Permanent Residence (Slovakia)

Overview

Permanent residence is Slovakia's settlement status, with the first permanent-residence permit generally available after five years of continuous lawful temporary residence, and an unlimited-period permit later. It gives you secure, longer-term residence and, in EU long-term resident form, rights recognised across the EU. The Border and Foreigners Police assesses your residence history, financial cover and integration. Good to know: permanent residence is not citizenship - a Slovak passport comes later through separate naturalisation rules - and not every temporary permit, for example some study time, counts in full toward the five years.

Eligibility

Application pathway

1. 01

   Check the route fit

   Confirm you meet the five-year continuous-residence rule on qualifying temporary permits.

2. 02

   Build the evidence pack

   Compile your residence history, financial-cover evidence and passport.

3. 03

   Submit through the official channel

   Apply at the Border and Foreigners Police and pay the fees.

4. 04

   After approval

   Maintain the conditions on continued residence and, if you wish, pursue citizenship later as a separate process.

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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.

• EU Blue Card (Slovakia)

  If you are a highly qualified professional with a Slovak job offer at the required salary, the EU Blue Card gives you residence with EU-wide mobility.

• Temporary Residence for Family Reunification (Slovakia)

  If a close family member lives lawfully in Slovakia, this route lets you join them and build toward settlement together.