For foreigners, especially citizens of Ukraine, who are staying or plan to live in Slovakia, preparing official documents is one of the first and necessary steps. Regardless of the purpose of stay – work, study, family reunification, marriage, opening a business, or applying for temporary or permanent residence – you need to collect a specific list of documents of both Ukrainian and Slovak origin. Often, these documents require apostille (we explained more about this in our article: Apostille: What it is and when it is needed for Ukrainian documents) and official translation, more details here. The Slovak and Ukrainian states are parties to the Hague Convention of October 5, 1961, which abolishes the requirement of consular legalization for official documents between member states: this means that for many documents, an apostille is sufficient, not double legalization. This simplifies the process.
In addition, the mandatory documents for obtaining a residence permit in Slovakia are:
- Proof of accommodation (for example, a lease agreement or a written consent from the property owner);
- Proof of financial means – to show that the person has enough money to stay in the country; for long-term residence (Dlhodobý pobyt), this can be replaced by an employment contract (pracovná zmluva)
- Health insurance valid in Slovakia.
- Medical examination (lekárska prehliadka) – mandatory for a temporary residence permit.
- Certificate of Slovak language knowledge at level A2 – mandatory for applying for permanent residence (trvalý pobyt). This can be replaced by a high school or university diploma if you studied in Slovakia.
Certificate of No Criminal Record
This is an official document from Ukraine's Information-Analytical System "Record of Information on Criminal Liability and Criminal Record," which confirms the presence or absence of a criminal record or criminal liability as of the date of verification. A Ukrainian certificate of no criminal record may be needed in the following cases:- Applying for a temporary or permanent residence permit in Slovakia.
- If the person is older than 14 years.
- The document is required from the country of origin (Ukraine) and from any other countries where the person has lived for more than 90 days in the last 3 years.
- Applying for visas or permits that require a certificate of no criminal record (e.g., work, volunteering, study, entry into other countries). Check if you need this certificate depending on your visa type – you can find this information in the list of required documents on this website
- Submitting documents to Slovak government bodies, consulates, or other institutions that require confirmation of legal status (visa department, immigration service).
- Extract from the criminal records of the country of citizenship (for Ukrainians – a Ukrainian extract).
- Extract from the criminal records of all countries where you have lived for more than 90 days in the last 3 years.
- Exception: If a foreigner has lived in an EU country that allows Slovakia to obtain information directly, they only need to provide personal data for the request.
- Is applying for temporary residence for the purpose of studying at a secondary school.
- Is applying as a representative of a civilian component of armed forces.
- Has the status of a long-term resident in another EU country.
- Is a child under 14 years old.
- Is an ethnic Slovak (Slovák žijúci v zahraničí) applying within 60 days of receiving their certificate.
- Also, a certificate does not need to be resubmitted if it was submitted for a previous permit and only the purpose or type of residence is changing.
Certificate of No Criminal Record in Ukraine: How to Get It
In Ukraine, you can now order a paper extract of no criminal record online. Through the website of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine: You can now order a paper extract of no criminal record online through the "Single Window for Citizens" on the Ministry of Internal Affairs website. Here's how: 🔹 Log in on the website. 🔹 Fill out the electronic form, providing the necessary information. 🔹 Select "paper extract." 🔹 Choose the delivery method: at the Ministry of Internal Affairs, at the nearest Ukrposhta branch, or by courier. You can order an extract with an apostille (needed for Slovakia) or without it. The processing time is up to 30 days; with an apostille, it takes an additional up to 5 days. Track your application status online. Through the Diia app: The extract of no criminal record with an apostille is now available in Diia.- Open Diia, go to the "Services" section → "Certificates and Extracts" → "Extract of No Criminal Record."
- Select the purpose of the request, the type of extract (digital or paper), and fill in the details.
- For a paper extract, specify the delivery method: by Ukrposhta or pick up in person at the Ministry of Internal Affairs in Kyiv.
- Enter your contact information and check the details.
- If you chose a paper extract, pay for the service within 24 hours. After that, the application will be processed.
Certificate of No Criminal Record in Slovakia: How to Get It
If you have lived in Slovakia and need to provide a certificate of no criminal record in another country, you can obtain an extract from the criminal records of the Slovak Republic (Výpis z registra trestov). This document is issued by the General Prosecutor's Office of the Slovak Republic and confirms whether the person has been convicted by a court in Slovakia, another EU country, or a state whose decision has been recognized by a Slovak court. You can submit an application in person:- at the General Prosecutor's Office of the Slovak Republic,
- at a Slovak Post office branch,
- at a Slovak diplomatic mission abroad that provides consular services.
