Immigration Framework for Slovakia (Third‑Country Nationals)
1. Legal Foundation
Slovakia’s immigration is governed by Act No. 404/2011 Z.z. on Residence of Foreigners, covering temporary/permanent residence, family reunification, employment, and Blue Cards.
Key Update (15 July 2024):
Applications now partly electronic
Processing reduced from 90 → 60 days
New employer responsibilities introduced
Revised Blue Card rules and wage thresholds
2. Visa Entry: National Visa (Type D)
For stays over 90 days, third-country nationals typically require a Type D Visa.
Key Requirements:
Valid passport + 2 photos (3 × 3.5 cm)
Medical insurance (90 days)
Proof of accommodation & funds
Travel itinerary/reservation
Apostilled police clearance (if applicable)
All documents must be officially translated into Slovak
Embassy interview + Central Visa Bureau approval needed
3. Temporary Residence for Employment
Options:
Single Permit (combined work + residence)
Or separate Work Permit + Residence for employment/family reunification
Process:
Employer reports vacancy to Labour Office
After 20 working days, may offer contract
Applicant submits Single Permit request
Processing is now electronic
Work allowed while application is pending
4. Blue Card (Highly Skilled Workers)
Effective July 2024:
Valid up to 5 years
Bachelor’s degree accepted (was Master’s)
Salary ≥ 1.2× national average wage (~€1,716/month in 2024)
Required Docs:
Employment contract (≥ 1 year)
Diploma recognition
Criminal record clearance
Accommodation proof
Passport-size photos
Fee: ~€165–170
Slovak translations
5. Seasonal Work
Stay allowed: Up to 180 days/year
Types:
Short-Term (≤ 90 days) → Work permit + maybe Schengen visa
Long-Term (91–180 days) → Temporary residence for seasonal work
6. Permanent Residence & Long-Term Stay
Eligible after 5 years of continuous temporary residence.
Conditions:
Proof of purpose
Clean record
Health insurance
Accommodation
Medical check within 30 days of card issuance
Processing time: up to 90 days
Upgrades:
After 5-year permanent: apply for unlimited residence after 4 more years
Or: EU long-term residence after 5 years legal stay (e.g., Blue Card, family, study)
7. Citizenship & Naturalization
General Rule:
8 years of continuous permanent residence
Exceptions:
Married to Slovak citizen + 5 years cohabiting
Slovak ancestry (up to great-grandparents): may skip Slovak language test
⚠️ Note: Dual citizenship not allowed if acquired voluntarily, except by birth or inheritance.
8. Education & Public Services
Health insurance and proof of funds mandatory
Students: residence cannot be changed to work until after graduation
Scholarship holders: may submit official letter in place of financial proof