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At the end of September, a change will take place in Slovakia that may appear purely technical at first glance, but coul...
28/08/2026

At the end of September, a change will take place in Slovakia that may appear purely technical at first glance, but could unexpectedly create practical problems for some foreigners. It concerns temporary and permanent residence cards, which many people view simply as documents confirming their right to reside in Slovakia. In reality, a foreign national’s electronic residence card can perform many additional functions. It can be used to access government electronic services, use an electronic mailbox on Slovensko.sk and, if the appropriate certificate is installed, sign documents with a qualified electronic signature.

On 25 August 2026, the Slovak Ministry of the Interior officially announced that the chip certification of certain electronic identity cards and foreign residence documents is expiring. This applies to documents containing a CardOS v5.4 chip that were issued by the Ministry between 21 June 2021 and 30 November 2022. According to the Ministry, approximately 130,000 holders of these documents currently have a qualified electronic signature certificate, known as KEP, installed on their cards. On 28 September 2026, these certificates will automatically expire on this type of chip.

The most important point for foreigners is to separate two different issues. The temporary or permanent residence card itself will not become invalid on 28 September. If your residence card, or pobytový preukaz, has not expired, it will remain valid and continue to confirm your legal status in Slovakia. Your temporary residence will not be cancelled, your permanent residence will not be terminated and you will not need to submit a new residence application solely because of this technical issue.

The change applies specifically to the ability to use the card to create a qualified electronic signature.

This is an important distinction. A person may live in Slovakia for years with a residence card and never use KEP. For that person, practically nothing will change after 28 September. However, if a foreigner conducts business, serves as a company director, communicates independently with government authorities through Slovensko.sk, submits electronic applications or regularly signs documents electronically, this issue becomes much more important.

KEP, or kvalifikovaný elektronický podpis, effectively serves as the electronic equivalent of a handwritten signature in the Slovak system. The official Slovensko.sk portal states that, under the European eIDAS Regulation, a qualified electronic signature has the same legal effect as a handwritten signature. In cases prescribed by law, if a qualified electronic timestamp is attached, this form of authorization may have the effect of an officially certified signature.

The issue is therefore much broader than simply being unable to log in to Slovensko.sk.

Cardholders will still be able to access many government electronic services if they have an activated BOK, or bezpečnostný osobný kód. The BOK is used for identification and logging in to electronic systems. However, accessing a system and legally signing a document are two completely different operations.

Here is a simple example. You may be able to open your electronic mailbox, read a message from a government authority or access a particular electronic service. In many cases, authorization with your card and BOK is sufficient for this. However, if you need to submit an application that must be legally signed, the system may require an electronic signature. This is where the absence of a valid KEP may become an obstacle.

This is particularly relevant for foreigners because Slovakia is gradually moving an increasing number of administrative procedures online. In addition, the Ministry of the Interior provides electronic services for foreigners that explicitly require an electronic residence card, an activated BOK and KEP. For example, in its official description of the electronic service for issuing a residence document, the Ministry states that an applicant must have an electronic residence document, an activated BOK and a qualified electronic signature. The electronic application itself must be confirmed using KEP.

For someone who actively uses government electronic services, this is therefore a practical issue, not a theoretical one.

There is another detail that may currently cause confusion. From 27 August 2026, the Ministry of the Interior allowed another certificate to be installed on the affected documents for what is known as an uznaný spôsob autorizácie, or recognized method of authorization. A new version of the eID Client software has already been released for this purpose. The state has therefore created a temporary way for people to continue using certain electronic services without immediately replacing their cards.

However, it would be a mistake to treat this as a complete replacement for KEP.

Uznaný spôsob autorizácie is an advanced electronic signature based on a qualified certificate. According to official information published on Slovensko.sk, it may be used only for certain electronic submissions and only where the relevant public authority accepts it. It primarily applies to the electronic application itself, while the requirements for electronic attachments and supporting documents may differ. If a particular procedure specifically requires KEP, the recognized method of authorization may not be sufficient.

Foreigners should therefore not assume: “A new certificate will be installed, so I do not need to change anything.”

You first need to understand how you actually use your residence card.

If you mainly use the card as proof of temporary or permanent residence, for travelling together with your passport and for ordinary identification, and you do not use an electronic signature, there is no urgent need to replace the document solely because of 28 September. Your residence status will not disappear.

