Residence is the basis of everything. Its type determines whether you can work, run a business or bring your family. The Foreign Police decides on residence.
1. Which residence do I need?2. Types of residence3. Foreign Police4. Changing your residence5. Map of offices6. What can I do online?
Which residence do I need?
You are a citizen of Vietnam, a country outside the EU. Choose why you are coming:
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.
Types of residence
- National visa (type D) – for entry and the first period, for example until you collect your residence document. A Schengen type C visa is only for a short visit, not for work.
- Temporary residence – always for a specific purpose: employment, business, study, family reunification and others. It is valid for a limited time and can be renewed.
- EU Blue Card – for highly qualified work with a higher salary.
- Permanent residence – for 5 years (e.g. family members of Slovak citizens) or for an unlimited period, usually after years of continuous residence.
- Long-term residence – EU long-term resident status after 5 years of continuous legal residence.
You can find the exact conditions for each type of residence at minv.sk. If you are not sure, get free advice from MIC IOM.
Duration and what each gives you
- Temporary residence – first granted usually for 1–3 years depending on the purpose. For employment you need a contract and a labour office confirmation.
- Permanent residence for an unlimited time – after 5 years of continuous permanent residence.
- Long-term residence – after 5 years of continuous legal residence (e.g. for employment or business). You can work without a permit and have social rights almost like Slovak citizens.
Foreign Police
All Foreign Police departments and the districts they cover
| OCP | Districts covered |
|---|---|
| OCP PZ Bratislava Račianska 62, 812 72 Bratislava +421 961 570 635 | Bratislava I, Bratislava II, Bratislava III, Bratislava IV, Bratislava V |
| OCP PZ Dunajská Streda Mlynská 4629/2A, 929 01 Dunajská Streda +421 961 113 200, +421 961 113 207 | Dunajská Streda, Galanta, Senec |
| OCP PZ Trnava Paulínska 13, 917 01 Trnava +421 961 106 153, +421 961 106 158, +421 961 106 161 | Trnava, Malacky, Pezinok, Piešťany, Senica, Skalica |
| OCP PZ Trenčín Jílemnického 2, 911 01 Trenčín +421 961 203 234 | Trenčín, Myjava, Nové Mesto n.Váhom, Bánovce nad Bebravou, Ilava, Prievidza, Púchov |
| OCP PZ Nitra Rázusova 7, 949 01 Nitra +421 961 573 201, +421 961 573 216 | Nitra, Hlohovec, Partizánske, Topoľčany, Zlaté Moravce |
| OCP PZ Nové Zámky SNP 3, 940 02 Nové Zámky +421 961 573 091, +421 961 573 100 | Nové Zámky, Komárno, Levice, Šaľa |
| OCP PZ Banská Bystrica Sládkovičova 4343/25, 974 05 Banská Bystrica +421 961 603 230 | Banská Bystrica, Banská Štiavnica, Brezno, Detva, Zvolen, Žarnovica, Žiar nad Hronom, Krupina |
| OCP PZ Rimavská Sobota Hviezdoslavova 35, 979 01 Rimavská Sobota +421 961 683 205 | Rimavská Sobota, Rožňava, Lučenec, Poltár, Revúca, Veľký Krtíš |
| OCP PZ Žilina Janka Kráľa 4, 010 40 Žilina +421 961 403 205, +421 961 403 216 | Žilina, Považská Bystrica, Bytča, Čadca, Kysucké Nové Mesto |
| OCP PZ Košice Trieda SNP 35, 040 01 Košice +421 961 931 208 | Košice I, Košice II, Košice III, Košice IV, Košice - okolie, Gelnica, Spišská Nová Ves |
| OCP PZ Michalovce Jána Hollého 53/46, 071 01 Michalovce +421 961 723 220 | Michalovce, Sobrance, Trebišov, Humenné, Snina, Medzilaborce |
| OCP PZ Prešov Ľubochnianska 2, 080 01 Prešov +421 961 803 205 | Prešov, Bardejov, Sabinov, Stará Ľubovňa, Poprad, Kežmarok, Levoča, Stropkov, Svidník, Vranov nad Topľou |
| OCP PZ Ružomberok Námestie Andreja Hlinku 74, 034 01 Ružomberok (6. poschodie) +421 961 483 205 | Ružomberok, Dolný Kubín, Liptovský Mikuláš, Martin, Námestovo, Turčianske Teplice, Tvrdošín |
Opening hours
| Monday | 7:30 – 15:30 |
| Tuesday | 7:30 – 15:00 national visa, visa extension |
| Wednesday | 7:30 – 15:30 |
| Thursday | 7:30 – 14:00 national visa, visa extension; temporary protection (Ukraine): registration, document application |
| Friday | 7:30 – 15:30 |
Source: Slovak Ministry of Interior (minv.sk), checked on 30 Oct 2026. Also check the address in your booking confirmation. minv.sk
- Where to book – through the Ministry of Interior’s electronic booking system (minv.sk). Book your appointment in good time.
