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Mestský úrad

City Hall (municipal government)

What does “Mestský úrad” mean in Slovakia?

Mestský úrad (shortly MsÚ) is the executive body of a town, meaning the town hall, which handles local matters for residents. In villages, the same role is performed by the obecný úrad (OcÚ).

What is handled here

  • Fee for municipal waste (poplatok za odpad) and local taxes.
  • Matrika — registration of births, marriages, issuing certificates.
  • Ohlasovňa pobytu — registration of place of residence, address certificates.
  • Local permits, social and community welfare issues.

It is important not to confuse the town hall with other institutions: matters of residence permits (pobyt) are handled by the cudzinecká polícia (foreign police), and employment and unemployment registration is handled by the úrad práce (labor office). Each institution has its own area of responsibility.

The town hall has office hours (stránkové hodiny), so check the schedule in advance — often it is only a few days a week. Many certificates can today be ordered electronically through the slovensko.sk portal with an activated eID, without waiting in line. For urgent matters, it is still better to come in person during office hours with your passport.

Important. Do not confuse the mestský úrad (municipal office) with the cudzinecká polícia (foreign police) and the úrad práce (labor office): for your residence permit, go to the foreign police; for work, go to the labor office; and for local matters like the garbage fee or address certificates, go to the municipal office.

Examples of use

SK
I am going to the municipal office to arrange a confirmation of residence.
I am going to the city hall to get a certificate of residence.
SK
The Municipal Office has opening hours during the week.
The city hall has opening hours during the week.
SK
You will pay the waste fee at the municipal office.
You will pay the waste collection fee at the city hall.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a mestský úrad and an obecný úrad?
This is the same, only by the size of the settlement: in cities — mestský úrad (city office), in villages — obecný úrad (village office). The functions are similar.
Do I need to register for a permit at the municipality?
No. The residence permit (pobyt) for foreigners is handled by the cudzinecká polícia (foreign police). The city hall (Mestský úrad) manages local matters: waste collection fees, address registration, certificates.
How to find opening hours?
Check your city's website — it has the opening hours for specific departments. Often, they only accept visitors on certain days, so plan your visit in advance.

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