The Slovak government has introduced changes to the Business Residence Permit, which affect business owners, freelancers, and entrepreneurs.
The new rules, which will become effective as of July 1, 2025, include a quota and processing-related changes, with the exact numbers expected to be announced by the government soon, Schengen.News reports.
However, the new measures will not only be more demanding, but there will be some facilitations regarding requirements for presenting physical documents.
Here Is What Entrepreneurs in Slovakia Can Expect
Business residence permits that are designated for entrepreneurs, business owners, and freelancers in Slovakia can be obtained if certain procedures are followed.
For example, initial applications have to be submitted through Slovak consular posts instead of the immigration agency. This is expected to make processing times longer.
As per the quota mentioned above, the government has yet to confirm exact numbers. But, physical photographs and financial coverage proof are scrapped, meaning that applicants are no longer required to present those.
These changes reflect the authorities’ preference for standard employment permits, as some companies misuse business permits to avoid tax and social contributions.
Slovakia Seeks to Increase Validity of National Visas
As part of Slovakia’s efforts to improve its chances of attracting more foreigners, the authorities are seeking to extend the validity of national visas that are issued to nationals from third countries.
Sea Specifically, and Proposal of the Interior Minister of Slovakia, Matúš Šutaj Eštok, Requires the validity of Slovakia’s national visas to be increased from 90 to 120 dayswhich is 30 days more than the current validity.
The validity period of a national visa currently granted to third-country nationals for 90 days is to be extended to 120 days. The aim is to provide more time to secure an appointment in the reservation system, the use of which will be newly mandatory by law.
These changes have already been approved by the Cabinet, but the proposal awaits Parliament’s approval, which, if given, will require the implementation of these measures by July 1, 2025.
The rules that are expected to become effective this summer will improve the lives of many, especially foreign workers. Currently, Slovakia is looking into increasing the number of national visas granted to Chinese nationalsplanning to issue 1,000 of those every year.
Foreign nationals who want to move to Slovakia for long-term purposes, including employment, have to obtain a national visa and then apply for a residence permit after entering the country.