How to Move to Slovakia
Slovakia's economy relies heavily on manufacturing and automotive industries with real demand for workers. Most non-EU nationals need a Single Permit (combined work and residence). A 2026 reform extended the national (D) visa validity from 90 to 120 days, giving new arrivals more time to secure their Foreign Police appointment after arrival.
How to use this guide
Pick the visa type below that matches your plan (work, study, etc.).
Tap it to open and read the simple steps and the papers you need.
Apply yourself on the official website. It's free — no agent needed.
Stay safe: never pay anyone who promises a "guaranteed" visa. Real applications are made on official government sites. Rules can change, so always double-check on the official website before you apply.
Slovakia embassies in Africa — addresses & directions
Slovakia has embassies in Nigeria (Abuja), Kenya (Nairobi) and South Africa (Pretoria) — a full spread across the major African hubs.
Tap “Open in Google Maps” to see the exact location, get directions, and confirm the current address & opening hours.
21st Crescent, off Constitution Avenue, Central Business District, Abuja
Open in Google MapsDon’t see your country? Slovakia has more missions across Africa — find the nearest one on the official locator.
45–90 days total.
Temporary residence permit for work ~€100. Reporting the vacancy itself is free for the employer.
Typically tied to the employment contract; renewable.
Can I apply?
You'll usually need to tick these boxes:
- A job offer from a Slovak employer.
- Employer reports the vacancy to the Labour Office (15 business days before you can apply).
- Valid passport, clean criminal record, health insurance.
What to do, step by step
-
1
Get a job offer
Secure an offer from a Slovak employer.
-
2
Employer reports the vacancy
Your employer reports the job opening to the Labour Office through their slovensko.sk company account; you must wait 15 business days.
-
3
Apply for the national (D) visa
Apply at your nearest Slovak embassy — the entry visa is now valid 120 days (extended from 90 in 2026).
-
4
Travel & book your Foreign Police appointment
Enter Slovakia and book your residence appointment via portal.minv.sk — the extra time from the 120-day visa gives you room to secure a slot.
-
5
Collect your Single Permit
Attend your appointment with all documents to receive your combined work-and-residence permit.
Papers you need
Helpful tips
- Book your Foreign Police appointment as early as possible after arrival — slots fill up, and that's exactly why the visa validity was extended to 120 days.
- Automotive and electronics manufacturing (around Bratislava, Košice) have the strongest demand.
Ready to apply? Do it yourself — free
Create your slovensko.sk (electronic services, once activated) first
Your employer reports the job vacancy through their own company account on slovensko.sk. For your own residence application, most first-time applicants still book an in-person appointment through the Foreign Police's portal (portal.minv.sk) — full electronic submission requires an activated Slovak ID with a qualified signature, which most newcomers won't have yet.
Create accountStart your Single Permit (combined work + residence) application
This opens the official online application form — fill it in and pay the fee directly. No agent needed.
Start applicationSimilar to the Single Permit, often somewhat faster.
Fee roughly €100, similar to the standard work-residence permit.
Renewable; EU mobility advantages.
Can I apply?
You'll usually need to tick these boxes:
- A job offer meeting the Blue Card salary threshold.
- A relevant university degree.
- Health insurance.
What to do, step by step
-
1
Secure a qualifying job offer
Get a contract meeting the Blue Card salary and qualification requirements.
-
2
Apply for the national visa
Apply at your nearest Slovak embassy.
-
3
Travel & register
Enter Slovakia and complete your Blue Card residence registration.
Papers you need
Helpful tips
- Slovakia's manufacturing and tech sectors both use the Blue Card route for engineers and specialists.
Ready to apply? Do it yourself — free
Create your slovensko.sk (electronic services, once activated) first
Your employer reports the job vacancy through their own company account on slovensko.sk. For your own residence application, most first-time applicants still book an in-person appointment through the Foreign Police's portal (portal.minv.sk) — full electronic submission requires an activated Slovak ID with a qualified signature, which most newcomers won't have yet.
Create accountStart your EU Blue Card application
This opens the official online application form — fill it in and pay the fee directly. No agent needed.
Start application60–90 days.
National visa fee ~€35–70 + residence permit fee.
Course length, renewable.
Can I apply?
You'll usually need to tick these boxes:
- Acceptance at a recognised Slovak institution.
- Proof of funds (~€3,500/year for the student).
- Health insurance.
What to do, step by step
-
1
Get admitted
Apply to a Slovak university and receive your acceptance letter.
-
2
Apply for the national visa
Book an appointment at your nearest Slovak embassy and submit your student visa application.
-
3
Travel & register
Enter Slovakia and book your Foreign Police appointment for residence registration.
Papers you need
Helpful tips
- Slovakia offers some of the lowest tuition and living costs in the EU.
