Back to article list

What changes will Brexit induce in the residency rights of UK nationals in Slovakia

Withdrawal of the United Kingdom (UK) from the European Union on 31 January 2020 (Brexit) induces new obligations for UK nationals living in Slovakia. Brexit also amends residency rights of the UK nationals arriving to Slovakia within the transition period, i. e. until 31 December 2020, as well as after 1 January 2020 when the transition period terminates.

banner-tax-and-legal_500x100

Registered right of residence in Slovakia before Brexit

UK nationals who registered their right of residence in Slovakia at least 5 years before Brexit, i. e. before 31 January 2015, will obtain the long-term residence in Slovakia.

UK nationals who registered their right of residence in Slovakia after 31 January 2015 and before 31 January 2020, will obtain the permanent residence for 5 years in Slovakia.

UK nationals with registered right of residence in Slovakia can apply for the residency permit change and for issuance of the new residency card in person at respective Foreign Police department within the end of the transition period, i. e. until 31 December 2020.

Provided that the UK nationals will not apply for the residency permit change and issuance of the residency card within this date, as at 1 January 2021 their residency permit will be changed to long-term residence or to permanent residence for 5 years, according to their date of registration in Slovakia before Brexit. However, they will still need to apply for the new residency card at the respective Foreign Police department in person within 30 June 2021.

Commencement of residence in Slovakia during the transition period

Within the end of the transition period, UK nationals will keep the same residency rights in Slovakia as the EU nationals. Provided that the UK nationals arrive to Slovakia between 31 January 2020 and 31 December 2020 for longer than 3 months, they can choose from the following residency options:

  1. Registration of the right of residence in Slovakia, or
  2. Application for the permanent residency permit for 5 years.

For UK nationals who arrive to Slovakia within the transition period with intentions to stay here also after the transition period terminates, it is recommended to apply directly for the permanent residence for 5 years and for respective residency card.

Expected commencement of residence in Slovakia after termination of the transition period

After 1 January 2021 UK nationals will be considered third country nationals in relation to EU member states. In case they will be interested in residency in Slovakia, they will need to apply for the temporary residency for the respective purpose, e. g. business, employment or study, or for other type of authorised residency type in Slovakia.

According to the Agreement on the withdrawal of the UK from EU, it is not expected to apply the visa requirements for UK nationals travelling to the EU member states after the end of the transition period.

banner-odber-noviniek_500x100_01_EN

Do you have a question? Write us.

Our experts will answer your questions

Ask us
Share the article

Recommended