Do you need a visa before coming to Slovakia?
Please, apply for a VISA of type D (National VISA of the Slovak republic). The national visa allows the holder to stay in the territory of the Slovak Republic for the period for which the visa was granted (no other type of VISA). The national visa may be issued with maximum validity of 1 year.
Conditions of granting of the National visa
If you are coming via the ERASMUS +, or the National Scholarship Programme of the Slovak Republic, ask at your Embassy for a National Visa type D.
What is the difference between a Schengen visa and National visa?
Schengen Visa (Type C)
- Purpose: Short-term stays (up to 90 days in a 180-day period).
- Scope: Valid for travel.
- Examples of Use: Tourism, Business trips, Family visits, Short-term studies or training
National Visa (Type D)
- Purpose: Long-term stays (more than 90 days).
- Scope: Issued by a specific Schengen for the purpose of coming, studying and applying for a temporary residence.
- Examples of Use: Studying (e.g., university degree), Employment, Family reunification , Residency
- Advantages: Allows you to stay and work or study in the issuing country for more than 90 days. Allows you to apply for your residency permit.
Key Differences Summary Table
| Feature | Schengen Visa (Type C) | National Visa (Type D) |
| Duration | Up to 90 days | Over 90 days |
| Purpose | Tourism, business, short visits | Study, work, residence |
| Residency/Work Rights | No | Allows you to apply for temporary residency. |
Application deadline for the National Visa
Embassies may require the applicant to book an appointment for submitting the application. Further information will be provided to the applicant by the relevant embassy.
Legalization of your documents
Public documents issued abroad must be officially authenticated (apostille, consular legalization).
Documents issued in a language other than Slovak must be translated to Slovak by a certified translator registered in the Ministry of Justice of the Slovak Republic.
Please note, that the Foreign Police only accepts documents translated in Slovakia. Therefore, do not translate your documents before coming.
The link to find all the official list of Translators
The photocopies of documents must be notarized. Do not submit originals.