Slovakia: Residency

Slovakia: Residency

(Please note: Zugimpex does not provide services to US citizens and to US residents.)

Introduction

Slovakia might not be the first country that pops into your head when you think of moving to Europe, but it probably should be especially if you’re looking for real opportunities without needing a fortune. With rising labour shortages in key sectors like manufacturing, healthcare, and agriculture, Slovakia is actively welcoming foreign workers and residents.

In fact, in 2022 alone, Slovakia granted about 15,000 residence permits to third-country nationals (TCNs). And while foreigners only made up 5.13% of the population by the end of that year, that number is steadily climbing. So, if you’re looking to start a new chapter abroad, this small Central European nation might be your perfect match.

Slovakia’s Migration Reforms in 2024

Simplified Visa Process for Skilled Workers

As of July 15, 2024, Slovakia introduced a much smoother visa path for skilled workers from Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Montenegro, Nepal, North Macedonia, the Philippines, Serbia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, and Uzbekistan.

No more waiting over a year—now, if you’re a welder, agricultural worker, engineer, or in food services, you could enter on a one-year work visa, with the option to extend.

Faster Work Permit Processing

Previously, getting work authorization could take up to 18 months—talk about red tape! But now, thanks to legal reforms, processing time has dropped to just 2–3 months, meaning you can land the job and move much faster.

Who Can Reside in Slovakia?

While we show on this website many possibilities, please note that Zugimpex only onboards clients that can show a good education, a successful business career and a reasonable amount of wealth to run the planned activities. If someone really wants to move to Slovakia and start a business there, living costs, setup costs, start-up costs and working capital usually require liquid assets of at least 50.000 Euro.

EU/EEA/Swiss Citizens

You’re in luck if you’re from the EU, EEA, or Switzerland. You don’t need a visa to enter or stay long-term. However, once you pass 90 days, you must register with the authorities if you’re working, studying, or financially self-sufficient with insurance.

Non-EU Nationals

You’ll need to apply for a temporary residence permit. This could be for reasons like work, study, family reunification, or business. The application process is detailed, but very doable if you’re organized.

Registration Process for EU/EEA/Swiss Citizens

Required Documents

To register your stay after the 90-day mark, you’ll need:

  • Application form
  • Two colour passport photos
  • Valid ID or passport
  • Proof of employment or study
  • Proof of health insurance
  • Accommodation confirmation (like a lease or hotel booking)

Timeline for Registration

You must register within 30 days after the 90-day period ends.

Permanent Residence Eligibility

If you live legally in Slovakia for five years straight, you can apply for permanent residence. The optional residence card is valid for up to five years.

Work Authorization Rules

For EU/EEA/Swiss Nationals

No need for a work permit. You have the same job rights as Slovak citizens.

For non-EU Citizens

You’ll need a temporary residence permit for employment. Here’s how it works:

Employment Contract Essentials

Your contract must specify:

  • Job title and duties
  • Place of work
  • Salary
  • Working hours
  • Holidays
  • Termination notices terms

Job Changes

If you switch jobs, you must notify the labour office and register with the police within 30 days.

Schengen and National Visas

Schengen Visa (Type C)

  • Short-term stay: max 90 days within a 180-day period
  • Apply via Slovak consulates or VFS Global

National Visa (Type D)

  • For long-term purposes: work, study, or cultural ties
  • Valid for up to 1 year
  • Requires proof of finances, accommodation, and purpose

Types of Residence Permits in Slovakia

Temporary Residence

  • For employment, business, study, family, or research
  • Validity varies usually 1–2 years, renewable
  • Requires: passport, finances, accommodation, insurance, proof of purpose

Tolerated Residence

  • For humanitarian cases (e.g., trafficking victims, stranded minors)
  • Initially valid for 180 days, renewable

Permanent Residence

There are three types:

  • Five-Year: For family members of Slovak citizens
  • Unlimited: After holding five-year residence for 4 years
  • Long-Term: After 5 years of continuous legal stay

Temporary Residence Renewal

Timeline and Required Documents

  • Apply before your current permit expires
  • Provide:
    • Valid passport
    • Application form
    • Recent photo
    • Updated proof of purpose
    • Accommodation
    • Financial proof (at least EUR 273.99/month)
    • Health insurance
    • Fee payment receipt

Business and Entrepreneurship in Slovakia

Slovakia offers one of the fastest and most affordable paths to EU residency through business. With low taxes, minimal bureaucracy, and family-friendly policies, it’s ideal for entrepreneurs.

