Slovakia Introduces 120-Day National Visas and New Immigration Rules From July 15

Slovakia will roll out a wide-ranging set of immigration reforms from July 15, 2026, giving foreign workers more time to relocate, longer protection after job loss, and a more predictable visa processing system.

For foreign nationals who are planning to relocate, study or work in Slovakia, the changes make parts of the immigration process easier, although a few rules are becoming stricter.

National Visa Validity Increased to 120 Days

One of the biggest changes is the extension of national visa validity from 90 days to 120 days for applicants entering Slovakia to submit residence permit applications, including those moving for employment.

The extra month gives employers and foreign workers greater flexibility when planning relocation timelines, reducing pressure if travel or onboarding is delayed.

Foreign Workers Get More Time After Losing a Job

Slovakia is also easing rules for residence permit holders who become unemployed. Under the new system:

• Residence permit holders with less than two years of stay will have three months to find a new job.
• Those who have held their permit for more than two years will receive six months to secure new employment.

Workers must still inform Slovak authorities when their employment ends and when they start a new job.

Many European countries are shifting from simply attracting foreign talent to making it easier to retain skilled workers already living there. Slovakia’s latest reforms follow that wider trend.

Central Visa Authority to Standardise Processing

Visa applications will no longer be processed by Slovak consulates. Instead, a newly created Central Visa Authority will handle all visa decisions in coordination with the Ministry of Interior.

The government expects visa applications to be processed within 40 days, replacing the wide variation applicants currently experience depending on where they apply.

For Indian applicants submitting visa applications through Slovak diplomatic missions, the change could lead to more consistent processing times.

Business Applicants Face Tougher Checks

Entrepreneurs seeking Slovak residence permits will face tighter scrutiny. Authorities will examine whether a business delivers genuine economic value and whether it is operating legitimately.

Business residence permit holders must also remain free of unpaid tax, health insurance, or other government debts throughout the validity of their permit, not just during the application stage.

Digital Residence Cards Introduced

Foreign residents will be able to create a digital version of their residence card using Slovakia’s eDoklady mobile application.

However, travellers should remember that a physical residence card will still be required for border crossings and certain official procedures.

Student Residence Processing Slows Down

Not every change benefits applicants. Standard processing time for student residence permits will increase from 30 days to 90 days, meaning Indian students heading to Slovak universities should submit applications much earlier than before.

Work Permit Applications Get Stricter

Applicants who fail to submit all required documents will have only 15 days to provide missing paperwork.

Previously, immigration authorities could allow anywhere between 15 and 90 days to complete an application. After July 15, missing the deadline will result in the application being refused.

Other Immigration Changes

Additional reforms include:

• Simpler residence permit requirements for certain applicants.
• Easier accommodation proof requirements in selected residence categories.
• Longer validity periods for residence cards issued to EU citizens.

Travelobiz Take

We believe Slovakia’s reforms make the country more attractive for Indian professionals by offering greater flexibility and clearer visa timelines. We would only advise students to apply much earlier because processing will take longer.