First days in Slovakia

Three checklists: what to do right away, within a week and within a month. Deadlines matter – some are only a few days.

1. The first 24 hours 2. The first week 3. The first 30 days – “My first month”

The first 24 hours

Registering your stay: if you arrived on a visa, you must report the start of your stay at the Foreign Police department within 3 working days. In a hotel or hostel the accommodation provider often does it for you – ask them.

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Get to your accommodation and save the exact address
Find out who registers your stay (you or the accommodation provider)
Let your employer know you have arrived
Buy a prepaid SIM card (you need your passport)
Find out how to get to work
Save the number 112 in your phone

From the airport to your accommodation

From Bratislava (BTS) or Vienna (VIE) airport you can take a bus (e.g. FlixBus, Slovak Lines) to central Bratislava, or a train to other regions.

SIM card

Buy a prepaid SIM in operator shops or supermarkets. Operators: Orange, O2, Telekom, 4ka. You need your passport to activate it.

The first week

If you arrived with a national visa (type D), you will collect your residence document at the Foreign Police. Book an appointment as soon as possible – free slots are often several weeks away.

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Book an appointment at the Foreign Police
Check that your employer has registered you with a health insurance company
Sign your employment contract and get a copy
Complete occupational health and safety (BOZP) training
Visit a bank and find out the account conditions
Find out where the nearest emergency service is

Suggested plan for the week

Day 1–2 – accommodation and SIM card.
Day 3–4 – book the medical check for the foreign police.
Day 5–7 – foreign police at your booked time (photo, fingerprints, application) and a bank account.

Bank account: bring your passport and residence document (or residence decision). Major banks: Tatra banka, Slovenská sporiteľňa, VÚB, ČSOB.

The first 30 days – “My first month”

After collecting your temporary residence document, you must submit a medical certificate to the Foreign Police within 30 days confirming that you do not have a disease threatening public health. Check the deadline in your decision.

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Medical certificate for the Foreign Police
Slovak phone number with a monthly plan
Bank account and payment card
General practitioner – signed agreement
Registration for a Slovak course
Monthly public transport pass
School or kindergarten for children
Residence and insurance for other family members

Other first-month deadlines

Health insurance – employees are registered by the employer. If you register yourself (e.g. self-employed), do it within 8 days; as a foreigner, submit a confirmation of employment or an insurance contract.
Medical check – done at specialised clinics (e.g. in Bratislava, Košice, Martin). Hand the certificate to the foreign police on time, otherwise you may lose your permit.
GP – find one near your home and sign an agreement. See Doctor.
Transport – a monthly public transport pass is cheaper than single tickets.

Frequently asked questions

I am staying with a friend. Who registers me?

At a private address you register yourself at the Foreign Police. For your residence application you will need proof of accommodation – the flat owner’s consent.

Sources

Ministry of Interior SR – residence of foreigners

Last updated:

30 October 2026, 21:08

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Guidance only. Verify details with relevant authorities.