Moving to Slovakia
Slovakia is a small country in Central Eastern Europe. It is sometimes referred to as the Slovak Republic. Its most well-known locations are its capital, Bratislava, and the High Tatra mountains. It officially became its own nation in 1993 during the Velvet Revolution, when it separated peacefully from Czechoslovakia. About 85% of inhabitants are ethnic Slovaks, but some minorities include Hungarians, Czechs, Roma (gypsies) and others. It is a landlocked country that is part of the European Union, NATO and UN. It recently adapted the Euro in 2009, which replaced the Slovak Crown for currency. Though it is a developed country that is advancing, it is hard to tell when you are actually there. Its official language is Slovak, which is a Slavic language.
Visas
Work Permits
EU Members
Nationals of EU countries do not need to obtain a work permit in order to work in Slovakia. However, they are required to have confirmation of permanent residency for taxes. You can obtain this from the Slovak Foreign Police while you are in the country.
You are required to submit:
1. Passport
2. Lease agreement/home ownership proof
3. 2 passport photos
Non EU Members
To work or teach in Slovakia as a non-EU foreigner, you are required to obtain a temporary residence permit. You must apply for this from outside of Slovakia, to your nearest consulate or embassy. It is granted for the minimum period of 90 days and the maximum period of one year. It can then be renewed.
You must submit the following documents:
1. Passport
2. Two passport photos
3. Typed application form, in Slovak
4. Document certifying your employment
5. Police clearance records
6. Medical certificate, proof of having no contagious diseases
7. Proof of funds
8. Proof of residence
9. Proof of health insurance
Keep in mind that you will probably have to undergo long interviews by Slovak officials before your work permit is granted. You may also need to visit Slovakia to obtain some of these documents before you go back and go to interviews or submit them.
You can apply for permanent residency in Slovakia after living there for ten years.
Click here for more information about employment in Slovakia.
Student Visas
To study in Slovakia as a foreigner, you are required to obtain a temporary residency permit. You must first be accepted by an accredited Slovak education institution. You must submit the following documents to your nearest Slovak consulate or embassy:
1. Passport
2. Two passport photos
3. Typed application in Slovak langauge
4. Proof of enrollment/acceptance letter
5. Criminal background check
6. Medical examination, showing you have no contagious diseases
7. Proof of funds
8. Proof of health insurance
9. Proof of residence
Click here for information about study abroad in Slovakia.
Click here for information about the school system in Slovakia.
Moving Pets
In order to move your pet to Slovakia, you are required to have it microchipped. You must also obtain a Pets Pass issued by a licensed veterinarian. You must confirm vaccination against rabies, and you must prove this is working by a blood test if you come from rabies-infected countries.
You must inform the station master of your airport 24 hours before your arrival that you are importing an animal. You should contact the Ministry for Soil Management’s Veterinary Department for further information.
Click here for more information.
Other Information
Click here for the Foreigner’s Guide to Slovakia.
Click here for information about real estate in Slovakia.
Click here for information on health insurance in Slovakia.
Click here for information about Slovak history.