Changes in 2025

Application only through consulates

  • Starting July 1st, applications for a residence permit for the purpose of entrepreneurship can only be submitted at Slovak diplomatic missions abroad.
  • Submission through the immigration police within Slovakia is prohibited.

Quotas — only 700 applications for 2025

  • The government has set an annual limit: only 700 applications worldwide.
  • Quotas are allocated among consulates.

Mandatory business plan and economic justification

  • A business plan is required, following the standard template of the Ministry of Economy, including financial calculations and market analysis in Slovak.
  •  The application is also assessed in terms of “benefit to the economy.”

Simplification of financial requirements

  • Bank statements for the past 3 months are no longer needed; a certificate showing the current balance on two separate accounts (one for living expenses, one for business) is sufficient.

Visa validity extended to 120 days

  •  The national visa (type D) required for the application is now valid for up to 120 days instead of 90.

Residence permit granted for 3 years

  • The standard validity period for a temporary residence permit for business is now 3 years.

Switching from other types of residence permits

  •  Changing the purpose of residence (for example, from study or employment to entrepreneurship) is only possible after at least 24 months with the initial residence permit.

Color photos abolished

  • Photos are no longer required — biometric data is collected directly during the application process.

Recommendations

  1. Plan your application in advance — find the nearest consulate appointment slots and check the quota for your country.
  2. Prepare a high-quality business plan — with financial calculations, market analysis, and translation into Slovak.
  3. Ensure your finances — maintain two accounts with confirmed balances.
  4.  Keep in mind the option to change your purpose — you must stay in Slovakia for at least 2 years with another type of residence permit before switching to business.