Frequently Asked Questions

EU/EEA citizens can stay indefinitely but must register after 90 days. Non-EU citizens can generally stay visa-free for 90 days in any 180-day period under Schengen rules. After that, you need a residence permit.

Yes! EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens have the right to work in Slovakia without a work permit. You just need to register your residence if you plan to stay longer than 90 days.

Whether you need a visa depends on your nationality. EU/EEA citizens: no visa required. Many nationalities can visit visa-free for up to 90 days in the Schengen area. Others need a Schengen visa.

Tourists (non-EU, visa-free): up to 90 days in any 180-day period. EU citizens: freely up to 3 months without registering. Beyond 3 months, EU citizens must register at the local municipality.

No, working on a tourist visa is prohibited and can result in deportation. To work legally, you need a work permit and residence permit. EU citizens can work freely.

Typically required: valid passport, completed application form, 2 passport photos, proof of accommodation, proof of financial means, medical insurance, and purpose-specific documents.

Healthcare is not fully free. EU citizens with EHIC card are covered for emergency care. Residents paying Slovak health insurance contributions get the same coverage as Slovak citizens.

Check your health insurer's portal for in-network GPs, contact them to confirm they accept new patients, then register with your health insurance card (preukaz poistenca).

The Foreign Police (Cudzinecká polícia) handles residence permits. Non-EU citizens planning long-term stays must use it. EU citizens register at the local municipality instead.

Yes, through family reunification. You need a valid residence permit for at least 1 year, adequate accommodation, sufficient financial means, and health insurance for all family members.

After 5 years of continuous legal residence. Spouses of Slovak citizens may qualify after 3 years. A basic Slovak language test (A1 level) is required. Processing takes ~90 days.

Slovak has complex grammar with 6 noun cases, but is phonetically consistent. For Slavic language speakers it is much easier. A1 level (basic) is achievable with 3-6 months of study.