An airport transit visa allows a foreign national travelling from one third country to another to pass through the international transit areas of one or more airports within the Schengen Area. In this case, the length of the transit corresponds to the length of the permitted stay.
A transit visa or a tourist C visa does not allow you to apply to the Foreign Police in Slovakia for temporary residence – for that you need a D visa (national visa). The most common types of temporary residence are:
- Temporary residence for employment
- Temporary residence for family reunification (spouses, children)
- Temporary residence for business purposes as the director of an s.r.o.
- Temporary residence for business purposes as a sole trader
| Pobyt | Cena |
|---|---|
| Živnostník | 100€ |
| s.r.o. | 100€ |
| Zamestnanec | 100€ |
| Manželka, dieta | 100€ |
| Súhlas s ubytovaním na 12 mesiacov (Bratislava) + súhlas obce | 300€ |
Choosing the Right Visa for Travel to Slovakia
Slovakia is part of the Schengen area, which means its visa rules are closely linked to the common rules shared by Schengen countries. Whether a visitor needs a visa, and which type, depends on their nationality, the purpose of the journey and how long they intend to stay. Choosing the right type from the start avoids problems at the border and with later applications.
Transit, Short Stays and Longer Stays
An airport transit visa covers only passage through the international transit area of an airport and does not allow the holder to enter the country. A short-stay visa is intended for visits such as tourism, business meetings or visiting family, for a limited period. For longer stays, such as work, study or family reunification, a national visa or residence permit is usually needed. Each category has its own conditions and application procedure.
Planning for Residence
Many people who come to Slovakia on a short-term basis later decide to stay longer. It is important to know that a short-stay or transit visa generally does not provide a basis for applying for temporary residence. If you plan to live, work or run a business in Slovakia, it is better to plan the correct route from the outset.
Common Reasons for Temporary Residence
- Employment with a Slovak employer
- Family reunification with a spouse or parent residing in Slovakia
- Business activity, for example as a company executive or sole trader
- Study at a Slovak institution
Documents
Applications usually require a valid passport, evidence of the purpose of stay, proof of accommodation and financial means and, for residence, criminal record certificates with an apostille and translation. Requirements differ according to the type of visa or residence permit and the applicant’s nationality.
Check Before You Travel
Visa requirements can change, so always check the current rules for your nationality before booking travel.
If you are planning to travel to Slovakia or apply for residence there, contact eTuls. We can help you choose the right type of visa or residence permit and prepare your documents.
