Reviewed 29 September 2026. If you are studying in Slovakia and hope a spouse or child can join you, their immigration route depends on your own status, their nationality and your family relationship. A student’s admission or residence permission does not automatically give family members permission to enter, live or work in Slovakia.
Start with the correct procedure
Family reunification can involve a national visa or an application for temporary residence. These are distinct procedures with different conditions. A spouse’s work rights also depend on the residence permission granted and other circumstances. Do not assume one rule applies to every family. The IOM Migration Information Centre’s temporary residence guide describes the application process, while its family reunification work-rights guide explains why the right to work varies.
What to check before making plans
Ask the Slovak embassy responsible for the family member’s country of citizenship or residence, or the competent Foreign Police department, which procedure applies. Confirm the current list of documents, how family relationships must be proved, whether evidence of accommodation or financial resources is required, document legalization and translation rules, appointment availability, fees and processing times. These requirements may change and depend on the individual case. Your university can confirm your enrolment and study documents, but it does not decide a relative’s immigration application.
The Slovak Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs provides national visa guidance. Check the responsible embassy’s own page for its local application and appointment instructions.
Applicant responsibility
Family members and, where relevant, the student sponsor are responsible for checking eligibility, supplying truthful and complete documents, filing with the competent authority, attending appointments and following deadlines and conditions. EduSlovakia does not prepare, submit, schedule appointments for, represent applicants in, or otherwise assist with visa or residence applications. It cannot guarantee any outcome.
This is general information, not individualized legal advice. For exact information contact the university about academic documents and the Slovak embassy responsible for your country of citizenship or residence or the competent Foreign Police department about immigration. See our Admissions, Visa and Residence Policy.
