Can I bring my spouse and minor children with me based on the obtained work permit?

Family Reunification in Slovakia Based on a Work Permit

If you have been granted a work permit in Slovakia and wish to bring your spouse and minor children to live with you, you can apply for family reunification. Here’s a detailed explanation of the process and requirements:

Legal Basis

The primary legislation governing the residence of foreigners in Slovakia is Act No. 404/2011 Coll. on Residence of Aliens. This law outlines the conditions under which family members of foreign nationals can obtain a residence permit.

Eligibility for Family Reunification

• Eligible Family Members: Generally, the following family members are eligible for family reunification:
  • Spouse (husband or wife)
  • Minor dependent children (under 18 years old)
• Your Status: You, as the work permit holder, must have a valid residence permit in Slovakia. This is typically a temporary residence permit for the purpose of employment.

Application Process

1. Application Submission: Your family members must apply for a temporary residence permit for the purpose of family reunification. The application can be submitted at the Slovak embassy or consulate in their country of origin, or at a Foreign Police department in Slovakia if they are already legally residing there.
2. Required Documents: The following documents are generally required:
   • Application Form: Completed application form for a temporary residence permit.
   • Valid Passport: A valid passport for each family member.
   • Marriage Certificate: For your spouse, an original or officially certified copy of the marriage certificate, translated into Slovak by a certified translator.
   • Birth Certificates: For each child, an original or officially certified copy of the birth certificate, translated into Slovak by a certified translator.
   • Proof of Relationship: Documents proving the family relationship (as mentioned above).
   • Your Residence Permit: A copy of your valid residence permit in Slovakia.
   • Proof of Accommodation: Document proving accommodation in Slovakia (e.g., rental agreement, property ownership document).
   • Proof of Financial Resources: Documents demonstrating sufficient financial resources to support your family in Slovakia. This can include your salary statements, bank statements, or other proof of income. The required amount varies, so it’s essential to check the current requirements.
   • Clean Criminal Record: An extract from the criminal record (police clearance certificate) from the applicant’s country of origin, translated into Slovak by a certified translator. This certificate must usually be apostilled or superlegalized, depending on the country of origin.
   • Health Insurance: Proof of health insurance valid in Slovakia. Your family members will need to obtain Slovak health insurance or provide proof of equivalent coverage.
   • Photos: Passport-sized photographs.
3. Translation and Authentication: All foreign documents must be officially translated into Slovak by a certified translator and, if required, apostilled or superlegalized.
4. Interview: The embassy or Foreign Police may require an interview with the applicants.

Financial Requirements

You must demonstrate that you have sufficient financial resources to support your family members. The exact amount required can vary, so it is important to check the current official requirements. This is assessed based on the subsistence level defined by Slovak law.

Accommodation Requirements

You need to provide proof of adequate accommodation for your family. This could be a rental agreement or proof of ownership of a suitable property.

Health Insurance

Your family members must have health insurance valid in Slovakia. They can either obtain Slovak public health insurance or a private health insurance policy that provides comprehensive coverage.

Decision and Permit Issuance

The processing time for a family reunification application can vary. Once the application is approved, your family members will be issued a temporary residence permit, usually valid for the same duration as your work permit.

Important Considerations

• Official Information: Always refer to the official website of the Slovak Immigration Office (Foreign Police) for the most up-to-date information and any changes in regulations.
• Legal Assistance: Consider seeking legal assistance from an immigration lawyer to ensure that you meet all the requirements and to help with the application process.
• Current Regulations: Immigration laws and regulations can change, so it is crucial to verify the current requirements before starting the application process.

References

• Ministry of Interior of the Slovak Republic – Residence of Foreigners
• Act No. 404/2011 Coll. on Residence of Aliens

Origin: https://driver-work.com/docs/can-i-bring-my-spouse-and-minor-children-with-me-based-on-the-obtained-work-permit/