16.06.2025
The National Council of the Slovak Republic has approved an amendment to the Act on Residence of Foreigners. The primary goal of this amendment is to alleviate the burden on Foreign Police Departments (OCP) due to capacity issues. As a result, some administrative tasks will be exclusively transferred to diplomatic missions and certain processes will be simplified. The following changes will come into effect on July 1, 2025: 1. Abolition of the obligation to provide proof of financial security for foreign nationals' residence (in most cases) – This applies where European legislation permits. Since financial security is a condition that can be verified even after residence is granted or renewed (e.g., as part of foreigners' obligations to have financial coverage for each remaining month of their granted residence), and not necessarily at the time of application, the proposed amendment removes the requirement to submit proof of financial security from the Act on Residence of Foreigners wherever possible. Specifically: The obligation to provide proof of financial security for residence will only remain for invitations (§ 19 para. 7), initial granting or renewal of temporary residence for business purposes (§ 32 para. 2 letter c), § 34 para. 3 letter b)), and long-term residence (§ 53 para. 4). Going forward, a bank account balance confirmation from a bank, a branch of a foreign bank, or a foreign bank will be accepted as proof of financial security, instead of a three-month bank statement. Financial security for business activities will be proven in the same way. Practical application has shown that requiring a three-month bank statement in these cases is an excessive administrative burden. 2. Abolition of an administrative obligation for foreign nationals – The requirement to attach a 3x3.5 cm photograph to residence applications for third-country nationals (TCNs), or to applications for residence permits for EU citizens and their family members, is being removed. 3. Introduction of the option to submit applications for registration of the right of residence for EU citizens and their family members at any Foreign Police Department, rather than strictly according to their address of residence. 4. The legal requirement to book an appointment via the reservation system for handling life situations at the relevant Foreign Police Department, if individuals wish to submit their application in person, is now being enshrined in the law (previously, this was only a matter of practice and not regulated by law). 5. Adjustment of the validity period for national visas granted for the purpose of submitting a residence application within Slovakia (excluding business purposes) (§ 15 para. 1 letter b) of the Act on Residence of Foreigners). This period is being extended from 90 days to 120 days to provide more time for booking an appointment with the Foreign Police. 6. Stricter regulation of the admission of foreign nationals to Slovakia for business purposes: The change in the system for admitting foreign nationals for business purposes should primarily ensure that admitted foreign nationals properly fulfill the purpose of their granted business residence, conduct business within Slovakia, and that state authorities have effective means to prevent the misuse of residence permits. It should also help increase the employment of foreign nationals who will apply for temporary residence for employment instead of temporary residence for business purposes. In practice, it is common for employers to compel foreign nationals to obtain a trade license instead of employing them directly. Applications for temporary residence for business purposes can now only be submitted abroad at the relevant diplomatic mission (without the possibility of a territorial exception) = only at a Slovak diplomatic mission accredited for the state that issued the TCN's travel document or where they have their permanent residence. Introduction of a quota system for the number of accepted applications for temporary residence for business purposes at specific Slovak diplomatic missions from which foreign nationals will be admitted to Slovakia. Applications for renewal of temporary residence for business purposes or change of residence purpose to business are not included in the quota system. An implementing regulation (a decree of the Slovak Government) will determine the total number of applications for temporary residence for business purposes that can be accepted at Slovak diplomatic missions in a calendar year. The degree of economic benefit for Slovakia will always be evaluated: In contrast to the original regulation, there is now an obligation to always attach a business plan to an application for temporary residence for business purposes, even in cases where the TCN is registered in the Commercial Register, Trade Register, Register of Legal Entities, Entrepreneurs, and Public Authorities, or another similar register, or is registered in the Commercial Register as a person authorized to act on behalf of a commercial company or cooperative. The goal is for every application for temporary residence for business purposes to be assessed by the Ministry of Economy of the Slovak Republic in terms of the contribution of the TCN's business activity to the Slovak economy. Granting of residence for business purposes to first-time applicants en masse for three years. The possibility for TCNs to apply for a change of residence purpose to business purposes only after two years of temporary residence granted for another purpose (to prevent speculation and quota circumvention). Transitional provision – Proceedings initiated before the new legal regulation comes into effect will be completed according to the regulations effective before the proposed new legal regulation, with the exception of those proceedings where the new legal regulation is more favorable to the individual. Temporary residences for business purposes granted until now remain valid until their expiration.
12.05.2025
The Human Rights League hosted its annual Integration Forum. This year's gathering of experts in asylum and migration policy took place on May 26, 2025, in Bratislava. Across four panel discussions, we discussed pressing issues shaping current events in Europe and Slovakia. Our main goal was to boost collaboration and strengthen ties among international organizations, government bodies, local authorities and NGOs. We opened the Forum with representatives from diplomatic missions, focusing on the Coalition of the willing and ongoing support for Ukraine. We also shed light on Ukrainian children who have been deported or forcibly displaced because of Russia's invasion to Ukraine. A significant part of the agenda was dedicated to the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum, set to come into effect in mid-2026. Discussions centered on how Slovakia is gearing up for it, what legislative changes to expect, and how the rights of those most affected will be safeguarded. The event concluded with a discussion on radicalization and extremism in society, exploring how integration can serve as a key preventative measure. The Integration Forum 2025 was held under the auspices of Bratislava Mayor Matúš Vallo, with financial support from the British Embassy in Slovakia and the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung Foundation.
09.04.2025
Starting in April 2025, foreign nationals in Bratislava can find assistance at a new location. Center for People with a Foreign Background - LOOM offers a safe and inclusive space with numerous support services. At LOOM, you will find: Information Social counseling – Bratislavská Arcidiecézna Charita Psychological counseling – iPčko Legal counseling – Human Rights League Employment counseling – Mareena Community activities Address: Česká 267/2, 831 03 Bratislava Opening Hours: Monday - Friday: 9:00 - 16:00 Booking a consultation: +421 903 497 189 LOOM@bratislava.sk We are confident that the new center will allow us to build on the success of the Assistance Center on Bottova by offering comprehensive support for people facing challenges.
24.01.2025
The past year was challenging for civil society in Slovakia, but despite this, the Human Rights League (HRL) managed to contribute to legislative changes and continue to help foreigners and refugees. What did we achieve in 2024?
10.12.2024