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Medical Examination for Foreigners in Slovakia

Medical Examination for Foreigners in Slovakia
Editor-in-Chief
190430/11/2025
In short

A medical examination for foreigners in Slovakia is required for most people getting a residence permit. It must confirm that you do not have infectious diseases. You need to have the examination at accredited medical facilities within 30 days after receiving your residence permit card. Then, you must submit the certificate to the migration police. The cost of the examination is about 150 euros for adults. The results are usually ready in 5–7 working days.

A medical examination for the immigration police in Slovakia is a required process for most foreigners who are getting a residence permit. Its purpose is to confirm that the person does not have infectious diseases that could be a threat to public health. This certificate is issued only by certified medical facilities and must be submitted to the police within 30 days of receiving the residence permit card. Therefore, it is important to plan your examination time correctly.

Who Must Undergo a Medical Examination

A medical examination is mandatory for citizens of countries that are not part of the European Union, who:
  • received a temporary residence permit in Slovakia for the first time;
  • are applying for a residence permit based on official employment;
  • are opening or registering a business;
  • have enrolled in a Slovak educational institution;
  • are applying for family reunification;
  • are applying for permanent residence or a Blue Card.
Slovak law considers this examination as part of the biosecurity system, so the checks are standard and the same for all regions.

Who Does Not Need the Examination

A foreigner does not submit this document if they:
  • have a temporary residence permit for the purpose of performing official duties by civilian components of armed forces;
  • have a temporary residence permit as a person with granted status of a Slovak living abroad (Slovák žijúci v zahraničí);
  • already have long-term residence in another EU country;
  • are applying to change the type or purpose of residence.
In each specific situation, it is advisable to clarify the requirements in advance with the immigration police department.

Where to Get the Medical Examination

The examination is allowed only in accredited medical facilities that have the official right to issue a conclusion for the immigration police.  Such medical centers operate in most large cities in Slovakia — Bratislava, Košice, Prešov, Nitra, Žilina, Trenčín, and others. Practice shows that queues are significantly longer in the capital and large regional cities, so booking in advance helps save time. You can undergo the examination in any region, regardless of your registration or residence location. The medical conclusion can only be issued by designated medical facilities; the list is available on the official IOM website.

How to Prepare for the Medical Examination

Proper preparation directly affects how quickly you receive the results. It is advisable to book an appointment at least a few days in advance. Some clinics accept patients without an appointment, but in this case, you should be prepared for a long wait. You must bring with you:
  • a valid foreign passport;
  • biological samples: urine and stool in sterile containers.
Tip: When booking a medical examination, it is recommended to clarify in advance with the chosen clinic the list of necessary documents and tests to bring with you The day before the examination, it is recommended to:
  • not consume alcohol;
  • avoid fatty and heavy foods;
  • have your last meal no later than 8:00 PM;
  • drink plain water in the morning to make blood collection easier.

How the Procedure Itself Works

On the day of the examination, the foreigner undergoes a comprehensive medical check, which is designed specifically for migration authorities. The procedure usually includes:
  • an initial doctor's examination;
  • a blood test to check for infectious diseases;
  • laboratory tests for HIV, hepatitis, syphilis, and other infections;
  • a chest X-ray (to check for tuberculosis);
  • urine and stool analysis
On the day of the medical examination at the clinic, they will take your blood for laboratory tests, accept and check the urine and stool samples you brought, take a chest X-ray, and conduct a brief consultation with the doctor, during which you will be asked standard questions about your health and possible illnesses. After that, the clinic will send the samples to the laboratory to prepare the official medical conclusion. Most centers are organized so that all procedures can be completed in one visit within 40–60 minutes.

Cost and Processing Time

The cost of a medical examination in Slovakia depends on the city and the medical facility, but the general statistics for the country are as follows:
  • adults — approximately €150
  • students — from €140
Payment is made directly at the clinic, usually in cash or by card. Confirmation that the foreigner does not suffer from diseases that threaten public health can usually be obtained no earlier than 5–7 business days after the medical examination. Some clinics may send the results directly to the immigration police themselves, but it is best to clarify this at the reception when booking or on the day of the examination. The certificate can also be picked up in person or sent by mail to the address provided during booking.

Important Practical Details

Certificate Validity Period

The medical examination in Slovakia is done not before, but after the approval and receipt of the residence permit card. As soon as you pick up your plastic card, you have 30 days to undergo the examination at an accredited clinic, obtain the certificate (it is valid for another 30 days from the date of issue), and submit it to the same place — the cudzinecká polícia (foreign police). The ideal schedule: pick up the card → immediately book an appointment for the examination → receive the results → submit the certificate. If you cannot meet the deadline, you can officially request an extension of another 60 days.

In Case of Disease Detection

If an infectious disease that is on the list of socially dangerous diseases is detected during the examination, the certificate will not be issued. The payment for the examination will not be refunded. Further treatment will be organized at the foreigner's own expense. This is standard practice within migration medicine in all EU countries. The medical examination for the police in Slovakia is a clearly structured procedure that should not be postponed. The best strategy is to book an examination immediately after receiving your card, prepare properly for the tests, and adhere to all deadlines for submitting documents. This approach will help you avoid delays, fines, and problems with the migration authorities.

Sources

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Frequently asked questions

Which foreigners are required to undergo a medical examination in Slovakia?+
Medical examination is mandatory for citizens from non-EU countries who are obtaining a temporary residence permit, applying for a residence permit for employment, starting a business, enrolling in studies, applying for family reunification, permanent residence, or a Blue Card.
Where can I get a medical examination for the immigration police?+
The examination can only be done at accredited medical facilities in large Slovak cities, such as Bratislava, Košice, Prešov, Nitra, Žilina, Trenčín. A list of clinics is available on the official IOM website.
What documents and materials do I need to bring for the medical examination?+
You need to have a valid foreign passport and biological samples – urine and stool in sterile containers. It is recommended to check the list of required documents and tests at the clinic when making an appointment.
How to prepare for a medical examination?+
Do not consume alcohol the day before, avoid fatty foods, have your last meal no later than 8:00 PM, and drink plain water in the morning. It is advisable to book an appointment a few days in advance to avoid queues.
What should I do if I cannot complete the examination and submit the certificate on time?+
You can officially request an extension of the deadline for another 60 days to avoid fines and problems with the migration authorities.

Updated 29 July 2026

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