Long-stay visas (Type D)
Slovak EU Blue Card
A residence and work permit for highly qualified professionals with a Slovak job offer meeting a salary threshold, valid for up to five years.
Under review — check current rules
Important information
- Issuing authority
- Foreign Police (Ministry of Interior)
- Maximum validity
- Up to 5 years (or contract duration plus 90 days if shorter)
- Salary threshold
- At least 1.2x the average monthly wage in the Slovak economy
- The exact euro amount is recalculated yearly from Statistical Office data
- Minimum contract
- Highly qualified job, contract/offer of at least 6 months
- Qualification
- Recognised higher professional qualification (usually a university degree)
Who it's for
- University-educated or otherwise highly qualified professionals
- Applicants with a Slovak job offer in a highly qualified role paying at least the required multiple of the average wage
- Workers wanting stronger family and EU-mobility rights than a standard employment permit
Requirements
- Work contract or binding job offer for highly qualified employment, at least 6 months
- Proof of higher professional qualification (degree recognition where required)
- Agreed gross salary of at least 1.2x the average monthly wage in the Slovak economy
- Valid passport and completed application
- Criminal record certificate
- Proof of accommodation and health insurance
- No threat to public order, security or public health
What you can do
- Live in Slovakia and work in the highly qualified role
- Bring family members through facilitated family reunification
- After a qualifying period, move to another EU country under Blue Card intra-EU mobility rules
- Build toward EU long-term resident status
How to apply
Apply at the Slovak embassy/consulate abroad or, in defined cases, at the Foreign Police Department, submitting the contract, qualification evidence, passport, criminal record certificate, accommodation proof and insurance.
The authority decides within the statutory period (around 30 days for a complete file). On approval, a residence card is issued.
Frequently asked questions
At least 1.2 times the average monthly wage in the Slovak national economy, a threshold lowered from 1.5x in the July 2024 reform. The precise euro figure is set annually from official wage statistics.
Official sources
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.
Verified against official gov.uk sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.
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