Living in Slovakia: our tips for a successful move abroad

Are you thinking of moving to Slovakia? Although it doesn’t get much media coverage, this destination is attracting more and more foreigners. Over 5% of the population is now made up of expats, and you could soon be one of them.

Whether your move abroad is motivated by work, family, or your own personal initiative, here’s everything you need to know before moving to Slovakia!

Slovakia in a nutshell

• The national currency is the euro
• The country has a population of around 5.5 million
• The national holiday is September 1
• The main cities are Bratislava (the capital), Košice, Prešov, and Žilina
• Here, people really like their coffee … two or three in the morning to start the day off right, and another after lunch
• People celebrate their birthday twice due to name day celebrations (meniny): each day of the year is associated with one or more names, and it’s taken very seriously! Example: on April 1, we celebrate Hugo’s name day.

Why live in Slovakia?

The country’s advantages

• Exceptionally beautiful mountains, with numerous peaks and lakes, particularly in the High Tatras mountain range
• The country’s central location makes it easy to visit other European capitals, such as Prague, Vienna, and Budapest
• The economy has been stable for several years
• It is a safe country with a relatively low crime rate

The challenges of living in Slovakia

• Learning Slovak takes time … but it is sometimes essential, as outside Bratislava and the professional environment, few locals speak English
• Bureaucracy is a reality: it is best to start your administrative procedures as early as possible
• The quality of public healthcare can sometimes fall short of European standards. Supplementary private insurance is often an essential

Understanding visas and residence permits

All EU citizens can stay in Slovakia without a visa. To live in the country for more than 90 days, go to the foreign police office to fill out the residence permit application form and provide the following mandatory documents:

• Valid passport
• Proof of address
• 2 identical passport photos (3 x 3.5 cm)
• Proof of residence (employment contract, proof of family ties, etc.) or proof of financial resources

You will receive your permit within 30 days.

Non-EU foreign nationals require a Schengen visa to enter the country, followed by an application for a residence permit from the authorities.

Tip: If possible, bring an interpreter or someone who speaks Slovak with you. Not all administrative workers speak English!

Where to settle in Slovakia depending on your profile?

For working people

Bratislava remains the top destination for expats. This economic and cultural hub offers a great quality of life on the banks of the Danube.

The Staré Mesto neighborhood is the most popular, being the historic heart of the capital. Young professionals appreciate its lively, pedestrian-friendly atmosphere, where everything can be done on foot (shopping, going out, walking, etc.). Be aware that rents are often quite high here.

For those who prefer a quieter lifestyle, the Nové Mesto neighborhood is calmer, located at the foot of a mountain range.

For families

Ružinov is ideal for expatriate families looking for a residential area that is both close to the center and more affordable. The neighborhood is very cosmopolitan and offers many activities.

If you plan to send your children to the British International School in Bratislava, consider living in the Dúbravka district, where the school is located

For engineers and digital nomads

Košice, in the east of the country, is Slovakia’s second largest city. It is attracting more and more expats, particularly engineers and digital nomads, especially in the IT sector.

It is a major industrial hub, but still offers a good quality of life, with a bustling city center and attractive residential neighborhoods

The actual cost of living in Slovakia

Life in Slovakia is often presented as very affordable. But once you are there, between the rent for an apartment in Bratislava, regular trips to Coop Jednota (the national hypermarket), and cafés all day long, you quickly realize that this perception needs to be nuanced.

A single person needs a monthly budget of around €1,200, while a family of four should budget for €3,400. These budgets cover housing, groceries, healthcare, transportation, education, mobile phone service, and leisure activities.

Nevertheless, it remains attractive compared to Western European countries. For example, Slovakia is around 45% cheaper than the UK.

However, compared to its neighbors, its cost of living is higher, as shown by the latest Numbeo index of the cost of living in Eastern European countries:

• Czech Republic: 42,6
• Slovakia: 42,1
• Poland: 38,9
• Hungary : 36,6
• Bulgaria: 35,4
• Romania: 34

The job market: a gold mine for skilled workers

Slovakia has a shortage of skilled professionals, particularly in the engineering, technology, construction, and healthcare sectors. The rise of AI and new technologies has only accentuated this need.

As a result, skilled expatriates generally have many professional opportunities.
In terms of taxation, here are a few things to know:

• The tax rate varies from 19 to 25% depending on income level
• You are taxable if you work for a Slovak employer or are posted to Slovakia for a job lasting more than 183 days in a year
• You can ask your employer for an annual statement of tax payments or file your tax return yourself.

The healthcare system in Slovakia

In Slovakia, all permanent residents are covered by public insurance, which finances a portion of essential healthcare.

But in practice, many expatriates quickly discover that the public system is far from comprehensive. It is common to have to pay for comprehensive check-ups, dental procedures or surgical interventions out of pocket.

Many expats therefore choose to supplement their coverage with international health insurance.
At Global Health, we cover all those who have chosen to live abroad.

Our community is made up of nomads, expats, and families living all over the world. We know what it means to live far from home: adapting, starting over, and building a new life elsewhere.

Health should never be an additional burden in this adventure.
By joining us, you benefit from international insurance designed for you:

• Teleconsultations and online second medical opinions
• 5 fully customizable levels of coverage, from deductibles to copayments
• Global multilingual assistance, with local expertise and help centers
• 100% digital management, for easy administration

What is everyday life like in Slovakia?

Life in Slovakia is quiet and relaxed. The locals are welcoming and rarely stressed. People enjoy drinking coffee in the many coffee shops, tasting bryndzové halušky (similar to cheese gnocchi), and going hiking on the weekends.

Getting around is fairly easy

Using public transportation:

In Slovakia, you often start your day with a few minutes’ walk to the nearest stop! And with good reason, as in the main cities, particularly Bratislava, the transportation network is based on buses, trams, and trolleybuses, all of which can be used with the same ticket.

For inter-city travel, the train is still the best way to get from one city to another.
We recommend using these resources to make your travels easier:

• IDS BK : to buy your tickets in Bratislava and track services in realtime;
• cp.sk : to search for and track your routes;
• Slovakrail.sk : official platform for buying tickets and checking timetables

Driving:

While your UK driving licence is still valid for driving in Slovakia for short visits (tourism, business trips, etc.) but after 185 days, you have to exchange your UK licence for a Slovak one. You have 60 days to do this!

Road signs are less clear than in other European countries and take a little time to get used to.

You should also be aware that the police have a zero-tolerance policy for drink driving, and fines can be imposed quickly.

Education is good, especially in international schools

The Slovak education system is generally good. Students usually learn Slovak as well as two foreign languages, including English.

The country is also home to many international schools offering high-quality education, such as the British International School Bratislava, the International School of Košice, and the École Française Internationale de Bratislava.

Leisure and nature go hand in hand

Beyond city outings to restaurants, bars, and movie theaters, you will quickly discover that activities in Slovakia are mainly related to nature:

• Mountain hiking
• Cycling or mountain biking
• Spa breaks (the country has over 1,200 springs!)
• Skiing in winter
• Team sports, with a penchant for soccer and ice hockey

Your frequently asked questions