Slovakia: Country-Specific Brexit Information

Last Updated on February 23, 2023

UK nationals who have been legally living in Slovakia before December 31, 2020 when the UK withdraws from the EU may continue to live, study, and work in Slovakia through rights established through the Withdrawal Agreement. UK nationals who are residents of Slovakia by the end of the Brexit transition will be covered by the Withdrawal Agreement, and their rights will be protected if they remain a resident. UK nationals should make sure they are registered as residents.

Entry and Residency Requirements

UK nationals who plan to stay in Slovakia longer than three months must register with the local Foreigners Police Department as soon as they can.

All UK nationals must obtain a new non-EU residence card for Third Country nationals. Individuals who register before December 31, 2020 may have a choice to receive an EU Residence Card or a Third Country (non-EU) card. The second card is the optimal choice; individuals who receive an EU Residence Card will have to exchange it for a non-EU card by June 30, 2021.

UK nationals who have already registered for residency and have received a standard EU residence card must exchange it for a non-EU card before June 30, 2021.  UK nationals who have already registered for residency and have a standard EU residence card must exchange it for a non-EU card before June 30, 2021 to retain their residency rights through the Withdrawal Agreement without being fined.

The Slovak Foreigners Police Units has information on scheduling an appointment to receive a new residence card. The local Foreigners Police department has information on where to go to obtain a new residence card.  

UK nationals in Slovakia who were residents before December 31, 2020 can continue demonstrating their residency with an EU Residence Registration, or family member permit for dependents until they receive their new residency cards. New applications for third-country national residence cards must be filed before June 30, 2021. UK nationals already living in the country can file their application for a non-EU Residence Permit by June 30, 2021. Applicants must submit their application and provide biometrics in person. UK nationals who have lived in Slovakia for five years or more will be granted a Long-Term Residence Permit with a 10-year validity.

An application fee for a new Residence Card is € 4.50, or € 24.50 for expedited processing for UK nationals who are updating their residency status in 2021.

Travel is permitted in the Schengen area for up to 90 days in a 180-day period without a visa to visit family or friends; attend business meetings, sports events, or cultural events; for tourism, and for short-term study or training. Travelers should note that visits to other Schengen countries within the previous 180 days also count towards the 90-day maximum stay. Any days spent in Slovakia before January 1, 2021 will not count towards the 90-day limit.

Working in Slovakia

UK nationals who are residents in Slovakia on or before December 31, 2020 will retain their right to work if they remain residents.

UK nationals may need to apply for a UK police certificate to work in Slovakia. Their employer must notify the local labor office within seven days of the UK national starting a new job.

Individuals who live in Slovakia and commute to work in another EU/EFTA country may need a permit proving that they are a frontier worker starting in January 2021. The Home Office will provide further details when guidance is available.

Passports

Travel rules will remain the same between Slovakia and the UK after the end of the Brexit transition. Rules on travel within the EU will stay the same through December 31, 2020. During that time, UK nationals may travel to countries in the EU and Schengen area with their UK passport. UK nationals should ensure that their passport is valid for the duration of their trip.

Starting on January 1, 2021, travel is permitted in the Schengen area for up to 90 days in a 180-day period without a visa to visit family or friends; attend business meetings, sports events, or cultural events; for tourism, and for short-term study or training. Travelers should note that visits to other Schengen countries within the previous 180 days also count towards the 90-day maximum stay. Any days spent in Slovakia before January 1, 2021 will not count towards the 90-day limit.