Key Facts
Government type: Parliamentary republic
Capital: Bratislava
Total Area: 49,035 km²
Population: 5 421 349
GDP Per Capita (PPP) $ 28 175
Official languages: Slovak
Religions: Christian – Roman Catholic 68.9%, 15.9% non-believers, 6.9% Evangelical, 4.1% Greek Catholic, 2.2% are undetermined and 2% are Reform Christian
Country code: +421
Currency: Euro
Voltage: 220 V
Brief Overview
The Slovak Republic is a landlocked state in Central Europe. It is bordered by the Czech Republic and Austria to the west, Poland to the north, Ukraine to the east and Hungary to the south. The largest city is the capital, Bratislava, and the second largest is Košice.
The people of Slovakia are descended from the Slavic people who settled around the Danube river basin in the 6th and 7th centuries. Under communism some industrialization was undertaken and today Slovak society includes both elements of folk traditions and modern society.
The political transformations of 1989 brought new freedoms that have considerably widened the societal outlook of the populace. On January 1, 1993 Slovakia became an independent nation-state.
Slovakia is a member state of the European Union, NATO, United Nations, OECD and WTO among others. Together with Slovenia and Estonia are the only former Communist nations to be part of the European Union, Eurozone, Schengen Area and NATO simultaneously. The official language is Slovak, a member of the Slavic language family.
Slovakia is a parliamentary democratic republic with a multi-party system. The Slovak head of state is the president elected by direct popular vote for a five-year term. Most executive power lies with the head of government, the prime minister.
The Slovak economy is considered an advanced economy, with the country dubbed the “Tatra Tiger”. Slovakia has recently been characterized by sustained high economic growth by rising domestic demand which is also expected to remain the main driving force of economic growth. The gross domestic product grew 3.2 percent in fixed prices during the second quarter of 2015 year on year.
Although Slovakia’s GDP comes mainly from the tertiary (services) sector, the industrial sector also plays an important role within its economy. The main industry sectors are car manufacturing and electrical engineering. Since 2007, Slovakia has been the world’s largest producer of cars per capita.
Bratislava’s geographical position in Central Europe has long made Bratislava a crossroads for international trade traffic. Various ancient trade routes, such as the Amber Road and the Danube waterway, have crossed territory of present-day Bratislava. Today, Bratislava is the road, railway, waterway and airway hub.
Culture
The development of Slovak culture reflects the country’s rich folk tradition, in addition to the influence of broader European trends. The impact of centuries of cultural repression and control by foreign governments is also evident in much of Slovakia’s art, literature, and music. Because of its position in the Central Europe, it is also influenced by Austrian, German, Hungarian and Slavic cultures.
Slovakia is also home to more than 50 museums. The Slovak National Museum (founded in 1893), located in Bratislava, contains exhibits on Slovak history, archaeology, and musicology, and is probably the country’s best-known museum. Other museums include the Slovak National Gallery (1948), also in Bratislava; the Slovak National Uprising Museum (1955), located in Banská Bystrica; and the Museum of Eastern Slovakia (1872), in Kosice.
Rental Market
The Slovak property market saw a dramatic increase in prices between 2004 and 2008, accompanied by strong appreciation of the Koruna against the Euro, in expectation of Euro adoption in 2009. Since then, dwelling prices have declined. Rents have also fallen significantly.
The regulation of lease of residential premises under Slovak law tends to be pro-tenant oriented. Most of the rights and obligations can, however, be agreed differently based upon the contractual freedom principle of the parties, and thus can deviate from the provisions set out in the respective law.
The lease agreement can be concluded either for definite or indefinite period of time. Based upon the contractual freedom principle, the duration of the lease agreement can be agreed by the contracting parties at their discretion. Usually one year rental period is requested as a minimum duration of the lease agreement.
The lease shall cease to exist based upon the written agreement between the landlord and tenant or a written termination notice whereby, the lease shall end by expiration of the notice period. In the event of an agreement concluded for definite period of time, the lease ends also by expiration of the rental period without requirement of providing any notice by either of the contracting parties.
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The landlord may terminate a lease agreement (for either a definite or an indefinite time period) by providing three months written notice. However, the landlord may terminate a lease agreement only for express reasons set out in the law; for example if the tenant or a member of his household damages the premises in gross manner etc. The tenant may submit a three months termination notice for any reason or even without one.
These are the standards generally accepted by landlords in Slovakia:
Slovak real estate companies work on commission payments that represent the amount of one month’s rent of the property in question
The commission is paid by the owner of the property in most cases
In some cases the real estate company will charge one month commission from both the property owner and tenant.