However, if you use the card for KEP, electronic applications, communication with government authorities, business procedures or signing documents, it is better to check the situation in advance rather than waiting until 29 September, when you may suddenly need to submit an important application.

Foreigners whose residence cards were issued between 21 June 2021 and 30 November 2022 should pay particular attention. The Ministry of the Interior has identified this period as the timeframe in which documents containing the affected CardOS v5.4 chip were issued.

This is where another common misunderstanding arises. A person looks at the expiry date on the card and thinks: “My card is valid for several more years, so why should I replace it?” From the perspective of immigration status, that person is correct. From the perspective of the electronic signature, the situation is different. The physical document may remain valid, while the certificate stored on its electronic chip will no longer allow the holder to create KEP.

The Ministry of the Interior recommends obtaining a new document for anyone who requires a fully qualified electronic signature. Slovak citizens should contact a police department that issues identity cards. Foreigners should contact the relevant Foreign Police department to apply for a new residence document, or doklad o pobyte.

This raises a practical issue for foreigners. It is advisable not to postpone the decision until the final days of September. If many holders of affected cards decide to replace them at the same time, police departments may face increased demand, and appointments may become more difficult to obtain. This may be particularly noticeable in Bratislava and other cities with large foreign populations.

The recommended course of action is therefore straightforward. If your residence card was issued between June 2021 and November 2022, first check whether you use KEP and whether the relevant qualified certificate is installed on your card. If you do not use KEP and only need the card as proof of residence and the BOK to access electronic services, the date of 28 September does not mean that you must replace your card immediately.

If KEP is part of your work or your communication with government authorities, you should determine whether the new recognized method of authorization will be sufficient or whether your procedures require a fully qualified electronic signature. If KEP is specifically required, it is safer to arrange for a new residence document in advance.

Another important point is that BOK and KEP should not be confused. BOK is a code used for identification and access to government electronic services. KEP is a legally binding electronic signature. The statement “the card will continue to work” can therefore be both correct and misleading. The card may continue to work for logging in. However, after 28 September, it will no longer work for creating a qualified electronic signature if it contains the affected CardOS v5.4 chip and the old certificate.

For most foreigners, this is not a reason to panic and certainly does not affect the legality of their residence in Slovakia. However, for entrepreneurs, company directors and people who regularly handle matters through government electronic services, it creates an administrative risk that is better addressed in advance.

We recommend checking more than just the expiry date of your card. You should also verify its date of issue, how you use its electronic functions and whether KEP is installed. If you are unsure whether the change affects your card, whether it needs to be replaced or which electronic actions you will be able to perform after 28 September 2026, it is better to clarify the situation before you urgently need to submit or sign a document. The specialists at Slovakia Garant can review your situation, explain whether your card needs to be replaced and help you organize the next steps correctly.

18/08/2026

Slovakia: 377,000 foreigners, every 14th resident of the country

We share statistics about foreigners living in Slovakia: nearly 377,000 people, representing around 7% of the country’s population. The largest group consists of Ukrainian citizens, followed by people from Serbia, Vietnam, Russia, and other countries.

If you are planning to move to Slovakia, you will not be alone. Slovakia is already home to a large international community.

If you need help with residence permits, documents, business, or other legal and administrative matters in Slovakia, contact Slovakia Garant for a consultation.

06/08/2026

A Critical View of Ukraine’s Policy Toward Men Living Abroad

In this video, I discuss the recent changes to temporary protection rules for Ukrainians in European Union countries and share my disappointment with the actions of the Ukrainian authorities. In my opinion, these restrictions do not encourage people to return home. Instead, they push many of them further away.

I also share my personal experience and explain why I cannot return to Ukraine at this time. In addition, I highlight what I believe is the lack of a long term strategy that could provide citizens with a sense of security and real prospects for the future.

06/08/2026

Why Slovakia Is the Best Choice for Ukrainians: Language, Jobs, and Safety

Slovakia is truly a country where Ukrainians often find it easier to adapt. When choosing a country, many people focus on salaries, the sea, the climate, or beautiful cities. However, everyday life depends on other factors: the language, the mindset of the people, the attitude toward foreigners, legal status, employment opportunities, schools for children, healthcare, and the feeling of safety.

For many Ukrainians, adapting to life in Slovakia is easier because the language is similar, the culture feels familiar, the distance to Ukraine is short, and the country offers all the advantages of being part of the European Union. The euro is the official currency, education is free, healthcare is based on insurance, the legal system is stable, there are many job opportunities, and it is possible to start and run a business.

