Glossary

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Administrative fee (eKolok)

A state fee for an official act, for example a residence application. Paid via eKolok at the post office, a kiosk or online; 50% lower for electronic filing, capped at €50 off.

Apostille

A certification by which a state confirms the authenticity of a public document for use abroad (e.g. criminal record extract, birth certificate). Issued by the country where the document originated. In Slovakia a certifi...

Certified (sworn) translation

A translation made by a translator listed by the Slovak Ministry of Justice, bound to the original and stamped. Authorities accept only such translations of foreign documents.

Criminal record extract

Proof of a clean record. A temporary residence application requires an extract from your home country (and from every country where, in the last 3 years, you stayed more than 90 days within 6 consecutive months), not old...

DIČ and VAT ID

DIČ is the tax identification number assigned by the tax office upon registration. IČ DPH (SK + 10 digits) belongs only to VAT payers; the duty to register arises at €50,000 turnover in a calendar year (you become a VAT...

Employee information card

A form by which the employer notifies the labour office of a foreigner starting or ending work within 7 working days. It is a notification, not a work permit.

Family reunification

Residence for the spouse or child of a foreigner who already holds Slovak residence. The family must prove housing, funds and health insurance. Children and adults have different fees and documents.

Foreign police (OCP PZ)

The Foreign Police Department: the authority that decides on residence, issues residence cards and takes renewal applications. Present in every region; book an appointment at portal.minv.sk before filing.

Health insurance for foreigners

A residence condition: either public insurance (employee, sole trader) or commercial insurance for the period of stay. Insurance must be taken out within 3 working days of receiving the residence card and proof submitted...

IČO (company ID)

Organisation identification number: an 8-digit number every trade and company receives. Shown on invoices, contracts and in dealings with authorities.

Long-term residence

Permanent residence under the EU directive for foreigners who have lived in Slovakia legally and continuously for 5 years with stable income and health insurance. Grants almost the same rights as citizens and is recognis...

National visa (type D)

A visa for stays over 90 days, for example to collect a granted residence permit or for certain worker categories. Applied for at a Slovak embassy abroad.

Permanent residence

Residence for 5 years or for an unlimited period, most often for family members of Slovak citizens. Different from long-term residence, which is obtained after 5 years of continuous temporary residence.

Registered address

The official address of a trade or company recorded in the register. It need not be where you live; it can be rented as a service (virtual address) with the property owner’s consent.

Residence card

A plastic card with photo and chip issued by the foreign police once residence is granted. It shows the purpose and validity. An administrative fee applies; delivery takes up to 30 days or 2 working days for a surcharge.

Residence renewal

Extension of temporary residence for a further period. Filed no later than the last day of validity, ideally 90 days ahead. Residence remains valid until the decision.

S.r.o. (limited liability company)

A company with its own legal personality, share capital from €5,000. Founded by a deed and entry in the commercial register. For business residence you need a stake in the company and real activity.

Single permit for residence and employment

Temporary residence for employment that at the same time entitles you to work for a specific employer. The employer must first report the vacancy to the labour office (20 working days before filing).

Temporary protection (odídenec)

Protection for Ukrainian citizens and their families since 2022. Gives the right to stay, work without a permit, healthcare and school. Extended by government decision; it is not a residence permit. Since April 2026 time...

Temporary residence

A residence permit for a third-country national for a specific purpose: employment, business, study, family reunification and others. Granted for up to 2–5 years depending on the purpose and renewable. Filed at the forei...

Trade licence (sole trader)

The simplest form of business for an individual. A foreigner with business residence registers it at the trade licensing office; you need a registered address, a criminal record extract and social and health insurance co...