Slovakia will introduce sweeping immigration reforms from July 15, 2026, extending the validity of national visas, giving foreign workers more time to find new jobs after losing employment, centralising visa processing and imposing stricter documentation requirements for work permit applicants.
The changes, announced by Slovak authorities, are aimed at streamlining immigration procedures while strengthening oversight of residence and work permit applications.
The reforms will affect foreign nationals relocating to Slovakia for employment, study and business.
One of the key changes is the extension of the validity of Slovakia’s national visa from 90 days to 120 days for applicants entering the country to complete residence permit formalities.
The additional 30 days are expected to provide employers and foreign workers with greater flexibility to complete relocation, onboarding and administrative processes without the pressure of the previous three-month deadline.
The reforms also provide greater protection for foreign workers who lose their jobs while legally residing in Slovakia.
Under the new rules:
- Residence permit holders who have lived in Slovakia for less than two years will have three months to secure new employment.
- Those who have held residence permits for more than two years will be allowed up to six months before their residence status is affected.
The measure is intended to give skilled workers more time to remain in the country and re-enter the labour market.
Slovakia is also replacing consulate-led visa processing with a newly established Central Visa Authority, which will operate in coordination with the Ministry of Interior.
The new body will be responsible for all visa decisions, a move authorities say will standardise application processing and reduce inconsistencies across Slovak diplomatic missions.
Officials expect visa applications to be processed within 40 days under the new system.
The reforms introduce stricter requirements for entrepreneurs seeking business residence permits.
Authorities will place greater emphasis on verifying that businesses are genuinely operating and contributing to the economy. Permit holders will also be required to remain compliant with tax, health insurance and other statutory obligations throughout their stay.
Work permit applicants will also face tighter deadlines for submitting outstanding documentation.
Under the revised rules, applicants will have a maximum of 15 days to provide any missing documents, replacing the previous system that allowed immigration authorities to grant between 15 and 90 days. Applications will be rejected if the deadline is missed.
