I am a third-country national coming to live in Slovakia.
7 tasks in suggested order
1. First, determine the correct purpose of stay—such as employment, study, business, or family reunification—and verify whether you must submit the application at a diplomatic mission or if you can submit it in Slovakia.
Before submitting the application and before commencing the activity for which you require a residence permit.
Diplomatic mission of the Slovak Republic or the competent Foreign Police department, depending on the rules applicable to your case.
Valid travel document and documents proving the purpose of stay; additional documents vary depending on the type of residence.
Application requirements in Slovakia differ depending on the individual. Neither arrival nor a lease agreement replaces a residence permit.
Official source: minv.sk
2. Submit an application for the necessary visa or for temporary, permanent, or tolerated residence, and complete the in-person procedures required by the Foreign Police.
Within the timeframe and sequence prescribed for the chosen purpose of residence; generally, before commencing the stay or the activity requiring a permit.
A diplomatic mission of the Slovak Republic or the competent Foreign Police department.
Travel document; proof of the purpose of residence, accommodation, and financial means; and other documents specified for the particular type of residence.
Current document lists and deadlines are subject to change. Follow the exact procedure applicable to your residence type and nationality.
Official source: minv.sk
3. Fulfill the obligation to report your residence/address and collect your residence document once approved; report any subsequent change of address separately.
Upon arrival, after the granting of residence, or upon a change of address, within the timeframe applicable to your residence status.
The competent Foreign Police department; the accommodation provider has a separate reporting obligation.
Travel document, proof of residence and accommodation; upon card collection, the documents specified in the decision or notification.
Do not confuse the accommodation provider's reporting obligation with the foreigner's own obligation.
Official source: minv.sk
4. Determine whether you are subject to public health insurance in Slovakia; if so, register with a health insurance company; otherwise, secure the coverage required for your stay.
Without delay after the insurance takes effect or before providing proof of insurance during the residence procedure.
Selected health insurance company; in case of doubt, the relevant insurance company or the Health Care Surveillance Authority.
Proof of identity and residence; proof of employment, studies, or other grounds for insurance coverage.
Residence authorization and public health insurance coverage do not always begin on the same day.
Official source: slovensko.sk
5. Fulfill the specific requirements for your chosen activity before starting work, school, or a business.
Before starting work or business; for studies, according to the school's schedule.
Employer and the Labour Office (ÚPSVaR), school, or trade/business registration authority, depending on the purpose of stay.
Employment contract or offer, school confirmation, or business documents, and residence authorization.
A residence permit does not automatically authorize every type of work or business activity.
Official source: upsvr.gov.sk
6. If your family is accompanying you, arrange the necessary steps regarding residence, insurance, and—depending on age—schooling for each family member.
Concurrently with the main application or after meeting the requirements for family reunification.
Diplomatic mission/Foreign Police, health insurance company, and school or municipality, depending on the specific step.
Identity documents, civil registry documents proving family relationships, proof of accommodation, and other required confirmations.
Family members do not automatically have the same residence and work status as the main applicant.
Official source: minv.sk
7. If bringing a vehicle, separately arrange for import/approval, insurance, and vehicle registration.
Before using the vehicle permanently in Slovakia and within the timeframes specified by the import and registration procedures.
District Office (Road Transport Department), insurance company, and vehicle registration office.
Proof of acquisition, foreign vehicle documents, inspection or approval documents, compulsory liability insurance (PZP), and proof of identity/residence.
The residence application process and the registration of an imported car are separate procedures.
Official source: slovensko.sk
