Buying real estate in Slovakia will help you obtain a residence permit

More recently, by historical standards, Slovakia was part of socialist Czechoslovakia. And today this already sovereign country is a full member of the European Union and a progressive European state that shows stable economic growth dynamics. Life there is somewhat reminiscent of Russian or Ukrainian realities, the language is similar to Russian. And Ukrainians and Belarusians generally often understand Slovak without a translator. Mental closeness, commonality of a significant period of history and similarity of cultures allow an immigrant from Russia, Ukraine or Belarus to quickly integrate into Slovak society. But this is not enough to live in Slovakia. You need to obtain a residence permit.

What prospects does immigration to Slovakia offer?

Ubiquitous statistics rank Slovakia among the twenty best countries in the world for investment. This state is a full member of the EU and one of the signatories of the Schengen Agreement. Slovakia is a country with a steadily developing economy, which in recent years has shown one of the highest growth rates among EU countries.

What opportunities will the resident status of this country provide:

• permanently reside in Slovakia and travel freely throughout the Schengen countries without visas;
• open accounts and take out loans in banks in Eurozone countries on a completely legal basis;
• get an education at any of the Slovak universities. An international diploma will be issued there, quoted and recognized in all countries of the world. Prices for vocational training in Slovakia compare favorably with average European ones, and secondary education is free, as is attending kindergartens;
• buy and register residential and commercial real estate, a car;
• obtain US or Canadian visas in a simplified manner;
• conduct business in the Eurozone countries and register business entities and hire employees. The tax system of Slovakia is simple and clear, and doing business is not burdened by numerous bureaucratic slingshots;
• use the services of the Slovak healthcare system, which is considered one of the best in Europe;
• in the future, obtain permanent residence and then citizenship of Slovakia.

That is why many Russians and residents of other CIS countries choose this country to live, considering it very promising for themselves and their children.

The Republic of Slovakia has had a professional army since 2005, so there is no conscription for military service in the country.

Slovakia today is a dynamically developing European country

You have received a residence permit in Slovakia, what next?

Let’s say you have already decided to immigrate to Slovakia - and received a residence permit on your own “by trial and error,” or received a residence permit with our professional help: quickly and easily, without wasting time and nerves. You can stop there, you’ll just have to periodically renew it (residence permit), and you will have all the necessary rights to live legally and earn money in Europe. Or you can take the next step and apply for permanent residence or citizenship - it’s up to you! And we will help you realize your plans, saving you from unnecessary bureaucratic difficulties and wasted time! The choice is yours!

Features of immigration legislation of the Slovak Republic

Since Slovakia is part of the Schengen zone, to visit it, citizens of CIS countries (with the exception of Ukrainians) will need to obtain an appropriate visa. It can be a standard Schengen visa or a national long-term visa category D if the guest plans to stay on Slovak territory for more than three months. Conditions for obtaining a visa can be found on the website of the Embassy of the Slovak Republic in the Russian Federation or the applicant’s country of citizenship. Upon arrival, you must apply for a residence permit.

Slovak immigration legislation provides for the following process of naturalization of foreigners: residence in the status of a residence permit for five years, then you can obtain permanent residence and after another five years of being in this status, begin the process of obtaining Slovak citizenship. Between arrival in Slovakia and registration of a passport as a full-fledged citizen, 10 years pass.

Slovak immigration law allows for second citizenship unless prohibited by the state of first citizenship.

Grounds for obtaining a residence permit

Residence permits are issued by the Slovak immigration authorities:

• family reunification program participants;
• foreign students of Slovak higher educational institutions;
• foreign specialists officially employed in the territory of the republic;
• participants of the business immigration program who register their enterprises in Slovakia;
• representatives of cultural, scientific and sports activities whose work is related to Slovakia;
• persons recognized as refugees;
• volunteers who take part in an international program in Slovakia;
• ethnic Slovaks.

These are the main reasons for applying for Slovak resident status and the most popular among residents of a number of post-Soviet countries.