The commission is in most cases paid by the by both parties
3 months termination period effective for both parties
Utilities (water, electricity, gas, garbage) are paid on top of the monthly rent in forward monthly payments depending on size of the property and number of occupants
The contracts with providers of internet, TV, phone, satellite, etc. are signed and paid for directly by the tenant/occupant and are not part of the lease contract
Security deposit worth 1 month of rent is paid with the first rental payment, returnable upon lease contract termination
Healthcare
Slovakia provides good quality health care. Every village has a health centre and there is at least one hospital in every city and several health centres. Highly specialized hospitals are situated e.g. in Bratislava, Martin, Banska Bystrica and Košice. Emergency operates in every hospital open from afternoon till morning and at weekends 24 hours. Emergency medical service is operational 24 hours 7 days a week.
Emergency phone number: 112
150 – fire and rescue,
155 – emergency medical service,
158 – police
Health care in Slovakia is financed by health insurance. Health insurance in Slovakia is obligatory and shall be paid by every citizen of Slovakia. The insurance fee is deducted from the wages. Medical insurance for children, the disabled and women on maternity leave is paid by the state. Some medical treatments such as plastic surgery or sterilization are paid by patients themselves. Medical treatments for administrative purposes are also paid by the patients. Price lists can be found in every health centre.
Dental treatment in Slovakia is usually not fully covered by health insurance and many dentists in Slovakia do not have contracts with health insurance companies. In this case, patient covers the full treatment himself. Operations and hospital treatments in Slovakia are also covered from the health insurance. Most medications are partially covered by the insurance; some medications are even fully covered while others are only available full payment. Antibiotics and many other pills are only available on doctoral prescription.
Schools
Most of the international kindergartens and schools are located in the capital, Bratislava.Some of the main international kindergartens and schools are the following:
The British International School of Bratislava
This is a friendly, welcoming school that aims for high educational achievement in a supportive learning environment. The school offers a special educational experience where children learn beyond the classroom. Located in the residential area called Dubravka. Includes nursery as well.
QSI International School of Bratislava
This school is a private, non-profit school offering English language education for students of age 2 (Early Childhood Program) to 18 (Secondary School). It is located in residential area known as Karlova Ves.
Cambridge International School
Cambridge International School is an English language international school with a curriculum from the University of Cambridge.
The school is located in the green area of Horsky Park, close to the city center, Kramare, Koliba, Lamac and Karlova Ves .
There are also several nurseries to choose from, e.g.:
Fantasyy kindergarten
Baby School Slniecko
Fairyland
For German or French education please check:
Deutsche Schule Bratislava
Ecole Francaise de Bratislava
This relocation guide to Slovakia supports expats and HR professionals with essential information on housing, healthcare, and life in one of Central Europe’s most accessible and welcoming countries.
Government type: Parliamentary republic
Capital: Bratislava
Total Area: 49,035 km²
Population: 5 421 349
GDP Per Capita (PPP) $ 28 175
Official languages: Slovak
Religions: Christian – Roman Catholic 68.9%, 15.9% non-believers, 6.9% Evangelical, 4.1% Greek Catholic, 2.2% are undetermined and 2% are Reform Christian
Country code: +421
Currency: Euro
Voltage: 220 V
The Slovak Republic is a landlocked state in Central Europe.
It is bordered by the Czech Republic and Austria to the west, Poland to the north, Ukraine to the east, and Hungary to the south. The largest city is the capital, Bratislava, and the second largest is Košice.
The people of Slovakia are descended from the Slavic people who settled around the Danube river basin in the 6th and 7th centuries. Under communism some industrialization was undertaken, and today Slovak society includes both elements of folk traditions and modern society.
The political transformations of 1989 brought new freedoms that have considerably widened the societal outlook of the populace. On January 1, 1993 Slovakia became an independent nation-state.
Slovakia is a member state of the European Union, NATO, the United Nations, the OECD, and the WTO, among others. Slovakia, Slovenia, and Estonia are the only former Communist nations to be part of the European Union, Eurozone, Schengen Area, and NATO simultaneously.
The official language is Slovak, a member of the Slavic language family.
You can also explore our key relocation services, find tailored expat support, or check out CEE relocation trends to see why Slovakia may be your next destination.
Slovakia is a parliamentary democratic republic with a multi-party system.
The Slovak head of state is the president elected by direct popular vote for a five-year term. Most executive power lies with the head of government, the prime minister.
The Slovak economy is considered an advanced economy, with the country dubbed the “Tatra Tiger”.
Slovakia has recently been characterized by sustained high economic growth by rising domestic demand which is also expected to remain the main driving force of economic growth.
The gross domestic product grew 3.2 percent in fixed prices during the second quarter of 2015 year on year.
Although Slovakia’s GDP comes mainly from the tertiary (services) sector, the industrial sector also plays an important role within its economy. The main industry sectors are car manufacturing and electrical engineering. Since 2007, Slovakia has been the world’s largest producer of cars per capita.
