Slovakia Updates Foreign Residence Rules

Key Points  

• Starting 1 July 2025, Slovakia will process business residence applications abroad and limit approvals to 700 yearly 

Temporary Residence Rules for Business Applicants  

Beginning 1 July 2025, Slovakia will require foreign nationals seeking temporary residence for business to submit their applications through Slovak diplomatic missions abroad. Applications will no longer be accepted at foreign police departments and are capped at 700 annually. Each submission must include a business plan and documentation proving financial sustainability, such as bank account balance confirmations from two separate accounts. Approved permits will be valid for up to three years. 

Foreign nationals seeking to change their residence purpose to business may do so only after holding temporary residence for at least 24 months. Those with student-based residence may change to another purpose only after completing their studies and obtaining a diploma. 

The validity of national visas related to residence applications has been extended from 90 to 120 days. Additionally, applicants no longer need to submit a photo with most residence applications. Applicants no longer need to provide proof of financial coverage in most cases. However, those applying for business, long-term residence or certain family- or invitation-based permits must still submit financial documentation.

Slovakia also increased the subsistence minimum wage from EUR 273.99 to EUR 284.13 on 1 July 2025.