What Is a Živnosť?

A Živnosť is the Slovak equivalent of a sole proprietorship or self-employment license. It allows an individual to legally carry out business activities, issue invoices, and pay taxes in Slovakia. For non-EU citizens, opening a Živnosť can be the basis for applying for a temporary residence permit for the purpose of business.

Key Benefits

• Settle in Slovakia and enjoy the freedom to travel across the Schengen Zone.
• Live and move around Europe without the stress of visa restrictions.
• Start your own business or freelance with peace of mind.
• No need to worry about paperwork or legal grey areas — everything’s official and above board.
• Bring your loved ones with you.
• Reunite with close family members and build a life together in a safe, welcoming environment.
• Take real steps toward long-term residency — and even citizenship.
• Over time, you can gain permanent status and potentially an EU passport.
• A smoother, more accessible process than in many other EU countries.
• Lower entry requirements and a more straightforward path make Slovakia a smart choice.

Requirements for Applying

To obtain a temporary residence permit based on self-employment, you generally need to:

1. Register as a sole trader (Živnostník). To get started, you’ll need a Slovak business address and a trade license for your line of work.
2. Create a simple business plan. Nothing overly complex — just a clear outline showing how your business will work and that it can support your living costs.
3. Show you have enough money to live on. You’ll need to prove you’ve got some savings — usually a few thousand euros in a Slovak bank account is enough.
4. Sort out your accommodation. You’ll need to show where you’ll be living — a rental agreement or proof that you own a place in Slovakia will do.
5. Get health insurance. You’ll need a policy that covers medical care while you’re in Slovakia.
6. Provide a clean criminal record. You’ll be asked to submit police clearance from your home country and any other countries you’ve lived in recently.

Application Process

1. Get your trade license: This is the first step before applying for residency. The good news? It’s usually quick — just a few days to sort out.
2. Apply for temporary residence: You’ll typically submit your application at the Slovak embassy in your home country. In some cases, you might be able to apply directly in Slovakia.
3. Wait for a decision: The processing time can vary, but it often takes up to 90 days — so be prepared to wait a bit.
4. Register your address and pick up your residence card: Once you’re approved, you’ll need to officially register where you’re staying and activate your residence permit.

Taxes and Obligations

As a Živnostník, you will be responsible for:

• 1. Paying income tax (flat rate up to a certain threshold or based on actual income).
• 2. Contributing to social and health insurance after the first year of business.
• 3. Keeping basic accounting records or hiring an accountant.