Obtaining a Residence Permit for Foreign Citizens in Bratislava

Living, working, studying, and doing business in Slovakia

Slovakia is an attractive country for foreigners who want to live, work, study, or run a business. Bratislava, as the capital, offers comfortable living conditions, professional opportunities, and a strategic Central European location, making it highly popular among migrants. To stay legally in Slovakia, foreign nationals must obtain a residence permit.

Types of residence permits in Slovakia

Main categories

Slovakia offers three main types of residence permits:

• Temporary residence (Prechodný pobyt) — issued for:
  • Employment or business activity.
  • Studies.
  • Scientific activities.
  • Family reunification.
• Permanent residence (Trvalý pobyt) — allows unlimited residence. Available to:
  • Family members of Slovak citizens.
  • Individuals with long-term residence history.
  • Holders of humanitarian status.
• Long-term residence (Dlhodobý pobyt) — for non-EU citizens after at least 5 years of temporary residence.

Grounds for obtaining a residence permit

• Employment.
• Business registration.
• Studies.
• Family reunification.
• Scientific activity.
• Humanitarian or special grounds.

Procedure for obtaining a residence permit in Bratislava

1. Preparing the documents

• Completed application form.
• Valid passport.
• Documents proving your purpose of stay.
• Criminal record certificate (legalised or apostilled).
• Proof of accommodation.
• Proof of financial resources.
• Health insurance.

2. Submitting the application

Applications are submitted in person to the Foreigners Police (Cudzinecká polícia) in Bratislava or via Slovak embassies abroad.

3. Waiting for the decision

The processing time ranges from 30 to 90 days. Additional documents may be requested.

4. Receiving the biometric residence card

If approved, you must provide biometric data. After this, you receive a biometric residence permit card.