Immigrate to Slovakia
Find out which entry and residence rules apply when you immigrate to Slovakia, depending on your country of origin. Our lawyers offer personalised assistance.
If you want to immigrate to Slovakia in 2026, you must respect a few rules that apply based on your country of origin. However, you do not need to worry about the procedure, as our lawyers are at your service with full personalized solutions.
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Entry visa requirement (from EU) (Yes/No) | No |
Entry visa requirement (outside EU) (Yes/No) | Yes |
Types of visas available | entry visa, student visa, business visa, employment permit, temporary residence permit |
| Time frame for obtaining work visa (approx.) | Approx. 15 working days |
| Validity of temporary residence permit | Depends on the purpose: 3 years for business, up to 5 years for employment, up to 6 years for study |
| Temporary residence permit renewal requirements | Can be renewed by applying before the current permit expires |
| Documents for obtaining a residence visa | Application form, employment contract, proof of education |
| Time frame for obtaining permanent residence in Slovakia (approx.) | 5 years of living in Slovakia |
| Investor visa availability (Yes/No) | Yes |
| Start up visa scheme availability (Yes/No) | No |
| Sponsorship requirement (Yes/No) | No |
| Time frame for obtaining citizenship | 8 years of living in Slovakia |
| Citizenship/ Residency by investment scheme availability (Yes/No) | No |
| Taxation of foreign citizens | From 2026: 19% up to EUR 43,983.32, 25% up to EUR 60,349.21, 30% up to EUR 75,010.32, 35% above |
| Tax benefits for expats | Access to double tax treaties |
Do I need an entry visa for Slovakia?
EU/EEA citizens do not require a visa to enter Slovakia. Non-EU/EEA citizens may require a visa if it is the first time they enter an EU state. Those who come from other member states can travel based on the visa issued in the respective countries.
What is the Slovak immigration procedure for EU citizens?
Citizens of EU countries who want to move to Slovakia do not need visas to enter the country. All they need to do is register with the local authorities when entering the country. Even so, they can apply for permanent residency and citizenship after living here for a specific period of time.
What is the immigration procedure in Slovakia for non-EU citizens?
There are two options for a non-EU citizen interested in immigration to Slovakia. The first and most common is applying from abroad with the diplomatic mission of Slovakia in the applicant’s home state. The second one is applying directly with the Slovak authorities after entering the country based on a temporary stay visa.
Here is also an infographic on this subject:
Can I apply for a Slovak temporary residence permit directly from my home country?
Yes, you can do that based on the reason for relocation. However, you will first be issued a valid national D visa until the physical residence card is handed to you after arriving in the country.
Where do I submit my temporary residence permit application?
You can file it with the nearest Slovak Embassy or Consulate.
What types of temporary residence permits are in Slovakia?
Temporary residency can be issued on the following grounds:
- business;
- employment;
- studentship;
- family reunification;
- undertaking special activities;
- research and development.
NOTE: A special type of temporary residence permit is the EU Blue Card, which is associated with an employment visa and is available for highly qualified persons.
What are the documents required to immigrate to Slovakia?
The following are the primary paperwork to prepare and submit to the embassy or consulate in your home country if you intend to immigrate to Slovakia in 2026:
- the passport, which must be valid for at least six months;
- for non-EU nationals, a health certificate may also be required (depending on the applicant’s country of origin);
- additionally, a clear criminal record may be required (particularly for individuals entering on investment visas);
- reason for the move (employment contract, sponsorship from an educational institution, pension coupon, etc.
- evidence of a place to stay (rental agreement, lease contract, proof of property ownership).
Our immigration lawyers in Slovakia are at your disposal for support if you want to move here.
Here is also a video on this subject:
What is the simplest way to immigrate to Slovakia?
The relocation procedure starts with the submission of the necessary documents to a Slovak embassy or consulate or to a Foreign Police department in Slovakia, as there are no specific steps to complete based on the type of visa requested.
So, when you plan to move to Slovakia, you can simply enquire with our lawyers about the documents to prepare, among which a valid passport is the main requirement, followed by the papers associated with your reason for relocation.
What is the validity of a Slovak temporary residence permit?
The validity of a temporary residence card is associated with the reason for immigration to Slovakia. It is useful to note that such a permit can be valid for up to 6 years (for the student-based permit), which is one of the longest validities in the EU.
How long do I need to live in Slovakia to become a permanent resident?
5 years.
NOTE: Even though leaving and re-entering the country is possible, a long unaccounted absence may lead to the revocation of the permit. Consult with our Slovak lawyers for details.
Are you interested in immigration to Slovakia in 2026? Contact us now and let our Slovak law firm be your guide! You can also request guidance on divorce procedures in Slovakia.
Juraj Kornhauser, Attorney at Law · 2 October 2026