- in person at the prosecutor's office – €6.00
- by mail – €4.90
- through the consulate – the fee is set separately depending on the country
- online – €3.00
If you need help, advice, or support in the process of obtaining a criminal record extract – write to us on Telegram –t.me/kompas_support
Proof of Accommodation (Doklad o ubytovaní)
If a citizen of a third country (i.e., not from the EU) plans to apply for residence in the Slovak Republic, one of the mandatory conditions is to provide a document confirming accommodation. This document must confirm that the foreigner has a place to live where they will actually reside in Slovakia. The document must confirm that accommodation is provided for at least 6 months.Who must provide proof of accommodation?
Proof of accommodation must be provided by foreigners applying for temporary (prechodný) or permanent (trvalý) residence, with the exception of certain categories mentioned below. This rule applies, in particular, to persons applying:- for temporary residence for employment,
- for entrepreneurial activity,
- for family reunification,
- for volunteer activities or internships.
- persons who cross the border daily for work or study from a neighboring country;
- drivers of international transport who obtain a work permit under a simplified procedure;
- foreigners applying for residence for university studies, with government scholarships, or under international agreements;
- persons with long-term residence in another EU country who plan to study in Slovakia;
- scientists and researchers;
- persons with the status of Slovák žijúci v zahraničí (Slovak living abroad).
What document can be provided as proof of accommodation?
According to law No. 404/2011 Coll., the following can serve as proof of accommodation: - A solemn declaration by the property owner (Čestné vyhlásenie vlastníka nehnuteľnosti o poskytnutí ubytovania) with a notarized signature. If there are multiple owners, a declaration from each is required. - A lease agreement or sublease agreement (Nájomná zmluva alebo podnájomná zmluva) with notarized signatures of all parties. If it is a sublease, the original lease agreement must also be provided. - A confirmation from a hotel, dormitory, or hostel providing accommodation (Potvrdenie ubytovacieho zariadenia, hotela, internátu alebo hostela o poskytnutí ubytovania). - A solemn declaration by a natural or legal person providing accommodation to the foreigner (Čestné vyhlásenie fyzickej alebo právnickej osoby o poskytnutí ubytovania cudzincovi) along with a document confirming their right to use the property (e.g., a lease agreement or an extract from the property register). - Additional confirmation of the validity of the lease agreement (Čestné vyhlásenie prenajímateľa nehnuteľnosti o platnosti nájomnej zmluvy) if the foreigner has already submitted this document during a previous application – a declaration from the landlord stating that the agreement is still valid (it must be valid for at least another 6 months).Proof of Financial Security (Dôkaz o finančnom zabezpečení)
From 07/31/2025, for applying for a residence permit in Slovakia, you do not need to provide a bank account balance statement for all types of visas. Exceptions are temporary residence for entrepreneurial activity and long-term residence – for these cases, a bank account statement is mandatory. The financial security for accommodation must be at least the subsistence minimum, which from July 1, 2025, is €284.13 per month. If the duration of stay exceeds one year, you must prove you have funds equal to twelve times the subsistence minimum (€3409.56). The statement can be obtained from the bank where the account is held in the foreigner's name, either in Slovakia or in the country of residence. For entrepreneurs (Prechodný pobyt na účel podnikania – Temporary residence for business purposes), higher requirements apply: for sole proprietors, 20 times the subsistence minimum; for company directors, 100 times. When extending temporary residence for entrepreneurs, proof of declared income for the previous year in the appropriate amount must be provided. For long-term residence (Dlhodobý pobyt – Long-term residence), financial security can also be proven by an employment contract, a certificate from an employer, a pension certificate, or a declaration from a relative guaranteeing support.Medical Insurance
Medical insurance (zdravotné poistenie) is required for all foreigners, including Ukrainians, living in Slovakia. It gives you access to medical services and protects you from high treatment costs. Without insurance, you cannot legally live in the country, and you risk fines or problems with extending your status. According to Slovak law, insurance must cover at least basic medical services in Slovakia, including emergency care, hospitalization, and outpatient treatment. Insurance can be public or commercial: - Public insurance is available through public or private companies, such as Všeobecná zdravotná poisťovňa (VšZP — public), Dôvera, or Union. It is mandatory for permanent residents and those who are employed or self-employed. Contributions are calculated from gross income: the employee pays 4%, and the employer pays 11%, meaning a total of 15% of the salary goes to medical insurance. - Commercial insurance is suitable for temporary residents, students, or those who are not working. You can get it online or at the insurance company's office (e.g., AXA, Allianz). The cost is from 20–50 euros per month, depending on the coverage. Next, we will explain the requirements based on your type of residence. Please note: if you have received temporary protection status due to the war (for Ukrainians), insurance is provided by the state automatically after registration, but the rules change when you transition to a temporary or permanent residence permit. We explained more about insurance in our articleTemporary Residence (Prechodný pobyt — Temporary Residence Permit)
