Long-term residence and permanent residence
Slovakia has three permanent residence types. Long-term (EU) residence is granted after five years of continuous lawful stay. Five-year permanent residence is for spouses and dependent relatives of Slovak citizens and certain children, and after four years it can lead to permanent residence for an unlimited time.
Life in Slovakia
Money
3
Currency
Euro
EUR
Euro
Cost of living
64
Price level · US = 100
World Bank price levels, 2025
Tax
19–35%
Income tax (national)
VAT 23%
19% up to 154.8 times the subsistence minimum, 25% to 212.4 times, 30% to 264 times, 35% above; non-taxable part of the tax base applies.
Living
1
Happiness
#52 of 145 countries
World Happiness Report 2025
Your edge here Members
What gives you an edge here: passports, visas and permits you hold, work, study, language and family ties
Who it’s for
Long-term foreign residents and family members of Slovak citizens.
Eligibility
Long-term residenceLong-term (EU)
You need five years of lawful, continuous stay in Slovakia immediately before you apply.
- Study does not count toward the five years
- Seasonal work does not count toward the five years
- Some other stays do not count either
- Legal basis: section 52
Official wording
Five years of lawful, continuous stay immediately before applying; study, seasonal work and some other stays do not count (s. 52).
Five-year permanent residenceFamily of Slovak citizens
Spouse or dependent direct relative of a Slovak citizen with permanent residence, certain children, or in Slovakia's interest (s. 43).
Unlimited permanent residenceUnlimited
You need at least four years of five-year permanent residence first.
At least 4 years
Time required
- Legal basis: section 46
Official wording
After at least four years of five-year permanent residence (s. 46).
A sneak peek at what's inside
- Document checklistApplication
- FeesAdministrative fee
- Steps to applyMeet the residence period
The full requirements are for members
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- 2 documents
- 1 fee
- 3 steps
- Processing times and conditions
Places to visit in Slovakia
Attractions picked for you, based on your profile and interests.
Finding places for you…
Official sources
Other routes to Slovakia
- Visit & tourismSchengen visa (type C) for Slovakia
- StudyTemporary residence for study
- Work permitsTemporary residence for employment
- FamilyTemporary residence for family reunification
- CitizenshipSlovak citizenship by naturalisation