Bratislava is the capital of sovereign Slovakia

Documents for obtaining a residence permit

For citizens of Russia and Ukraine, who most often go to live abroad, it is important to know without which documents the Migration Service will not consider an application. The following list of documents applies to Russians and Ukrainians:

• a statement written according to the model;
• passport for foreign travel with a valid visa;
• TIN code;
• a letter from the management of a foreign enterprise, if a Russian is employed as an employee;
• an employment agreement drawn up with the employer;
• diploma of obtaining a specialty from a university;
• health insurance in case of illness;
• rental agreement for housing abroad;
• certificate of no criminal record;
• a certificate drawn up by a bank employee confirming the presence of a certain amount of money in the account;
• receipt of payment of the state fee for the provision of the residence permit service in Slovakia;
• payment for creating a residence permit card.

How to obtain a residence permit

In order to obtain a residence permit, you must choose a suitable basis. The validity period of the document is different for each type; there is no single rule for a residence permit that is issued for the first time in the republic.

The application along with the documents is submitted to the local police department or the Ministry of Internal Affairs. You can also request a residence permit through the embassy, ​​but it will take longer and cost more, since the documents will still be processed on the territory of Slovakia.

The state fee for obtaining a residence permit status for the first time directly depends on its duration and the requested type and ranges from 250 to 600 euros.

The processing time for an application for a residence permit is about three months. For this period, you can apply for a long-term visa, and it will become a permit to stay in Slovakia for the period until a decision is made.

An attempt to come to Slovakia on a tourist visa and stay to work illegally is fraught with serious consequences for both the immigrant and his “gray” employer. The first one faces deportation from the country with a ban on entry into its territory, and the second one faces a substantial fine. It should be noted that Slovak citizens are extremely law-abiding, and this sets them apart from some residents of post-Soviet countries. Therefore, quarreling with local authorities is a thankless task. It is better to follow their instructions exactly.

Grounds for registering a residence permit in the RS

The grounds for obtaining a residence permit abroad for a Russian citizen in 2021 are:

1. Permanent residence in connection with business registration. It is necessary to confirm the individual entrepreneur with documents confirming registration in the Trade Register of a foreign state.
2. Employment in a foreign company as a hired employee. It is better if the company sends an invitation. As statistics show, directors of enterprises in the republic are ready to send invitations to Russians only when he is a highly qualified specialist. There is enough labor and unskilled labor in the country.
3. Studying at a university. Education in Slovakia is considered one of the best in Europe. But the cost is far from small, especially for Russians. This option for obtaining a residence permit in a foreign country is used by young people whose parents are truly solvent. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W7AvSR3lOyM
4. Conducting research activities that can influence scientific discoveries of global significance.
5. Reunion with close relatives living abroad.
6. A Russian citizen has a residence permit in another region of the European Union, or a person can present a blue card. This card is issued to qualified professionals in the labor field.

On the Internet, Russians are interested: if an immigrant is going to buy property in Slovakia, in the event of a real purchase, can he apply for a residence permit abroad? No, it is important to consolidate the success of immigration by opening your own company. Then the residence permit becomes real.

Documents for obtaining a residence permit in Slovakia

To obtain a residence permit, all applicants must submit:

• a foreign passport with a validity period of at least one year at the time of entry into the country and a photocopy of its first page with personal data;
• application for a residence permit;
• two color passport size photographs on a white background, without corners;
• confirmation of the availability of housing in Slovakia. This may be a document of ownership of the purchased property, a long-term rental agreement, or permission from the owner, certified by a notary;
• certificate of no criminal record in your home country (for persons over 14 years old). You can get it at the regional office of the Ministry of Internal Affairs;
• evidence of financial solvency: a bank account statement with at least 2,300 euros in it;
• a certificate from the place of employment indicating the amount of salary;
• sponsorship letter and confirmation of the sponsor's solvency;

The application for a residence permit must be filled out in Slovak language

Depending on the type of residence permit, some additional documents will also be required.