This does not mean that everything is perfect. No country is perfect. What matters is that Slovakia offers a clear and understandable path for people who want to live legally and build their future.

If you are choosing a country for yourself and your family, consider Slovakia not as a backup option, but as a long term strategy.

Book a consultation with us, and we will help you find the best path for your European integration.

Effective July 15, 2026, the requirements for obtaining citizenship in Slovakia have changed for descendants of former C...
02/08/2026

Effective July 15, 2026, the requirements for obtaining citizenship in Slovakia have changed for descendants of former Czechoslovak citizens. This applies to individuals who have at least one parent, grandparent, great-grandmother, or great-grandfather who was a citizen of Czechoslovakia and was born within the territory of the present-day Slovak Republic.

The main change concerns residency in Slovakia.

Under the old system, simply having a Czechoslovak ancestor did not exempt the applicant from the requirement to have authorized residence in Slovakia. In practice, a person first had to obtain a Slovak residence permit or establish another legal basis for residence, and when reviewing the application, the government agency could verify whether the person had actually been in the country, how long they had been absent, and the reasons for their departure.

This was precisely what posed the main obstacle. A person could provide documentary evidence that his or her parent, grandfather, or great-grandfather was a citizen of Czechoslovakia and was born in what is now Slovakia, but could not immediately apply for citizenship unless he or she had the required residency status.

Under the new rules, the residency requirement in Slovakia for this category is being eliminated.

Now, a descendant of a former Czechoslovak citizen does not need to first obtain a residence permit solely for the purpose of applying for citizenship, does not need to have resided in Slovakia for eight years, and does not need to prove their actual presence in the country or explain periods of absence.

But that doesn’t mean that citizenship is granted solely on the basis of the grandfather’s birth certificate.

The applicant must still confirm two key facts. First: the ancestor was indeed a citizen of Czechoslovakia. Second: this ancestor was born in a territory that is now part of the Slovak Republic. In addition, the entire line of descent from the ancestor to the applicant must be documented.

For example, if the basis for the claim is the great-grandfather, you will need documents linking the great-grandfather to the grandfather or grandmother, then linking them to one of the applicant’s parents, and linking that parent to the applicant. These are typically birth certificates, marriage certificates, documents regarding a change of surname, and other civil status records.

If the grounds have already been verified and the documents proving origin have been gathered, the application must be submitted in person. If you are in Slovakia, you can submit it to the district office located in the administrative center of the region. If the applicant lives abroad, the application can be submitted in person at an embassy or consulate of the Slovak Republic. The application for citizenship itself still cannot simply be sent by regular mail or email. The official procedure requires in-person submission.

The application must be accompanied by a passport or other form of identification, the applicant’s birth certificate, documents regarding marital status, a detailed biography, documents regarding the citizenship and place of birth of the Czechoslovak ancestor, as well as all documents confirming the family relationship.

In addition, certificates of no criminal record are typically required from the applicant’s country of citizenship, from countries of which the applicant was previously a citizen, and from countries where the applicant had authorized residence during the period specified by law. The specific list depends on the applicant’s background, citizenship, places of residence, marital status, and the documents on which the application is based.

Documents issued outside Slovakia generally must be accompanied by the required international certification, such as an apostille or consular legalization, unless an international treaty provides for an exemption. They are then translated into Slovak by a certified translator.

When an application is submitted in person, an employee verifies the applicant’s identity and accepts the application and supporting documents. If any documents are missing or there are discrepancies among them, the government agency may request additional information.

Differences in surnames and first names are particularly important here. For example, a person’s first name might be written in Slovak or Hungarian in a Czechoslovak document, but in a different transliteration in a Ukrainian or Soviet document. Such differences must be explained in advance and supported by documentation; otherwise, the government agency may not recognize the family relationship as proven.

After accepting the documents, the district office or consulate forwards the application to the Slovak Ministry of the Interior, which reviews the case and makes a decision. Meeting the eligibility criteria entitles the applicant to file an application under simplified conditions, but does not guarantee automatic granting of citizenship. The Ministry verifies the authenticity of the documents, the applicant’s origin, identity, and criminal record, as well as compliance with all other legal requirements.

Following a positive decision, the applicant receives a document granting citizenship and acquires citizenship after completing the procedures required by law, including taking the oath, unless the applicant is exempt from doing so.

