Legalization in Slovakia: Residence Permits, Grounds, and How to Move from Poland

Slovakia is a country that, just a few years ago, most Ukrainians did not even consider as a possible relocation destination. Today, the situation has changed. More and more people are asking: “Could Slovakia be the right choice?” There are several practical reasons behind this growing interest.

VisaV.pl provides assistance with legalization not only in Poland but also in Slovakia — from the initial consultation to receiving your Slovak residence card.

Planning to Legalize Your Stay in Slovakia? VisaV.pl will provide a consultation and help you prepare all the necessary documents

Submit an application — we will review your situation and recommend the most suitable path to legalization in Slovakia.

Why Are More Ukrainians Choosing Slovakia?

Among our clients who currently live in Poland and are considering moving to Slovakia, several common reasons come up repeatedly.

The first is the current news environment. In recent months, concerns and increasingly alarming rhetoric surrounding the security situation in Poland have intensified. For some people, this is a reason to look for a country with a calmer geopolitical environment, and Slovakia appears to be a more peaceful option in this regard.

The second reason is the legalization process. On July 15, 2026, Slovakia introduced a simplified procedure for transitioning from temporary protection to a standard residence permit. For individuals who already have at least six months of employment, education, or business activity in Slovakia, this provides a direct route to a stable legal status without unnecessary bureaucracy.

The third reason is the cost and quality of life. Rental prices and overall living expenses are lower in Slovakia than in Poland. At the same time, the average salary is approximately €1,500, while the corporate tax rate for small businesses is only 10%. For entrepreneurs, this is a significant advantage.

The fourth reason is the similarity between the languages. Slovak and Ukrainian share common linguistic roots, making the adaptation process considerably easier than in countries such as Germany or the Netherlands.

It is important to understand that moving from Poland to Slovakia does not mean that your Polish legal status automatically expires. However, if you decide to relocate, you must obtain the appropriate Slovak status correctly and on time to avoid finding yourself in a legal gap between the two countries.

Grounds for Obtaining a Residence Permit in Slovakia

Slovakia offers several main grounds for legalization. A complete overview is available in our article about residence permits in Slovakia. Below are the main options:

Residence Permit Based on Employment

This is the most common option for people who already work or plan to find employment in Slovakia. You will need an employment contract with a Slovak employer and confirmation that the position could not be filled by a local candidate. In most cases, this is largely a formality. An employment-based residence permit is usually issued for two years and can subsequently be renewed.

Residence Permit Based on Studies

This option is available to students enrolled at Slovak universities and colleges. Official confirmation of admission is the main supporting document. Slovakia actively welcomes Ukrainian students, and the similarity between the languages, together with simplified admission requirements, makes this option especially popular among young people.

Residence Permit Based on Business Activity (živnosť or s.r.o.)

This option is intended for entrepreneurs. A živnosť is the Slovak equivalent of a Polish JDG. It is relatively straightforward to register and provides grounds for obtaining a residence permit. The corporate tax rate for small businesses is 10%, which is significantly lower than the 19% rate in Poland. For those considering business relocation, Slovakia may be a more attractive alternative.

Residence Permit Based on Family Reunification

If a family member already holds a Slovak residence permit or is a Slovak citizen, this may provide grounds for the remaining family members to obtain legal status. The standard procedure requires documents confirming the family relationship.

Transitioning from Temporary Protection to a Residence Permit in 2026–2027

This is a separate and highly relevant situation for people who are already staying in Slovakia under temporary protection. On July 15, 2026, a simplified procedure came into effect for individuals who have completed at least six months of employment, business activity, or studies in Slovakia. Those who established a business before January 15, 2026, may apply from the first day the new law takes effect.

When transitioning from temporary protection to a residence permit, the document package must be complete and correctly prepared from the first submission. There is no second opportunity to submit the documents later. The earlier you begin preparing, the lower the risks. VisaV.pl can help you collect and verify the entire package before submission.

The Path from a Residence Permit to Permanent Residence and Citizenship

Slovakia is not merely a temporary solution. It offers a complete long-term immigration pathway:

Temporary residence permit — usually issued for two years and renewable
After five years of continuous legal residence — eligibility for permanent residence (trvalý pobyt)
After eight years of legal residence — eligibility to apply for Slovak citizenship and an EU passport
An EU passport — the right to live and work in any European Union country

A Slovak passport grants the right to live and work freely in all 27 EU member states. For those planning ten years ahead, this is a strong argument in favor of the Slovak route compared with Poland, where obtaining citizenship requires at least ten years.

Moving from Poland to Slovakia: How to Organize the Process Correctly

If you currently live in Poland and are considering moving to Slovakia, there are several important points to keep in mind:

You Cannot Hold Polish and Slovak Temporary Protection Statuses at the Same Time

If you currently hold Polish UKR status or a residence card and want to legalize your stay in Slovakia, the process must be completed in the correct order. First, you should determine the legal grounds for your stay in Slovakia, and then correctly terminate or adjust your Polish status. Holding temporary protection status simultaneously in two EU countries is not permitted under the relevant EU directive.

