Slovakia can be a good choice for employment for foreigners for several reasons:
Growing economy: Slovakia has a stable economy, with a strong focus on manufacturing, automotive, IT and services. This provides a wide range of employment opportunities for both skilled and unskilled workers.
Low cost of living: Slovakia offers a relatively low cost of living compared to many other European countries. Housing, transportation and daily expenses are generally more affordable, allowing foreigners to have a good quality of life with a reasonable income.
Central European location: Slovakia's central location in Europe opens up opportunities for business travel, networking and potential career mobility within the European Union.
Language advantage:In Slovakia, Slovak is the official language and English is widely spoken, especially in large cities and international workplaces. This makes it easier for foreigners to communicate and work in an English-speaking environment.
Skilled labor force:Slovakia has a highly skilled and educated labor force, with a strong emphasis on technical and engineering fields. This creates a competitive environment that fosters innovation and attracts foreign companies looking for skilled workers.
Government incentives:The Slovak government offers various incentives and support programs to attract foreign investment and promote economic growth. These initiatives can benefit both companies and individuals looking to start a business or work in Slovakia.
Rich cultural heritage:Slovakia has a rich cultural heritage and a beautiful natural landscape with numerous castles, mountains and thermal springs. The country offers a high quality of life with a balanced mix of work and leisure opportunities.
Security and stability:Slovakia is considered a safe and politically stable country, providing a secure environment for both residents and foreigners. The country has a low crime rate, well-developed infrastructure and a reliable healthcare system.
What are the most popular professions in Slovakia for foreign nationals?
There are several professions in Slovakia that are in high demand among foreigners:
IT and software development:Slovakia has a growing IT sector and there is a high demand for skilled IT professionals, including software developers, programmers, system administrators and cybersecurity specialists.
Machinery: Slovakia's strong automotive and manufacturing industry requires engineers with experience in mechanical, electrical, automotive, and industrial automation engineering.
Healthcare professionals: Slovakia has a shortage of certain healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and specialists in areas such as dentistry and geriatrics.
Finance and Accounting: Due to the presence of multinational companies and the growing financial sector of the country, there is a demand for financial analysts, accountants, auditors and professionals with experience in banking and finance.
Language Teachers: There is a demand for English language teachers, especially in private language schools, international schools and corporate training centers. There may also be positions available for teachers of other foreign languages, such as German or French.
Sales and Marketing: The expanding business environment in Slovakia requires professionals with strong sales and marketing skills to help companies promote their products and services and explore new markets.
Skilled workers: Skilled workers such as electricians, plumbers, carpenters, and welders are in demand in construction, manufacturing, and maintenance.
Tourism and Hospitality:The tourism industry in Slovakia is growing and there is a need for specialists in hotel management, hotel operations, excursions and event organization.
If you are looking for a job in Slovakia as a foreigner, there are several portals and websites that can help you find a job. Here are some popular job portals in Slovakia:
Profesia.sk (www.profesia.sk): Profesia.sk is one of the largest job portals in Slovakia, offering a wide range of job opportunities in various industries. It provides advanced search capabilities, the ability to upload your CV and personalized job alerts.
Praca.sk (www.praca.sk): Praca.sk is another well-known job portal in Slovakia, which features job openings from various sectors. It allows you to search for jobs by location, industry and keywords, and provides additional resources such as career advice and company profiles.
Expats.sk (www.expats.sk): Expats.sk is a platform specially designed for foreigners in Slovakia. It contains job listings, announcements and information on various aspects of living and working in Slovakia, meeting the needs of the international community.
JobSpin.cz (www.jobspin.cz): Although primarily focused on the Czech Republic, JobSpin.cz also includes job listings for Slovakia. It is a popular platform for English-speaking professionals, providing employment opportunities in various industries and locations.
Indeed.sk (www.indeed.sk): Indeed.sk is a global job search engine that includes job listings from various sources, including company websites, recruitment agencies, and job boards. Allows you to filter jobs by location, industry and type of work.
LinkedIn (www.linkedin.com): LinkedIn is a professional networking platform that is widely used in Slovakia. It not only provides a platform for establishing professional connections, but also contains job listings and the ability to search for jobs by location and industry.
These job portals can be valuable resources for finding employment opportunities in Slovakia. It is recommended that you create a profile, upload your updated CV and regularly check these platforms for new job openings. Additionally, networking, attending career fairs, and applying to recruitment agencies can also enhance your job search efforts.