Why Slovakia for Business?

You can obtain a residence permit in about 3 months. It allows legal business activity across the EU, offers low corporate and income taxes, and enables family reunification. After five years, you can apply for permanent residence and later, Slovak citizenship.

Sole proprietor vs Company in Slovakia

For a sole proprietor, you need around €5,000 as a registered capital. Taxes are 15% on profit. If your turnover exceeds €8,580annually, you’re required to pay monthly social contributions that is minimum 237.02 euro for 2025 . You’re eligible for state health insurance, which covers your children too. You can freely withdraw and deposit money, but you are personally liable for all debts. This option is perfect for freelancers and small business owners like barbers, cleaners, or food vendors.

For a company (s.r.o.), you need €5000 as a registered capital. Taxes include 21% on profit and 10% on dividends. There’s no obligation to pay social contributions unless you have employees. Directors must have commercial insurance, and each family member must hold a separate policy. Money can only be withdrawn through business expenses or dividends. The liability is limited to the company’s assets. This structure is ideal for businesses with higher turnover and those aiming for a stronger corporate image.

Residency renewal requirements for Business Residence Permits in Slovakia

Sole proprietors must spend more than half the year in Slovakia, show yearly profits over €5,000, and file tax returns. For company owners, you need to show at least €3,500 paid in taxes annually and hold €2,600 in your personal account.

Regulated Professions and Trade Licensing

Qualification Recognition

Professions like law, medicine, and accounting require recognized qualifications. Trade licenses are mandatory for most business activities. Application steps include identity verification, proof of qualifications, criminal record clearance, and paying applicable fees.

Taxes and Insurance Obligations sole traders

Health and Social Insurance

  • Health insurance: approx. EUR 91.28/month
  • Social insurance: Mandatory if income exceeds EUR 7,824/year (2024)

Taxation Rules

  • Residents: Taxed on worldwide income
  • Non-residents: Taxed only on Slovak income
  • Double taxation treaties protect against being taxed twice

Permanent Residence via Investment

Minimum Investment Requirements

  • Must invest at least EUR 50,000 (most cases EUR 200,000)

Conditions and Restrictions

  • Real estate must be owned for 5 years
  • Not allowed for commercial rentals

Administrative Fees Breakdown

Purpose Fee (in EUR)
Business Residence 330 (350 at embassy)
Employment Permit 250
Family Reunification 200
EU Blue Card 250
Residence Card 10 (39 if expedited)

Conclusion

Slovakia is quietly becoming a European hotspot for legal migration—not by accident, but through smart reforms, simplified processes, and clear legal routes for workers, students, business owners, and families. Whether you’re arriving from selected countries mentioned before, if you bring skills or a plan, Slovakia is ready to welcome you.

FAQs

  1. What are the most in-demand jobs for foreigners in Slovakia?
    Welders, construction workers, engineers, healthcare professionals, and agricultural workers are highly sought after.
  2. How long does it take to get permanent residency?
    Usually 5 years of uninterrupted legal stay, though there are faster tracks for some family members.
  3. Can I bring my family with me?
    Yes, through family reunification permits. You’ll need to show adequate income and housing.
  4. Do I need to know Slovak to live and work in Slovakia?
    Not initially, especially in international companies. However, Slovak helps with integration and permanent residency.
  5. What happens if my visa expires while I’m still in the country?
    You risk deportation and a potential ban from re-entry. Always renew before expiry or switch visa types legally.

(Updated Mai 2025)