All frequently asked questions from the whole website in one place.
Before coming to SlovakiaBusiness, finance and taxesDigital servicesFirst days in SlovakiaHealth careHousingKindergarten, school and educationResidence and authoritiesSlovakia – the basicsWork and employment
Before coming to Slovakia
An agency wants €3,000 for a “guaranteed” residence permit. Is that normal?
No. Nobody can guarantee residence. Do not pay, and get advice from MIC IOM.
Do I need to have my documents translated while still in Vietnam?
The translation must be an official translation into Slovak. A sworn translator in Slovakia can do it, but the verification (legalisation) of the original must be done in Vietnam.
Business, finance and taxes
I have residence for employment. Can I also open a sole-trader business?
Usually not without changing your residence. Check before registering, otherwise you risk problems with your residence.
Digital services
Slovensko.sk – electronic mailbox
- What you need: eID or a chip ID card and a card reader / app
- Where: slovensko.sk
- Cost: free
- How long: activation takes a few days
Authorities send you letters here. Check it regularly.
Booking – Foreign Police
- What you need: passport, e-mail
- Where: minv.sk
- Cost: booking is free
- How long: appointments are often weeks away
Book as soon as you know you need an appointment.
Financial Administration – eDane
- What you need: login (eID or an agreement on electronic delivery)
- Where: financnasprava.sk
- Cost: free
- How long: tax return by 31 March
Tax returns, tax payments, certificates.
Social Insurance Agency – e-services
- What you need: registration on the portal
- Where: socpoist.sk
- Cost: free
- How long: immediately after registration
Check whether your employer pays contributions for you.
Health insurance company – app
- What you need: insurance number
- Where: vszp.sk · dovera.sk · union.sk
- Cost: free
- How long: immediately
Electronic insurance card, treatment history, prescriptions.
ePrescription and doctor’s appointments
- What you need: insurance card
- Where: at the doctor’s / at the pharmacy
- Cost: free
- How long: immediately
Many surgeries offer online booking.
First days in Slovakia
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.
Health care
I am ill but don’t have a Slovak doctor yet. Where should I go?
For an acute problem, go to the emergency service (APS) at the nearest hospital. At the same time, find a GP as soon as possible – your insurance company will give you a list.
Housing
My landlord won’t give me a contract. What should I do?
Without a contract you cannot register your residence and you have no protection. Look for other housing. If you already live there, ask for a contract in writing and keep proof of your payments.
Can my residence be registered at a different address from where I live?
No. The address on your residence card must be where you live. When you move, report the new address to the foreign police.
The owner sold the flat. Do I have to move out?
Not automatically – the lease passes to the new owner. Ask the new owner to confirm the lease continues, and check that your residence document is still valid.
Does the rental contract have to be translated?
A contract in Slovak is valid. Have it translated or explained for yourself. If you submit a foreign-language document to an authority, an official translation into Slovak is usually required.
Can I sublet a room?
Only with the landlord's consent. Otherwise you risk termination.
Can the landlord enter the flat when I am not home?
Not without your consent, except in emergencies (e.g. a burst pipe). Agree visits in advance.
Kindergarten, school and education
My child doesn’t speak Slovak. Can they go to a Slovak school?
Yes. The catchment school must accept them and help them with the language. Ask about a course in Slovak as a second language.
Residence and authorities
Work
Temporary residence for the purpose of employment (single permit for residence and work). The employer usually arranges the Labour Office (ÚPSVaR) confirmation of the vacancy. For highly qualified work, the EU Blue Card is an option.
Business
Temporary residence for the purpose of business. You need a trade licence or a share in an s.r.o., a business plan and sufficient funds. Note: residence for employment is not enough for running a business.
Study
Temporary residence for the purpose of study. You need a confirmation from the school. You may work to a limited extent alongside your studies.
Family
Temporary residence for the purpose of family reunification – if your spouse or parent already lives in Slovakia with valid residence. Family members of Slovak citizens apply for a different type of residence.
Other purpose
Research, volunteering, special activities and more. Conditions vary a lot – get free advice from MIC IOM.
I have residence in Slovakia. Can I work in Germany?
Usually not. Slovak residence lets you travel in the Schengen area for up to 90 days within 180 days, but not work in another country. See Working in another EU country.
My residence document expires soon. What should I do?
You must apply for renewal before it expires. Book an appointment straight away – slots are often taken weeks in advance.
Slovakia – the basics
Okresný úrad – district office
State office in the district – e.g. trade licences, land registry.
Mesto / obec, mestský úrad – town / municipality, town hall
Local government where you live – local taxes, waste, kindergartens and primary schools.
Kraj (VÚC) – region
Self-governing region – secondary schools, regional transport, roads.
Prechodný / trvalý pobyt – temporary / permanent residence
Types of residence permit for foreigners, decided by the foreign police.
Rodné číslo – personal identification number
Foreigners receive it when granted residence; needed at insurers, banks and doctors.
Živnosť, živnostenský list, IČO – sole trade, trade licence, business ID
Self-employment of an individual. IČO is the business identification number.
Zdravotná poisťovňa / Sociálna poisťovňa – health insurer / Social Insurance Agency
The health insurer pays for doctors and medicines. Social Insurance pays e.g. sickness, maternity benefit and pensions.
Daňový úrad (Finančná správa) – tax office
Income tax, tax return, VAT (DPH).
Doklad o pobyte – residence card
The card issued by the foreign police. It is your main document in Slovakia – carry it with you.
Work and employment
My employer won’t give me an employment contract. What can I do?
Working without a contract is illegal and puts your residence at risk. Ask for a contract in writing, and if you don’t get one, contact the Labour Inspectorate or MIC IOM.
Can I have a second job?
It depends on your type of residence. With residence for employment you may only work where your permit allows. Check before you start.
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