There is another new simplification. After receiving the document granting citizenship, a person will be able to apply for Slovak civil status documents and register their permanent residence within 90 days, without having to wait for a separate certificate of citizenship.

Also, starting July 15, an application for a certificate of Slovak citizenship—if such a certificate is needed at a later date—can be submitted through a Slovak diplomatic mission abroad not only in person, but also by mail or electronically. However, this change applies specifically to the certificate of citizenship, not to the initial application for citizenship. The initial application must be submitted in person.

Simply put, in the past, a person of Slovak descent effectively had to first establish a basis for residing in Slovakia and only then proceed toward citizenship. Now, if an ancestor’s Czechoslovak origin and citizenship are confirmed, an application can be filed without a prior residence permit and without having resided in the country for eight years.

But the main step remains the same: first, you need to verify the legal basis, obtain documents proving your ancestor’s citizenship, and establish an unbroken chain of descent. Only after that does it make sense to translate the documents, prepare the application, and schedule an in-person submission.

If your family included Czechoslovak citizens who were born in what is now Slovakia, Slovakia Garant can review your eligibility, identify any missing documents, assist with archival requests, and prepare a complete application package for citizenship.

Sometimes important changes appear so technical that entrepreneurs only learn about them after the deadline has already ...
02/08/2026

Sometimes important changes appear so technical that entrepreneurs only learn about them after the deadline has already passed. This is precisely the situation currently affecting employers and employee payroll data.

By July 31, 2026, employers must submit to the Social Insurance Fund information on the method by which salaries are paid to employees registered in the system before August 1, 2026.

If wages are transferred to a bank account, the IBAN must be provided. If a foreign bank account is used, the account name and bank SWIFT or BIC number may also be required. If wages are paid in cash, the employer must specify this payment method.

Information is transmitted to Sociálna poisťovňa through the electronic form Registračný list fyzickej osoby.

Starting August 1, this information will become part of the standard registration process for every new employee. This means that when hiring a new employee, employers will be required to immediately disclose where their salary is being transferred and whether it is paid in cash.

If an employee’s bank account or salary payment method changes, the new information must be submitted within ten calendar days.

Companies that employ foreigners need to check this especially carefully. Foreign employees may use accounts opened outside of Slovakia. Sometimes a person changes banks, gets a new IBAN, or receives a salary in cash for the first time.

An employer may think all the information is already in the employment contract or accounting software. However, the accounting software and the Social Insurance Fund’s registry are different systems.

It’s also important to understand that it’s the employer, not the employee, who must provide this information. The employee’s job is to provide accurate banking information. The company’s job is to enter it into the system in a timely manner.

Therefore, entrepreneurs and employers should contact their accountant immediately and check whether the necessary data has been transferred to Sociálna poisťovňa.

If you have questions about hiring foreign employees, registering your employer, social security contributions, obtaining residence documents, or running a business, we invite you to a consultation with Slovakia Garant.

Don’t choose at random.

When it comes to preparing documents, you should trust facts, not promises.

Before choosing any company, check:

✔ how many years it has been operating;
✔ whether it has a real office;
✔ whether it openly introduces its team;
✔ whether it regularly shares useful information;
✔ whether it is prepared to take responsibility for its recommendations.

There is an old saying: we are not rich enough to buy cheap things. The same applies to professional services. A mistake in your documents may cost you far more than a professional consultation.

Slovakia Garant has been helping foreigners in Slovakia since 2017. We assist clients with temporary protection, residence permits, document preparation, business services, accounting, real estate and other administrative matters. You can resolve all these issues in one place.

Book a consultation:
https://calendly.com/d/cj92-czm-fmv

Our website:
https://slovakiagarant.com/

Telegram. News from Slovakia, answers to your questions and direct communication:
https://t.me/zivot_na_slovensku

Phone numbers:
+421 907 801 770, administrative services
+421 919 327 860, residence permits
+421 919 206 405, company director
📍 Gorkého 3, 3rd floor
Staré Mesto, Bratislava

We are open Monday to Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Check the facts.
Trust professionals.

When a Slovak company sends an employee to work in another EU country, an employment contract or travel document alone m...
02/08/2026

When a Slovak company sends an employee to work in another EU country, an employment contract or travel document alone may not be sufficient.

