Long-stay visas (Type D)
Slovak Temporary Residence for Employment (Single Permit)
A combined work-and-residence permit letting a third-country national live in Slovakia and work for a specific employer in a specific job.
Important information
- Issuing authority
- Foreign Police (Ministry of Interior); labour-market check by the Labour Office
- Maximum duration
- Up to 5 years (expected duration of employment); renewable
- Type
- Single permit combining residence and work authorisation
- Labour-market test
- Labour Office confirms the vacancy cannot be filled locally, unless exempt
- Binding
- Valid for the employment purpose only (specific employer/job)
Who it's for
- Third-country nationals with a concrete job offer or employment contract with a Slovak employer
- Workers whose role has been reported as a vacancy by the employer
- Both regular employment and (via a separate scheme) seasonal employment
Requirements
- Employment contract or binding job offer / promise of employment with a Slovak employer
- Confirmation from the Labour Office that the vacancy can be filled (unless exempt)
- Valid passport and application form
- Proof of accommodation in Slovakia
- Criminal record certificate from your country of origin (and countries of prior residence)
- Proof of qualifications/professional competence where required for the role
- Health insurance
What you can do
- Live in Slovakia and work for the employer/job stated in the permit
- Renew for the continuing duration of employment, up to the maximums allowed
- Bring family members through family reunification once residing
- Move toward EU long-term resident status after five years of continuous residence
How to apply
First-time applications are generally lodged in person at the Slovak embassy or consulate abroad; the file can also be accepted by the Foreign Police Department in defined cases. The application must be accepted even if incomplete, with a deadline to complete it.
The Labour Office assesses the vacancy where required. On approval you receive temporary residence for employment; a residence card is then issued after arrival.
Frequently asked questions
Usually no. The single permit combines residence and work authorisation in one document. Some categories instead use a standalone work permit plus residence, but the single permit is the standard route.
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.
Related Slovak visas
- SHORT STAYOVER 90 DAYSBRIDGES RESIDENCENational Visa (Type D)Slovakia's long-stay visa for stays over 90 days, used mainly to bridge to a residence permit or for special cases rather than as a general residence route.View visa details
- WORKHIGHLY QUALIFIEDJOB OFFEREU Blue CardA residence and work permit for highly qualified professionals with a Slovak job offer meeting a salary threshold, valid for up to five years.View visa details
- BUSINESSSELF-EMPLOYEDCOMPANY EXECUTIVETemporary Residence for BusinessA residence permit for third-country nationals running a business in Slovakia, typically as the statutory executive of a Slovak company or as a self-employed trader.View visa details