This is the most common type for Ukrainians: for work, study, business, family reunification, etc. When and under what circumstances you need to apply: If you are only applying for a temporary residence permit, insurance is not needed at the application stage (except in cases where it is specified for a particular purpose, such as for business or long-term stay in the EU). Mandatory for everyone: You must obtain insurance within 3 working days of receiving your residence document (doklad o pobyte — plastic card). After receiving your temporary residence permit: Within 30 days, submit proof of insurance to the police (oddelenie cudzineckej polície). This does not apply to cases where the temporary residence permit is issued for: - Work (zamestnanie) — insurance is often covered by the employer automatically. - Study (štúdium) — if you are a university student, insurance may be through the university or commercial. - Performing official duties (plnenie služobných povinností civilnými zložkami ozbrojených síl). - Status of a Slovak living abroad (osvedčenie Slováka žijúceho v zahraničí). Exceptions: If you have status in another EU country (long-term resident) or are changing your type of temporary residence permit, proof may not be required. For seasonal work (sezónne zamestnanie) or internships, insurance is mandatory but can be short-term. Important: If you are switching from temporary protection (dočasné útočisko) to a temporary residence permit, get insurance immediately after receiving it, as state protection will end. Permanent Residence for 5 years (Trvalý pobyt na päť rokov — Permanent Residence Permit for 5 years). When and under what circumstances you need to apply: Insurance is not needed at the application stage, but you must obtain insurance within 3 working days of receiving your residence document. You do not need to submit proof to the police within 30 days, but the insurance must be active at all times. If you are working, it is automatic; if not, arrange it yourself. Important: If you are the spouse/child of an SR citizen — arrange it immediately. For renewal (after 5 years), insurance is checked.Permanent Residence for an Unlimited Period (Trvalý pobyt na neobmedzený čas) or Long-Term Residence (Dlhodobý pobyt)
When and under what circumstances you need to apply: Insurance should usually already be arranged through an employer or as a self-employed person. After receiving your residence document, insurance must be active at all times.How to get commercial medical insurance?
The main documents you need: a valid identification document — this is an ID card or a foreign passport, and a completed application form for the insurance company (you can get this directly from the insurance company or download it from its official website). Additional possible documents:- Employment contract: if the insurance is related to employment or if you are a foreigner working in Slovakia.
- Document confirming medical insurance in another country: relevant for insurance related to stays outside the EU.
Application process:
- Choose an insurance company and product: find out what commercial insurance options different companies offer.
- Get the application form: request it from the insurance company or download it from the website and fill it out.
- Submit documents: provide the documents listed above according to the insurance company's requirements, including your identification document.
- Sign the insurance contract: after processing your application, the insurance company will issue you proof of insurance.
Medical Examination
A medical examination is a mandatory requirement for obtaining a residence permit (temporary residence permit) in Slovakia. It must be done only at specialized accredited medical facilities that are authorized to issue certificates for the migration police. Here is a list of accredited medical institutions that have the right to conduct such examinations. The examination includes an X-ray and a blood test. Foreigners are not required to submit this if they:- have temporary residence for the purpose of performing official duties as part of civilian components of the armed forces;
- have temporary residence as persons with the status of Slovaks living abroad;
- have temporary residence in connection with the status of a person with long-term residence in another EU Member State;
- have a residence permit in another EU Member State;
- are applying to change the type or purpose of residence.
Certificate of Slovak Language Proficiency
From July 15, 2025, a new requirement will take effect in Slovakia: to obtain permanent residence (trvalý pobyt, trvalý pobyt), foreigners must prove their knowledge of the Slovak language at level A2. The exam must be taken at state or accredited private language schools authorized by the Ministry of Education of the Slovak Republic. In practice, this means that schools develop their own tests, which include written and oral parts, and the exam is conducted in the presence of a representative of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. A certificate issued by such a language school is accepted by the migration police as official proof of language proficiency, and there is no single state-issued certificate format. The certificate of Slovak language proficiency is valid indefinitely and can be submitted to the migration police either when submitting documents or later — during the application review period (no later than 90 days from the submission date). If the applicant cannot pass the exam by the document submission deadline due to language school holidays or other circumstances, it will not prevent the procedure from starting — the document can be submitted later. Instead of a certificate, a diploma from a secondary or higher education institution obtained in Slovakia is accepted, which automatically confirms the required level of state language proficiency. Obtaining legal status in Slovakia is a clear but responsible process. Knowing what documents are needed, where to get them, and what the requirements are significantly simplifies the path to a successful application. To avoid stress and mistakes:- Prepare documents in advance, especially those that require apostille or translation.
- Rely on official sources — they are the only reliable source for up-to-date information.
- Keep all documents and confirmations, even after submission.
If you need help or have questions about documents, apostilles, translations, or don't know where to start — write to us on Telegram: t.me/kompas_support