Bratislava’s geographical position in Central Europe has long made Bratislava a crossroads for international trade traffic.
Various ancient trade routes, such as the Amber Road and the Danube waterway, have crossed the territory of present-day Bratislava. Today, Bratislava is the road, railway, waterway and airway hub.
The development of Slovak culture reflects the country’s rich folk tradition, in addition to the influence of broader European trends.
The impact of centuries of cultural repression and control by foreign governments is also evident in much of Slovakia’s art, literature, and music.
Because of its position in Central Europe, it is also influenced by Austrian, German, Hungarian and Slavic cultures.
As this relocation guide to Slovakia explores the country’s diverse history and cultural identity, it becomes clear how tradition and modern European values coexist here.
Slovakia is also home to more than 50 museums.
The Slovak National Museum (founded in 1893), located in Bratislava, contains exhibits on Slovak history, archaeology, and musicology, and is probably the country’s best-known museum.
Other museums include the Slovak National Gallery (1948), also in Bratislava; the Slovak National Uprising Museum (1955), located in Banská Bystrica; and the Museum of Eastern Slovakia (1872), in Kosice.
The Slovak property market saw a dramatic increase in prices between 2004 and 2008, accompanied by strong appreciation of the Koruna against the Euro, in expectation of Euro adoption in 2009.
Since then, dwelling prices have declined. Rents have also fallen significantly.
The regulation of lease of residential premises under Slovak law tends to be pro-tenant oriented.
Most of the rights and obligations can, however, be agreed differently based upon the contractual freedom principle of the parties, and thus can deviate from the provisions set out in the respective law.
The lease agreement can be concluded either for definite or indefinite period of time. Based upon the contractual freedom principle, the duration of the lease agreement can be agreed by the contracting parties at their discretion.
Usually one year rental period is requested as a minimum duration of the lease agreement.
The lease shall cease to exist based upon the written agreement between the landlord and tenant or a written termination notice whereby, the lease shall end by expiration of the notice period.
In the event of an agreement concluded for definite period of time, the lease ends also by expiration of the rental period without requirement of providing any notice by either of the contracting parties.
The landlord may terminate a lease agreement (for either a definite or an indefinite time period) by providing three months written notice.
However, the landlord may terminate a lease agreement only for express reasons set out in the law; for example if the tenant or a member of his household damages the premises in gross manner etc.
The tenant may submit a three months termination notice for any reason or even without one.
These are the standards generally accepted by landlords in Slovakia:
Whether you’re planning to live in Bratislava or a smaller city, this relocation guide to Slovakia outlines key rental options, housing costs, and location tips for 2025.
Most of the international kindergartens and schools are located in the capital, Bratislava.
Some of the main international kindergartens and schools are the following:
The British International School of Bratislava
This is a friendly, welcoming school that aims for high educational achievement in a supportive learning environment. The school offers a special educational experience where children learn beyond the classroom. Located in the residential area called Dubravka. Includes nursery as well.
QSI International School of Bratislava
This school is a private, non-profit school offering English language education for students of age 2 (Early Childhood Program) to 18 (Secondary School). It is located in residential area known as Karlova Ves.
Cambridge International School
Cambridge International School is an English language international school with a curriculum from the University of Cambridge.
The school is located in the green area of Horsky Park, close to the city center, Kramare, Koliba, Lamac and Karlova Ves .
There are also several nurseries to choose from, e.g.:
For German or French education please check:
Slovakia provides good quality health care.
Every village has a health centre and there is at least one hospital in every city and several health centres. Highly specialized hospitals are situated in Bratislava, Martin, Banska Bystrica and Košice.
Emergency operates in every hospital open from afternoon till morning and at weekends 24 hours. Emergency medical service is operational 24 hours 7 days a week.
Emergency phone number: 112
150 – fire and rescue,
155 – emergency medical service,
158 – police
Health care in Slovakia is financed by health insurance. Health insurance in Slovakia is obligatory and shall be paid by every citizen of Slovakia.
The insurance fee is deducted from the wages. Medical insurance for children, the disabled and women on maternity leave is paid by the state.
Some medical treatments such as plastic surgery or sterilization are paid by patients themselves.
Medical treatments for administrative purposes are also paid by the patients. Price lists can be found in every health centre.
Dental treatment in Slovakia is usually not fully covered by health insurance and many dentists in Slovakia do not have contracts with health insurance companies.
In this case, patient covers the full treatment himself. Operations and hospital treatments in Slovakia are also covered from the health insurance.
Most medications are partially covered by the insurance; some medications are even fully covered while others are only available full payment.
Antibiotics and many other pills are only available with a doctor’s prescription.
Relocation Guide to Slovenia
