Foreign-born population – 2025 | 4.2% of the population | Main countries of birth: Czechia (45%), the United Kingdom (7%), Ukraine (6%) |
Size: 0.2 million, 50% women | Evolution since 2015: +29% |
International Migration Outlook 2026
50th Edition
In 2025, the Slovak Republic received 23 000 new immigrants on a long-term or permanent basis (including changes of status and free mobility), 9.7% more than in 2024. This figure comprises 4% immigrants benefitting from free mobility, 78% labour migrants and 15% family members (including accompanying family). Around 5 000 permits were issued to tertiary-level international students and 1 500 to temporary and seasonal labour migrants (excluding intra-EU migration). In addition, 40 000 intra-EU postings were recorded in 2024, a 16% increase compared to 2023. These posted workers are generally on short-term contracts.
Ukraine, Hungary and Czechia were the top three nationalities of newcomers in 2024. Among the top 15 countries of origin, Ukraine registered the strongest increase (800) and Poland the largest decrease (‑23) in flows to the Slovak Republic compared to the previous year.
In 2025, the number of first asylum applicants decreased by ‑7.1%, to reach around 100. Of the 140 decisions taken in 2025, 50% were positive.
Emigration of Slovak citizens to OECD countries decreased by ‑4% in 2024, to 24 000. Approximately 29% of this group migrated to Czechia, 17% to Germany and 16% to Austria.
Since December 2024, the computerisation of processes related to the stay of foreigners has been introduced, reducing the need for in-person visits to police services. The extension of deadlines and the reinforcement of staff capacities also alleviate the administrative burden.
The amendment to the Act on the Residence of Foreigners, which entered into force on 1 July 2025, tightened the conditions for the residence of foreigners for business purposes. Applications are submitted exclusively through Slovak embassies abroad, and applications within the country are not allowed; a business plan is required, and an annual quota of 700 permits has been introduced. New temporary stays for business purposes started to be issued for a maximum period of three years. When changing the purpose of residence for business purposes – a third-country national who has been granted residence in the territory of the Slovak Republic for less than two years cannot apply to change the purpose of residence. In the case of residence for the purpose of study, it is possible to apply for another purpose of residence only after successful completion of studies. The validity of long-stay visas issued for residence applications has been extended from 90 to 120 days.
Since July 2026, the amendment to Act on the Residence of Foreigners has applied clearer rules on applying for national visas, including document requirements, time limits for decision making and uniform validity of visas from 90 to 120 days. Arrears vis-à-vis tax and levy institutions are also a new reason for the withdrawal of residence for business purposes.
On 12 June 2025, the government of the Slovak Republic approved the National Strategy for Asylum and Migration Management for the next five years, addressing the broader perspective of migration (legal migration and emigration, return of the workforce). It was followed by an action plan approved on 1 July 2026, which identifies objectives, measures, responsibilities and indicators in 10 thematic areas.
In February 2025, the Ministry of Interior and UNHCR launched the Refugee Response Plan 2025-2026, focussing on housing, education, healthcare and employment.
As of 1 March 2025, the duration of accommodation and financial assistance to newly arrived Ukrainian refugees has been reduced to three months, with the exception of vulnerable groups.
Since 12 June 2026, a new law on international protection has been in force, introducing an asylum border procedure directly at the external borders of the European Union within a period of 12 weeks; free legal counselling to applicants during the procedure; an obligation to make audio recordings of interviews; better protection of vulnerable persons and an independent monitoring mechanism.
For further information: www.minv.sk
