at the same time determine the reasonable period of travel, the longest 30 days after the final decision.


Tolerated Stay

Tolerated residence granted a Foreign Police department:

  • if there is an obstacle to deportation,
  • they were provided with temporary shelter,
  • if the travel is not possible and ensure it is not expedient
  • minor child who is found on the territory of Slovakia,
  • who is the victim of a crime related to trafficking in human beings, if at least 18 years; authority law enforcement or the person appointed by the Ministry of the Interior shall notify the foreigner of the possibilities and conditions for granting the stay of tolerance for this reason and the rights and obligations arising therefrom, or
  • if it requires respect for his private and family life.

The tolerated stay is the period of custody or periods of imprisonment, this does not apply if the foreigner residing lawfully in the territory of the Slovak Republic. The tolerated stay is considered the maximum period of 90 days after filing the written request of the foreigner voluntary departure, or until the withdrawal of this request, do not apply if a foreigner is detained or is entitled to reside in the territory of the Slovak Republic Act on Asylum.

The police granted the request of foreigner residence permit for tolerated up to 180 days under the facts giving rise to its award. The police department issued to the applicant on the date of the request confirmation of receipt if the Foreigner Act provides otherwise.

The police tolerated stay may be extended repeatedly, while it is obliged to consider whether the reasons for which the foreigner was allowed, still persist. To this end, the foreigner is entitled to require proof of travel barriers.

During the validity of the permit for tolerated stay foreigner can not enter into business and employment relationships or similar working relationship. Prohibition of entering into an employment relationship or similar employment relationship does not apply to a foreigner:

  • Has been granted temporary refuge,
  • Has been granted a permit for tolerated stay, because it requires respect for his private and family life;
  • Has been extended permit for tolerated stay in the statutory case.

If the reason for which was granted tolerated stay, the foreigner shall so notify the police within 15 days from when learned of this fact. The police department revoked a permit for tolerated stay and also determines the foreigner a reasonable time to travel, more than 30 days after the final decision if it finds that the reason for which was granted tolerated stay, disappeared.

If the foreigner was granted tolerated stay on the ground

  • The existence of obstacles to deportation or
  • That his departure is not possible and ensure it is not advisable or
  • The minor child found on the territory of the Slovak Republic or
  • It requires respect for his private and family life;

tolerated stay permit shall lapse if such foreigner has applied for asylum or subsidiary protection or him in the Slovak Republic granted a temporary residence permit or permanent residence permit. Tolerated stay permit a foreigner who was granted a temporary shelter, temporary cease providing sanctuary to collapse.


Birth of a Foreigner in the territory of Slovak Republic

If you are born in Slovakia or another State of the European Economic Area foreigner, whose parent is granted a residence permit, the foreigner parents born in Slovakia or another State of the European Economic Area, within 90 days after the birth of the child to ask the police department for a residence permit of the same species.

The parent shall submit an application:

  • child’s travel document or her own travel document in which the child is registered,
  • child’s birth certificate;
  • photographs of the child (see above)
  • proof of health insurance and proof of residence of the child’s financial security;
  • proof of availability of accommodation.

If a parent as a foreigner born in the Slovak Republic or another country of the European Economic Area requests for residence permits, ensuring his departure within 90 days. Until a decision on the request to stay a foreigner born in the Slovak Republic or another country of the European Economic Area deemed permitted.
Information for foreign national citizen – the applicant for the grant of citizenship of the Slovak Republic after the application


Administrative Fees

  • Request for authorization for temporary stay of foreigners in order to:
    1. Enterprise – 232, – €,
    2. employment – € 165.50,
    3. seasonal jobs – 33, – €,
    4. studies and activities under special programs – € 99.50;
      family reunification – € 132.50,
    5. their duties civilian components of the armed forces – 66, – €.
  • First application for a residence permit – € 165.50.
  • Application for renewal of a temporary stay of foreigners in order to:
    1. business – € 132.50,
    2. employment – € 99.50;
    3. seasonal employment – € 16.50;
    4. study and the specific activity – 33, – €,
    5. family reunion – 66, – €,
    6. their duties civilian components of the armed forces – 33, – €.
  • Application for a residence permit for an unlimited time – € 165.50.
  • The issue of proof of residence – € 4.50.
  • The issue of proof of residence to replace lost, destroyed, damaged or stolen documents – € 6.50.
  • Application for a tolerated stay – € 99.50.
  • Request for extension of tolerated stay – 33, – €.
  • Confirmation of the foreigners in the Slovak Republic – 3, – €.
  • Foreigners Passport Issue – 33, – €.
  • Foreigners passport Issue 5 to 15 years – 13, – €.
  • Issue passport foreigner younger than 5 years – 8, – €.

