Slovakia: residency, citizenship and cost of living
Paths checked against sources: 2026-10
Path to citizenship
Slovakia itself does not require giving up your previous citizenship, but your own country may. Counting time on temporary refuge towards residence periods is not regulated by law.
- • 8 years of continuous permanent residence, language and general knowledge exam, good character
- • 10 years of continuous residence of any kind with permanent residence at the time of applying, exam, good character
Citizenship application processing, years: 1–2.
Check your own pathMonthly budget
Average lifestyle, employed; data as of 10.2026. Deposits, furniture and the move itself are not included.
| City | Single | Family 2+2 |
|---|---|---|
| Bratislava | €1,240 | €2,400 |
| Košice | €1,060 | €2,100 |
| Žilina | €988 | €1,990 |
| Nitra | €987 | €1,990 |
| Banská Bystrica | €925 | €1,890 |
Country scores (out of 100)
- Safety82
- Earning potential75
- Healthcare79
- Path to citizenship26
- Schools and education53
- Environment65
- Warm, sunny climate54
Frequently asked questions
How do you get citizenship in Slovakia, and how long does it take?
8 years of continuous permanent residence, language and general knowledge exam, good character; 10 years of continuous residence of any kind with permanent residence at the time of applying, exam, good character. Processing takes 1–2 years. The questionnaire shows the timeline for your situation.
How do you get residency in Slovakia?
The main routes we cover: EU citizen residence; Temporary refuge; Temporary residence (work, business, family); Temporary residence for study. The questionnaire shows which fit you and where they lead next.
How much does it cost to live in Slovakia per month?
Per month, one person / family of four: Bratislava ≈ €1,240 / €2,400; Košice ≈ €1,060 / €2,100; Žilina ≈ €988 / €1,990; Nitra ≈ €987 / €1,990; Banská Bystrica ≈ €925 / €1,890. Average lifestyle, employed; data as of 10.2026.
How much is rent in Slovakia?
A home for one person, from modest to comfortable: Bratislava €715–€931; Košice €563–€733; Žilina €500–€651; Nitra €499–€649; Banská Bystrica €455–€592.
How up to date is this data?
Paths to citizenship checked against sources: 10.2026; budget as of 10.2026. Sources are listed on this page; rules change, so check official sites before deciding.
Sources
- Citizenship Act No. 40/1993, § 7
- Slovakia itself does not require renouncing previous citizenship on naturalisation
- Temporary residence (Act No. 404/2011)
- Permanent residence for 5 years (§ 43) — after 5 years of continuous temporary residence, study counts as half; then permanent for an unlimited time (§ 46); EU long-term resident (§ 52) — also after 5 years
- Spouse of a Slovak citizen
- Slovak Ministry of Education
- Supreme Court of Slovakia (10Sžo/29/2016)
This is not legal advice. Rules change — check official sources before deciding.