You need a visa to work in Slovakia if:
- You are a citizen of an African country and you have been offered a job in Slovakia.
- You are a citizen of a non-EU/EEA country and you have been employed in Slovakia.
- You are a citizen of a country that has a visa agreement with Slovakia, but you plan to stay and work in the country for more than 90 days.
- EU/EEA nationals do not need a visa to work in Slovakia, but they must register their new residence after they are settled in the country - usually after three months.
Foreigners who go to find a job in Slovakia can get a job for a short period of time. Usually, short-term work lasts up to three months. For short-term work, you don’t need to apply for an additional visa if you are traveling from a country with a visa-free regime.
If you are traveling from a country that doesn’t have a visa-free regime, you need to get a Schengen visa to work in Slovakia (up to 90 days).
A Schengen work visa is issued for short-term work that requires a stay in Slovakia for up to 90 days within six months.
Required documents for obtaining a Schengen visa to work in Slovakia (up to 90 days)
An application form
One photo
A passport that must be valid for at least three months after the date of last departure from the Schengen area. In addition, the passport must be issued within the last 10 years and contain at least two free "visa pages"
The national identity card and residence permit/visa (if the country of residence and citizenship differ)
Health insurance. The insurance must cover at least 30000 euros
The proof of residence (invitation/sponsorship from the host party, if you are staying with someone; document from the institution that provides accommodation, or proof of payment for the hotel)
The proof of employment
The confirmation of financial availability - bank/credit card withdrawal covering at least the previous three months
Time of visa processing
The average visa processing time is 3-10 calendar days. It depends on your country of visa application.
Visa commission
When applying for a Slovak work/business visa, each applicant must pay a visa commission. This fee is non-refundable regardless of the result of issuing the visa. Currently, the Schengen visa fee for citizens of Azerbaijan, Russia and Armenia has been reduced to 35 euros. In other countries, this amount is 90 euros for persons aged 12 years and older, 45 euros for children aged 6-12 years, and children under 6 years are exempt from visa fees.
Where to apply for a visa
You apply for a visa at Slovak visa application centers, embassies or consulates, depending on which of them accept visa applications in your country of residence. If not in your country, you need to contact the nearest embassy or Consulate at your address.
You need a visa to work in Slovakia if:
- You are a citizen of an African country and you have been offered a job in Slovakia.
- You are a citizen of a non-EU/EEA country and you have been employed in Slovakia.
- You are a citizen of a country that has a visa agreement with Slovakia, but you plan to stay and work in the country for more than 90 days.
- EU/EEA nationals do not need a visa to work in Slovakia, but they must register their new residence after they are settled in the country - usually after three months.
For legal long-term employment in Slovakia, a foreigner must apply for a national visa. The National Visa is intended for applicants who want to stay in Slovakia for a long time and officially find a job.
Required documents for obtaining a national work visa
An application form
Two photos
A passport that must be valid for at least three months after the date of departure from the Schengen area. In addition, the passport must be issued within the last 10 years and contain at least two free "visa pages"
The national identity card and residence permit/visa (if the country of residence and citizenship differ)
If an application is submitted based on confirmation of the possibility of filling a vacancy - a written response from the employer to hire a citizen of a third country or an employment contract
If you have a work permit - a work permit or an employment contract
Certificate of non-criminal record
A document which is confirmed the availability of funds for accommodation
Document which is confirmed the provided housing
Slovak visa processing period
The average period for applying for a Slovak visa is 10-30 calendar days. It depends on your country of visa application.
Visa commission
The visa commission for a Slovak visa is 33 euros. The national (long-term) visa issued to the holder of a residence permit in the Slovak Republic is EUR 9.50. The amount of the fee may vary depending on your nationality or country of application, regardless of the result of issuing the visa.
Where to apply for a visa
You apply for a visa at Slovak visa application centers, embassies or consulates, depending on which of them accept visa applications in your country of residence. If not in your country, you need to contact the nearest embassy or Consulate at your address.
You need a visa to work in Slovakia if:
- You are a citizen of an African country and you have been offered a job in Slovakia.
- You are a citizen of a non-EU/EEA country and you have been employed in Slovakia.
- You are a citizen of a country that has a visa agreement with Slovakia, but you plan to stay and work in the country for more than 90 days.
- EU/EEA nationals do not need a visa to work in Slovakia, but they must register their new residence after they are settled in the country - usually after three months.
