Eligibility Quiz
Are you a citizen of a country outside the European Union, EEA, or Switzerland?
Application Process
The application for the Slovak Living Abroad (SLA) status is a two-stage process. First, you must obtain a certificate proving your ethnic or cultural ties to Slovakia. Once you hold this certificate, you apply for the temporary residence permit. This pathway is highly streamlined; unlike other permits, you do not need to prove a specific purpose (like a job offer or school enrollment) because the SLA status itself is the purpose.
Step 1: Obtain the Certificate of a Slovak Living Abroad
You must first apply for the Osvedčenie Slováka žijúceho v zahraničí (Certificate of a Slovak Living Abroad) through the Office for Slovaks Living Abroad (USZZ).
- Where to apply: You can submit your application in person at the USZZ office in Bratislava or at the Slovak Embassy or Consulate in your country of residence.
- What to do: Complete the application form in the Slovak language. You must provide official documents (birth or baptismal certificates) proving that at least one direct ancestor—parent, grandparent, or great-grandparent—had Slovak nationality.
- Proving "National Awareness": You must also demonstrate an active interest in Slovak culture. This is usually done via a written testimony from a Slovak organization in your home country or through the written statements of two witnesses who already hold SLA certificates.
- Criminal Record: Provide an apostilled or legalized criminal record check from your home country and any country where you lived for more than 6 months in the last 5 years. These must be translated into Slovak by an official translator.
Step 2: Apply for the Temporary Residence Permit
Once you have your certificate, you can apply for the actual residence permit.
- Where to apply:
- Outside Slovakia: At a Slovak Diplomatic Mission (Embassy or Consulate).
- Inside Slovakia: At the Cudzinecká polícia (Foreign Police) department if you are already in the country legally (e.g., on a visa-free regime or a National Visa).
- The National Visa (Type D) Route: As of July 2025, you can apply for a National Visa which is valid for 120 days, giving you ample time to enter Slovakia and submit your residence paperwork to the Foreign Police.
- Booking an Appointment: If applying within Slovakia, you must book an appointment through the Ministry of Interior's online portal. Appointments in major cities like Bratislava or Košice fill up weeks in advance, so book early.
Step 3: Biometrics and Submission
When you submit your residence application, the authorities will take your digital photo and fingerprints (biometrics). You must present:
- Your original SLA Certificate.
- A valid passport (valid for at least 6 months).
- Two color photos (3 x 3.5 cm).
- A fresh criminal record check if your previous one is older than 90 days.
- Proof of Accommodation: While requirements are more relaxed for SLA holders, you should provide a lease agreement or an affidavit (čestné vyhlásenie) from a property owner in Slovakia.
Step 4: Collection and Final Steps
Once approved, the Foreign Police will issue your residence card.
- Collection: You can have the card mailed to your Slovak address or collect it at the police station.
- Health Insurance: Within 30 days of receiving your card, you must obtain health insurance and may be required to submit proof of insurance to the police.
- Reporting: If you change your address in Slovakia, you must notify the Foreign Police within 5 working days.
Fees
The SLA pathway is one of the most affordable immigration routes because SLA holders are exempt from the standard residence application fees.
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| SLA Certificate Fee | €10 – €14 |
| Residence Permit Application | Exempt (€0) |
| Residence Card Issuance | €6 – €10 |
| Official Translations & Apostilles | €200 – €500 (Estimated) |
Total Estimate: Approximately €220 – €530. Note: This total does not include travel expenses, private health insurance premiums, or fees for professional relocation consultants.
Processing Time
The SLA pathway is prioritized by Slovak authorities, resulting in faster processing than standard work or business visas.
- SLA Certificate Processing: The USZZ officially takes up to 60 days to issue the certificate.
- Residence Permit Decision: The Foreign Police are required to make a decision within 30 days for SLA holders (compared to 90 days for most other applicants).
- Document Validity: Most official documents (like criminal record checks) are only considered valid for 90 days from the date of issuance for the purpose of the application.
- Total Timeline: Expect the entire process, from gathering your ancestors' records to holding your residence card, to take between 4 and 6 months.
Once granted, your residence permit is typically valid for 5 years. You must enter Slovakia within 180 days of the permit being granted to keep it valid.