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Pobyt

Stay, residence permit

What does “Pobyt” mean in Slovakia?

Pobyt (residence) is the legal status of a foreigner that allows them to stay legally in Slovakia. Your rights depend on the type of pobyt: whether you can work, use insurance, and social services.

Main types of pobyt

Prechodný pobyt (temporary residence) — temporary stay for a specific purpose (work, business, study, family reunification).
Trvalý pobyt (permanent residence) — permanent stay, gives more rights and is usually issued after several years of legal residence.
Tolerovaný pobyt (tolerated residence) — tolerated stay in special situations.

Ukrainians who have received temporary protection have a separate status — dočasné útočisko (temporary refuge), and this is not the same as a regular pobyt.

Important. You need to extend your permit in advance — usually, before the expiry date. If you are late, you can lose your status and the rights connected to it.

Examples of use

Where did you arrange your stay?

Where did you register your stay?

I need to extend my stay.

I need to extend my residence permit.

Temporary stay for employment purposes.

Articles on this topic

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Frequently asked questions

What types of stay exist?

Temporary, permanent, and tolerated. Ukrainians under temporary protection have a separate status — dočasné útočisko (temporary refuge).

Where do you register your residence?

At the Cudzinecká polícia (foreign police) office in your place of residence. Usually, you need to make an appointment beforehand.

What documents are needed?

As a rule: a valid passport, proof of the purpose of stay, accommodation, and financial means, as well as health insurance. The exact list depends on the type of visa.