How long before I qualify for long-term status?

EU long-term resident status generally requires five years of continuous lawful residence in Slovakia. Some permanent residence categories (e.g. close family of Slovak citizens) can be granted earlier.

What is the difference between permanent residence and EU long-term resident status?

Both are settled statuses, but EU long-term resident status is the EU-wide category giving mobility rights to other member states, while Slovak permanent residence is tiered into an initial five-year permit and later an unlimited one.

Can I work in any job?

Yes. Long-term residents are not tied to a single purpose and can work and study freely.

Long-stay visas (Type D)

Slovak EU Long-Term Residence / Permanent Residence

Long-term settled status in Slovakia, reached mainly through EU long-term resident status after five years of continuous lawful residence.

Expert reviewed Official guidance referenced

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Important information

Immigration rules and fees can change. This information is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Always check the latest requirements on the official Slovakia government website before you apply.

On this page

Who it's for
Requirements
What you can do
How to apply
Frequently asked questions

Issuing authority: Foreign Police (Ministry of Interior)
EU long-term resident status: After 5 years of continuous lawful residence in Slovakia
Permanent residence tiers: Initial 5-year permanent residence, then unlimited permanent residence
Rights: Live, work and study without single-purpose restriction; stronger protection
Legal basis: Act No. 404/2011 Coll. on Residence of Foreigners

Who it's for

Long-resident third-country nationals who have lived lawfully in Slovakia for five years
Close family of Slovak citizens (initial 5-year permanent residence in defined cases)
People granted residence on humanitarian grounds or in the interest of Slovakia
Holders of long-term resident status from another EU state relocating to Slovakia

Requirements

Five years of continuous, lawful residence (for EU long-term resident status)
Proof of stable and regular financial resources
Proof of accommodation
Health insurance
Clean criminal record
Compliance with any integration/language conditions provided by law

What you can do

Reside in Slovakia long-term without the single-purpose restriction of temporary permits
Work and study freely
Enjoy stronger protection against expulsion than temporary residents
Use EU long-term resident status to seek residence in other EU member states

How to apply

Applications are filed with the Foreign Police (Ministry of Interior), evidencing the qualifying period of residence (or the family/humanitarian basis for permanent residence), financial means, accommodation, insurance and a clean record.

The exact qualifying grounds and documents depend on which status you seek - EU long-term resident status, initial five-year permanent residence, or unlimited permanent residence - under Act No. 404/2011.

Frequently asked questions

EU long-term resident status generally requires five years of continuous lawful residence in Slovakia. Some permanent residence categories (e.g. close family of Slovak citizens) can be granted earlier.

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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