For many Ukrainians who have settled in Slovakia, getting a stable legal status is a key step. This allows them to make long-term plans, use social guarantees, work legally, or start their own business. In this article, we will explain in detail how to obtain permanent residence (trvalý pobyt), who is eligible, what documents need to be prepared, and how to later apply for Slovak citizenship (štátne občianstvo).
Our goal is to make the process as clear as possible and help you safely navigate all the legal steps on your way to integrating into Slovak society.
What types of permanent residence exist?
Slovak law provides for three main forms of permanent or long-term residence:- Permanent residence for 5 years (Trvalý pobyt na päť rokov)
- Permanent residence for an unlimited time (Trvalý pobyt na neobmedzený čas)
- Long-term stay – EU resident status (Dlhodobý pobyt)
⭐️ If you need a detailed consultation or support when applying for permanent residence or citizenship - write to us on Telegram - we will recommend a reliable specialist who can help you.
Permanent residence for 5 years (Trvalý pobyt na päť rokov)
This is the basic type of permanent residence that individuals can obtain under the following conditions:- You are the husband or wife of a Slovak citizen
- You are a child or dependent of a person with permanent residence
- You are a descendant of a Slovak citizen or a person who had such citizenship
- You are staying in Slovakia for humanitarian reasons or in the interest of the state
- Completed application (žiadost o udelenie trvalého pobytu)
- Foreign passport
- Photograph 3×3.5 cm
- Criminal record certificate from Ukraine and from other countries where you have lived
- Proof of income — you must have an amount equal to 12 times the subsistence minimum in your account. This amounts to €3,287.88 (12 × €273.99)
- Proof of secured housing (registration or proof of ownership)
- Medical certificate (not older than 30 days)
Permanent residence for an unlimited time (Trvalý pobyt na neobmedzený čas)
This is the next step after permanent residence for 5 years. If you have lived based on the Trvalý pobyt na päť rokov permit for at least 4 years, you are eligible to apply for an indefinite residence permit. This status is convenient for those who have already integrated into Slovakia and want to live here permanently, without the need to renew documents every few years. Example: If you are the husband or wife of a Slovak citizen and received permanent residence for 5 years on this basis, you can apply for indefinite permanent residence after 4 years. Or if you are the child of a person with permanent residence and received your permit as a child, you also have this right after 4 years. This status allows you to:- reside permanently without needing to renew documents
- work without a separate permit
- have the same rights as Slovak citizens (except for the right to vote)
Long-term stay (Dlhodobý pobyt)
This is a special EU resident status that allows a foreigner to live and work permanently in Slovakia after at least 5 years of legal stay based on a temporary permit (e.g., for employment). Who it is suitable for:- Those who have been living in Slovakia with a temporary residence permit for work (zamestnanie) or for entrepreneurship (podnikanie) for 5 continuous years
- Students
- Seasonal workers
- Holders of temporary protection (odídenec)
- Diplomats and employees of international organizations
- Right of permanent residence
- Ability to work in other EU countries (under certain conditions)
- Access to almost all rights as citizens (without the right to vote)
Dlhodobý pobyt ≠ Trvalý pobyt na neobmedzený čas
- Dlhodobý pobyt is granted after 5 years of temporary residence (e.g., for employees)
- Trvalý pobyt is granted after 5 years of permanent residence only for relatives of citizens or for humanitarian cases
How to switch from temporary residence (prechodný pobyt) to permanent residence?
If you have a temporary residence permit (e.g., for work or entrepreneurship) and have been continuously residing in Slovakia for more than 5 years, you can apply for long-term stay (Dlhodobý pobyt) — this is EU resident status. Important: this option is not "Trvalý pobyt na päť rokov" — only relatives of Slovak citizens or in cases of a humanitarian nature can apply for it. Remember: you must submit documents for the new status no later than 60 days before your current permit expires to remain in the country legally while your application is being processed.Case: A student starting to work in Slovakia
Many Ukrainians come to Slovakia as students. After completing their studies, you can switch to a temporary residence permit for work.- During studies, you have a temporary residence permit for study purposes (prechodný pobyt na účel štúdia).
- If you find a job in a Slovak company, you will receive a new temporary residence permit (prechodný pobyt na účel zamestnania).
- After 5 years of such temporary residence → you are eligible for long-term stay (dlhodobý pobyt).
- After 8 years of residence — you can apply for citizenship through naturalization.
⭐️ If you need a detailed consultation or support when applying for permanent residence or citizenship - write to us on Telegram - we will recommend a reliable specialist who can help you.
Slovak Citizenship (Štátne občianstvo Slovenskej republiky)
Getting citizenship is the final step to fully integrate into Slovak society. It gives you all rights, including the right to vote, the right to diplomatic protection, and easier access to some government jobs. In this section, we will explain who can become a citizen of Slovakia, how, and what documents you need to collect.Who Can Get Citizenship?
The Slovak law (Zákon o štátnom občianstve SR č. 40/1993 Z. z.) offers several ways to get citizenship. For Ukrainians living in Slovakia, the two most common ways are:- Through naturalization (naturalizácia) — after living legally for a long time.
- Through a simplified procedure (e.g., rodinné väzby) — for people with family ties or ancestors who were Slovak citizens.
Conditions for Naturalization
To get citizenship through the standard procedure, you need to:- Live legally in Slovakia for at least 8 years without interruption before the day you apply (with long-term or permanent residence).
- Have a continuous legal status in the country, without serious violations.
- Know the Slovak language (speak and write it).
- Not have been convicted of a crime.
- Show that you are integrated: participate in community life, know the culture and basic history of the country.
- Provide proof of giving up or losing your previous citizenship (for example, Ukrainian citizenship), because Slovakia does not allow dual citizenship in most cases.
What Documents Are Needed:
- Completed application form (Žiadosť o udelenie štátneho občianstva)
- Passport and residence permit (copy and original)
- Birth certificate (translated by a sworn translator)
- Proof of permanent residence (from the Foreigners' Police - cudzinecká polícia)
- Criminal record certificate (from Ukraine and Slovakia)
- Proof of Slovak language knowledge (interview when applying)
- Documents proving integration (work, studies, participation in communities)
- Certificate of loss of previous citizenship (or a promise to submit it after approval)
How Long Does It Take to Process the Application?
- The standard time is 24 months.
- In complex cases or if additional checks are needed, it may take longer.
- If you are a relative of a Slovak citizen, the process might be faster (up to 12 months).
Losing Ukrainian Citizenship
As of 2025, Ukraine does not allow voluntary dual citizenship. Therefore, to get Slovak citizenship, you must give up your Ukrainian citizenship. The process of renunciation is done through the Embassy of Ukraine in Bratislava.⭐️ If you need **detailed advice or help** with applying for permanent residence or citizenship – **write to us on Telegram** here – we will **recommend a reliable specialist** who can help you.Slovak citizenship is the result of living stably and responsibly in the country. If you work, integrate, and pay taxes, you have already taken the first steps on this path. Prepare your documents in advance, follow the requirements, and use the support of official resources.
