Slovak Republic · family · Leads to settlement
Temporary Residence for Family Reunification (Slovakia)
By Sam Parks · Last reviewed:
If a close family member lives lawfully in Slovakia, this route lets you join them and build toward settlement together.
- Processing time
- Indicative only - the Foreign Police decides complete applications within a published period; confirm current processing on the official page.
- Government fees
- Indicative only - administrative fees apply; confirm current amounts on the official page.
- Typical duration
- Can be granted for up to five years, generally aligned to the sponsor, and renewable - confirm current validity on the official page.
- Sponsorship required
- Yes
- Leads to permanent residency
- Yes
In short
As of 13 July 2026, the Temporary Residence for Family Reunification (Slovakia) for Slovak Republic is a sponsor-led Slovakia immigration route. Sources: official Slovak Republic government pages, reviewed 13 July 2026.
Cite this: https://visaatlas.org/visas/slovakia/family-reunification#answer
What is the Temporary Residence for Family Reunification (Slovakia) in Slovak Republic?
Temporary Residence for Family Reunification (Slovakia) is a sponsor-led Slovakia route. Indicative government fees are Indicative only - administrative fees apply; confirm current amounts on the official page; indicative processing time is Indicative only - the Foreign Police decides complete applications within a published period; confirm current processing on the official page; typical duration is Can be granted for up to five years, generally aligned to the sponsor, and renewable - confirm current validity on the official page. This route can lead to permanent residence.
Verified against Bureau of Border and Foreigners Police, Ministry of Interior (Slovakia) on 1 June 2026.
Overview
Family reunification grants temporary residence to the spouse and dependent children, and in some cases dependent parents, of a foreign national holding a qualifying Slovak residence permit - or of a Slovak citizen. You apply at the Border and Foreigners Police, which assesses the relationship, the sponsor's status, accommodation and financial cover. It is a settlement-capable route, and as Slovakia is an EU member, lawful time counts toward long-term residence alongside the sponsor.
Eligibility
Typical criteria
- ✓You have a qualifying relationship with a sponsor who holds an eligible Slovak residence permit, or with a Slovak citizen.Bureau of Border and Foreigners Police, Ministry of Interior (Slovakia) ↗
- ✓The relationship is genuine and evidenced, for example by marriage or birth certificates.Bureau of Border and Foreigners Police, Ministry of Interior (Slovakia) ↗
- ✓The sponsor can show adequate accommodation and financial cover for the family.Bureau of Border and Foreigners Police, Ministry of Interior (Slovakia) ↗
- ✓You hold a valid passport and apply at the Border and Foreigners Police.Bureau of Border and Foreigners Police, Ministry of Interior (Slovakia) ↗
Common blockers
- !A sponsor whose permit type does not support family reunification.Bureau of Border and Foreigners Police, Ministry of Interior (Slovakia) ↗
- !Inability to evidence the relationship, accommodation or financial cover.Bureau of Border and Foreigners Police, Ministry of Interior (Slovakia) ↗
- !Grounds for refusal under Slovak residence rules.Bureau of Border and Foreigners Police, Ministry of Interior (Slovakia) ↗
Typical evidence
- ·Valid passport and a recent photograph meeting the official format.Bureau of Border and Foreigners Police, Ministry of Interior (Slovakia) ↗
- ·Proof of the family relationship, such as marriage or birth certificates.Bureau of Border and Foreigners Police, Ministry of Interior (Slovakia) ↗
- ·Proof of the sponsor's status and adequate accommodation.Bureau of Border and Foreigners Police, Ministry of Interior (Slovakia) ↗
- ·Evidence of financial cover and valid health insurance.Bureau of Border and Foreigners Police, Ministry of Interior (Slovakia) ↗
Application pathway
Check the route fit
Confirm the sponsor's status supports reunification and that you have a qualifying relationship.
Build the evidence pack
Gather relationship certificates, the sponsor's status proof, and accommodation and financial-cover evidence.
Submit through the official channel
Apply at the Border and Foreigners Police for the family-reunification residence permit and pay the fees.
After approval
Collect your permit, renew alongside the sponsor, and track time toward long-term residence.
Official application links
Where to actually go next
These are the official pages to use for this route. Open them before preparing documents: the forms, fees, appointment systems, and sponsor steps can change without warning.
- Official guidanceApplicant + sponsorUse official Temporary Residence for Family Reunification (Slovakia) route page ↗
Use this official page to confirm requirements and follow the government filing route for Temporary Residence for Family Reunification (Slovakia).
Bureau of Border and Foreigners Police, Ministry of Interior (Slovakia) · verified
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Related routes
Temporary Residence for Employment / Single Permit (Slovakia)
If you have a Slovak job offer, this is the main route - one application that combines your residence and your right to work in Slovakia.
Permanent Residence (Slovakia)
If you have lived in Slovakia lawfully for five years, this is your settlement status - secure, longer-term residence and a step toward citizenship.
Frequently asked questions
Who counts as family for this route?+
It typically covers the spouse and dependent children, and in some cases dependent parents, subject to conditions. Confirm who qualifies on the official page.
Can I work once I join my family?+
Work rights for reunified family members depend on their status and may need separate authorisation. Confirm what is permitted on the official page.
What documents prove my family relationship for Slovak family reunification?+
You evidence a genuine relationship with documents such as marriage or birth certificates, alongside proof of the sponsor's status, adequate accommodation, financial cover and valid health insurance. Confirm the exact document list on the official page.
Does my family's time in Slovakia on a reunification permit count toward settlement?+
Yes - family reunification is a settlement-capable route, and lawful time counts toward long-term residence alongside the sponsor. Confirm the current rule on the official page.
Need tailored advice?
We do not provide legal advice. For an application that depends on your exact circumstances, consult a regulator-listed immigration advisor.
Find a regulated advisor in SlovakiaHow we verified this
We check every figure on this page against the primary government source, record the date it was last checked, and re-check it on a regular schedule. Rules change, so always confirm time-sensitive details with the official source before you rely on them. Visa Atlas is an information-only publication and does not give legal advice.
Primary source: Bureau of Border and Foreigners Police, Ministry of Interior (Slovakia)
Last checked: 1 June 2026