Slovakia: What Documents Do Family Members Need for a Residence Permit?

Slovakia: Documents for Family Members’ Residence Permit #

Family members of foreign nationals who have been granted a residence permit in Slovakia can also apply for a residence permit. The specific documents required depend on the type of residence permit the primary applicant holds and the family member’s relationship to them.

General Requirements for Family Members #

Regardless of the specific type of residence permit, all family members applying for a residence permit in Slovakia will generally need to provide the following documents:

• Application Form: A completed application form for a residence permit. You can usually download this from the website of the Slovak Immigration Police (Cudzinecká Polícia).
• Valid Passport: The passport must be valid for at least three months longer than the intended stay in Slovakia.
• Passport Photos: Two recent passport-sized photographs.
• Proof of Family Relationship: This is a crucial document and varies depending on the relationship:
• Spouse: Marriage certificate (officially translated into Slovak if not in Slovak, Czech, or English).
• Child: Birth certificate (officially translated if not in Slovak, Czech, or English).
• Other Dependents: Documents proving the dependency and family relationship.
• Proof of Accommodation: Documents proving that the family member has accommodation in Slovakia. This can be:
• A rental agreement.
• Proof of ownership of property.
• A letter from the primary applicant confirming that the family member will be living with them, along with proof of the primary applicant’s accommodation.
• Proof of Financial Resources: Documents demonstrating that the family member has sufficient financial resources to cover their stay in Slovakia. This can be:
• Bank statements.
• Proof of income.
• A written undertaking by the primary applicant to financially support the family member, along with proof of the primary applicant’s financial resources. The amount required is generally in line with the minimum subsistence level in Slovakia.
• Criminal Record Extract: An extract from the criminal record of the applicant’s country of origin (and any country where they have resided for more than six months in the past). This must be officially translated into Slovak if not in Slovak, Czech, or English and must not be older than 90 days.
• Health Insurance: Proof of health insurance valid in Slovakia. This can be:
• Public health insurance (if eligible).
• Private health insurance.
• Administrative Fee: Payment of the required administrative fee.

Specific Considerations and Types of Residence Permits #

The specific requirements can vary based on the type of residence permit the primary applicant holds:

• Temporary Residence Permit: If the primary applicant holds a temporary residence permit (e.g., for employment, study, or business), the family member can apply for a temporary residence permit for the purpose of family reunification.
• Permanent Residence Permit: If the primary applicant holds a permanent residence permit, the family member can apply for a permanent residence permit after a certain period of legal stay in Slovakia (usually 5 years).
• Blue Card Holders: Family members of EU Blue Card holders are entitled to facilitated family reunification procedures.

Important Notes #

• Official Translations: Any documents not in Slovak, Czech, or English must be officially translated into Slovak by a certified translator.
• Legalization/Apostille: Depending on the country of origin of the documents, they may need to be legalized or apostilled. Check the specific requirements with the Slovak embassy or consulate in the country where the document was issued.
• Application Submission: The application for a residence permit must be submitted in person at the Foreign Police Department (Cudzinecká Polícia) in Slovakia.
• Interview: The Foreign Police may conduct an interview with the applicant to verify the information provided in the application.
• Processing Time: The processing time for a residence permit application can vary, but it is typically several weeks to a few months.
• Changes in Regulations: Immigration regulations can change, so it is always advisable to check the latest information on the website of the Slovak Ministry of Interior (Ministerstvo vnútra SR) or consult with an immigration lawyer.

Where to Find More Information #

• Slovak Ministry of Interior: https://www.minv.sk/?residence-of-foreigners
• Slovak Immigration Police: Contact the local Foreign Police Department (Cudzinecká Polícia) for specific inquiries.

Disclaimer: This information is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. It is essential to consult with the relevant authorities or a qualified legal professional for specific advice related to your situation.