Obtaining a residence permit in Slovakia on the basis of study is a popular way for foreign students to legally reside and study in the country. The process requires certain steps and submission of the necessary documents.

A temporary residence permit (TRP) for the purpose of studying in Slovakia can be granted to a foreigner who is a pupil or student of a Slovak educational institution by the Foreign Police Department.

Such an educational institution can be:

  • Secondary vocational school or a gymnasium. Applicants must be no older than 20 years old at the time of application, although for some types of schools the age limit can be increased to 23 years.
  • A higher education institution. There is no age limit, the main thing is to enroll in a full-time course.
  • Preparatory courses for Slovak universities, or Slovak language courses aimed at foreigners. It is important that the courses are conducted by the educational institution and not by third-party organizations.

A student residence permit in Slovakia provides grounds for legal residence and study in the country. Its validity period may vary from 1 to 6 years depending on the level of education (bachelor’s, master’s, etc.). Usually, students receive a residence permit for 3 years, with the possibility of extension. Education in higher education institutions in Slovakia is free, including education for foreign students if they study the Slovak language and have a sufficient level of knowledge of it.

This residence permit also allows students not only to study at the chosen university, but also to officially work in Slovakia for up to 20 hours a week. A third-country national who is granted a temporary residence permit for the purpose of study by the police department may run a business during his temporary stay. A very significant advantage of this type of residence permit is that the law of Slovakia provides for the possibility of family reunification for persons staying in Slovakia with a residence permit for the purpose of study.

This allows a spouse and minor children to apply for family reunification. When obtaining a residence permit in Slovakia for the purpose of study, it is necessary to take into account that in the future, when intending to obtain permanent residence, the period of the student residence permit will be counted based on the calculation: 1 year of study is equal to 6 months of stay in the country. A residence permit in Slovakia is an opportunity to receive a quality education in a European university and a diploma that is valid in the territory of the EU countries.

For everyone wishing to move to Slovakia, obtaining a residence permit for study can be a great start for starting a business or hired work.

Having received a residence permit for taking language courses, you can gradually study the economic environment in the country, choose a suitable niche for yourself and start working or entrepreneurial activity with knowledge of the language and understanding of the internal structure of Slovakia.

Our company can help you with choosing a university as well as with preparing the documents required for admission. We also accompany you in the process of submitting documents and enrollment, providing a full cycle of support at all stages.

The main steps are:

  1. Enrolling in an accredited educational institution in Slovakia. This could be a university, college or other educational institution.
  2. Submitting an application for a residence permit at the Slovak consulate in your country or at the Foreign Police in Slovakia.
  3. Processing of the application for a residence permit may take up to 30 days.
  4. Obtaining a residence permit.
  5. Undergoing a medical examination and registering with an insurance company

The cost of services for preparing documents for obtaining a residence permit for the purpose of study includes:

  • preparation of a package of documents required for submission to the police;
  • assistance in obtaining confirmation of admission to courses/university/school;
  • state fee;
  • opening a personal account;
  • accompaniment to the police to submit documents for a residence permit;
  • accompaniment to the police after receiving a residence permit to receive a card or
  • receiving a card by proxy;
  • accompaniment to the clinic to undergo a medical examination;
  • assistance in obtaining medical insurance;
  • obtaining a conclusion from the medical examination and subsequent submission of this conclusion to the police.

Universities in Slovakia

The most popular universities in Slovakia are:

  • Comenius University in Bratislava
  • University of Economics in Bratislava
  • Technical University in Kosice
  • Slovak Technical University in Bratislava

Nostrification of diplomas in Slovakia

Our company offers services for the nostrification of educational documents.

Nostrification of a diploma and educational documents in Slovakia is the process of official recognition of foreign diplomas and qualifications so that they have legal force in Slovakia and can be used to continue education or work.

What documents are subject to nostrification?

  • Diplomas of completion of educational institutions (school, bachelor’s, master’s, postgraduate, etc.)
  • Certificates of qualifications issued by professional or other specialized institutions.
  • Documents certifying professional skills (e.g. certificates).

Nostrification of a diploma is usually required for the following reasons:

  • o continue education in Slovakia (academic purposes).
  • To work in Slovakia in professions that require licensing (professional purposes).
  • To conduct business in Slovakia if a license is required for this (business purposes).

When is nostrification not required?

Nostrification is not required if:

  • Your diploma is already recognized within the European Union (e.g. for EU citizens).
  • Your diploma complies with international agreements concluded by Slovakia.

Stages of nostrification:

1. Submitting an application

First, you need to submit an application for nostrification to the relevant authority — the Ministry of Education or the university that carries out such a procedure. You will need to provide:

  • A copy of your diploma (and its translation into Slovak, if it is not in one of the official EU languages).
  • Diploma supplement (if any) and its translation.
  • Identity document (passport or ID card).

Possibly additional documents (e.g. grade certificates, certificates of study programs, etc.).

2. Translation of documents

All documents submitted for nostrification must be translated into Slovak. The translation must be certified by a notary or carried out by a translator with the appropriate accreditation.

3. Diploma assessment

The authority that carries out the nostrification assesses how the level of education and the program correspond to the standards of Slovak education. If the diploma differs from the Slovak one in content, you may be offered to take additional exams or courses to bring your education into compliance.

4. Decision

After the assessment, you will be given a decision on the recognition of your diploma. If the decision is positive, you will receive an official document that allows you to use your diploma in Slovakia for further education or work. If the decision is negative, you may be asked to take additional steps, such as additional exams or retraining.

After the assessment, you will be given a decision on the recognition of your diploma. If the decision is positive, you will receive an official document that allows you to use your diploma in Slovakia for further education or work. If the decision is negative, you may be asked to take additional steps, such as additional exams or retraining.

Here is an incomplete list of professions regulated in Slovakia: doctor, dentist, pharmacist, nurse, midwife, physiotherapist, dental technician, optometrist, master optician, medical and pharmaceutical laboratory assistant, psychologist, massage therapist, veterinarian, architect, landscape architect, construction engineer, lawyer, translator, foreign language teacher, roofer, floor layer, carpenter, joiner, watchmaker, hairdresser, mechanic, jeweler, mason, forwarder, butcher, specialist in repairing working equipment, cosmetologist and others.

Important notes!

  • The nostrification process can take several months, so it is recommended to submit documents in advance.
  • In some cases, if your diploma differs significantly from local standards, you may need to pass additional exams or confirm your qualifications through professional exams.
  • The nostrification procedure in Slovakia is fairly standard, but it is important to familiarize yourself with the specific requirements and deadlines in advance, as they may depend on the specifics of your educational program and type of diploma.