Permanent residence of an EU citizen in the Slovak Republic for business purposes

Within the European Union, every citizen of a member state has the right to enter the Slovak Republic without needing any residence document. Slovak authorities only require such a permit if the foreign national intends to stay in Slovakia for longer than three months, or wishes to become the representative of a company applying to the Trade Licensing Office to carry on a craft or regulated trade.

This article explains how to arrange residence for an EU citizen who is the director of a Slovak s.r.o. for business purposes.

Which documents does the Foreign Police require?

The applicant must visit the relevant Foreign Police department in person; the police do not accept applications made under a power of attorney However, an EU citizen may use a power of attorney to collect the residence card, provided it bears the principal’s certified signature.

The applicant first completes the application for registration of the right of residence of an EU citizen and submits it to the relevant Foreign Police department, together with the following:

  • 2 photographs measuring 3 x 3.5 cm
  • Passport or ID card
  • A fee of 4.5 EUR if a residence card is requested () (please note that the Foreign Police department in Bratislava that handles foreigners’ residence does not have a stamp machine)

Purpose of residence

The applicant must demonstrate the purpose of their stay. If they intend to do business in Slovakia (as a responsible representative or director of an s.r.o.), there are several ways to prove this:

  • by providing an extract from the Slovak Commercial Register for the company (not older than 90 days, original or certified copy)
  • by providing the general meeting’s decision appointing them as director of the company (only if the person does not yet appear in the Commercial Register extract).

In our experience, where the company already exists, it is not necessary to provide its deed of incorporation or articles of association.

Practical tip

If the Foreign Police refuse to grant residence for business purposes, you may apply on other grounds. The simplest and quickest way is to present to the Foreign Police

  • cash of at least 200 EUR (the cash is simply shown to the police officer, not handed over),
  • a European Health Insurance Card or another document proving the EU citizen’s health insurance cover in the Slovak Republic.

Accommodation

The applicant must also prove their accommodation to the police. This is done by means of:

  • a title deed (land register ownership certificate) usable for legal purposes (an online printout is not sufficient; not older than 90 days)
  • a tenancy agreement, either the original or a certified copy (with the certified signatures of the landlord as owner of the property and the EU citizen as tenant)


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