Relief

Since some fees are waived for persons under sixteen years (other exemptions specified in Act No. 145/1995 Coll. On administrative fees).

Commissioning

The administrative authority may require the removal of the fee waived or reduced charge of humanitarian grounds or because of reciprocity.

The department may make a charge for issuing proof of residence to replace lost, destroyed, damaged or stolen documents up to four times the rate if it is issued with a residence document for the foreigner territory of the Slovak Republic for the second time, possibly several times within one year after the previous document.


EU Citizens and EEA Family Members

Since Slovakia joined the EU there is a special legal regime for EU citizens and their families.

Stay citizen of the European Economic Area, which intends to reside in the Slovak Republic for more than three months, is considered the first residence permit if

  • Is employed,
  • Business;
  • Studying at school in the Slovak Republic and has the financial means to provide health insurance and residence in the Slovak Republic
  • The financial resources to provide health insurance and residence in the Slovak Republic or
  • Is in his assumption that they employ.

A citizen of the European Economic Area can apply for registration of the authorization. Application for registration of the authorization is given on the official form in person at the police department. The application for registration of the authorization is a citizen of the European Economic Area must provide a passport. If the travel document to the application fails or is an undesirable person, a police department request for registration of the authorization adopted. The police issued the day the application for registration of the authorization certificate of registration of the authorization, stating the name, surname and residence of the registered person and date of registration.

The police granted the first permit an alien who is not a citizen of the European Economic Area and who intends to stay in the Slovak Republic for more than three months if

  • Is a family member of a citizen of the European Economic Area
  • Is not a burden on the health care system and social security of the SR.

A family member of a citizen of the European Economic Area

  • A husband and a child under 21 years or a dependent child,
  • Children younger than 21 years or dependent child
  • Related in a direct line, which is dependent on him;
  • Kin husband in direct line, which is dependent on him;
  • Another family member who is a dependent or member of his household.

An application for permission first foreigner given personally benefited at the Embassy or in person at the police department. An application for initial authorization is required to submit a privileged foreigner’s travel document, travel document if the application fails, a police department request for permission first adopted. An application for permission first foreigner accompanied by soft

  • 2 photos of the same negative with dimensions 3 x 3.5 cm;
  • Proof that the family members of the European Economic Area citizen residing in the Slovak Republic
  • Document or affidavit stating the grounds that it is dependent relatives or household members, this does not apply if the spouse of a citizen of the European Economic Area and the child younger than 21 years, or a dependent child, or child of a citizen of the European Economic Area under the age of 21 years or dependent child
  • Affidavit that will be a burden on the health care system and social security of the Slovak Republic.

The authority that receives the request, issue the applicant the date of application for the grant of the authorization confirmation of receipt. The police will decide on the application within 90 days of its receipt the police.

Stay citizen of the European Economic Area shall be deemed to stay the additional authorization, if a citizen of the European Economic Area

  • Has at least 5 years continuous residence
  • Has at least 3 years continuous residence, which is considered the first residence permit, and during that stay, he was employed or undertaking at least 12 months and qualify for a retirement pension or early retirement pension, the condition of continuous residence is required if the citizen of the European Economic Area, who is married to a citizen of the Slovak Republic or who is married to a foreigner who has lost citizenship of the Slovak Republic as a result of marriage with this foreigner,
  • Has more than 2 years continuous residence, which is considered the first residence permit, and the reason for termination of employment or business relationship is a permanent inability to work or do business; condition of continuous residence is required when a citizen of the European Economic Area during the eligible stay for disability pension due to work injury or occupational disease, or if the citizen of the European Economic Area, who is married to a citizen of the Slovak Republic or who is married to a foreigner who has lost citizenship of the Slovak Republic as a result of marriage with this foreigner,
  • Is employed or doing business in another country of the European Economic Area, and at least once a week to return to the territory of the Slovak Republic and the Slovak Republic had previously resided continuously while he was employed at least 3 years;
  • Is a family member of a citizen of the European Economic Area, which has resided in the Slovak Republic and who has obtained permanent residence under the preceding three paragraphs, or
  • The survivors of a citizen of the European Economic Area, which has resided in the territory of the Slovak Republic and the Slovak Republic has been employed or running the
    1. continuously for at least 2 years before death
    2. the death of the citizen was an industrial accident or occupational disease or
    3. and lost citizenship of the Slovak Republic as a result of marriage with that citizen.

A citizen of the European Economic Area can apply for registration of additional licenses.