A national visa for seasonal employment is required for citizens of so-called third countries who perform work that depends on the change of seasons for more than three months. Seasonal employment can last a maximum of six months.
Required documents for obtaining a national work visa
An application form
Two photos
A passport that must be valid for at least three months after the date of departure from the Schengen area. In addition, the passport must be issued within the last 10 years and contain at least two free "visa pages"
National identity card and residence permit/visa (if the country of residence and citizenship differ)
In case of seasonal work - a written application of the employer to hire a citizen of a third country (mandatory job offer), containing the details of the employment contract or employment contract
Certificate of non-criminal record
A document confirming the availability of funds for accommodation
Document which is confirmed the provided housing
Slovak visa processing period
The average period for applying for a Slovak visa is 10-30 calendar days. It depends on your country of visa application.
Visa commission
The visa commission for a Slovak visa is 33 euros. The national (long-term) visa issued to the holder of a residence permit in the Slovak Republic is 9.50 euros. The amount of the fee may be different depending on your nationality or country of application, regardless of the result of issuing the visa.
Where to apply for a visa
You apply for a visa at Slovak visa application centers, embassies or consulates, depending on which of them accept visa applications in your country of residence. If not in your country, you need to contact the nearest embassy or Consulate at your address.
Foreign citizens from countries outside the EU / EEA or Switzerland can only find employment in Slovakia if they have a work permit, if:
You have a temporary residence permit for the purpose of family reunification, and less than 12 months have passed since you were granted a temporary residence permit for the purpose of family reunification,
You have a temporary residence permit of a third-country citizen with the recognized status of a person with a long-term residence permit in an EU member state, and less than 12 months have passed since the beginning of your residence in Slovakia,
You will be employed for the purpose of seasonal employment for no more than 90 days for 12 consecutive months.
The permit is issued for a period of no more than two years or no more than five years, if this is established by an international treaty. In case of seasonal work, the permit is issued for a period of no more than 90 days for 12 consecutive months.
A work permit is issued by the Employment, Social Affairs and Family Service at the place of stay of the future place of work.
Application for a work permit
An application for a work permit is submitted on a form that must be submitted to the relevant employment center. The employment application form can be downloaded here. You can submit the application personally, send it by mail, or on the basis of your power of Attorney, your future employer can submit the application for you.
You can apply for a work permit no earlier than 10 business days after the employer has notified you of the availability of a free workplace.
The following documents must be submitted for issuing a work permit:
Printed, filled out in Slovak and signed official application form for a work permit,
A copy of the document on the residence permit in Slovakia (if you were granted),
An employment contract, or a written statement from the employer that he will employ you,
A decision to convert a diploma or a document of required education with translation into Slovak,
Your written power of attorney to submit an application (if your future employer submits the application for you).
In case of seasonal employment of third-country citizens who do not need a Schengen visa, the application must also be accompanied by:
a document which is confirmed the provision of housing for at least the duration of employment, and
a document which is confirmed health insurance for the duration of your stay in Slovakia.
Please note that the application, including all documents, must be in Slovak. In the case of documents in a foreign language, an official translation into Slovak with the seal of a court interpreter is required.
Applying for a work permit is free of charge.
We should add that foreigners from the EU, EEA and Switzerland do not need to apply for a work permit.
Starting a business in Slovakia for a foreigner consists of the following steps:
Research and business idea: Conduct thorough market research to understand the demand for your product or service in Slovakia. Identify your target market, competitors, and potential challenges. Develop a solid business idea that meets the needs of the local market.
Juridical structure:Select the appropriate legal structure for your business, such as sole proprietorship, partnership, limited liability company (s.r.o.) or branch office;
Business Plan:Create a comprehensive business plan that outlines your company's goals, target market, marketing strategies, financial projections, and operational details. A well-prepared business plan is essential for obtaining financing and guiding your business activities.
Business registration:Register your business with the relevant authorities. This includes obtaining a trade license, tax identification number and registration in the Commercial Register. Visit a district office or contact the Slovak Business Agency (SBA) for advice on the registration process.
Ways to submit an application for registration of a company in the Commercial Register:
- In electronic form using the service Application for registration, change or deletion of data in the Commercial Register, for which you need to download the form (Form 7 - available in Slovak only) from the website of the Ministry of Justice of the Slovak Republic and sign it with a qualified electronic signature. All attachments to the application must also be signed with a qualified electronic signature.
