Your life in Slovakia starts here
Make your move to Slovakia
Mountains, castles and central European affordability define Slovakia, with strong healthcare and widely spoken English. Skilled-worker and business routes offer a clear way in, with permanent residency in time.
Photo: Milan Chudoba / Pexels
At a glance
Slovakia, in brief.
How Slovakia compares with the 80+ destinations we cover. Slovakia ranks among the best for cost of living (35th of 77) and safety (38th of 78) and healthcare (39th of 78).
Compare destinations- Cost of living
- Low
- Property
- Affordable
- Healthcare
- Strong
- Safety
- Safe
- Climate
- Cool (~11°C)
- English
- Widely spoken
- Expat community
- Moderate
No retiree visa, Blue Card or business, 5yr PR
Worldwide, new 35% top rate 2026
Life in Slovakia
My name is Naomi, I'm from a small mountain village in British Columbia, Canada. I've lived in Slovakia for 10 years with my husband and (now) four children.Where,…
Health insurance in Slovakia
Covered from day one.
The dream is the easy part. Compare tailored expat health insurance quotes from trusted international insurers, in minutes and with no obligation.
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Your move plan
Slovakia, one step at a time.
Thirteen steps, in the order most people tackle them. Each one links to the guide that walks you through it.
- 01Check which visa fits your moveRead the guide : Check which visa fits your move
- 02Work out your monthly budgetRead the guide : Work out your monthly budget
- 03Arrange health cover for your moveRead the guide : Arrange health cover for your move
- 04Understand how the health system worksRead the guide : Understand how the health system works
- 05Bring your pet, if you have oneRead the guide : Bring your pet, if you have one
- 06Find somewhere to rentRead the guide : Find somewhere to rent
- 07Open a local bank accountRead the guide : Open a local bank account
- 08Know your residency steps after you arriveRead the guide : Know your residency steps after you arrive
- 09Find a doctorRead the guide : Find a doctor
- 10Understand your tax positionRead the guide : Understand your tax position
- 11Sort out your driving licenceRead the guide : Sort out your driving licence
- 12Set up a phone and internetRead the guide : Set up a phone and internet
- 13Plan schools, if you're moving with childrenRead the guide : Plan schools, if you're moving with children
Plan your move
Answers for your move.
Free tools that turn big questions about Slovakia into clear answers.
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- Compare cost of livingWhat your money is worth in Slovakia.01
- Check retirement affordabilityWhere your pension clears the requirement.02
- Find visa optionsEvery route you could qualify for.03
- Get moving quotesUp to five free quotes from international movers.04
- Move money abroadTransfers with a currency specialist.05
The complete picture
The Slovakia moving guide.
54 guides, from your visa to finding a vet. Start with the three most people need first.
- Start here · 01
Visas
Which visa fits your move, and how to apply.
- Start here · 02
Residency
Your residence permit, from first stay to long term.
- Start here · 03
Banking
Opening an account and moving money.
Visas, residency and work
6
Healthcare
7
Buying property
5
Health and wellbeing
8
Travel and transport
5
Driving and cars
5
You won't be the first
Real people who made the move.
People who built a life in Slovakia share what surprised them, what helped and what they'd do again. All Slovakia stories
Fresh from Slovakia
Latest articles.
Studying in Slovakia: Universities, Courses, and Admission for Expats
Located at the heart of Europe, Slovakia is increasingly becoming a hotspot for international students and expats alike. Known for its rich history, picturesque…
How To Open A Bank Account In Slovakia
Slovakia has been enjoying a strong economic growth in recent years, along with historically low unemployment rates and a significant decrease in public debt…
How To Rent Or Buy Property In Slovakia
Slovakia (officially the Slovak Republic) is a landlocked country in Central Europe. It is bordered by Poland to the north, Ukraine to the east,…
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