Due to its high-income economy, improving living standards, and fortitude in the face of a relatively recent financial crisis, Slovakia, also known as the Slovak Republic, is a popular destination for ex-pats. Make sure any foreign employees who migrate have the necessary permissions and visas to live and work there lawfully if your firm plans to grow or outsource operations to this European country.
In general, you must receive the following documents to work as an employee in Slovakia:
- A single work and residency permit.
- A temporary habitation for employment and a work visa.
- A temporary residence for a family reunion, as well as a work permit during the first 12 months.
- A third-country national’s short-term home while maintaining its long-term residency status.
The law specifies any exceptions to the single permit or work permit requirements. The cost to apply for a single permit to live and work is either EUR 170 (if done through the foreign police department) or EUR 165.50.
Permit to work
To work in certain circumstances outlined by law, you must obtain a work permit. Your prospective employer must notify the appropriate labor office of the opening at least 10 working days before applying for a work permit. The labor office will determine if a candidate listed in the regional (district) register of unemployed job seekers is qualified to fill the position. A formal promise of employment or an employment contract may be issued to you by your employer if the open position is not filled within 10 working days of the vacancy being reported by an applicant registered in the register of job seekers. Your company may submit a temporary residency for employment based on a work permit application to the appropriate labor office.
Additional requirements
- A licensed translator must translate all official documents into Slovak and correctly authenticate them.
- Documents issued or certified in the Czech language by Czech Republic government agencies are acceptable.
- The supporting documentation cannot be more than 90 days old when the application is submitted.
- You must travel to the Slovak Republic within 180 days of receiving permission to do so.
- Within three working days of your arrival in Slovakia, you must notify the foreign police department.
- You must obtain health insurance within three working days of receiving the residence document.
- You must spend at least half of each calendar year on Slovakian soil to qualify for temporary residency.
Note that 30 days after receiving the Slovakian resident permit, you must provide the foreign police with a medical report that is no more than 30 days old. This will be testing that you don’t have any conditions that pose a hazard to the public’s health (this can be prolonged by 60 days if requested). You are not granted the right to live in Slovakia just because you applied for temporary residency there. You are only permitted to stay in Slovakia when holding a valid visa, another residence permit, or as part of the visa-free system until you are granted temporary residency.
Permits’ duration of validity
If specified by an international treaty or in the case of reciprocity, the single permission to dwell and work may be issued for a maximum of five years, with the option of several renewals (currently applicable only to US citizens). Your work permit is valid for as long as your employment agreement lasts, for a maximum of two years with the option of renewal multiple times, or for a maximum of five years if provided for by an international treaty or in the case of reciprocity (currently applicable only to US citizens).
Requirements for renewal
Temporary residency for employment single work and residency permit renewing temporary housing is possible frequently. For a maximum of five years, temporary housing for employment purposes may be renewed. The work permit may be extended many times, but only for a total of two years each time. The work permit renewal application must be submitted at least 30 days and no later than 90 days before the current work permit expires. You must hold the same position and work for the same employer.
Take away
Slovakia is an official member of the EU (EU). Therefore, the need for a work permit and a visa does not apply to nationals of other EU member states or nations that are part of the European Economic Area (EEA). However, within a week of the commencement of employment, the employer will still need to register their arrival with the relevant authorities. Additionally, for tax purposes, citizens of the EU and EEA must furnish a verified address in Slovakia.
