🇸🇰 Slovakia
How the 90/180 rule applies to Slovakia, plus the tools you'll want before you go.
Joined Schengen
2007
Currency
EUR
Timezone
Europe/Bratislava
Calling code
+421
What counts toward your 90 days
Every day spent in Slovakia counts toward the same Schengen-wide 90-day allowance. Days in Slovakia are added to days in any of the other 28 Schengen countries when calculating the rolling 180-day window.
Entry and exit days both count as full days.
If you hold a Slovakia national long-stay visa or residence permit, the 90/180 rule does not limit your stay in Slovakia itself, but it does still cap your time in the rest of Schengen.
Nomading in Slovakia, specifically
US, UK, Canadian, and Australian citizens get 90 days visa-free within any 180-day period. Indian citizens and most others need a Schengen visa beforehand.
Who Gets In and How
Slovakia, as a Schengen member, follows common entry rules. US, UK, Canadian, Australian, and New Zealand passport holders can enter visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day stretch. This applies across the entire Schengen Area, so time spent in other Schengen countries counts towards your 90 days. For longer stays, you'll need a national visa or residence permit specific to Slovakia. Indian citizens, among many others, require a Schengen visa obtained before arrival. Keep an eye on ETIAS, the upcoming European Travel Information and Authorisation System, which will be an online authorization for visa-exempt travellers, not a visa itself, and will likely roll out in 2025. At the border, expect your passport to be stamped upon entry and exit if you're not an EU/EEA citizen.
The 90/180 Rule: Slovakia Edition
The 90/180 day rule is strict. It means you can spend a maximum of 90 days within any rolling 180-day period in Slovakia and the wider Schengen zone. Overstaying is a serious issue, leading to fines or entry bans. Unlike some countries with specific exit/entry stamp requirements at every land border crossing, Slovakia's internal borders are generally open. However, your passport stamp from your initial Schengen entry is your primary record. If you plan to stay longer than 90 days, you must apply for a Slovak residence permit before your visa-free period expires. This involves demonstrating sufficient funds and a reason for your extended stay, like remote work.
Where Nomads Actually Settle and What It Costs
Most remote workers in Slovakia gravitate towards Bratislava, the capital. It's compact, affordable compared to Western Europe, and has a good number of co-working spaces and cafes with Wi-Fi. Košice, the second-largest city, is another popular choice, offering a slightly slower pace and lower living costs. Expect monthly expenses for a single person to range from €700 to €1,200, depending heavily on accommodation choices and lifestyle. Internet speeds are generally good, especially in cities, with average download speeds around 60-80 Mbps. Payment is typically done via card, though having some Euros in cash for smaller vendors or markets is always wise. Most ATMs accept foreign cards without issue.