1. Digital Residence Permit in the eDoklady App
Starting October 1, 2026, the eDoklady system will officially launch in Slovakia. Foreigners will be able to create a digital copy of their residence permit and display it via a QR code in banks, post offices, and government agencies.
Important: The digital copy does not replace the plastic card when crossing the border or during personal visits to the Migration Police.
2. The End of "Automatic" Residence Permit Extensions
The law has established a strict deadline — until July 15, 2027. Until this date, all foreigners whose documents were extended automatically due to martial law must officially submit documents for the extension of their residence permit or work permit. Ignoring this deadline will result in the loss of legal status.
3. Strict Deadlines for Submitting Missing Documents
When applying for a single residence and work permit, it will no longer be possible to stall for time.
You are given exactly 15 days to submit missing documents (in some cases, the deadline is extended by another 15 days). If you miss the deadline, the police close the case without the right to appeal.
4. Increased "Protection Period" Upon Dismissal
For employed workers, the time to find a new employer has been extended:
3 months — if the residence permit was issued for up to 2 years.
6 months — if the residence permit was issued for more than 2 years.
Mandatory condition: you must notify the police of the start and end of your unemployment period within 7 working days, otherwise the benefit will be canceled.
5. Debt Prohibition for Entrepreneurs
Strict filters have been introduced for business residence permit holders: you must not have any debts regarding taxes, customs duties, or social and health insurance. Having debts is a direct ground for canceling your residence permit.
6. Reduced Income Thresholds for Businesses
There is also good news for entrepreneurs:
For Sole Proprietors (živnostníci): it is sufficient to show an income above the threshold for mandatory tax return filing.
For Companies (s.r.o.): the minimum criterion is now the payment of the minimum corporate income tax (from €340).
7. Student Residence Permit: Processing Up to 90 Days
The processing time for student residence permit applications has been increased from 30 to 90 days, so documents must now be submitted well in advance!
8. Strict Control During Online Submissions
When applying for a residence permit extension electronically, the entire document package must be attached immediately. If even one certificate or passport copy is missing at the time of submission, the system simply will not accept the application.
9. Cancellation of Paper Confirmations of Accommodation
If a hotel, dormitory, or landlord submits consent for your accommodation electronically via the Ministry of Interior portal, you no longer need to bring a physical paper document with a notarized signature to the police. The requirement to provide a notarized declaration of property ownership has also been permanently abolished.
10. Protection Against Unauthorized Cancellation of Residence Permits
Now, upon voluntary renunciation of a residence permit, your signature on the application must be notarized. This is done to protect against unscrupulous employers and agencies.
Tip from ALKUR: If you grant a general power of attorney to third parties, always check to ensure it does not contain a clause giving them the right to cancel your residence permit.
11. New Rules for Long-Term Residence (Dlhodobý pobyt)
When applying electronically for permanent residence, a full set of documents is required immediately, and proof of Slovak language proficiency (A2) can now only be obtained from state language schools or universities.
Prefer video content?
A detailed analysis of these changes is available on our YouTube channel; watch our full video on YouTube.
Need help with a residence permit or business in Slovakia?
The new rules require extreme attention to documents and deadlines. A mistake during the application stage can cost you your legal status in the country. The ALKUR team is ready to handle all your legal and accounting matters!
Our contact information and consultation booking: https://alkur.sk/contacts-en
Our contact information and consultation booking: https://alkur.sk/contacts-en