It is necessary to confirm in which country social security contributions are payable for this employee. For this, document PD A1 is used.

Initially, Sociálna poisťovňa planned to completely transfer employers’ applications for the A1 document to a special electronic system as early as 1 August 2026.

However, the mandatory transition deadline was postponed to September 1, 2026.

Until this date, employers can still use the existing filing method. However, starting September 1, applications on behalf of employers must be submitted exclusively through the dedicated online service, Sociálna poisťovňa.

If, after this date, the employer sends an application on paper, via regular email, or uses an incorrect electronic form, such an application may not be considered at all.

In standard cases, the new system will process a confirmation or A1 document fairly quickly, sometimes within twenty-four hours. However, this is only provided that the application is completed correctly and all required attachments are signed and submitted.

There’s a significant technical issue here. While Mobile eID can be used to fill out the form, it doesn’t always fully sign and submit all attachments.

Therefore, the employer may need an electronic ID card, a reader, a valid electronic signature, and properly configured access to electronic services.

The new mandatory rule primarily affects employers. Self-employed entrepreneurs, or SZČOs, as well as certain employees who apply independently, will be able to use the paper form for now.

Why is this especially important for foreigners? Because the A1 document is often required for international transport, construction and installation work, business trips, providing services in another EU country, or when working in multiple countries simultaneously.

The absence of an A1 may lead to questions during verification. A dispute may arise over which country social security contributions should be paid and the basis on which the employee is working abroad.

The postponement of the deadline to September 1 does not cancel the new rules. Employers have simply been given additional time to prepare electronic access and verify who will be submitting and signing the documents.

If your company sends employees outside Slovakia, it’s best not to wait until September and instead check the readiness of the electronic system in advance.

If you have questions about employing foreigners, sending employees to other countries, obtaining an A1 document, obtaining residence documents, or running a business, we invite you to a consultation with Slovakia Garant.

Don’t choose at random.

When it comes to preparing documents, you should trust facts, not promises.

Before choosing any company, check:

✔ how many years it has been operating;
✔ whether it has a real office;
✔ whether it openly introduces its team;
✔ whether it regularly shares useful information;
✔ whether it is prepared to take responsibility for its recommendations.

There is an old saying: we are not rich enough to buy cheap things. The same applies to professional services. A mistake in your documents may cost you far more than a professional consultation.

Slovakia Garant has been helping foreigners in Slovakia since 2017. We assist clients with temporary protection, residence permits, document preparation, business services, accounting, real estate and other administrative matters. You can resolve all these issues in one place.

Book a consultation:
https://calendly.com/d/cj92-czm-fmv

Our website:
https://slovakiagarant.com/

Telegram. News from Slovakia, answers to your questions and direct communication:
https://t.me/zivot_na_slovensku

Phone numbers:
+421 907 801 770, administrative services
+421 919 327 860, residence permits
+421 919 206 405, company director

📍 Gorkého 3, 3rd floor
Staré Mesto, Bratislava
We are open Monday to Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Check the facts.
Trust professionals.

01/08/2026

Why Free Consultations Are an Illusion: An Honest Look at Professional Services

In this video, we explain why “free” services are often just an illusion, and why professional expertise deserves fair compensation. We share why all consultations at Slovakia Garant are paid, and why we begin our work only after advance payment. This approach reflects our respect for our time, our experience, and our responsibility for the final result.

We believe that quality always has a price. Instead of making unrealistic promises, we choose transparency, professionalism, and honest relationships with every client.

Consultations Business Documents ResidencePermit Transparency

29/07/2026

Urgent: Employers Must Submit Salary Payment Details by July 31

We’re sharing an important new requirement for employers in Slovakia. By July 31, 2026, employers must provide the Social Insurance Agency with information on how employees receive their salaries, including the IBAN for bank transfers or confirmation that wages are paid in cash.

This is the employer’s responsibility, not the employee’s. We recommend checking all required information with your accountant.

If any of these details change, the Social Insurance Agency must be notified within 10 days. This is especially important when employing foreign nationals.

28/07/2026

How to Check a Company in Slovakia: Tips for Choosing a Reliable Partner

We explain how to distinguish an established and reliable company from a newcomer when choosing services in Slovakia. We recommend checking the company’s history, official registration, and financial statements before making a decision.

If you need professional assistance with legalization, residence permits, or starting and running a business in Slovakia, contact Slovakia Garant for a consultation.

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