Sole Traders
Individuals conducting business under a Slovak trade licence. A licence alone does not create residence rights.
🇸🇰 Slovakia
Business Residence
Establish & Develop Your Business in Slovakia
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Slovakia offers Temporary Residence for Business to third-country nationals intending to conduct genuine business activities.
The pathway can be relevant for entrepreneurs, sole traders and qualifying company executives who actively operate a Slovak business.
CETO Global Immigration Consulting & Partners assesses the applicable Slovak residence requirements and coordinates the process together with qualified legal and immigration professionals.
Who Can Apply?
Company Executives
Qualifying statutory representatives or managing directors who genuinely perform management and business activities for a Slovak company.
Business Plan
A first application currently documents the business purpose through a plan demonstrating a genuine, feasible, sustainable and economically credible activity beneficial to Slovakia.
Contracts and other evidence can support the project's credibility.
First Application
A first Business Residence application generally cannot be filed at the Foreign Police in Slovakia.
A lawful change of purpose from existing residence can be possible, generally only after 24 months from the grant of the existing temporary residence.
Submitted in person at a Slovak embassy or consulate
Financial Requirements — July 2026
Personal Residence Funds
€3,542.64
Generally 12 times the €295.22 monthly subsistence minimum for residence over one year.
Sole Trader Business Funds
€5,904.40
20 times the current subsistence minimum.
Company Representative Funds
€29,522
100 times the current subsistence minimum.
After Approval
Renewal can generally be granted for up to 3 years
- Enter Slovakia within 180 days
- Report residence within 3 working days
- Arrange health insurance
- Provide insurance evidence within 30 days
- Submit the required medical report within 30 days
- Maintain genuine active business operations
Renewal & Compliance
Sole traders must demonstrate qualifying taxable income; company executives must show the company paid the applicable minimum corporate tax.
Business-related arrears with tax, customs, social insurance or health insurance can lead to refusal or cancellation.
A temporary resident generally needs to reside in Slovakia for more than half of the granted period during the calendar year unless an exception applies.
Our Process
- 01
Business Consultation
Review the concept, resources and objectives.
- 02
Structure
Assess sole trader or company options.
- 03
Business Plan
Prepare a credible, sustainable plan.
- 04
Financial Review
Check personal and business funds.
- 05
Embassy Application
Coordinate the first residence application.
- 06
Active Operation
Support compliance and renewal planning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does opening a company give me residence?
No. Company formation and residence are separate processes.
Do I need a business plan?
Yes for the current first Business Residence procedure.
Can I apply from inside Slovakia?
Generally not for a first application; lawful change-of-purpose cases are separate.
Can unpaid taxes affect residence?
Yes. Relevant arrears can affect renewal and lead to cancellation proceedings.
Build Your Business in Slovakia
Establish Your Business & Residence Strategy
CETO can assess your structure, finances and residence options and coordinate the process with qualified partners.
Start Your Assessment