In this case, a 50% discount is applied, i.e. the fee is 150 euros.
- Through a single point of contact - PSC.
If you apply for registration in the Commercial Register at the PSC, you can also apply for company registration at the Tax Office.
Conditions for registration
The founders (participants) of the company must not have any tax arrears or arrears in payment of contributions to the Social Insurance Agency. The registration court will refuse to register a company if its founder is included in the list of debtors.
Terms
The period for registering a commercial company in the Commercial Register is 2 business days. Companies are entitled to start business activities from the date of registration in the Commercial Register.
Capital and financing: Determine the financial needs for starting a business. Consider sources of funding such as personal savings, loans, grants, or venture capital. Prepare financial projections and a budget to demonstrate the viability of your business to potential investors or lenders.
Location and premises:Find a suitable location for your business. Consider factors such as accessibility, proximity to customers and suppliers, and affordability. Depending on the type of business you have, you may need to rent a commercial space or lease an office.
Permits and licenses:Determine which permits and licenses are required for your business. These may vary depending on the nature of your business, such as food handling permits, health and safety certifications, or professional licenses. Consult with your local authorities or the Slovak Business Agency for the necessary permits.
Hiring employees: If your business needs employees, familiarize yourself with the Slovak labor laws, including employment contracts, working hours, and payroll regulations. Consider whether you need to engage an HR consultant or legal counsel to handle employment-related issues.
Taxation and accounting:Learn about the tax obligations and accounting requirements for businesses in Slovakia. Familiarize yourself with the VAT (value added tax) system, corporate income tax, and employer contributions. It is advisable to consult an accountant or tax advisor to ensure compliance with the Slovak tax laws.
Networking and support:Build a network of contacts in the local business community. Attend industry events, join business associations, and participate in networking events to build connections and gain information. Seek help from organizations such as the Slovak Business Agency or local chambers of commerce for advice and support.
I am a foreigner and I want to start a business in the Slovak Republic. What other conditions do I have to fulfill?
The business activities of foreigners in the territory of the Slovak Republic are regulated by Act No. 513/1991 of Coll. as amended and supplemented - the Commercial Code. Foreigners may conduct business activities in the territory of the Slovak Republic under the same conditions and to the same extent as citizens of the Slovak Republic, unless otherwise provided by law.
Other conditions that entrepreneurs must meet are determined by law:
- Law No. 455/1991 Coll. on entrepreneurial activity,
- Law No. 431/2002 Coll. on Accounting,
- Law No. 595/2003 Coll. on income tax,
- Law No. 222/2004 Coll. on Value Added Tax, etc., from which an entrepreneur has various obligations.
When starting a business in Slovakia, several portals and resources can provide valuable information and support for foreigners. Here are some useful portals for foreigners interested in starting a business in Slovakia:
Invest in Slovakia (www.investslovakia.org): This official website, managed by the Slovak Investment and Trade Development Agency (SARIO), offers comprehensive information on investing and starting a business in Slovakia. It contains detailed information on investment opportunities, business sectors, legal framework and incentives available to foreign entrepreneurs.
BusinessInfo.sk (www.businessinfo.sk): BusinessInfo.sk is an online portal that offers a wide range of resources and practical information for starting and running a business in Slovakia. The portal provides information on legal requirements, permits, taxation, business registration and intellectual property rights.
Slovak Business Agency (www.sbagency.sk): The Slovak Business Agency (SBA) is a government organization that supports business development in Slovakia. Their website contains useful resources, including information on starting a business, available grants and subsidies, business support services, and contact details for SBA regional offices.
Single Contact Center (www.slovensko.sk/en): The Single Contact Center (SCC) is an online portal that allows businesses to access various administrative procedures and services in Slovakia. It provides information and assistance related to business registration, licenses, permits and other administrative requirements.
Slovak Chamber of Commerce and Industry (www.sopk.sk): The Slovak Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SOPK) represents the interests of businesses in Slovakia. The website offers valuable resources, including information on business support services, networking events, industry reports and business opportunities.
Ministry of Economy of the Slovak Republic (www.economy.gov.sk): The Ministry of Economy website provides up-to-date information on business regulations, economic policy, investment opportunities and initiatives aimed at supporting entrepreneurship and foreign investment in Slovakia.
Expats.sk (www.expats.sk): Expats.sk is a platform specifically designed for foreigners in Slovakia. It offers practical information and resources for foreigners, including advice on starting a business, legal requirements, networking opportunities, and community forums.
