The landscapes and architecture, from grassy hills and thick forests to castles and ancient ruins, day in Slovakia is a like a page out of a fairytale book. This landlocked country, although dwarfed by its gargantuan neighbors, competes in the fore of urban development that expats from around the world are beginning to discover. If you’re thinking of hiking up the Tatras Mountains, or just lounging about in the many cafes, take our handy guide with you.
- Expat Clubs
- Schools
- Local News Sources
- Country Information
- Resident and Work visa information
- How to get a driving license
- Where to live and about the accomodation types
- Healthcare information including Hospitals and Insurance
Expat Clubs
International Women's Club of Bratislava
We are a club of women, living in Slovakia, married and single, young and young at heart, mothers, professional women, and women who work at home. Currently we have over 150 members, hailing from over 30 countries, including many Slovak women.
Address: Hodzovo namestie 2, 811 06 Bratislava, Slovakia
Email: [email protected]
FB: www.facebook.com/pages/IWCB-International-Womens-Club-of-Bratislava/139076546158613
Website: www.iwc.sk
International Schools
British International School Bratislava
They are the largest international school in Bratislava with outstanding teaching professionals, high academic standards, a family atmosphere and an environment that inspires children to learn.
Curriculum: British
Address: J. Valašťana Dolinského 1 (Pekníkova 6), 841 02 Bratislava, Slovakia
Tel: +421 2 6930 7081 (2)
Mobile: +421 905 773 632
Website: www.bis.sk
French School of Bratislava
This is a French school, under the FBSA, and Ministry of Education. They follow the French curriculum.
Curriculum: French
Address: Cádrova 23
831 01 Bratislava (Slovakia)
Tel: + 421 905 944 663
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.ecolefrancaise.sk
QSI International School of Bratislava
QSI International School of Bratislava, is a private non-profit institution that opened in September of 1994 and offers a high quality education in the English language for elementary and secondary students. The warm and welcoming school community make it an ideal place to receive a quality education from QSI.
Address: Karloveska 64, 842-20 Bratislava, Slovakia
Tel: + 421-2-6542-2844
Fax: + 421-2-6541-1646
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.qsi.org/schoolpages/svk/home
QSI International School of Kosice
QSI International School of Kosice, is a private non-profit institution that opened in September of 2001 and offers a high quality education in the English language for elementary and secondary students. The warm and welcoming school community make it an ideal place to receive a quality education from QSI.
Address: Drabova 3, 04023 Košice, Slovakia
Tel: +421-55-625-0040
Fax: +421-55-729-4157
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.qsi.org/schoolpages/ksc/home
Local News in English
Slovak Spectator (subscription needed)
The Slovak Spectator is Slovakia’s only English-language newspaper. It is published weekly by The Rock, s.r.o. publishing house and covers local news, culture and business.
Website: www.slovakspectator.com
The Daily.SK
www.TheDaily.SK - daily Slovak news in English for everyone living or interested in the country who doesn’t speak Slovak. Their news gives foreigners an insight into what is happening in the country through impartial, concise and clear daily news reports with added value.
Website: www.thedaily.sk
Slovakia Today
Slovakia's English-language newspaper delivering breaking news, reviews and opinions.
Website: www.sktoday.com
Country Information
Location: Europe
Capital City: Bratislava
Currency: Euro €
Language: Slovak
Calling Code: +421
Internet TLD: .sk
Electricity: Slovakia runs on 230V 50Hz. The largest electricity distributor is Zapadoslovenska energetika, a.s. (ZSE)
Address: ZSE, Čulenova 6, 816 47 Bratislava
Tel: +421 850 111 555
Other Electricity Companies:
Stredoslovenská energetika, a.s. (SSE): www.sse.sk/portal/page/portal/stranka_SSE#
Východoslovenská energetika, a.s. (VSE): www.vse.sk
Slovenské elektrárne, a.s.: www.seas.sk
Emergency Numbers: 150
Country Information
en.wikipedia.org
Embassy Information
embassy.goabroad.com/embassies-in/slovakia
Residents Visa and Work Permit information
Slovakia is a member of the Schengen states; visa restrictions and exemptions apply. The official tourism site lists down countries and their respective visa regulations: www.slovakia.com/visas/. Those that require a visa must apply at a Slovak embassy or consulate in their home or host country.
There are three types of visas available to expats: transit, tourist and national. The first two are short-term visits .The national visa type D, grants the holder extended stay for up to 90 days.
In conjunction, expats should also apply for a residence permit. There are two types, temporary residence (business, work, study, family reunion), permanent residence and tolerated residence (refuge, asylum).
Applications for residence are coursed through a Slovak embassy or consulate.
