National Visa for Highly Qualified Nationals (Regulation 521/2021)

You can apply for this national visa if you are a high-skilled professional or a graduate from a top-tier university. The process is designed to be an expedited "bridge" to living and working in Slovakia. You will typically apply at a Slovak Diplomatic Mission (Embassy or Consulate) in your home country, though you may apply at the Ministry of the Interior if you are already lawfully residing in Slovakia.

Step 1: Determine Your Category

Before gathering documents, identify which of the three qualifying paths you fit into:

• Slovak/Czech Graduate: You hold a Master’s degree (second-degree) from a university in Slovakia or the Czech Republic.
• Top Global Graduate: You graduated from a prestigious university listed in Annex 1 of Government Regulation 521/2021 (e.g., Oxford, Harvard, MIT). Your program must have lasted at least three years.
• High-Demand Specialist: You have at least a four-year university degree and a job offer for a role listed in Annex 2, such as an IT specialist, healthcare professional, researcher, or manager.

Step 2: Prepare Your Documents

All foreign documents must be Apostilled (or superlegalized) to prove their authenticity. If they are not in Slovak or Czech, you must provide an official translation into Slovak.

• Application Form: Complete the official national visa application.
• Passport: Ensure it is valid for at least 90 days after you plan to leave.
• Photos: Two color photos (3 x 3.5 cm).
• Proof of Education: Your original diploma or certificate of completion.
• Health Insurance: Proof of coverage in Slovakia for at least 90 days.
• Purpose-Specific Proof:
  • If Job Seeking: A Čestné vyhlásenie (solemn declaration/affidavit) stating your intent to find work, with your signature officially certified.
  • If Employed: A signed employment contract or a written promise of employment from a Slovak company, including the specific ISCO occupation code.

Step 3: Book an Appointment and Submit

Schedule an appointment at the nearest Slovak Embassy or Consulate. Many locations now use an online booking portal. At your appointment:

1. Submit your physical application and documents.
2. Provide biometrics (fingerprints).
3. Pay the required visa fee.

Step 4: Wait for Approval

The Embassy will forward your application to the Ministry of Interior for internal approval. A decision is typically made within 30 days.

Step 5: Arrival and Employer Notification

Once your visa is granted, you can travel to Slovakia. If you already have a job:

• You have the immediate right to work for the employer listed on your visa.
• Your employer must notify the Úrad práce (Labour Office) by submitting an "Information Card" within 7 working days of your start date.

Fees are paid at the time of application, usually in the local currency of the Embassy or via bank transfer.

Total Estimate: Approximately €50–€150 for administrative fees, excluding personal document preparation costs (translations/legalization).

• Official Decision: The authorities must decide on your application within 30 days of receiving a complete file.
• Total Timeline: Budget 2 to 3 months to account for gathering documents, getting Apostilles, and waiting for an appointment.
• Visa Validity:
  • Job Seekers: Granted for 90 days. This is a one-time visa and cannot be renewed for the same purpose.
  • Employed Professionals: Granted for the duration of your employment, up to a maximum of one year.
• Document Validity: Most official documents (like bank statements or affidavits) should not be older than 90 days when you submit your application.