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Immigration law: residence in Slovakia

Immigration law: residence in Slovakia in practice

Anyone moving to Slovakia to work, run a business or join family meets the Slovak Act on the Residence of Foreigners, the foreign police and a list of documents that often need an apostille and an official translation. Temporary residence is granted for a specific purpose, and that purpose must be kept for the whole stay. A change of job or family situation can therefore affect your residence too.

We help you choose the right type of residence, prepare the documents and, under a power of attorney, represent you before the foreign police: we file the application, supply anything missing and collect the decision. If the application is refused, we prepare the appeal and an administrative action. Consultations are held in Slovak, Czech and English, in person in Žilina or online.

What we help with

  • Choosing the type of residence by purpose
  • Documents, apostilles and official translations
  • Representation before the foreign police
  • Extending residence and family reunification
  • Applications for Slovak citizenship
  • Appeals and court actions after refusal or expulsion

Worth knowing

The main laws

Residence is governed by Slovak Act No. 404/2011 on the Residence of Foreigners. Temporary protection falls under Act No. 480/2002 on Asylum, and acquiring citizenship under Act No. 40/1993 on Slovak Citizenship.

Temporary residence has a purpose

It is granted for a specific purpose, such as employment, business, study or family reunification. The purpose must be kept for the duration of the stay.

Representation by a lawyer

A lawyer can represent you before the foreign police under a power of attorney, file the application, supply documents when asked and collect the decision.

Common questions

  • You can challenge the decision by an appeal and then by an administrative action in court. The deadlines are short and run from delivery of the decision, so it makes sense to deal with it as soon as you receive it.

  • Consultations are held in Slovak, Czech and English. Applications and submissions to Slovak authorities are in Slovak, and we explain their content to you.

  • Temporary residence is tied to a specific purpose and a limited period. Permanent residence is not tied to a purpose, but the conditions for obtaining it are stricter. We will assess which one is open to you.

Related articles

Articles are in Slovak.

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This page is for general information, reflects Slovak law at the time of writing and is not a substitute for advice on your particular matter.