This requirement is especially relevant for non-EU citizens who have already lived in Slovakia for several years and are preparing for a more stable residence status. It is not something to leave until the last minute. Exam dates, preparation time, registration rules, and certificate requirements can all affect your timeline.
In this article, we explain what the Slovak A2 language requirement means, who it may apply to, what the exam usually includes, where foreigners in Košice can look for exam options, and how Move to Košice can help you prepare.
What you will learn in this article
In this guide, you will learn:
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who the Slovak A2 certificate may apply to,
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what the A2 requirement means in practice,
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where foreigners can take the Slovak language exam,
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how early you should start preparing,
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and how Move to Košice can help with Slovak language course options and practical guidance.
This article is written as a general practical guide. For legal interpretation of your individual case, always verify the information with the Foreign Police, IOM Migration Information Centre, or a qualified lawyer.
What changed?
From 15 July 2025, applicants for long-term residence in Slovakia are required to prove Slovak language knowledge at A2 level. According to the Migration Information Centre of IOM, this knowledge is verified by successfully passing a language exam at a certified language school. (Migračné informačné centrum)
The legal basis also refers to A2 level under the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. The Act on Residence of Foreigners states that the language requirement is verified by successfully completing a language exam, and the difficulty of the exam corresponds to A2 level. (epi.sk)
In simple terms: for many long-term residence applicants, it is no longer enough to have lived in Slovakia for the required period and submit the usual documents. The applicant may also need to show that they can communicate in Slovak at a basic practical level.
What is long-term residence in Slovakia?
Long-term residence is a specific type of residence status under Slovak law. It should not be confused with every type of temporary residence or every type of permanent residence.
In general, the police may grant long-term residence to a foreigner who has legally and continuously stayed in Slovakia for five years immediately before submitting the application. There are also specific cases connected with previous long-term residence or certain categories such as Blue Card holders and their family members. (Migračné informačné centrum)
This is why the A2 requirement is particularly important for people who have already built a life in Slovakia and are now planning the next step in their residence status.
Who may need the A2 Slovak certificate?
The requirement mainly concerns third-country nationals, meaning non-EU citizens, applying for long-term residence under the relevant long-term residence routes.
In practice, this may include people who:
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have lived legally and continuously in Slovakia for several years,
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are planning to apply for long-term residence,
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do not fall under one of the listed exceptions,
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and need official proof of Slovak language knowledge for the Foreign Police process.
For the exact legal interpretation of your case, you should always check with the Foreign Police or a qualified lawyer. Move to Košice can connect you with our partner lawyers, but we are not a law firm.
Who may be exempt from the language requirement?
There are exceptions. According to IOM, proof of Slovak language knowledge is not required if the applicant:
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is under 14 years old at the time of submitting the application,
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has temporary residence as a Slovak living abroad,
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can prove they completed lower secondary education at a school with Slovak as the language of instruction,
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or can prove they studied at least two school years at a secondary school with Slovak as the language of instruction, or studied a university programme in Slovak, and no more than five years have passed since finishing the studies. (Migračné informačné centrum)
This part matters. Some families may assume that every family member needs the certificate, but that is not always the case. Children under the stated age, or people with relevant Slovak-language education, may fall under an exception. Still, the documents proving the exception should be checked carefully before submission.
What does the Slovak A2 exam usually include?
The exact structure can depend on the exam provider, but the exam usually checks several language skills.
For example, iCan describes the A2 exam as having a written and an oral part. The written part includes reading comprehension, listening comprehension, a lexical-grammar test, and writing. The oral part includes a communication situation and picture description. iCan also notes that the pure exam time is around three hours, but candidates should also expect waiting time for the oral part, depending on the number of applicants. (skuska.icanschool.sk)
International House Bratislava describes its A2 Slovak exam as including a written part focused on reading, writing, and listening, plus an oral speaking part. The school also advises candidates to set aside the whole day for the exam. (ihbratislava.sk)
Because exam formats, dates, prices, and registration rules can change, always check the current information directly with the exam provider before booking.
Where can foreigners take the exam?
