Foreign nationals who want to work in Slovakia must apply for an employment visa. Find out more about the conditions for foreigners to work in Slovakia, what types of work permits are available in the country, and other useful information about working in Slovakia for expats

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Slovakia offers a unique combination of cultural wealth, picturesque landscapes and affordable living. The state also has a powerful system of education and health care. The cost of living is lower compared to many European countries, which allows you to live more comfortably. All these factors attract expats from different parts of the world here.

Slovakia has an acceptable level of unemployment, about 5-7%. In the state, there is a high demand for medical workers and construction workers, as well as experienced programmers and engineers. Citizens of third countries often find unskilled work.

The majority of foreigners working in Slovakia are citizens of the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Romania, Bulgaria, Vietnam and China.

In order to legally work in Slovakia, a foreigner will need a certain list of documents, which depends on the citizenship. How to get a work permit in Slovakia? Details in our material.

Conditions for employment of foreigners in Slovakia

Citizens of the European Union, EEA and Switzerland do not need to obtain any documents to work in Slovakia.

All other expats must have a work permit for employment in the country, the procedure for obtaining which consists of the following stages:

1. Find a Slovak employer and sign an employment contract.

2. Obtain a work permit in Slovakia.

3. Contact the Slovak consulate to obtain a work visa and residence permit.

4. Move to Slovakia and start working.

What types of work permits exist in Slovakia?

To work as an employee in Slovakia, a foreigner can receive:

- a single residence and work permit;

- work permit and temporary residence for the purpose of employment;

- temporary residence for the purpose of family reunification and work permit during the first 12 months;

- a temporary residence permit for a citizen of a third country who has the status of a permanent resident in another EU member state and a work permit for the first 12 months.

How to issue a single residence and work permit in Slovakia?

A residence and work permit is a type of temporary residence for the purpose of employment, which is issued upon the presence of a signed employment contract with a Slovak employer.

Before applying, your future employer must notify the relevant Office of Labour, Social Affairs and Family (Úrad práce) of the vacancy at least 20 working days before your application for temporary residence.

The Employment Office will assess whether a candidate registered at the local Employment Center can fill the position. If the vacancy is not filled within 20 working days of notification, your employer will be able to give you a written promise of employment or an employment contract.

After that, the foreigner will receive the right to issue a single residence and work permit in Slovakia.

- Where to turn?

You must submit an application for temporary residence at the Slovak embassy in your country of residence.

In special cases, for example, if you already have a valid residence permit in another EU member state, you can submit a residence application to the relevant Foreign Police Department in Slovakia.

The application must be submitted in person.

- The cost of the permit

The application fee for a single residence and work permit is EUR 165.50 (if the application is submitted at the Foreign Police Department) or EUR 170 (if the application is submitted at the Slovak Embassy).

How to issue a work permit in Slovakia?

In other cases provided by law, you need to obtain a work permit for employment (for example, within the first 12 months after receiving temporary residence for the purpose of family reunification).

The registration procedure is similar to obtaining a single residence and work permit. However, the employer must notify the relevant employment office about the vacancy at least 10 working days before submitting an application for a work permit.

Issuing a permit is free of charge.

Types of work permits in Slovakia depending on the duration

1. Long-term - the maximum period for which a foreigner can obtain a work permit in Slovakia is 2 years. Usually, the document is issued for 1 year with the right of extension.

2. Short-term - for temporary or seasonal work in Slovakia for up to 6 months. A new work permit can be obtained after a six-month break.

Importantly! If you change your employer or field of activity with a work permit, you will have to go through the entire procedure again.

List of documents for obtaining a work permit in Slovakia

To obtain a work permit, an expat or his employer must provide:

- a completed and signed official questionnaire in Slovak;

- valid passport;

- an employment contract or a written promise of employment on an official letterhead;

- a document confirming the necessary education for the position or a decision on the recognition of an education document;

- a copy of the residence document (if you have it);

- other documents depending on your case, if required by the employment office.

All documents issued by official bodies abroad must be officially translated into Slovak by a certified translator and duly certified (apostille). Documents issued or verified by official bodies of the Czech Republic can be submitted in Czech.

What to do after receiving a residence and work permit in Slovakia?

You must enter the territory of the Slovak Republic within 180 days after receiving the residence permit.

Within three working days after your arrival in Slovakia, report the start of your stay to the Foreign Police Department.

Within 30 days after receiving a document for residence in Slovakia, you must provide the foreign police with a medical report confirming that you do not suffer from a disease that poses a threat to the health of the Slovak population.

Useful information about work in Slovakia

To have a general idea about work in Slovakia, read the useful information:

- The average salary in Slovakia as of 2023 is 1,393 euros per month. The highest salary in Bratislava is 1,767 euros, and the lowest in Pryševo is 1,157 euros. The minimum salary in Slovakia from January 1, 2023 is 700 euros.

- Financiers, bank employees, lawyers, architects, top managers, pilots earn the most in Slovakia, on average about 2,000-2,500 euros per month.

- Jobs for qualified personnel - foreigners with sufficient experience, education and knowledge of the Slovak or English language can apply for work in the fields of IT and medicine. Professional engineers and builders are also valued. There is also a demand for international drivers (long-distance drivers) in the country.

- Unskilled work - temporary employment, most often without any special knowledge of the language and education. Traditionally, nannies, caretakers, cleaners, waiters, cook's assistants, etc. are needed. Salary from 400 to 1000 euros.

- Most foreigners find work in Slovakia through the Internet, the following portals are popular: Profesia.sk, Ponuky.sk, Grafton.sk, Careerjet.sk, Learn4good.com, Monster.com, Spectator.sme.sk, Pravda.sk, Hnonline.sk, Linkedin.com.

Igor Usyk - Head of Legal Department at Visit World

For safe relocation to Slovakia, obtaining refugee status and employment, use the advice of an international lawyer.

We help to solve complex and simple issues for your comfort and safety in Slovakia.

Products from Visit World for a comfortable trip:

Checklist for obtaining a visa and necessary documents in Slovakia;

Legal advice on immigration issues in Slovakia;

Travel insurance for foreigners in Slovakia;

Medical insurance around the world.

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