- Bring extra funds if planning to bring family — dependants have separate financial thresholds.
Ready to apply? Do it yourself — free
Create your slovensko.sk (electronic services, once activated) first
Your employer reports the job vacancy through their own company account on slovensko.sk. For your own residence application, most first-time applicants still book an in-person appointment through the Foreign Police's portal (portal.minv.sk) — full electronic submission requires an activated Slovak ID with a qualified signature, which most newcomers won't have yet.
Create accountStart your Student visa application
This opens the official online application form — fill it in and pay the fee directly. No agent needed.
Start application60–90 days.
Visa and permit fees roughly €35–70 combined; funds requirement ~€3,300/spouse + ~€1,650/child per year.
Tied to the sponsor's permit; renewable.
Can I apply?
You'll usually need to tick these boxes:
- Sponsor holds a qualifying Slovak residence permit.
- Proof of a genuine family relationship.
- Suitable accommodation for the whole family.
What to do, step by step
-
1
Confirm sponsor eligibility
Your sponsor needs a valid, qualifying Slovak residence permit.
-
2
Prove your finances
Show the required funds for each family member joining you.
-
3
Apply at the Slovak embassy
Submit the family reunification visa application with relationship evidence.
-
4
Travel & register
Enter Slovakia and book your Foreign Police appointment for residence registration.
Papers you need
Helpful tips
- Spouses get automatic labour-market access once granted residence — no separate work permit needed.
- Authorities scrutinise genuine relationships closely; keep strong evidence of your relationship history.
Ready to apply? Do it yourself — free
Create your slovensko.sk (electronic services, once activated) first
Your employer reports the job vacancy through their own company account on slovensko.sk. For your own residence application, most first-time applicants still book an in-person appointment through the Foreign Police's portal (portal.minv.sk) — full electronic submission requires an activated Slovak ID with a qualified signature, which most newcomers won't have yet.
Create accountStart your Family reunification application
This opens the official online application form — fill it in and pay the fee directly. No agent needed.
Start applicationMost Slovakia work visas need a job offer first
Browse visa-sponsored and remote jobs open to Africans, then build a CV tailored to Slovakia — both completely free.
Explore other destinations
Questions about Slovakia visas
How much does the Slovakia Single Permit (combined work + residence) cost?
The Slovakia Single Permit (combined work + residence) costs: Temporary residence permit for work ~€100. Reporting the vacancy itself is free for the employer. These fees were checked against the official source on 1 June 2026, and governments change them regularly.
How long does the Slovakia Single Permit (combined work + residence) take?
Processing for the Slovakia Single Permit (combined work + residence) takes 45–90 days total. This is the official guide time and does not include the weeks you spend gathering documents beforehand.
How long is the Slovakia Single Permit (combined work + residence) valid for?
The Slovakia Single Permit (combined work + residence) is valid for typically tied to the employment contract; renewable. This route does not by itself lead to permanent residence.
How much does the Slovakia EU Blue Card cost?
The Slovakia EU Blue Card costs: Fee roughly €100, similar to the standard work-residence permit. These fees were checked against the official source on 1 June 2026, and governments change them regularly.
How long does the Slovakia EU Blue Card take?
Processing for the Slovakia EU Blue Card takes similar to the Single Permit, often somewhat faster. This is the official guide time and does not include the weeks you spend gathering documents beforehand.
How long is the Slovakia EU Blue Card valid for, and does it lead to permanent residence?
The Slovakia EU Blue Card is valid for renewable; EU mobility advantages. This route can lead to permanent residence.
How much does the Slovakia Student visa cost?
The Slovakia Student visa costs: National visa fee ~€35–70 + residence permit fee. These fees were checked against the official source on 1 June 2026, and governments change them regularly.
How long does the Slovakia Student visa take?
Processing for the Slovakia Student visa takes 60–90 days. This is the official guide time and does not include the weeks you spend gathering documents beforehand.
How long is the Slovakia Student visa valid for?
The Slovakia Student visa is valid for course length, renewable. This route does not by itself lead to permanent residence.
How much does the Slovakia Family reunification cost?
The Slovakia Family reunification costs: Visa and permit fees roughly €35–70 combined; funds requirement ~€3,300/spouse + ~€1,650/child per year. These fees were checked against the official source on 1 June 2026, and governments change them regularly.
How long does the Slovakia Family reunification take?
Processing for the Slovakia Family reunification takes 60–90 days. This is the official guide time and does not include the weeks you spend gathering documents beforehand.
How long is the Slovakia Family reunification valid for?
The Slovakia Family reunification is valid for tied to the sponsor's permit; renewable. This route does not by itself lead to permanent residence.
Fees and processing times last checked against official government sources on 1 June 2026. Always confirm on the official portal before paying anything.