Should You Transfer Your Business or Open a New One?

If you own a Polish JDG or Spółka, you will need to decide whether to close your Polish business or maintain a parallel business structure after moving to Slovakia. This is a separate matter that requires professional advice based on the nature of your activities and your client base.

Documents and the Legal Status of Children

When relocating with children, each child’s legal status must be arranged separately. Under Slovakia’s simplified transition procedure, notarized consent from the other parent is not required for minors, which can be a significant advantage.

Timing: Begin Preparing in Advance

Obtaining a Slovak residence permit usually takes between one and three months after a complete document package has been submitted. Do not wait until the last moment, especially if your Polish status is about to expire.

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Based on VisaV.pl’s experience, the most common mistake people make when moving from Poland to Slovakia is relocating first and then living without a valid status for one or two months while they “figure everything out.” They later discover that the process is taking longer than expected and that they must prepare the documents in a rush. Slovak immigration authorities are quite strict about deadlines. It is better to begin preparing while you are still in Poland and arrive in Slovakia with a complete document package ready for submission.

Documents Required to Apply for a Residence Permit in Slovakia: Basic Package

The required documents vary depending on the grounds for the application. However, the following basic requirements apply in almost every case:

A valid international passport valid for at least the entire requested residence permit period
A completed residence permit application form in the required format
A passport-format photograph
Evidence supporting the grounds for the application, such as an employment contract, confirmation of university admission, or business documents
Proof of accommodation, such as a rental agreement or confirmation from the property owner
Medical insurance with coverage of at least €30,000
Proof of sufficient financial resources, such as a bank statement
A criminal record certificate

Documents issued in Ukraine require an apostille and an official translation into Slovak or Czech. VisaV.pl arranges translations and checks that the document package is complete before submission.

Slovakia or Poland: A Brief Comparison

Both countries are full members of the European Union and the Schengen Area. However, there are significant differences that may influence your decision:

Criterion	Poland	Slovakia
Tax rate for small businesses	19% flat rate	10%
Average salary	Approximately €1,800	Approximately €1,500
Rental costs	Higher	Lower
Time required before applying for citizenship	10 years	8 years
Language difficulty	Moderate	Similar to Ukrainian
Size of the labor market	Larger	Smaller
Number of Ukrainians	Approximately 1 million	Approximately 100,000

Poland offers a larger market and a greater number of opportunities. Slovakia offers a lower cost of living, a language that is easier for Ukrainians to learn, and a lower tax burden for businesses. The better option depends on your personal circumstances, goals, and priorities.

Ready to Begin the Legalization Process in Slovakia? VisaV.pl supports clients from the initial consultation to receiving a Slovak residence card

Submit an application — we will review your situation, identify the most suitable grounds, and prepare the documents required to apply for a Slovak residence permit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, but you must correctly terminate or adjust your Polish status or have separate legal grounds for residing in Slovakia. It is not possible to hold temporary protection status in two different EU countries at the same time. However, residence permits and residence cards of different types may, in certain circumstances, be held simultaneously. Each case should be reviewed individually.

The process usually takes between one and three months after a complete document package has been submitted. Processing times depend on the grounds for the application and the workload of the immigration authority.

For most types of initial residence permits, a language examination is not required. However, knowledge of Slovak is mandatory when applying for permanent residence after five years and when applying for citizenship.

Yes. VisaV.pl helps clients legalize their stay in Slovakia, including those who currently live in Poland and are planning to relocate. We provide remote consultations and prepare the required documents before the move.

It depends on your circumstances. For those who already have a job, an employment-based residence permit may be the most suitable option. Entrepreneurs may apply through a živnosť, while students may apply on the basis of their studies. When transitioning from temporary protection, the general requirement is six months of qualifying activity before submitting the application.

For small businesses, generally yes. A corporate tax rate of 10%, compared with Poland’s 19% flat rate, can significantly reduce the tax burden. However, the Slovak market is smaller, and finding clients may be more challenging.

A simplified procedure for transitioning to a standard residence permit came into effect on July 15, 2026. Temporary protection is gradually being replaced by standard grounds for legal residence, such as employment, studies, or business activity.

Yes. Documents issued in Ukraine require an apostille and an official translation into Slovak or Czech. VisaV.pl arranges translations and checks the complete package before submission.

Technically, several arrangements may be possible. However, this requires a detailed individual consultation that takes tax residency and the laws of both countries into account. VisaV.pl provides advice on relocating businesses between countries.

As early as possible — ideally three to four months before the planned move. This gives you enough time to collect the required documents without rushing and arrive in Slovakia with a complete residence permit application package.