If you’re coming to Slovakia as an international student, sooner or later you will hear about one thing:
Foreign Police (Cudzinecká polícia).
It might sound intimidating at first — but don’t worry. Once you understand the process, it’s pretty manageable. This guide will walk you through what to expect, what to prepare, and how to avoid common mistakes.
Do You Even Need to Visit the Foreign Police?It depends on your nationality.
EU / EEA StudentsGood news — the process is simpler.
However, if you plan to stay longer than 90 days, you must register your residence.
You will typically need:
In many cases, the notice of stay is handled by your landlord, but always confirm this.
Non-EU StudentsThe process is more formal.
Before arrival, you will usually need:
Official information:
Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs:
https://www.mzv.sk/en/web/en
You can also check with your local Slovak embassy or consulate.
Temporary Residence: What You Need to PrepareMost non-EU students must apply for temporary residence for the purpose of study.
You will typically need:
Official information:
Ministry of Interior:
https://www.minv.sk/?ministry-of-interior
Helpful overview for students:
https://www.studyinslovakia.saia.sk
Important: Some documents may require:
Start preparing early — this is where many students lose time.
Visiting the Foreign Police in KošiceAfter arrival, you may be required to visit the Foreign Police in person within a specific number of days.
Official guide:
Booking an AppointmentYou usually need to book a time slot in advance:
Online reservation system:
https://portal.minv.sk/wps/portal/domov/ecu/ecu_elektronicke_sluzby/ecu-vysys/
Tip:
Appointments can fill up quickly — book as early as possible.
What to Bring With YouAlways come prepared. Bring:
Even if something seems “optional”, bring it anyway. It can save you from having to come back again.
What to ExpectLet’s be honest — this is not the most fun part of your stay.
You may experience:
But:
Stay calm, be polite, and have everything prepared.
Practical Tips (From Experience)Dealing with the Foreign Police might feel stressful at first, but it’s a standard part of studying abroad in Slovakia. Once you complete the process, you’ll have peace of mind for the rest of your stay.
With good preparation, it’s not a problem — just a step.
It depends on your nationality.
EU/EEA students usually only need to register their stay if they stay longer than 90 days.
Non-EU students must typically apply for temporary residence and visit the Foreign Police in person.
In most cases, you should register within a few days after arrival (often within 3 working days). Always double-check your specific obligation based on your visa or residence type.
Yes, in most cases you need to book an appointment in advance through the official online system.
Appointments can fill up quickly, so book as early as possible.
Always bring:
When in doubt, bring more documents rather than fewer.
You may be asked to come back another day.
This can delay your process, so it’s best to prepare everything in advance.
Not always. Some officers speak basic English, but it’s not guaranteed.
Tip: Bring a Slovak-speaking friend if possible.
Your visit can take anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours, depending on the queue and complexity of your case.
It can feel stressful at first, but the process is standard and manageable. Thousands of students go through it every year without issues.
Once everything is approved: