Immigration to Slovakia
To immigrate to Slovakia on general grounds, a candidate must find a legal basis and obtain a local residence permit. Foreigners are initially granted a limited-term residence permit, which can be extended if the applicant maintains the reasons for staying in the republic. After 5 years of continuous residence in Slovakia with the status of a temporary resident, an immigrant is entitled to replace it with a long-term one, if he meets the remaining requirements of the legislation. The following are the popular grounds for obtaining a primary residence permit in the republic.
Ways to immigrate
Business
A residence permit is granted to foreigners who open a business in the republic or buy shares in an existing organization. The document is issued for a maximum of 3 years with the right to re-issue. The applicant will need a certificate of registration of the enterprise in Slovakia or its equivalent. The applicant must also provide confirmation of financial security in the amount of twenty times the minimum subsistence level (approximately €5,340 in 2023) for self-employed persons or €26,800 for company executives.
Work
Slovakian temporary residence is granted to immigrants who are officially employed by a local company. The residence permit is valid for the period of the work contract presented by the applicant upon submission of the application, but no more than 5 years with the right to re-issue.
Education
Candidates who are starting the educational process at an accredited institution of the republic, including those who will be taking preparatory courses at a university, can apply for the status of a temporary resident. The applicant confirms the fact of enrollment in a university or similar institution in writing. The residence permit is granted to a student for a period of up to 6 years, or until the end of the studies. During the period of general naturalization and submission of an application for permanent residence, only 50% of the time spent by the applicant in Slovakia with this residence permit is taken into account.
Blue card EC
Highly qualified specialists invited to work by local companies can move to Slovakia and obtain a special residence permit for EU countries – Blue card. The document is issued to experts with relevant education or experience in the chosen field of activity for at least 5 years. The applicant must conclude a contract with a salary of at least 1.5 times the average for the relevant profession in Slovakia. Blue card is issued for 3 years or less, depending on the terms of the employment contract, with the right to renew.
Family reunification
Members of the family of legal residents can obtain a Slovak residence permit. The residence permit is granted to husbands and wives, children under the age of 18 (not married), parents (if the receiving party is a minor) of applicants. In special cases, other relatives of the applicant may also obtain a residence permit if they are incapacitated. The resident status is granted to the applicant for a maximum of 5 years, but not more than the validity period of the residence permit of the receiving party. Spouses and children of Slovak citizens and permanent residents immediately receive permanent residence for a five-year term. After 4 years of stay in Slovakia with this document, applicants can renew it for permanent residence with an unlimited period.
Humanitarian immigration
Persons who cannot return to their home country due to a threat to life or health are entitled to move to Slovakia and obtain a residence permit. This category also includes victims of human trafficking or sexual exploitation. Refugees have the right to simplified naturalization in the republic (the residence term is 4 years instead of the standard 8), however, their legalization in the country is associated with some restrictions (for example, the need for primary residence in special camps without the right to use the first passport).
The process of migration
Program selection
We will analyze your situation and select the most suitable program for you, based on your preferences for the country, processing time, and budget.
Document analysis and preparation
We will analyze your documents, provide a list of what needs to be prepared, and complete all necessary paperwork on our end.
Application for a residence permit
We will complete the necessary applications, make an appointment at the consulate, and accompany you to the relevant authorities if possible.
Our team of experienced immigration lawyers
and consultants will work with you to:
Our team of experienced immigration lawyers and consultants will work with you to:
- Assess your eligibility for immigration
- Prepare your immigration application
- Navigate the immigration process
We are committed to helping you immigrate successfully.
Contact us today to learn more about our immigration services.