Thinking of studying, working, or visiting family in Slovakia? You’re not alone. Each year, more Nigerians are choosing this beautiful, affordable EU country for education and career opportunities. But here’s the catch: Slovakia does not have an embassy in Nigeria which means applying for a visa involves a few extra steps.
Whether you’re applying for a short-term Schengen visa or a long-term student visa, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from where to apply, which documents you need, to how to avoid common mistakes. Let’s simplify the process and get you closer to your dream of living in Slovakia.
Since Slovakia has no Slovak consulate in Nigeria, all visa applications are processed via representation arrangements:
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- Schengen (short-term) visas (Type C or A) are submitted at VFS Global in Nigeria specifying Sweden as the destination country (Sweden represents Slovakia for Schengen visas from Nigeria)
- National long‑term visas (Type D – e.g., student, work, residence) are submitted in person at the Embassy of Slovakia in Nairobi, Kenya.
Step 1: Determine Visa Type
• Short‑term/Schengen Visa (Type C or A)
For tourism, visits, short courses, conferences or transit—up to 90 days. Apply via VFS Global in Nigeria, under Sweden’s representation .
• National Visa (Type D)
For long-term stays—study, work, family reunification, research, etc. Application must go to the Slovak Embassy in Nairobi, Kenya.
Step 2: Timing & Booking
When to apply:
- Schengen visa: as early as 6 months before travel, or at least 15 calendar days before departure. Decision usually within 15 days, but can take up to 45 days in special cases.
- National visa/student visa (Type D): better to apply 2–3 months before your intended start date, processing may take 30 to 90 days depending on type and additional steps.
- Book appointment with VFS Global in Nigeria for Schengen; for Type D, you must correspond with the Slovak Embassy in Nairobi and arrange submission appointment.
Step 3: Documents Checklist
Here’s what you typically need for a Slovak student visa (Type D) or other national visa:
1. Completed visa application form (Schengen or national) downloaded from official embassy website
2. Valid passport (must be valid at least 3 months beyond your planned exit from Slovakia)
3. Recent passport-size photos (meeting Schengen specifications)
4. Letter of acceptance or admission from a Slovak university or institution
5. Proof of financial means
Bank statements, scholarship award letters, sponsor letters
Students expected to show at least €4,500/year plus €56/day for stay or a verified invitation covering those costs
6. Proof of accommodation in Slovakia (booking confirmation or host declaration)
7. Health insurance valid in Slovakia/Schengen
8. Criminal record certificate or certificate of good conduct from Nigeria
9. Proof of travel tickets or itinerary
10. Translation & legalization: documents must be officially translated into Slovak by certified translators and apostilled or legalized as required
11. Invitation letter (if visiting a host): verified by Slovak Foreign Police with cost guarantees (€8,449.56 per 90 days for 2025) and official authentication fee €50
Step 4: Submission Process
For Schengen visa via VFS Global in Nigeria:
Prepare documents and fill Schengen form.
Submit to VFS Global in Nigeria specifying “Sweden” as destination, since Sweden represents Slovakia .
Provide biometrics, pay visa fee (approx €90), and any VFS service fee.
Attend interview if requested.
Wait for decision (typical 15 days; may extend up to 45 days).
For National Visa (Type D):
Contact Slovak Embassy in Nairobi to arrange appointment.
Submit documents personally.
Provide biometric data, attend any interview.
Pay visa fee (€60–€100 normally) and possibly residence permit fee (~€9.50)
Wait for processing (can take up to 90 days depending).
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Step 5: After Approval
• Upon Approval:
Confirm all data on visa is accurate.
Travel to Slovakia.
• Upon Arrival:
Register within 3 working days with local Foreign Police for long stays (>90 days)
Apply for a Temporary Residence Permit if required (often done as part of Type D process)
• If Rejected:
You may have 15 days to appeal. Appeals must be written in Slovak or translated, explain why refusal is invalid, and pay a €30 fee (refundable if appeal succeeds)
Common Pitfalls & Tips
- Repeated document requests: Some applicants report new demands mid‑process (e.g. apostilled sponsor letter even if previously legalised). Be prepared to provide additional legalised documents .
- Proof of return intent: For student applicants, demonstrate strong ties to Nigeria—assets, family, future plans—to counter overstay concerns
- Online‑downloaded bank statements are often rejected: always obtain official stamped statements from your bank in person.
Why This Matters
Applying from Nigeria means dealing with third‑country representation—a process that’s less direct and may require extra care. Yet with correct documents, early planning, and reliable sponsors or bank evidence, many Nigerians have successfully secured Slovak visas to study or work abroad.
Need Help?
If you need support preparing your application, translating documents, or connecting with Nairobi embassy services, contact us for further enquiries. We can assist you with checklist reviews, document legalization guidance, and logistical planning to apply successfully for your Slovak visa.
Embark confidently, your journey to Slovakia starts here.
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