- Which office – the one that covers the address where you will live.
- Documents – passport, photos, proof of the purpose of stay, proof of accommodation, proof of financial means, criminal record extract and possibly health insurance. Everything in the original and with an official translation.
- Fees – paid as an administrative fee (e-kolok). The amount depends on the type of application.
- Deadlines – a decision on temporary residence is usually made within 90 days, faster for some types.
- If there is a problem – if your application is rejected, you can often appeal within a short deadline. Contact MIC IOM or a lawyer immediately.
What happens at the office
- Arrive on time and take a queue number from the machine.
- Hand in your complete documents at the counter.
- You are photographed, fingerprinted and pay the fee.
- Take the confirmation that you applied and keep it safe.
The deadline only starts once the application is complete – usually 30 to 90 days. Missing documents make it longer.
Changing your residence
Changes must be reported to the Foreign Police without undue delay. Some deadlines are only a few days.
- Change of purpose (e.g. from work to business) – usually means a new application.
- Change of employer – with residence for employment it is not automatic. Before you resign, check what you need to arrange.
- Change of address – report your new address.
- Birth of a child – the child needs their own residence. Apply as soon as possible after the birth.
- End of employment – see the section If I lose my job.
What to report and by when
According to available information, report to the foreign police within 5 working days:
- a change of address,
- a change of employer or job,
- a new passport, a change of name or marital status.
A child born in Slovakia needs its own residence. Apply within 90 days of the birth. More in Birth of a child.
Map of offices
Who handles what – which office to go to:
| Office | What it handles | Website |
|---|---|---|
| Ministry of Interior → Foreign Police | residence, residence card, reporting your address | minv.sk |
| ÚPSVaR (Labour Office) | work, employment permits, social benefits | upsvr.gov.sk |
| Social Insurance Agency | social insurance, sick leave, maternity benefit, pension | socpoist.sk |
| Health insurance company | health insurance, insurance card | vszp.sk · dovera.sk · union.sk |
| Financial Administration | taxes, VAT, tax return | financnasprava.sk |
| District office | trade licence, driving licence, land registry | minv.sk |
| Town / municipality | waste, local taxes, kindergartens, primary schools, registry office | — |
| MIC IOM | free advice on everything when you don’t know where to go | mic.iom.sk |
What can I do online?
Booking an appointment at the Foreign Police, filing a tax return, communicating with the Social Insurance Agency and your health insurance company, and much more. A detailed guide is in the section Digital Slovakia.
What you need
- Residence card with a chip (eID) – the chip holds a digital certificate.
- Card reader – connects to your computer via USB.
- Electronic signature – set up free of charge when the eID is issued.
Examples of what you can do online
- bookings and e-services for foreigners on the Ministry of Interior site (residence reporting, applications, renewals),
- tax returns with the Financial Administration,
- registering a trade licence (živnosť),
- checking your health and social insurance records.
Frequently asked questions
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.
Last updated:
Does this look out of date? See also:
- Work and employment
- Family and social support
- MV SR (official source)
- IOM MIC – free advice