Permanent Residence (Act No. 404/2011 Coll.)

Eligibility is strictly categorized by the specific type of permanent residence you are seeking. You must fall into one of the following groups to qualify:

Permanent Residence for Five Years (First Permit)

This category is primarily for individuals with close ties to Slovak citizens or those serving the national interest:

• Spouses: You are the spouse of a Slovak citizen who has permanent residence in Slovakia.
• Children: You are a single child under the age of 18 of a Slovak citizen with permanent residence in Slovakia.
• Dependents: You are a dependent direct relative (such as a parent) of a Slovak citizen with permanent residence in Slovakia.
• State Interest: The Slovak government determines that granting you residence is in the security, diplomatic, or economic interest of the Republic.
• Children of Foreigners: You are a single child under 18 placed in the custody of a foreigner who already holds a 5-year permanent residence permit.

Permanent Residence for an Unlimited Period (Subsequent Permit)

This is a "level up" from your initial permit. You qualify if:

• You have held a Permanent Residence for five years permit for at least 4 years of continuous stay.
• You are a child under 18 of a foreigner who already holds permanent residence for an unlimited period.

Long-Term Residence (EU Status)

This is the standard path for most foreigners who originally arrived on work, business, or special activity visas.

• The 5-Year Rule: You must have lived in Slovakia legally and uninterruptedly for at least 5 years immediately prior to your application.
• Student Calculation: If you resided in Slovakia on a student visa, that time only counts as 50% toward the 5-year requirement (e.g., two years of study equals one year of residence).
• Absence Limits: Your residence is only "uninterrupted" if you have not been outside Slovakia for more than 6 consecutive months, and your total time outside the country does not exceed 10 months across the entire 5-year period.