Amendment to the Act on the Residence of Foreigners brings changes to the Foreign Police

The long-criticized system of the Foreign Police, overwhelmed by an enormous influx of applicants, is set to undergo significant changes from July 1, 2025. The Ministry of the Interior promises increased capacity, simpler processes, shorter waiting times, and less burden for both offices and foreigners. It is expected that the new measures will relieve the overloaded offices, especially in Bratislava, which faces the highest number of residence applicants and the greatest challenges with staffing and appointments.

What is changing from July 2025?

• Possibility to submit a residence application at any department – A major change is the expansion of situations in which it will be possible to handle immigration processes at a different foreign police department than the one corresponding to the foreigner’s address. This specifically applies to granting permanent residence to third-country nationals, registration of residence, or permanent residence of EU citizens or their family members.
• Abolition of the obligation to attach a photograph – The requirement to provide a photograph with the application is being dropped; foreigners will be photographed directly at the foreign police office.
• Fewer documents proving financial security of stay – It will no longer be necessary to provide a bank statement for the last three months; it will be sufficient to submit only the current account balance.
• Longer validity of national visas – The validity of visas granted for the purpose of submitting an application for temporary residence in Slovakia will be extended from 90 to 120 days. This change was introduced in connection with complications in booking appointments at the foreign police and thus increases the chance of obtaining an appointment, as the need to reserve an appointment remains in place.
• Stricter rules for business purposes – Changes also apply to the process of granting temporary residence for business purposes. Foreigners will only be able to submit applications at Slovak diplomatic missions abroad, and a business plan must be attached to each application.

We believe that the planned changes will make the process of obtaining residence in Slovakia more efficient for foreigners. Take advantage of our immigration services and legal advice from experts who monitor legislation to help you obtain the necessary permits.