Living and doing business in Slovakia in 2025–2026 will require foreigners to have increasing digital literacy and knowledge of new legal regulations. At a recent webinar, ALKUR experts Alena Kurotova and Ekaterina Pleshanova discussed three topics that directly impact migrants’ residency status and financial security.
Below, we have compiled the key takeaways and practical recommendations from this session.
Below, we have compiled the key takeaways and practical recommendations from this session.
The A2 Exam for Permanent Residency: What Should You Prepare For?
Starting in July 2025, proof of proficiency in the Slovak language at the A2 level has become a mandatory requirement for applying for permanent residence (Pobyt na neurčitý čas).
What you need to know about the exam:
Tip: If you plan to apply for permanent residency in 2026, don’t put off taking the exam.
Starting January 1, 2026, changes to the law are expected that may alter the list of accredited schools.
- Duration: approximately 3 hours (120 minutes for the written section, the remainder for the oral section).
- Written section: includes listening, reading, and grammar tests.
- Speaking section: a conversation with the exam panel on everyday topics. The main goal is to demonstrate that you can communicate at a conversational level.
Tip: If you plan to apply for permanent residency in 2026, don’t put off taking the exam.
Starting January 1, 2026, changes to the law are expected that may alter the list of accredited schools.
The BOK code and the slovensko.sk portal: your ticket to “Digital Slovakia”
Electronic communication with government agencies now affects everyone. Whereas in the past this was mandatory only for limited liability companies (S.R.O.), today it is impossible to even schedule an appointment with the immigration police without a BOK code (the security code on your card’s chip).
Why do you need this?
Life hack: To avoid standing in long lines at the immigration office to get a code, visit any local police station (Okresné riaditeľstvo PZ), where they issue standard ID cards to Slovaks. There, the chip activation process takes 5–10 minutes.
Why do you need this?
- Cost savings: When you submit documents via the electronic mailbox, state fees are reduced by half (50%).
- Convenience: You keep the original documents; you only need to send scanned copies certified with an electronic signature (KEP).
- Deadlines: Starting in 2025, making an appointment with the police through the booking system will only be possible after authorization with a card and a BOK code.
Life hack: To avoid standing in long lines at the immigration office to get a code, visit any local police station (Okresné riaditeľstvo PZ), where they issue standard ID cards to Slovaks. There, the chip activation process takes 5–10 minutes.
A Legal Pitfall: How to Avoid Missing a €70,000 Debt
One of the most striking moments of the webinar was the analysis of a case involving the receipt of a “Payment Order” (Platobný rozkaz). In Slovakia, there is a debt collection procedure whereby the plaintiff submits invoices to the court, and the court issues a payment order without verifying their authenticity.
What is the main danger? If the order arrives in your email inbox, “deemed service” takes effect after 15 days. Even if you haven’t opened the email, you are considered to have been notified.
You have only 15 days to file a reasoned objection (odpor).
If you miss this deadline, the debt becomes enforceable, your accounts will be frozen, and the case will be transferred to bailiffs (executors).
Recommendation: Be sure to set up SMS or email notifications for every new letter in your personal account on slovensko.sk. This is the only way to find out about the claim in time and protect your assets.
What is the main danger? If the order arrives in your email inbox, “deemed service” takes effect after 15 days. Even if you haven’t opened the email, you are considered to have been notified.
You have only 15 days to file a reasoned objection (odpor).
If you miss this deadline, the debt becomes enforceable, your accounts will be frozen, and the case will be transferred to bailiffs (executors).
Recommendation: Be sure to set up SMS or email notifications for every new letter in your personal account on slovensko.sk. This is the only way to find out about the claim in time and protect your assets.
Key Points (Q&A):
Change of address and new card: The BOK code from your old card is not automatically transferred. Once you receive your new plastic card, go activate it immediately.
Self-employment and employment: Foreigners with a “business” residence permit (from non-EU countries) are not permitted to work as employees. This is a direct violation of the purpose of your stay, which leads to the revocation of your residence permit.
Driver’s license: The deadline for exchanging a foreign driver’s license (180 days) is important, but if you arrive later, you won’t need to attend driving school. Your license will still be exchanged as usual, provided it is valid.
Self-employment and employment: Foreigners with a “business” residence permit (from non-EU countries) are not permitted to work as employees. This is a direct violation of the purpose of your stay, which leads to the revocation of your residence permit.
Driver’s license: The deadline for exchanging a foreign driver’s license (180 days) is important, but if you arrive later, you won’t need to attend driving school. Your license will still be exchanged as usual, provided it is valid.