Foreigners living in Slovakia can engage in business activities, but they must meet specific requirements. The most essential condition is holding a valid residence permit that allows business activities. This residence permit can be either temporary or permanent, depending on the individual’s situation and the type of business they wish to pursue.
Temporary Residence:
Foreign nationals granted temporary residence for the following purposes are permitted to engage in business activities:
- Study,
- Family reunification (excluding situations such as a dependent adult child or a parent requiring care).
The following individuals may also engage in business activities without the need for temporary residence specifically for business purposes:
- Slovaks living abroad
- Researchers
- EU Blue Card holders
- Individuals with long-term residence in another EU Member State.
Permanent Residence:
Foreign nationals with permanent residence are regarded as Slovak nationals and are entitled to establish a business or act as a statutory representative of a commercial company. The same conditions apply to EU citizens who are registered as residents in Slovakia.
Without a Residence Permit:
If a foreign national does not hold any type of residence permit, they must first obtain a temporary residence permit for the purpose of conducting business. Once granted, they may begin business activities as an individual, establish a company, or assume the role of its statutory representative.
Restrictions:
The following individuals are not permitted to engage in business activities:
- • Foreign nationals with tolerated residence or under a specific stay regime
• Asylum seekers, unless they hold another type of residence permit
Exceptions:
- Individuals granted temporary asylum are allowed to engage in business
• Asylum seekers with permanent residence can conduct business as Slovak citizens
• Individuals with subsidiary protection may do business as foreign nationals.
The Association of Entrepreneurs of Slovakia has published a brochure on doing business as a foreigner in Slovakia, which can be accessed at the following link.
This article was produced as part of the Pathways initiative supported by UNICEF. For more information about the project, please visit UNICEF’s digital one–stop-shop: https://akodobrezesi.sk/ua/
