Does Slovakia have a Digital Nomad Visa?

No, Slovakia does not currently offer a dedicated Digital Nomad Visa. The closest option is the Trade Licence (Živnosť) for self-employed individuals, but from July 2025 business residence permits are capped at 700/year with stricter requirements. EU citizens can work remotely without restrictions. Non-EU digital nomads often use the 90-day Schengen tourist stay.

How has the July 2025 quota change affected business permits?

Dramatically. In 2024, Slovakia issued 10,256 business residence permits. From July 2025, the quota is just 700/year for all nationalities. Applications must now be submitted at consulates in your home country (not in Slovakia), and a detailed business plan is mandatory. This effectively closes the easy freelancer residency route that attracted many expats.

Can I work remotely in Slovakia on a tourist visa?

Technically, remote work for a non-Slovak employer during a 90-day tourist stay is a legal grey area. You are not working 'in' the Slovak labour market, but you don't have formal authorisation either. Many digital nomads do this discreetly. If you plan to stay longer, you need a residence permit.

How long does it take to get a Slovak trade licence?

The trade licence itself is issued in 3–5 working days and costs just €5 for unregulated trades. However, the associated Temporary Residence Permit for Business takes 30–90 days and, since July 2025, must be applied for at a consulate in your home country within the annual quota.

Does Slovakia allow dual citizenship?

Yes, since a 2022 amendment Slovakia permits dual citizenship. Previously, acquiring another citizenship could result in loss of Slovak citizenship. This change benefits expats who want to naturalise without giving up their original passport.

What are the requirements for EU citizens?

EU/EEA/Swiss citizens have an unrestricted right to live and work in Slovakia. You must register with the Foreigners Police within 10 working days of arrival if staying longer than 3 months. Registration is straightforward and grants a Residence Certificate valid for 5 years.

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🇸🇰 Slovakia

Visa & Residency

90 days / 180 days

Visa-Free Stay

Schengen rules; USA, UK, CA, AU, NZ

€5 fee

Trade Licence (Živnosť)

Self-employment; issued within 3–5 days

700/year (from July 2025)

Business Permit Quota

Down from 10,256 in 2024; strict business plan required

€2,024/mo gross

EU Blue Card Salary

1.2× average wage; highly skilled workers

5 years + B1 Slovak

PR Requirement

Continuous legal stay; language test required

EU Citizens

Unrestricted right to live and work

Last updated: March 2026

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Overview

Slovakia is a Schengen Zone and EU member, allowing visa-free entry for US, UK, Canadian, Australian, and New Zealand citizens for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Long-stay options include the Trade Licence (Živnosť) for self-employed freelancers, an Employee Card (Single Permit) for company-sponsored workers, and an EU Blue Card for highly skilled professionals earning above the salary threshold. Note: from July 2025, business residence permit quotas were reduced to 700/year nationwide, and applications must be filed at consulates in the applicant's home country. EU citizens simply register for a Residence Certificate within 10 working days of arrival. Permanent Residency requires 5 years of continuous stay plus a Slovak language test at B1 level.

Key Takeaways

90-day limit applies across all 27 Schengen countries combined — not 90 days in Slovakia alone
Trade licence fee: €5 for unregulated trades (IT, marketing, consulting, design); issued in 3–5 working days
Employer must confirm the position cannot be filled by an EU/EEA citizen (labour market test)
Minimum gross salary: €2,024/month (1.2× Slovak average wage; shortage occupations may have lower threshold)
PR after 5 years of continuous legal stay on a valid temporary residence permit

Visa-Free Schengen Stay (90 Days)

Slovakia is a full Schengen member. Citizens of the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, and most Western countries may enter without a visa for up to 90 days in any 180-day period across all Schengen countries combined.

90-day limit applies across all 27 Schengen countries combined — not 90 days in Slovakia alone
Passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond intended departure from Schengen area
Proof of sufficient funds (€56/day recommended), accommodation, and onward travel may be requested
Working for a Slovak employer is not permitted on a tourist stay — remote work for non-Slovak employers is a grey area
Main entry points: Bratislava M.R. Štefánik Airport (BTS), land borders from Austria, Czech Republic, Poland, Hungary, and Ukraine

Trade Licence (Živnostenský list) for Freelancers

The Živnosť (trade licence) is Slovakia's primary pathway for freelancers and self-employed individuals. Non-EU nationals can register a trade, demonstrate means and accommodation, and apply for a Temporary Residence Permit for Business. However, major restrictions took effect in July 2025.

Trade licence fee: €5 for unregulated trades (IT, marketing, consulting, design); issued in 3–5 working days
From July 2025: business residence permits capped at 700 per year for all nationalities combined (previously 10,256 issued in 2024)
Applications now accepted only at Slovak consulates in the applicant's country of permanent residence — no more in-country filing
Detailed business plan now mandatory, reviewed by the Ministry of Economy
Must show proof of accommodation and financial means (bank statement with ~€3,000+ recommended)
Permit valid for 1–3 years; renewable but subject to annual quota
Family members can apply for dependent residence permits

Employee Card (Single Permit)

The Single Permit (Jednotné povolenie) combines work authorisation and residence in one document. It is tied to a specific employer and position.

Employer must confirm the position cannot be filled by an EU/EEA citizen (labour market test)
Minimum salary must meet at least the statutory minimum wage (€816/month gross in 2025)
Tied to one employer; changing jobs requires a new application
Valid for duration of employment contract, maximum 2 years; renewable
Processing time: 30–90 days at the Foreigners Police or consulate
Health insurance and social contributions mandatory from day one

EU Blue Card

The EU Blue Card is available for highly qualified non-EU nationals with a university degree and a job offer meeting the salary threshold.

Minimum gross salary: €2,024/month (1.2× Slovak average wage; shortage occupations may have lower threshold)
Requires recognised university degree or 5 years of equivalent professional experience
Initial validity: up to 4 years; portable across EU after 12 months in Slovakia
After 33 months (or 21 months with B1 Slovak), eligible for EU Long-Term Resident status
Family reunification allowed immediately

Permanent Residency & Citizenship

Permanent Residency (Trvalý pobyt) is available after 5 years of continuous legal residence. Slovak citizenship requires 8 years of residence, with possible reductions.

PR after 5 years of continuous legal stay on a valid temporary residence permit
Slovak language test at B1 level required for PR application
PR grants indefinite right to live and work; access to full social benefits
Citizenship after 8 years of continuous residence (reduced to 5 years for stateless persons or refugees)
Citizenship requires B2 Slovak language proficiency and knowledge of Slovak culture/constitution
Slovakia allows dual citizenship as of 2022 amendment (previously restricted)

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