These portals can provide important information and resources for foreigners interested in starting a business in Slovakia.
Slovakia offers a business visa that allows foreigners to travel to the country for business purposes:
Purpose: A business visa is intended for persons wishing to conduct business in Slovakia. This includes attending business meetings, negotiations, conferences, exhibitions or exploring business opportunities in the country.
Applying for a visa:To apply for a business visa, you need to submit an application to the Slovak embassy or consulate in your country of residence or country of stay. The application should be accompanied by the necessary documents, such as a completed application form, a valid passport, an invitation letter from a Slovak business partner or organization, proof of travel insurance and proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay.
Visa-free entry: Citizens of the EU/EEA countries can enter Slovakia for business purposes without a visa.
Slovak labor law is designed to regulate the relationship between employers and employees, ensuring fair and equal working conditions:
Employment contracts: Employment contracts in Slovakia can be concluded for a fixed term or for an indefinite period. The contract must contain essential terms and conditions, such as position, working hours, remuneration, contract duration and notice period for termination of the contract. Both parties must comply with the terms and conditions set forth in the contract.
Working hours:The standard working hours in Slovakia are 40 hours per week, with a maximum of 8 hours per day. Overtime is regulated by special legislation and must be compensated either in cash or with time off. Employees are entitled to regular breaks and rest periods during the working day.
Minimum wage:The minimum wage applies to all employees and is determined based on factors such as age and qualifications. Employers must ensure that their employees are paid at least the minimum wage.
As of January 01, 2024, the minimum wage in Slovakia has been revised. The minimum wage was increased to 750 euros per month.
Vacation rights: Employees in Slovakia are entitled to various types of leave. This includes annual paid vacation, which usually ranges from 20 to 25 days per year, depending on the length of employment. Employees are also entitled to sick leave, maternity leave, parental leave and other types of special leave as defined by law.
Social security and benefits: Employers are required to pay social security contributions on behalf of their employees, which covers medical insurance, social insurance and unemployment insurance. Employees are entitled to various social benefits, including health insurance and unemployment benefits.
Workplace health and safety: Employers have a legal obligation to provide a safe and healthy working environment for their employees, which includes ensuring compliance with occupational health and safety regulations, conducting risk assessments and taking measures to prevent accidents and occupational risks.
Termination of employment: Termination of employment in Slovakia may be by voluntary resignation, by mutual agreement or at the initiative of one of the parties. There are certain notice periods that must be observed depending on the duration of the employment relationship. Termination of employment without proper notice or without a valid reason may be considered unfair.
Employee rights and protections: Employees in Slovakia have certain rights and protections under the labor law. These include protection against discrimination, protection of privacy, protection against unfair dismissal, and the right to collective bargaining and representation through trade unions.
If you are a foreigner looking for a job in Slovakia, here are some tips to help you with your job search:
Explore the labor market: Get to know the labor market in Slovakia. Research the industries that are booming, the companies that are hiring, and the skills and qualifications that are in demand. This will help you to target your job search effectively.
Improve your language skills: Although English is commonly spoken in certain industries and large cities, knowledge of Slovak can significantly improve your chances of employment. Take the time to learn Slovak or improve your language skills to increase your chances of getting a job.
Networking: Networking is very important in the Slovak labor market. Attend industry events, join professional associations, and network with local professionals in your field. Networking and establishing relationships can lead to employment opportunities and valuable information.
Prepare your application: Prepare your application materials, including your resume and cover letter, according to the specific requirements of each job you are applying for. Emphasize relevant skills, experience and qualifications that match the job description.
Research employers: Before applying or going for an interview, thoroughly research potential employers. Get to know the company's culture, values, and latest news. This will help you prepare your resume and demonstrate your interest in their organization.
Use online job portals:Use online job portals and websites that specialize in the Slovak labor market. Popular platforms such as Profesia.sk, Praca.sk, and LinkedIn often contain job listings in Slovakia. Check these portals regularly for new job postings and set up job alerts to stay informed.
Prepare for the interview:Study the general practice of conducting interviews and expectations from them in Slovakia. Be prepared to answer questions about your qualifications, experience and motivation to work in the country. Emphasize any cross-cultural experience or adaptability that can demonstrate your ability to work in a diverse environment.
Get your work permits and visas sorted out:Make sure you have the necessary work permits or visas to work legally in Slovakia. Familiarize yourself with immigration rules and requirements.
Slovakia