Housing
Slovakia’s rental market in 2024 continues to experience steady price increases, with a 7-8% rise compared to 2023. The demand for rental properties remains high, particularly in Bratislava, where there is a diverse range of options. In contrast, rental choices in other cities are significantly more limited, both in terms of availability and quality. A proof of long-term accommodation is required for the residence permit application.
Average monthly rates in Bratislava
$850–$2,600
$1,000–$3,100
Two-bedroom
apartment
apartment
One-bedroom
apartment
apartment
$500–$1,600
Three-bedroom
apartmen
apartmen
Key Trends:
- Rental rates have been increasing, with no signs of decline in early 2025.
- Around 90% of rental properties are fully or partially furnished.
- Most landlords require a minimum lease of 1 year, with short-term rentals primarily available on platforms like Airbnb and Booking.
- While Bratislava offers a variety of rental options, other Slovak cities have a much smaller selection, often with lower-quality properties.
- Bratislava’s popular districts include Staré Mesto, with premium rents for its historic charm, Ružinov, favored by professionals for modern yet affordable housing, Karlova Ves, a quiet, family-friendly area with great transport links, and Petržalka, offering budget-friendly rentals and improving infrastructure.
Challenges:
- Some landlords prefer tenants from Western Europe or Slovak nationals, though this is not a strict rule.
- Agents and landlords can be slow to respond, even in larger agencies.
- While many landlords and agents speak English, it is often at a basic level, with Slovak being the dominant language.
- In Bratislava, about 50% of apartments come with dedicated parking, but in smaller cities, parking is mainly public and difficult to find, especially in the evenings.
Immigration
Slovakia is part of the European Union and the Schengen Zone, allowing entry for nationals of other Schengen Area countries and holders of a Schengen visa. In addition, nationals of 60 countries and territories are exempt from obtaining a visa for Slovakia for stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period, based on bilateral agreements. This list includes, but is not limited to, the UK, the U.S., Israel, South Korea, and several Asian, CIS, and South American countries.
EU nationals are not required to obtain a visa or residence permit for long-term stays and work in Slovakia. However, it is imperative that they obtain an EU Registration Certificate if staying for more than 90 consecutive days. Additionally, for seconded employees from EU countries, a Posted Worker Notification must be submitted.
For non-EU workers, Slovakia offers programs similar to those in other EU countries, including the Single Work & Residence Permit, the Intra-Company Transfer Permit for seconded workers, and the EU Blue Card for highly qualified professionals with higher salaries. Processing times are lengthy, and obtaining a permit can take up to six months. Permits are issued with a validity of up to 2–4 years, depending on the type.
The Blue Card is a temporary residence permit for third-country nationals seeking highly qualified employment in Slovakia. In mid-2024, Slovakia introduced relaxed EU Blue Card rules. Key requirements include a university degree or advanced professional skills, a salary of at least 1.2 times the average wage (or the average wage for recent graduates within 3 years), and an employment contract of at least six months. The Blue Card is issued for up to 5 years.
There are several local registration formalities mandatory for foreign nationals, such as address, tax and social security registration. Address registration rule is specifically very important to note, as non-EU nationals must register within 3 days upon arrival, and EU nationals – within 10 days.
EU nationals are not required to obtain a visa or residence permit for long-term stays and work in Slovakia. However, it is imperative that they obtain an EU Registration Certificate if staying for more than 90 consecutive days. Additionally, for seconded employees from EU countries, a Posted Worker Notification must be submitted.
For non-EU workers, Slovakia offers programs similar to those in other EU countries, including the Single Work & Residence Permit, the Intra-Company Transfer Permit for seconded workers, and the EU Blue Card for highly qualified professionals with higher salaries. Processing times are lengthy, and obtaining a permit can take up to six months. Permits are issued with a validity of up to 2–4 years, depending on the type.
The Blue Card is a temporary residence permit for third-country nationals seeking highly qualified employment in Slovakia. In mid-2024, Slovakia introduced relaxed EU Blue Card rules. Key requirements include a university degree or advanced professional skills, a salary of at least 1.2 times the average wage (or the average wage for recent graduates within 3 years), and an employment contract of at least six months. The Blue Card is issued for up to 5 years.
There are several local registration formalities mandatory for foreign nationals, such as address, tax and social security registration. Address registration rule is specifically very important to note, as non-EU nationals must register within 3 days upon arrival, and EU nationals – within 10 days.
Moving
Transportation: Slovakia’s household goods transportation relies on trucking. The primary airport is Bratislava Airport (BTS).
Customs duties clients may be eligible for duty-free importation of used household goods if they have lived abroad for at least 12 months prior to moving and can provide documentation proving their residence abroad.
Customs clearance typically takes 3 to 5 business days.
Customs duties clients may be eligible for duty-free importation of used household goods if they have lived abroad for at least 12 months prior to moving and can provide documentation proving their residence abroad.
Customs clearance typically takes 3 to 5 business days.