Obtaining a residence permit under the family reunification program

To obtain a residence permit in Slovakia, you can marry its citizen. You can obtain permanent residence status after being legally married for at least three years. A marriage certificate will be required as a supporting document.

The family reunification program also includes moving to close relatives who are citizens of Slovakia or permanently legally reside in this country. They are considered:

• minor children;
• children under 25 years of age who are financially dependent on the applicant;
• elderly parents;
• other dependent relatives.

An application for a residence permit for a minor is submitted by both parents. If one of them is missing, you will need to document the reason. This could be death, deprivation of parental rights, imprisonment, etc.

To prove the relationship, you must provide relevant documents.

This program for obtaining the status of a resident of the country is often used by Ukrainian citizens, especially in the western regions of Ukraine, since many of them have relatives in Slovakia.

Family members have the right to move to Slovakia together

Obtaining a residence permit for business immigration

Slovakia has liberal tax laws and has created a very favorable environment for private enterprise. Business schemes are transparent, tax pressure is minimal, and a developed system of lending to small and medium-sized businesses. All this makes the republic very attractive not only for those who want to open fictitious companies and obtain a residence permit. Real entrepreneurs also seek to register a company in Slovakia to optimize the tax burden and implement startups at the European level. They want to run and develop their business without constant stress.

To obtain a residence permit, you must be the director of a company registered in Slovakia or be engaged in individual entrepreneurship. The most popular form is the LLC analogue.

Income tax in Slovakia is 22% for an enterprise, and for private entrepreneurs the rate is 19%. The declaration is submitted to the country's tax authorities only once a year, and taxes are paid in the same way.

Owning a business in Slovakia requires opening an account in a bank in this country. The authorized capital of the registered company must be at least 19 thousand euros. If the applicant intends to register a private enterprise in the country, he will need to deposit 3,800 euros into an account in a Slovak bank in addition to the 2,300 euros available in his personal account. Also, upon registration, you will need to submit a business plan, which should convince Slovak officials of the usefulness and promise of this project for the state and the creation of new jobs. Slovak legislation provides support and a loyal attitude towards successful businesses that generate profits. The law even establishes its norm: a private entrepreneur must show at least 3,800 euros of annual profit, and an analogue of an LLC - at least 11,400 euros. If a registered company shows signs of being fictitious, it will definitely be checked and closed.

Business conditions in Slovakia are transparent and friendly to foreigners

The time required to register your own enterprise in Slovakia is minimal, and this will take no more than two weeks. To obtain a residence permit, the applicant must be listed as the director of an enterprise with the right to make personnel decisions or simply an individual entrepreneur. Along with the newly minted businessman, members of his family also have the right to obtain a residence permit. They will receive Slovakian resident status under the family reunification program. Entrepreneurs receive a residence permit with a validity period of three years and the prospect of its further extension. The residence permit status for entrepreneurs also allows them to study on the territory of the republic.

When registering, additional costs will be required: mandatory payments and state fees. The involvement of law firms can significantly increase its cost. Their services will cost, depending on the type of enterprise being registered, from two to four thousand euros. In any case, the customer’s personal presence will be necessary when signing registration documents, opening an account in a Slovak bank and paying in the authorized capital.

Having your own enterprise and the status of a resident of Slovakia allows you to purchase real estate in the country, which will be a compelling argument for obtaining permanent residence status in the future. You can also immediately after registering an enterprise take out a mortgage loan at 1.5% per annum (which will be exactly one and a half percent, without hidden additional payments and commissions).

Migration, immigration or emigration?

Some people get confused when using these terms. Let's try to bring some clarity.

Migration is the process of relocation. This is the movement of population both within a certain country and outside its borders.

Immigration refers to moving to a country if you look at the process from the point of view of its inhabitants.

And emigration is relocation from a country, for whose citizens the person who leaves will become an emigrant.