For documents required for applications, please visit: www.mzv.sk/web/en/consular_info/visa
Further information can be found in the Slovak Ministry of Foreign Affairs website, under consular info>>
Accommodation
Housing options in Slovakia are plenty, and the low cost of living is particularly attractive to expats. Both renting and purchasing properties is cheap compared to other European countries. Studio apartments for rent cost about 250 Euros per month; while a 4 bedroom luxury apartment costs up to 5,000 Euros per month.
Real Estate Slovakia is a useful site to visit. It has exhaustive listings that span all areas of Slovakia.
Bratislava, the capital and commercial,economicl and cultural hub of the country, has a number of residential areas. The city is divided into 5 districts. Bratislava 1 is the most popular among expats. There are residential units situated in refurbished historical buildings in Palisady, Dunajska and Moskovska. Most amenities are walking distance. Expats should think twice about using a car in this area as parking can be aproblem.
Bratislava 2 has modern residential complexes, in areas of Trnavka, Mierova, Strkovek, Travniky, Ruzinov, and Jegeho. Shopping centers, business centers and hotels are in this part of the city. Bratislava 4 has two international schools within the area. This is suitable for expats with children. residential complexes are built along the Danube river.
The largest residential area is Patrzalka in Bratislava 5. Popular and modern shopping centers are built near housings.
Bratislava 3 is the most expensive of the districts. It’s a popular for weekend trips. Accommodations here are new and luxurious, with private streets and VIP areas.
Driving License
Expats may use their domestic license, provided the country of origin is part of the international convention that recognizes foreign licenses. If the license is not recognized, the expat will have to pass a driving course.
There is no limit to how long expats may use their recognized domestic license; it will depend on the duration of the expat’s visa.
However, expats who are residents, temporary or permanent, have six months before they will have to exchange their foreign license for a Slovak one. This is done through the Office of Driver Records.
Documents required:
- Domestic/Foreign driving license
- 1 photo, 3.5cm x 4.5cm
- Completed application form
- Permanent or Temporary residence permit (sticker on the passport)
- License exchange fee.
Healthcare
The facilities and services in Slovakia ranges from average to poor. Both public, state-funded healthcare, and private institutions are available. The public healthcare is open to all citizens and registered residents of the country. All income-earners must be enrolled in the state-health insurance. Both employees and employers contribute to this system. Medical treatments are usually free, but some cases are only subsidized. Doctor’s appointments and consultant referrals are free. Emergency care is also free for everyone. The private healthcare is used as supplement to the public system.
Insurance Companies
Allianz Slovakia
Allianz started operating in Slovakia in 1993. Since the merger with Slovenská poisťovňa on January 1, 2003, the company offers its services under the name Allianz - Slovenská poisťovňa. Since October 2003, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Developmentowns 15 % of the shares.
Address: Dostojevského rad 4, 815 74 Bratislava, Slovakia
Tel: +421.2.59631111
Fax +421.2.59632740
Website: www.allianzsp.sk
Hospitals
Martin University Hospital
Martin University Hospital is a Slovak public university hospital located in the Martin municipality, in the county of Zilina, north-east of the Slovak capital Bratislava. It is a teaching hospital and its the main university hospital affiliated with the Jessenius School of Medicine. The hospital has over 1.700 employees. Martin University Hospital has 900 beds in total including all sectors.
Address: Ul. Kollarova 2, Martin, Zilina, Slovakia
Website: www.unm.sk
Interlink Bratislava
Interklinik Bratislava is a clinic based in the capital of the Slovak Republic, Bratislava. Established in 1995, it consists of over 1,000 square meters of operating rooms, ambulances, inpatient rooms and spa.
Website: www.interklinik.sk
Fakultna Nemocnica L. Pasteura
Address: Rastislavova 43, Kosice, Slovak Republic
Tel: +421 55 615 3001
Fax: +421 55 765 937
Poliklinikou Akademika L. Derera
Address: Limbova 5, Bratislava, 835 05, Slovak Republic
Tel: +421 259 542 687
Fax: +421 259 543 191
Oradent
ORADENT is a family owned, modern dentist who provides professional care in the field of aesthetic, conservation and reconstruction dentistry
Address: Mierova 52/A, Bratislava, 821 05, Slovak Republic
Tel: +421 2 4342 6984, +421 (0)2 4342 7017
Website (Slovak): www.oradent.sk
Medifera
Address: Medicinske Centrum, Utorova 12, Bratislava, 811 02, Slovak Republic
Tel: +421 7 529 31298
Fax: +421 7 529 31300
MUDr. Peter Strhak Medical Care
Address: Babuskova 2, Bratislava, 821 03, Slovak Republic
Tel: +421 2 4329 1630
Fax: +421 2 4329 1630
Fakultna Nemocnica L. Pasteura
Address: Rastislavova 43, Kosice, Slovak Republic
Tel: +421 55 615 3001, +421 55 615 3111
Fax: +421 55 765 937
Website (Slovak): fnlp.sk
