Foreign nationals handling residence and visa matters in Slovakia will now use a redesigned online appointment system at Foreigners’ Police departments. The changes, announced on February 2, are intended to ease pressure on offices and accelerate administrative procedures.
According to the police, the reform restructures bookings into fewer, clearer categories and clarifies which procedures require an appointment. The category names, however, remain available only in Slovak.
Three Main Categories for Residence and Visa Matters
The updated platform groups applications into three broad categories based on the applicant’s life situation. Authorities say the previous structure, which included numerous detailed options, often led to confusion and booking errors.
The first category covers temporary refuge dočasné útočisko. Applicants can book appointments either for registration or for the issuance of residence documents under this status.
The second category addresses standard Foreigners’ Police agendas. It includes matters related to EU citizens and their family members, including Brexit-related cases, as well as other residence situations. These encompass renewal of employment-based residence, change of purpose of stay, permanent residence for five years, permanent residence for an unlimited period, long-term residence, study, special activities, research and development, family reunification, renewal of business activity, Slovaks living abroad, long-term resident status granted in another EU member state, performance of official duties by civilian components of the armed forces, and verification of invitations.
The third category focuses on visa matters, including applications for the issuance or extension of national visas.
Flexible Department Choice for Key Applications
Police clarified that for applications concerning temporary residence, including change of purpose, permanent residence for five years, national visas, registration of residence for EU citizens or their family members, and issuance of residence documents for EU nationals and their relatives, applicants may book an appointment at any Foreigners’ Police department.
This flexibility does not apply to renewal of temporary residence, applications for permanent residence for an unlimited period, long-term residence, verification of invitations, or certain residence document procedures, which follow specific territorial rules.
When an Online Appointment Is Not Required
Authorities emphasised that not every visit requires online booking. Submission of additional documents, collection of verified invitations, or provision of biometric data after submitting an application electronically can be completed without reserving a time slot.
Applicants are encouraged to arrive with completed forms to reduce processing times at service counters. All templates are available on the website of the Slovak Interior Ministry.
Release of Appointment Slots and Booking Horizon
Available appointment slots are released daily from 15:00 in 20-minute intervals. Slots are published for all Foreigners’ Police locations provided the following day is an office day.
Appointments can be booked up to a maximum of 40 calendar days in advance.
As International Investment experts note, streamlining the booking structure and clarifying procedures that do not require appointments may improve administrative efficiency and enhance predictability for foreign residents, skilled workers and international investors considering Slovakia.