The above can be explained using an example: a citizen of Ukraine comes to live in Slovakia. For a native Ukrainian, he becomes an emigrant. For a Canadian, he is a migrant. And for a resident of Slovakia, he is an immigrant.

A residence permit in Slovakia is a plastic card with a photo and personal data of a foreigner

Obtaining residence permit status when applying for a job

The validity period of a working residence permit is two years, then it can be extended. Possession of this type of residence permit also allows for the possibility of studying at universities in Slovakia.

Obtaining a residence permit is only possible with an invitation from a Slovak employer. To do this, the latter must submit an application to the employment office and wait one month. If during this time none of the Slovak citizens or citizens of other EU countries respond to it, then only then the employer has the right to employ a citizen of a third country. Moreover, it is the employer who should deal with the registration of a residence permit for a foreign employee. To do this, it is also necessary to first sign a contract between the employee and the Slovak employer, which must clearly indicate the details of the employer, the position and responsibilities of the hired foreign employee, his salary and the duration of the contract.

Labor in Slovakia is paid according to European standards. Of course, the average salary does not reach the German or French, but in the capital of the country, Bratislava, it amounted to 1,100 euros in 2021. Foreign workers and specialists who have skills that are in acute shortage in Slovakia are especially in demand. There is an opportunity for them to move under the EU Blue Card program. It provides for the employment of specialists with a guaranteed high salary and without the requirement to obtain a work permit.

Video about immigration to Slovakia

Obtaining a residence permit while studying

A foreign student can study in Slovak educational institutions of any level. To obtain a residence permit, he must submit an official invitation from the administration of the educational institution, which confirms the enrollment of this person as a full-time student, and also indicates the faculty, the chosen field of study, the duration of his studies and his payment for the first year. The maximum validity period of a student residence permit is six years; it is issued initially for one year and is subject to extension. The determining factor of time in this case is the duration of the foreigner’s education. The application review period is about a month.

Having a student residence permit gives its holder the right to engage in business or work part-time for no more than twenty hours a week while studying at a university. In this case, the student must attend lectures, and his study schedule should not coincide with his work schedule.

The student type of residence permit is also issued when taking courses to study the Slovak language. They last from one to two years. It is possible to visit them on an individual schedule. The courses are held at schools or other educational institutions with a linguistic focus, which must be accredited. The price of the courses depends on the city where they take place. They are most expensive in Bratislava. When taking language courses, the holder of a student residence permit is given the opportunity to engage in business, become a director of an analogue of an LLC, or work part-time for no more than ten hours a week.

According to statistics, in 2015, Slovakia received the largest number of immigrants (about 45% of the total) from Ukraine, with immigrants from Russia in second place (22%).

Obtaining a residence permit for refugees

A residence permit in Slovakia can be obtained by people falling under the international refugee protection program. A person is recognized as such if he or his family members were persecuted in their homeland on religious grounds, political beliefs, professional activity, nationality or race. To do this, it is necessary to convincingly prove the facts of oppression and persecution. This is very difficult to do, since they will all require documentary evidence. The validity period of a residence permit status for refugees is up to five years, upon initial issuance - one year.

Video about a Russian’s trip to Slovakia

What are the advantages of buying Slovak real estate?

The purchase of real estate on the territory of the Slovak Republic will not be a compelling argument for automatically granting a foreigner, including a Russian or Ukrainian, a residence permit, as is the case in some EU countries. Such purchases are usually carried out by the owners of Slovak companies who have issued a residence permit. Owning real estate will provide an opportunity to obtain a multiple-entry Schengen visa, which will allow him to live in EU countries for three months within six months and will become an additional compelling argument when obtaining permanent residence status.

Obtaining a residence permit by pensioners is not separately regulated by Slovak immigration legislation. Therefore, persons of retirement age have the right to expect to receive Slovak resident status only on a general basis.

