Located in Central Europe, Slovakia is a country known for its natural beauty, historic monuments, and welcoming environment for expats. More than 100,000 expats have already made Slovakia their home, drawn by its high standard of living, career opportunities, and peaceful environment.
Slovakia is particularly popular among students and professionals looking for career advancement in Europe while enjoying an affordable cost of living.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about moving to Slovakia, from visa requirements to settling down, working, studying, and bringing your personal belongings.
Do I Need a Visa to Move to Slovakia?
Whether or not you need a visa to move to Slovakia depends on where you are coming from:
- EU/EEA and Swiss Citizens: Citizens from EU/EEA countries and Switzerland can move to Slovakia without a visa. You only need a valid passport or national ID card.
- Non-EU/EEA/Swiss Citizens: If you are a citizen of a non-EU/EEA country, you will need a long-stay visa (D visa) to stay in Slovakia for more than 90 days. The type of visa required depends on the purpose of your stay, such as work, study, or family reunification.
Moving to Slovakia as an EU/EEA Citizen
As an EU/EEA or Swiss citizen, you can move to Slovakia for longer than 90 days without needing a visa. You have the right to live, work, and study in Slovakia as part of the EU’s free movement policy. However, once you arrive in Slovakia, you must register your residence at the local Foreign Police Department within 30 days of arrival.
After registering, you will have the same rights as Slovak citizens in terms of employment, healthcare, and education.
Moving to Slovakia as a Non-EU Citizen
Non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens need a long-stay visa (D visa) to stay in Slovakia for more than 90 days. The type of visa you will need depends on the purpose of your stay:
- Work Visa: For employment in Slovakia.
- Study Visa: For students admitted to a Slovak educational institution.
- Family Visa: For family reunification with a Slovak citizen or resident.
Once you obtain your visa, you will also receive a residence permit that allows you to stay in Slovakia legally. The residence permit can be temporary, permanent, or tolerated, depending on your situation.
Moving to Slovakia to Work
Slovakia is a popular destination for expats seeking employment due to its growing economy and relatively low cost of living. To work in Slovakia as a non-EU citizen, you must apply for a Slovak work visa. There are several types of work visas available:
- Single Permit: This is the most common work visa for non-EU citizens, allowing you to live and work in Slovakia.
- Work Permit: Issued for specific job types or sectors.
- EU Blue Card: For highly skilled workers with a job offer in Slovakia.
The work visa is usually valid for the same duration as your employment contract but can be renewed. With a work visa, you are also allowed to bring your family members to live with you in Slovakia.
Moving to Slovakia to Study
If you are accepted into a Slovak educational institution, you must apply for a student visa. The student visa allows you to study and live in Slovakia for the duration of your academic program. The visa is usually valid for one to three years, and you can renew it if necessary.
With a student visa, you are also permitted to work part-time (up to 20 hours per week) during your studies and bring your family members to Slovakia. The visa application is made at the Slovak embassy or consulate in your home country.
Moving to Slovakia for Family Reunification
If you have a family member living in Slovakia, you can apply for a Slovak family visa. There are two types of family visas:
- Family Reunification Visa: For spouses of Slovak citizens.
- Family Visa for Accompanying Foreign Workers: For family members of non-EU citizens working in Slovakia.
Family members eligible for the visa include spouses, minor children, and parents of Slovak citizens or permanent residents. Once granted, you will receive a residence permit valid for up to five years, which allows you to live, work, and study in Slovakia.
Pros and Cons of Moving to Slovakia
While Slovakia is an attractive destination for expats, it’s essential to consider both the benefits and challenges of living there:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Healthcare: Slovakia offers universal healthcare coverage. | Bureaucracy: Slovakia has a reputation for slow bureaucratic processes. |
| Affordable Accommodation: Housing is cheaper compared to other EU countries. | Low Salaries: While job opportunities are abundant, salaries are lower than in Western Europe. |
| Job Opportunities: Growing economy with various sectors seeking international talent. | |
| Free Movement: Slovak passport holders can travel visa-free to 148 countries. | |
| Friendly People: Slovaks are welcoming and warm to expats. | |
| Natural Beauty: Slovakia offers stunning landscapes and outdoor activities. |
Does Slovakia Allow Dual Citizenship?
Slovakia does not generally allow dual citizenship, except in cases where citizenship is acquired by birth, marriage, or before obtaining Slovak nationality. If you acquire another citizenship after becoming a Slovak citizen, you may lose your Slovak citizenship.
How Long Do I Need to Live in Slovakia to Obtain Citizenship?
To qualify for Slovak citizenship through naturalization, you must have lived in Slovakia for at least eight years with permanent residency. You will also need to meet additional criteria, such as passing a Slovak language test and demonstrating knowledge about Slovak history and culture.
Other ways to obtain Slovak citizenship include:
- Citizenship by Birth
- Citizenship by Descent
- Citizenship by Marriage
- Citizenship by Investment
Bringing Personal Belongings to Slovakia
If you are moving from another EU country, you can import your belongings duty-free. However, if you are coming from a non-EU country, you may be subject to customs duties such as import and excise duties and VAT.
In certain cases, you may be exempt from import duties, especially if the value of the goods is low or they are for personal use.
Moving to Slovakia with Pets
If you are bringing pets with you to Slovakia, you must follow the standard EU regulations for importing pets. These include:
- Microchip Identification
- Rabies Vaccination
- Health Certificate
- EU Pet Passport (if traveling from within the EU)
Certain dog breeds are banned from
entering Slovakia, including the American Staffordshire Terrier, Dogo Argentino, and Rottweiler.
Popular Areas for Expats in Slovakia
Some of the most popular cities for expats in Slovakia include:
- Bratislava: The capital, known for its job opportunities, vibrant culture, and proximity to Austria and Hungary.
- Košice: The largest city in eastern Slovakia, known for its cultural events and affordable living.
- Prešov: A historic city offering a lower cost of living and a welcoming atmosphere for expats.
Slovakia offers a rich blend of natural beauty, career opportunities, and affordable living, making it an ideal destination for expats. Whether you are moving to work, study, or join family, Slovakia provides a welcoming environment with a high standard of living.
If you’re considering making Slovakia your new home, be sure to prepare thoroughly by understanding visa requirements, gathering necessary documents, and familiarizing yourself with Slovak culture.