Key Points
- Starting July 1, 2025, business residence applications must be submitted abroad
- Applications are capped at 700 annually and require financial documentation
- Validity for approved permits is up to three years
- National visa duration extended from 90 to 120 days
- Financial proof is no longer required for most permit types, with exceptions
Overview
Effective July 1, 2025, Slovakia is introducing significant reforms to its foreign residence procedures, specifically targeting temporary residence applications for business purposes. Foreign nationals must now submit business-based residence applications exclusively through Slovak diplomatic missions abroad, ending the prior practice of local submissions through the Foreign Police departments.
To manage application volume and maintain procedural integrity, the Slovak government has capped business residence permits at 700 approvals annually. Each application must include a business plan and confirm financial viability through bank account statements from two separate accounts. If approved, the permits will be valid for up to three years.
The new policy also restricts when applicants may change their residence status to business. Foreign nationals must hold a valid temporary residence permit for at least 24 months before switching to a business purpose. Students can only change their residence status upon completing their studies and receiving a diploma.
Additional updates include:
- Extension of national visa validity from 90 to 120 days
- Elimination of photo submission for most residence applications
- Removal of financial documentation requirements for most permit categories, except for business, long-term, and some family- or invitation-based permits
- An increase in the minimum subsistence wage from EUR 273.99 to EUR 284.13
These changes are part of broader efforts to streamline residence procedures while reinforcing financial and procedural oversight in Slovakia’s immigration system.
Looking Ahead
Foreign nationals planning to apply for business residence in Slovakia should prepare to file through their nearest Slovak diplomatic mission and meet all financial and documentation requirements. Companies and legal representatives should monitor application volume closely, given the annual cap. With updated visa durations and relaxed documentation for many categories, these reforms could simplify pathways for residence in Slovakia, while introducing new limitations on business-based immigration. Immigration stakeholders should watch for further updates as implementation unfolds.
