Long-stay visas (Type D)
Slovak Temporary Residence for Family Reunification
A residence permit letting close family members of a foreigner living in Slovakia join them, with work rights granted after a qualifying period.
Under review — check current rules
Important information
- Issuing authority
- Foreign Police (Ministry of Interior)
- Sponsor
- Third-country national with valid Slovak temporary or permanent residence (and defined Slovak/EU family cases)
- Maximum duration
- Up to 5 years (or until the sponsor's residence ends); renewable
- Work rights
- Free labour-market access after 12 months; work-permit-based work possible in the first year
- Application fee
- Around €132.50
- Children under 18 exempt; confirm current tariff
Who it's for
- Spouses (aged 18+) of a foreigner residing in Slovakia
- Unmarried children under 18 of the sponsor or spouse
- Dependent adult children unable to support themselves for health reasons
- Dependent parents without adequate family support in their home country
Requirements
- Proof of the family relationship (marriage/birth certificates, etc.)
- Sponsor's valid Slovak residence
- Proof of financial means to cover the family's stay
- Proof of accommodation
- Valid passport and application with photos
- Criminal record certificate (for adults)
- Health insurance
- Foreign documents translated into Slovak and apostilled
What you can do
- Live in Slovakia with your family member
- Work without a permit after 12 months (with an employer-specific permit before then)
- Study in Slovakia
- Renew as long as the relationship and the sponsor's residence continue
How to apply
Applications are usually filed at the Slovak embassy/consulate in the applicant's home country, and in defined cases at the Foreign Police Department. Submit proof of relationship, the sponsor's residence, financial means, accommodation, criminal record certificate and insurance.
Documents from abroad need certified Slovak translation and apostille. The fee is around €132.50, with children under 18 exempt.
Frequently asked questions
A third-country national holding valid Slovak temporary or permanent residence, with specific provisions also covering family of Slovak and EU nationals.
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
- WORKSINGLE PERMITSPECIFIC EMPLOYERTemporary 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.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
