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Slovakia job seeker residence after studies or research

Nine-month renewal of study or research residence to look for work or start a business (§ 34(1)(b))

In short

Slovakia has no job seeker visa for people abroad. Instead, foreigners who complete university studies or research in Slovakia can have their residence renewed for nine months to look for a job or start a business. Graduates of Slovak schools can then be hired without a work permit or vacancy confirmation.

Apply on Slovensko.sk – central public administration portal checked 24 October 2026

Key facts

Maximum stay
Nine months.
Validity
One renewal of nine months after studies or research end.
Fee
€0The fee schedule (Act 145/1995, from 2026-09-01) lists no renewal fee for study or research residence; the new residence card costs EUR 10.
Work
Graduates of Slovak secondary schools and universities with lawful residence can be employed without a work permit or vacancy confirmation.
Path to permanent residence
Time in Slovakia continues to count; study time counts half towards long-term residence.
Where to apply
Foreign police in Slovakia, before the current permit expires.

Who can use the nine months

Under § 34(1)(b) of the Act on Residence of Foreigners the police renew temporary residence for nine months for a university student (residence under § 24(1)(b)) or a researcher (residence under § 26) who, after finishing the studies or research activity, wants to stay in Slovakia to look for work or to start a business. The route is therefore open only to people who already hold such a permit in Slovakia; there is no separate visa to come from abroad to look for a job.

How to apply

File the renewal application in person at the foreign police department, or through the electronic service of the Ministry of Interior, no later than the last day of your current permit. Bring a valid passport and documents not older than 90 days, such as confirmation that you completed the studies or the research, and proof of accommodation where required. If the renewal is filed online, all attachments must be uploaded with it. Missing documents must be added within 30 days of filing, otherwise the police stop the procedure.

  1. Before your study or research permit expires, gather proof that you completed it.
  2. Book an appointment at the foreign police or prepare the electronic renewal.
  3. File the renewal by the last day of the permit and ask for nine months to seek work or start a business.
  4. Collect the new residence card.
  5. When you find a job, change the purpose of stay to employment at the police.

Forms

Starting a business instead

The nine months can also be used to prepare a business. Note that since the amendment of 1 July 2025 a first temporary residence for business can only be applied for at a Slovak embassy abroad, and a change of purpose to business at the police is barred for people who have held temporary residence for less than two years. Check the self-employment page before planning this step.

Working during and after the search

The employment-services rules let employers hire, without a work permit or vacancy confirmation, a third-country national who successfully completed secondary or university studies in Slovakia and lives there lawfully, or whose complete application for employment residence has been accepted. From 15 July 2026 the list of residence permits that count as lawful residence for this exemption covers temporary residence under §§ 23 to 30, which includes the nine-month renewal.

Once you find a job, you change your purpose of stay to employment at the foreign police; graduates are expressly allowed to do so. Graduates who receive a highly qualified offer within three years of graduating can use the lower EU Blue Card salary threshold of one average monthly wage.

Documents

Required documents

Identity

  • Application for renewal of temporary residence on the official form.

Travel

  • Valid passport (without it the police do not accept the application).

Study

  • Confirmation of completed university studies or of the end of the research activity.

Insurance

  • Health insurance valid in Slovakia.

Supporting documents (where they apply)

Other

  • Proof of accommodation, not older than 90 days, where the police require it.

Frequently asked questions

Can I come from abroad to look for a job in Slovakia?

No. There is no job seeker visa; the nine-month route is only for people finishing studies or research in Slovakia.

Do I need a work permit after graduating in Slovakia?

No, if you completed secondary or university studies in Slovakia and live there lawfully.

When must I apply?

No later than the last day of your current residence permit.

Can I renew online?

Yes, the Ministry of Interior offers an electronic renewal service; all attachments must be uploaded with the application.

What happens if I do not find a job within nine months?

The renewed permit ends after nine months. To stay longer you need a new purpose of stay, such as employment, a Blue Card or family reunification, applied for before the permit expires.

Official sources

Summarised from the official sources above. Rules, fees and processing times change: confirm with the embassy or the official portal before you apply.

Other visa types for Slovakia

Visits and short stays

Business and self-employment

Study and training

  • Student visa Maximum stay: Expected length of study, at most six years per grant.
  • Language course visa Maximum stay: Length of the course, until 31 July of the school year at the latest; never more than one year.
  • Researcher visa Maximum stay: Term of the hosting agreement, at most two years per grant.
  • Internship and trainee visa Maximum stay: Time needed for the internship, at most two years.

Work

  • Work visa Maximum stay: Expected length of employment, at most five years per grant under § 23(3) as in force from 1 October 2026.
  • Seasonal work visa Maximum stay: 240 days in any 12 consecutive months in total; up to 90 days on a work permit and Schengen visa.
  • EU Blue Card Maximum stay: Five years, or the term of the confirmation plus 90 days if shorter.
  • Intra-company transfer visa Maximum stay: Up to three years for managers and specialists, one year for trainees.

Family

Residence

Protection

Slovakia visa guide