Eligibility quiz
Are you married to a Slovak citizen?
Benefits
Benefits for youBenefits for you
Live in Slovakia
You can live in Slovakia for five years and leave and return during that time.
Your residence card proves your status.
Study in Slovakia
You can study in Slovakia without changing your reason for residence.
Work in Slovakia
You can work in Slovakia, change employers, work for yourself or run a business without changing your reason for residence.
Visit Schengen countries
With a valid passport and residence card, you can normally make short Schengen visits for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
Passport and border rules still apply.
Live in Slovakia longer
After four years, you can apply for permanent residence for an unlimited time.
Apply no later than the last day of your current permission; it does not change automatically.
Use public healthcare
You can use healthcare under Slovak health insurance rules.
You need the required insurance or other cover, and the rules determine which treatments are covered and what you pay.
Use social support
You may qualify for social insurance and benefits under the same rules as other insured people or residents.
Depending on the benefit, these can include rules about work, contributions, income, residence, children or disability.
How to apply
Applying at a consulateApplying at a consulate
Find your consulate
Find the Slovak consulate responsible for the country where you live.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “Which Slovak consulate covers your city for a five-year permanent residence application?”
Download the application form
Download the application form for a first permanent residence permit.
Download the formFill in the form
Complete and sign the application form yourself.
See how to complete itSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I fill in the Slovakia five-year permanent residence application form?”
Gather your documents
Prepare the required documents for the consulate.
See required documentsArrange your appointment
Contact the consulate to arrange an appointment or learn how to hand in your application in person.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “How do I arrange an appointment for Slovakia five-year permanent residence at the consulate serving your city?”
Go to your appointment
Bring your signed form, passport, photographs and complete documents to the consulate and submit them in person. Attend the interview and sign its written record.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “How do I submit a Slovakia five-year permanent residence application at the consulate serving your city?”
Wait for the decision
Wait for the Foreigners’ Police to decide your application, and respond if they ask for more information or documents.
See how long it takesSearches DuckDuckGo for “How long does a Slovakia five-year permanent residence decision take after applying at a consulate?”
Get your residence document
After approval, follow the consulate’s or police’s instructions to have your residence document issued or collect it. It shows your permission to live in Slovakia for five years.
Find collection instructionsSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I get my Slovakia five-year permanent residence document after applying at a consulate?”
Documents needed
Family certificates and recordsFamily certificates and records
Marriage certificate
Bring your marriage certificate. If you married outside Slovakia, bring the marriage certificate issued by Slovakia’s Special Registry Office; an unmarried partner does not qualify for this route.
Spouse's residence record
Show that your Slovak spouse has permanent residence in Slovakia with a municipal confirmation, a copy of their Slovak identity card or their Slovak residence document. The confirmation should generally be no more than 90 days old.
Considerations
Things to think aboutThings to think about
Documents and reporting
Keep a valid passport and residence card, report changes and maintain the required health insurance.
Tell the Foreign Police in writing if you will be outside Slovakia continuously for more than 180 days.
You must also meet the health reporting and medical report requirements.
Residence can end
Residence ends after five years unless replaced; false information, forged documents or serious security or public-order grounds can lead to cancellation.
It can also be cancelled if you are classified as unlawful or undesirable, or on other legal grounds.
Depending on your case, ending your marriage within five years, an unreported absence over 180 days or certain financial hardship assistance can put it at risk.
Discuss
Online communitiesOnline communities
EU Freedom of Movement Support Initiative
English Facebook group for people living in Slovakia interested in Slovak visas
Request to joinAmecan -USA Canada Australia Europe Japan-Visitor & Student Visa Specialist
English Facebook group for people living in Slovakia interested in Slovak visas
Join on Facebookr/AnchorLessEurope
English Reddit group for people living in Europe interested in visas
Join on RedditConsultation
Talk to a professionalTalk to a professional
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