Located in Europe, Slovakia is a country with a high-income economy that is fast growing despite the global recession. Not as advanced as larger countries in Europe, the small country has done well as a member of the European Union. Vastly invested in the manufacturing of vehicles and electronics, recently, the country has added tourism to one of its main sectors, increasing its service economy. Presently, Slovakia hires a large number of expatriates. However, since it has a small job market, locals are always favoured over foreigners coming in from other countries. To get a job in Slovakia, a foreigner must possess certain desired skills.
How to get a job as an ex-pat
Finding a job is not easy considering the high rate of unemployment in the world. As a foreigner, to get a job in a country such as Slovakia, you must meet certain qualifications. Since the job market is small, you can job post on online platforms and also check the company’s website for recruitment news. Apply for a position in which you meet all requirements. Avoid applying for jobs, in which you have little or no experience in doing. This will increase your chances of getting the job. Slovakian establishments will only employ people with desired skills in their main industries such as manufacturing, Agriculture, etc.
Work Permits for foreigners
Slovakia has a smaller job market than most countries in the EU, but it still follows similar rules of employment, as do other member states. One of such rules is that an EU or EEA citizen does not require a work permit or visa to work. However, according to Slovakia laws, such citizens must be registered with certain agencies within the first week of employment. These include the ministry of labour, social affairs, social security, and health insurance systems. If you are a citizen moving into the country from outside the EU say the US, you will need a work permit and residence permit. The work permit allows you to work while the residence permit allows you to live in the country during the duration of your employment. It is advisable to get a job first and then relocate to Slovakia on a work visa. However, you may choose to live in the country for a while perhaps on a study visa then apply for a work permit when you have gotten a job. You can obtain a work permit from the Ministry of Labour, Social Affairs and Family, and a residence permit from the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs. All foreigners must apply for a work permit first, and then a residence permit. The processing of your permit can take up to a month. A temporary residence permit allows you to live in Slovakia for three months before obtaining a permanent residency.
The average salary for workers
The gross average salary in Slovakia is 623 euros per month as of 2021, which is also the general minimum wage being used in all parts of Slovakia. The net average wage in the country’s capital city, Bratislava, is about 1150 euros per month. In Slovakia, salaries are being increased as lots of Western European companies move to the country for its affordable quality labour and low taxes. The minimum wage in Slovakia is currently set at 520 EUR a month.
Language skills
Learning to speak Slovak is not compulsory, but there are some positions, which require fluency in the language. If you are a foreigner looking to work in Slovakia, you should have a basic level of the language before applying and then improve in the language while living in the country. English is one of the spoken languages; however, not every local can speak fluent English. For you to better communicate with others, you should learn English and the official language.
Working in the country
Workers in Slovakia work 40 hours a week; Monday to Friday. Usually, an employee is to work eight hours a day, but in the case of overtime, such an employee can only work for an additional 4 hours and should receive higher pay. Workers receive an annual leave of 4 weeks, which can be increased to 5 weeks for employees aged 33 and above. Female employees receive 34 weeks of maternity leave. All employees must pay taxes on their income earned, and make monthly contributions to the social security system. This will eventually be paid as a pension after retirement.