According to IOM, Slovak language knowledge for long-term residence should be proven by taking the exam at one of the listed language schools. The IOM list includes several schools across Slovakia, including options in Košice. (mic.iom.sk)
For Košice, listed options include:
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Jazyková škola, Hlavná 113, Košice,
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Jazyková škola, Užhorodská 8, Košice,
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Súkromná jazyková škola iCan, Mojmírova 12, Košice.
Foreigners in Košice can also look at Pavol Jozef Šafárik University in Košice (UPJŠ). The Faculty of Arts at UPJŠ operates a Regional ECL Testing Centre, where candidates can take certified Slovak language exams, including A2 level. The ECL exam assesses listening, speaking, reading, and writing, and candidates must reach the required minimum score in each tested skill. UPJŠ lists its ECL testing centre at Moyzesova 9, Košice. (upjs.sk)
Because exam dates, capacity, prices, and registration rules can change, it is better to check availability early. Before booking any exam, verify directly with the exam provider or the Foreign Police whether the certificate is suitable for your specific residence purpose.
How early should you start preparing?
The realistic answer is: earlier than you think.
Even if your Slovak is already at a basic conversational level, the exam format may still be unfamiliar. Many candidates lose points not because they know no Slovak, but because they are not used to the structure of the tasks, the timing, or the oral part.
A practical preparation plan could look like this:
3–6 months before applying
Start regular Slovak lessons focused on practical communication and the exam format. If you are a complete beginner, you may need more time. To level up from one level onto another, it usually takes around 3-4 months.
1–2 months before applying
Register for an exam date, prepare the required documents, and practise typical tasks: short writing, listening, reading, and speaking.
After passing the exam
Keep the certificate safe and check how it should be submitted with your long-term residence application.
This timeline is only general. Your actual timing depends on your current Slovak level, exam availability, and your residence application deadline.
Common mistakes foreigners should avoid
The first mistake is assuming that “living in Slovakia for years” automatically means the language requirement will be easy. Daily survival Slovak and exam Slovak are not the same.
The second mistake is leaving the exam until the last moment. If the nearest exam dates are full, your residence application timeline may become stressful.
The third mistake is booking a certificate without checking whether it is suitable for your residence purpose. Different institutions may offer Slovak exams, but for long-term residence you should confirm acceptance before paying.
The fourth mistake is relying only on apps or self-study. Apps can help with vocabulary, but the exam usually requires speaking, writing, listening, and understanding instructions under time pressure.
How Move to Košice can help
At Move to Košice, we help foreigners understand the practical steps of settling in Košice, Slovakia. For long-term residence applicants, this may include guidance on the residence process, document preparation support, appointment guidance, and connecting you with trusted partners when legal advice is needed.
We can also help you prepare for the Slovak language requirement by connecting you with suitable Slovak language courses, schools, or tutors in Košice. Depending on your current level and timeline, we can help you choose between group lessons, individual lessons, or more focused exam preparation.
Right now, we have started our own Slovak language courses in partnership with a local teacher focused on leveling up your Slovak language on an individual basis. We have offline or online options available. One of our students said this about this course: “Hi , I did my slovak class today it’s understandable for me right now and our teacher is good at explaining everything I like it.❤️” If you would be interested, please fill out this questionnaire: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfYvCvnWxfvz69OJF5H-2H7s_EtUaOxEfbGaQ4b2dbWUyt8wQ/viewform?usp=header
We do not issue the official A2 certificate ourselves, and we do not replace legal advice. But we can help you understand what to prepare, where to start, and how to avoid unnecessary confusion.
If you are planning to apply for long-term residence in Slovakia and you are not sure whether the A2 certificate applies to you, contact us. We can review your situation, explain the next practical steps, and connect you with the right professional support when needed.
Need help preparing for long-term residence in Slovakia?
Moving from temporary stay to long-term residence is an important step. The A2 Slovak language requirement is not only an administrative obligation — it is also a chance to become more confident in everyday life in Slovakia.
If you live in Košice or plan to move here, Move to Košice can help you navigate the process with local guidance, trusted contacts, and practical support.
Book a consultation or contact us through WhatsApp/email. We will help you understand your next step.
Planning to apply for long-term residence in Slovakia?
We can help you understand the process, prepare your checklist, and connect you with Slovak language course options in Košice.
Contact Move to Košice and tell us about your situation.
Email: hello@movetokosice.sk
Phone / Whatsupp number: +421 952 586 212