Extension of residence permit

The extension takes place at the Slovak Immigration Service, whose branches are located in police stations. The application review period is up to one month.

The package of documents when applying for a residence permit extension is almost identical to that submitted for obtaining the status, the only exception will be a health insurance policy, the validity of which must be at least two years. For renewal you will need to pay a state fee, the amount of which is 2 times less than for the initial registration.

The residence permit is issued and renewed at the local police station

Requirements for applicants for a residence permit in Slovenia

To obtain resident status, the following requirements must be met:

Refusal to issue residence permit and permanent residence permit - possible reasons

Refusal of a residence permit or permanent residence by the Slovak immigration authorities is quite rare. There may be several reasons:

• problems with law. Having an outstanding criminal record in your home country, especially for serious, especially serious and property crimes, will definitely lead to a negative decision on granting resident status. As well as offenses on the territory of the Republic of Slovakia. These may be criminal offenses, serious administrative offenses or violations of the country's immigration laws;
• incomplete basic package of documents or lack of additional ones. For example, an official invitation from a university or a work contract registered with the Ministry of Labor and Employment of Slovakia;
• insufficient wealth of the immigrant and lack of permanent sources of livelihood.

If the reason why the Slovak authorities refused to issue a residence permit or permanent residence status can be eliminated, then you should do this and submit the documents again as soon as possible. The country’s legislation does not provide for appealing in court a negative decision on the issuance of a residence permit or permanent residence permit.

Permanent residence (permanent residence) in Slovakia, registration and receipt

This type of permanent residence in Slovakia is the most common form of permanent immigration, as it applies to all third-country nationals who are not the spouse of a Slovak citizen, and the basis for applying for this form of permanent residence is the presence of a residence permit in Slovakia as minimum 5 years. Most often, applications are submitted by foreigners who have a residence permit in Slovakia on the basis of entrepreneurial activity or family reunification. Five years are counted not from the moment of the decision to issue the first Slovak residence permit, nor from the moment of its receipt, but from the moment of crossing the Slovak border after the decision to issue the first residence permit in Slovakia.

The five-year period of a residence permit, after the expiration of which it is allowed to apply for permanent residence in Slovakia, includes no more than six consecutive months, as well as no more than any ten months during which a citizen of a third country was outside the Slovak Republic after the notification migration police about his absence in Slovakia.

The European Directive establishes that, unlike other purposes of a residence permit in Slovakia, a residence permit for the purpose of study is considered at half the amount.

As for blue card holders, they are required to live in the EU for 5 years, of which it is sufficient to have a Slovak blue card only for the last two years. The five-year period of a residence permit on the basis of an EU blue card includes no more than twelve consecutive months, as well as no more than any eighteen months during which a citizen of a third country was outside the Slovak Republic.

An application for this type of permanent residence in Slovakia is allowed to be submitted only to the police, which may not accept the application only if the application itself and a foreign passport are missing. Therefore, all other documents are allowed to be submitted later. The period for making a decision is 90 days.

Permanent residence is a very reliable method of immigration, since it is not so easy to deprive a foreigner of permanent residence. The police are obliged to revoke a long-term residence permit in Slovakia from a citizen of a third country who, first of all:

• has been outside Slovakia continuously for more than six years,
• received permanent residence on the basis of a five-year Slovak residence permit and has been outside the EU continuously for more than twelve months,
• received permanent residence in Slovakia on the basis of five years of validity of the blue card and has been outside the EU continuously for more than twelve months.

An interesting fact is that after deprivation of a long-term residence permit on these three grounds, a citizen of a third country has the right not to start the immigration process in Slovakia again by submitting an application for a residence permit, but to re-apply for a long-term residence permit in Slovakia. Moreover, the police have the right to refuse only for the same reasons as in the case of filing an application for the first long-term residence permit, therefore, the police do not look at the fact that the applicant was deprived of permanent residence in Slovakia.

A possible refusal of permanent residence is not a reason for deprivation of a valid residence permit at that time.