Slovakia Spain Visa: What Slovak Citizens Need to Know
Key Facts for Slovak Citizens
- Visa Required: No (EU free movement)
- Registration: Green certificate within 90 days
- Processing Time: Same-day at appointment
- Spanish Embassy: Bratislava + Honorary Consulate in Košice
- Citizenship Timeline: 10 years
- Tax Treaty: Yes (1980)
- Dual Citizenship: Keep both in practice
Searching for slovakia spain visa requirements? Here’s what matters: you don’t need one. Slovakia joined the EU in 2004, giving you full freedom of movement across all member states. You can arrive in Barcelona or Madrid tomorrow and legally stay as long as you want. The only requirement is registration, not permission.
The process is straightforward, but paperwork still matters. Skipping registration causes problems with banking, healthcare, and your citizenship timeline. Let’s walk through what you actually need to do.
EU Free Movement: Your Rights as a Slovak Citizen
EU Directive 2004/38/EC establishes your right to move freely within member states. In practical terms:
- Enter Spain with your Slovak passport or ID card
- Stay up to 90 days without any paperwork
- Work from day one without a work permit
- Stay longer than 3 months with registration (not application)
The difference between registration and application is important. Applications can be denied. Registration cannot be refused if you meet basic requirements. Spain is acknowledging you’re here legally, not granting you permission.
Registration Process for Slovak Citizens
Within 90 days of arriving with the intention to stay, register to obtain your Certificado de Registro de Ciudadano de la Unión (green certificate). This includes your NIE number and confirms your legal residence.
Bring to Your Appointment:
- Slovak passport or ID card valid for at least 6 months
- EX-18 form completed (download online or get at office)
- Proof of address rental contract or empadronamiento certificate
- Economic means work contract, autónomo registration, or bank statements (~€600/month)
- Health insurance if not covered by Spanish Social Security
- Fee receipt Via Modelo 790 código 012
Tax Considerations for Slovaks in Spain
Tax Treaty: Slovakia-Spain (1980)
The original Spain-Czechoslovakia treaty from 1980 remains in force, updated by the MLI (Multilateral Instrument) for modern anti-abuse provisions.
Key Points:
- Double taxation prevented: You won’t pay tax twice on the same income
- Reduced withholding rates: 0-15% vs domestic 19%
- Spain uses exemption method for most Slovak income, credit method for dividends/royalties
Beckham Law
Qualifying new residents can pay a flat 24% on Spanish-source income for 6 years. Learn about Beckham Law eligibility.
Path to Permanent Residency and Spanish Citizenship
Permanent Residency: After 5 years of continuous legal residence. This removes conditions on your stay.
Spanish Citizenship: Requires 10 years of legal residence. You’ll need to pass:
- CCSE exam: Spanish culture, government, society
- DELE A2 exam: Spanish language
Dual Citizenship: Slovakia and Spain
Slovakia has allowed dual citizenship since April 2022. You don’t lose Slovak nationality when acquiring Spanish citizenship, provided you’ve resided in Spain for at least 5 years at acquisition.
Spain requires a formal renunciation declaration during naturalization, but Slovakia doesn’t recognize or enforce it. In practice, you keep both passports.
Important: Use your Spanish passport for travel after naturalizing. Exclusively using your Slovak passport for 3+ years can result in losing Spanish citizenship.
Spanish Embassy in Slovakia
Bratislava – Embassy of Spain
Prepoštská 10, 811 01 Bratislava
Tel: +421 2 5441 57 24
Emergency: +421 903 773 707
Email: [email protected]
Košice – Honorary Consulate
Hutnícka 1, 040 01 Košice
Tel: +421 55 799 7990
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Slovak citizens need a visa for Spain?
No. As EU citizens, Slovaks have free movement rights. Enter with your passport or ID card and stay indefinitely. For stays over 90 days, register with authorities rather than apply for a visa.
Can I work in Spain immediately?
Yes. No work permit needed. Register with Social Security and tax authorities when you start employment. Complete EU registration within 90 days of arrival.
Can I keep my Slovak passport if I become Spanish?
Yes, in practice. Slovakia allows dual citizenship since 2022. Spain requires a renunciation declaration, but Slovakia doesn’t recognize it. Use your Spanish passport for travel after naturalizing.
We Handle Everything
Spanish bureaucracy is relentless. Visa applications, tax residency, NIE appointments, ongoing compliance. Getting any of it wrong costs time and money. We handle the paperwork and planning so you can focus on actually building your life here.
This guide provides general information about moving from Slovakia to Spain. Requirements can change. Contact us for personalized advice on your situation. Information accurate as of January 2026.