Slovakia (SK)
Slovakia is a landlocked Central European republic that joined the European Union in 2004 and the Eurozone in 2009.
Visa & Immigration
Entry and residence options for Slovakia.
✈️ Visa-Free Access
EU/EEA/Swiss citizens can live and work in Slovakia freely — no visa or work permit required. They must register at the Cudzinecká polícia (Foreign Police) within 90 days if staying more than 90 days and obtain a pobytový preukaz (residence card). Citizens of the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, the UK (post-Brexit), and most Western countries can visit Slovakia visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period under Schengen rules. Slovakia has been in the Schengen Area since December 2007. For stays exceeding 90 days or to work, an appropriate residence permit is required from the Cudzinecká polícia.
All non-EU immigration matters in Slovakia are handled by the Cudzinecká polícia (Bureau of Border and Alien Police, Cudzinecká polícia SR — cudzineckapolicia.sk). The online appointment system for Bratislava is often heavily booked — schedule well in advance. All applications require in-person attendance and biometric data collection. Slovakia transitioned to a single permit system (jednotné povolenie) that combines residence and work authorisation for most employment-based cases. Slovakia is a member of the Schengen Area — EU residence permit holders can travel throughout Schengen. Important: Slovakia does NOT have a dedicated digital nomad visa as of 2026. Long-stay applications for remote workers must use the self-employment or employment routes.
EU/EEA Residence Registration
EU/EEA/Swiss citizens staying in Slovakia for more than 90 days for work, study, self-employment, or as self-sufficient persons.
3–30 working days (30 days statutory maximum). In practice, Bratislava Cudzinecká polícia can take up to 30 days — apply early.
- ✓Valid EU/EEA/Swiss passport or national ID
- ✓Proof of economic activity: employment contract, business registration (živnostenský list), proof of study, or proof of self-sufficiency (bank statements) with comprehensive health insurance
- ✓Slovak residential address (potvrdenie o pobyte from Ohlasovňa)
- ✓Completed application form
Temporary Residence Permit (Employment)
Non-EU/EEA nationals with a job offer from a Slovak employer who has received confirmation from the ÚPSVaR (labour market test) or who are in a category exempt from the test.
30–90 days. Applications submitted at the Cudzinecká polícia or Slovak embassy abroad.
- ✓Valid passport (valid for at least 6 months beyond intended stay)
- ✓Employment contract or confirmation of employment
- ✓Confirmation from ÚPSVaR that the position could not be filled by an EU citizen (labour market test), unless exempt
- ✓Proof of accommodation in Slovakia
- ✓Health insurance coverage
- ✓Criminal record certificate from home country (apostilled)
- ✓Medical certificate
- ✓Proof of qualifications for regulated professions
- ✓Completed application form
EU Blue Card
Non-EU nationals with a university degree and job offer with a salary at least 1.2× the average gross monthly salary (approximately €2,100/month gross in 2026, based on Slovak Statistical Office average; verify the current threshold at cudzineckapolicia.sk before applying). Effective from July 2024 Slovak transposition of the 2021 EU Blue Card Directive recast.
30 days.
- ✓Recognised higher education qualification (at least 3-year degree)
- ✓Job offer meeting the salary threshold
- ✓Health insurance
- ✓Accommodation in Slovakia
- ✓Valid passport
- ✓Criminal record certificate
Temporary Residence for Business / Self-Employment
Non-EU nationals wishing to establish a business or operate as a self-employed person (živnostník) in Slovakia.
30–90 days.
- ✓Registered živnostenský list (trade licence) or proof of business establishment
- ✓Business plan
- ✓Proof of financial means
- ✓Accommodation in Slovakia
- ✓Valid passport
- ✓Criminal record certificate
- ✓Health insurance
Temporary Residence for Study
Non-EU nationals enrolled in full-time study at a Slovak accredited educational institution.
30 days.
- ✓Acceptance letter from Slovak educational institution
- ✓Proof of financial means (at least €278/month)
- ✓Accommodation in Slovakia
- ✓Valid passport (biometric)
- ✓Criminal record from home country
- ✓Health insurance
Temporary Residence for Family Reunification
Spouses, minor children, and dependent parents of Slovak citizens, long-term residents, or holders of Blue Cards/other qualifying permits.
30–90 days.
- ✓Proof of relationship (marriage certificate, birth certificate — apostilled and translated)
- ✓Sponsor's residence documentation
- ✓Proof of adequate accommodation
- ✓Proof of financial means of sponsor
- ✓Health insurance
- ✓Passport
No Dedicated Digital Nomad Visa (Slovakia)
Digital NomadSlovakia has no dedicated digital nomad visa as of 2026. EU/EEA citizens can live and work remotely in Slovakia freely — register at Cudzinecká polícia within 90 days for stays over 3 months. Non-EU remote workers must apply for a Temporary Residence Permit for business/self-employment (Povolenie na prechodný pobyt za účelom podnikania) by registering a Slovak business entity (živnostenský list trade licence or s.r.o. company).
EU/EEA registration: 3–30 working days. Non-EU self-employment permit: 30–90 days at Cudzinecká polícia.
- ✓EU/EEA nationals: valid passport or national ID; register at Cudzinecká polícia within 90 days
- ✓Non-EU: registered živnostenský list (trade licence) or Slovak s.r.o.; business plan; proof of financial means; accommodation in Slovakia; valid passport; criminal record certificate; health insurance
Visa & Immigration
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