Slovakia (SK)
Slovakia is a landlocked Central European republic that joined the European Union in 2004 and the Eurozone in 2009.
Leaving Slovakia
How to properly exit — protecting your finances, rights and records.
📅 General Timeline
Recommended timeline for leaving Slovakia: 3 months before departure: give rental notice, notify employer, begin job handover. 2 months before: cancel utility contracts, begin school/childcare deregistration for children. 1 month before: notify health insurance fund, notify Daňový úrad, arrange forwarding of post. 2 weeks before: final check — cancel all standing orders and direct debits, inform bank. Week of departure: deregister at Ohlasovňa pobytu, return any official documents (civic registration), move-out inspection with landlord. After departure: file final tax return, follow up on security deposit return, claim Slovak pension statement for future reference.
Deregistration
When leaving Slovakia permanently or for an extended period, deregister your address at the Ohlasovňa pobytu (Address Registration Office) at the municipality — submit a zánik trvalého pobytu (cancellation of permanent residence) form. EU citizens should also inform the Cudzinecká polícia of their departure if they hold a pobytový preukaz. Non-EU nationals with a residence permit must notify the Foreign Police of their departure. Deregistration cancels your registered address and may affect entitlements. Allow 2–4 weeks before departure to complete all deregistration formalities.
Tax clearance
If you are leaving Slovakia mid-year, file a daňové priznanie (tax return) for the portion of the year you were a Slovak tax resident. This can often be filed early (before 31 March of the following year) — ask your employer or a tax advisor about filing early. Notify the Daňový úrad (Tax Office) of your change of address and departure. Ensure all outstanding tax obligations are settled. If you had a živnosť (trade licence), it must be cancelled (zrušenie živnosti) at the Živnostenský register. If you have outstanding VAT returns, file them before leaving.
Pension portability
First pillar pension (Sociálna poisťovňa): contributions made in Slovakia count towards your Slovak pension entitlement. Under EU social security coordination rules (EC 883/2004), contribution periods in EU countries are aggregated — your Slovak pension contributions count towards pension rights in other EU countries and vice versa. You can claim your Slovak pension from any EU country at retirement age. If leaving before retirement: your accrued rights remain — do not withdraw contributions. Second pillar (Druhý pilier): your personal account moves with you. You can leave the contributions invested or transfer them — seek advice from your pension management company (DSS) about options. The second pillar account is not cashable before retirement age except in very limited circumstances.
Health insurance
Health insurance coverage ends when you deregister your address or when your employment ends (whichever is earlier). Notify your health insurance fund (VšZP, Dôvera, or Union) of your departure date in writing. If you have paid contributions for the current month, coverage continues until the end of that month. After deregistering, you are no longer entitled to Slovak public healthcare and should arrange private travel/international health insurance. Your Slovak health insurance card should be returned to the fund.
Bank account
Most Slovak bank accounts can be maintained from abroad. Tatra banka, Slovenská sporiteľňa, VÚB, and 365.bank all offer online/mobile banking. However, KYC (know your customer) requirements may require periodic in-person visits. Revolut or Wise are good complements for international money management. Close the account if you will not need it — use the bank's online account closure request (if available) or visit a branch. Ensure all direct debits and standing orders are cancelled before closure.
Utilities
Cancel all utility contracts before departure: electricity (ZSE/SSE/VSE), gas (SPP), internet, and TV. Provide written notice 1 month in advance for most contracts. Request final meter readings for electricity and gas reconciliation. Ensure your security deposit (kaučia) on utility contracts is refunded. Cancel direct debits (SEPA mandates) from your bank account. TV licence (ROSka — Rozhlas a televízia Slovenska) can be deregistered online.
Rental contract
Give your landlord written notice (výpoveď) in accordance with the agreed notice period — typically 1–3 months for residential rentals. Under Slovak Civil Code, the minimum notice for month-to-month rental contracts is 3 months. Schedule a move-out inspection (preberací protokol) with the landlord. Document the apartment's condition thoroughly (photos, written report). Ensure your security deposit (kaucia — typically 1–3 months' rent) is returned within the period specified in your contract. Disputes can be referred to the Slovak Trade Inspectorate or a Slovak lawyer.
Leaving the Country
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