If you are applying for a temporary residence permit in Slovakia, one of the mandatory documents is proof of accommodation. In this article, we will discuss what types of documents are accepted as proof of residence, the minimum accommodation period required, and important considerations to keep in mind.
Minimum Accommodation Period
To obtain a temporary residence permit, you must prove that you have accommodation for at least 6 months. However, this period includes not only the time of residence but also the processing time for the application, which can take up to 90 days or even longer. Therefore, it is recommended to provide proof of accommodation for at least 1 year.
What Documents Are Accepted as Proof of Accommodation?
According to § 122 of Act No. 404/2011 on the Residence of Foreigners, the following documents can serve as proof of accommodation:
✅ Affidavit from the property owner – If there are multiple owners, all must sign, and their signatures must be notarized.
✅ Lease agreement – Must be signed and notarized by both the landlord and the tenant.
✅ Sublease agreement – In many cases, the primary lease agreement must also be provided to confirm that subletting is permitted.
✅ Certificate from a hotel or accommodation facility – It is advisable to check in advance whether the migration authorities accept this document. If the certificate is issued on official letterhead with a stamp, notarization is usually not required.
Important: Since May 2018, there is no need to provide a property ownership certificate from the land registry to confirm property ownership.
Key Requirements for the Affidavit
The affidavit from the property owner should include:
- Personal details of the property owner(s).
- Description of the property (preferably according to land registry records).
- Personal details of the foreigner: full name, passport number, nationality.
- Information about family members if applying for family reunification.
- The duration of accommodation.
Important note: A residence permit may be denied if the property is registered as a non-residential space or has not been officially approved for habitation.
Accommodation Capacity Limits
The migration police may reject an application if they find that the number of registered residents exceeds the accommodation’s capacity. In such cases, additional confirmation from the property owner may be required to prove that the capacity is not exceeded.
Living with Family Members
When applying for a residence permit for family reunification, it is necessary to provide proof that all family members will be living together in the same room (for example, in a hotel or hostel). This requirement is often considered during the application review process.
Minimum Housing Space Requirements
According to Slovak Ministry of Health Regulation No. 259/2008 Z. z., the minimum space requirements for accommodation are:
- 12 m² per person.
- 6 m² for each additional occupant.
- Total usable area must be at least 15 m².
Providing proof of accommodation is a crucial part of the residence permit application process in Slovakia. Errors in documentation can lead to rejection or delays in processing. Therefore, it is important to verify that the accommodation meets all legal requirements and to submit the appropriate supporting documents.
