How to apply work permit to Slovakia?
What Is A Slovakia Work Visa?
Foreign citizens may lawfully work and live in Slovakia for a certain amount of time with the help of a Slovakia work visa, a document granted by the country's government. A work visa is needed for non-EU/EEA nationals who want to work in Slovakia.
The following standard prerequisites often apply to receive a Slovakia work visa:
- Job offer: A verified job offer from a Slovak company is required. Before providing the post to a non-EU/EEA national, the business must demonstrate that they have tried to recruit an EU/EEA citizen.
- Work permit: Your potential employer must get a work permit on your behalf before applying for a work visa. This requires demonstrating to the Slovak government that no applicants from the EU or EEA who are qualified for the post are available.
- Skills and qualifications: You can be asked to provide proof that you have the education, training, and work history needed for the position you have been given.
- Medical exam and health insurance: You may need a medical checkup to ensure excellent health. Additionally, it is often necessary to have legitimate health insurance in Slovakia.
- You could be required to provide documentation of your lodging in Slovakia and confirmation that you have the money to maintain yourself while you're there.
You may apply for a work visa at the Slovak embassy or consulate in your country after you have acquired the required paperwork and satisfied the criteria. It is advised to speak with the relevant embassy or consulate for the most recent information since the processing time and particular requirements may change.
Slovakia Work Visa For A EU/EEA Or Switzerland Citizen
Swiss, EU/EEA and nationals do not need a work visa to work in Slovakia. They are allowed to work in Slovakia without a particular permit or visa. One of the guiding principles of the European Union is the freedom of labour.
Citizens of the EU/EEA and those from Switzerland have the right to live and work in Slovakia. They don't need a visa to enter Slovakia and may do so with a current passport or national ID card. Once in Slovakia, they can begin working immediately without further permissions or licences.
However, if they want to remain in Slovakia for more than 90 days, EU/EEA and Switzerland members may need to register their residency with the appropriate authorities. Their eligibility to dwell and work in the nation is established by this registration, which is often a simple procedure.
It's important to note how Brexit has changed the laws for UK nationals. The same regulations apply to non-EU/EEA people working in Slovakia now that the United Kingdom is no longer a member of the EU. Unless they meet the requirements for an exemption under specific agreements between the UK and Slovakia, they would need to get a work visa or permit.
Please get in touch with the appropriate Slovak authorities or consult the Slovak embassy or consulate in your home country for the most precise and recent information on the particular requirements and processes if you are an EU/EEA or Swiss citizen seeking to work in Slovakia.
Slovakia Work Visa For A Non-EU/EEA or Swiss Citizen
To legally work in Slovakia, non-EU/EEA nationals or Swiss citizens must get a work visa. The long-term resident permit, which enables non-EU/EEA or Swiss individuals to live and work in the country for a prolonged duration, often includes a work visa for Slovakia.
- The general steps and prerequisites for acquiring a work visa in Slovakia are described below:
- The first step is Obtaining a job offer from a Slovak business. You should get a letter or a contract from the business confirming the job offer.
- Work permit: Your potential employer must apply for you. The employer must prove that no qualified applicants from the EU or EEA are available for the post. In Slovakia, the appropriate labour office is where the work permit is often acquired.
- If you approve the work permit, you can apply for a long-term residence permit to the relevant visa department of the Slovak embassy or consulate in your country. The necessary paperwork must be submitted, including your work permit, employment offer, proof of housing, health insurance, and other supporting records.
- Review of application: The Slovak authorities will examine your application, investigate your history, and confirm your provided information. This procedure might take weeks or even months to complete.
If your application is accepted, a long-term resident visa will be issued to you. Then, within 90 days of your arrival in Slovakia, you must visit there and apply for a residence visa.
Residence permit: To apply for a residence permit after arriving in Slovakia, you must visit the relevant foreign police office. You'll need additional paperwork, including a medical report, financial documentation, and a lease.
It's crucial to remember that the criteria and processes may change based on your country, the job you'll be doing, and other variables. For the most precise and recent work visa application procedure information, contact the Slovak embassy or consulate in your home country or the appropriate Slovak authorities.
What do you think before applying for a Slovakia Work Visa?
There are a few key factors to consider before applying for a Slovakia work visa. To remember, have the following in mind:
- Please check the requirements to ensure you are eligible for a work visa in Slovakia. This often entails achieving the credentials and abilities needed for employment and getting a legitimate job offer from a Slovak business.
- Work permit: Before applying for a work visa, your potential employer must get a work permit on your behalf. The work permit indicates that no qualified applicants from the EU or EEA are available for the position.
- Documentation: Compile all the paperwork needed to apply for a work visa, such as your passport, a letter of employment offer, a work permit, evidence of a place to live, proof of health insurance, and other supporting papers. Could you verify the specifications and instructions offered by the Slovak embassy or consulate?
- Appling for a work visa may take some time. You'll need to start the procedure well in advance to account for any possible delays. I want to point out that contacting the appropriate authorities or embassies is crucial for the most recent information on the processing period.
- Understand the financial criteria for applying for a work visa before making money decisions. You may need proof that you have enough money to cover your expenses in Slovakia. Bank statements, employment agreements, or other financial security documentation may show this.
- Could you ensure you have health insurance for your visit to Slovakia? Usually, it is a prerequisite for the work visa application.
- Before arriving in Slovakia, could you arrange your lodging? As part of your visa application, you may need to provide documentation of your accommodations.
- Language requirements: While speaking any Slovak to apply for a work visa is unnecessary, it may help you integrate into the local workforce and community.
- Understand the length of your stay and any restrictions or requirements your work visa may impose. It's crucial to adhere to visa requirements and, if required, renew your visa or residence permit.
- Contact a professional: Contact a competent immigration lawyer or consultant specialising in Slovak immigration rules and processes if you have any reservations or queries about the work visa application process.
Remember that particular criteria and processes may change depending on your nationality and unique circumstances. Before you apply for a Slovakia work visa, you should check with the Slovak embassy or consulate in your home country or contact the appropriate Slovak authorities for the most precise and recent information.
What Are The Types Of Slovakia Work Visas?
There are several types of Slovakia work visas that you can apply for, depending on your work or type of employment, as listed below:
- Slovakia Single Permit. This is one of the most common types of work visas issued to foreign nationals who want to work in Slovakia. For a single permit, you don’t need to apply for a work permit to work in the country. However, this type of visa is issued based on confirming the possibility of filling in a vacancy. Your future employer must report a job vacancy to the Labour Office 20 days before applying for a single permit (temporary residence for employment).
- Work Permit. A work permit is issued in Slovakia in some specific cases. So, this will depend on the type of employment and your situation. For example, you will need this if you have a temporary residence permit based on family reunification and want to work during the first 12 months of entering the country. Before applying for this permit, your employer must report the job vacancy at least ten days before the Labor Office.
- Seasonal Employment. This temporary work permit is issued when a work activity does not exceed 180 days a year. Different rules apply to third-country nationals depending on whether you need or do not need a Schengen Visa to enter Slovakia.
- EU Blue Card. This temporary residence is issued to third-country nationals who are highly qualified for employment in Slovakia and meet the basic requirements. This work visa entitles its holder to enter, reside and work in Slovakia.
What Is The Validity Of The Slovakia Work Visa?
The duration of a Slovakia work visa is determined by the kind of visa and the unique situation. The following are some general principles:
- Temporary Residence Permit for Employment: This permit's initial validity is often determined by the length of the work permit or employment contract, typically up to two years. If the employment continues and the requirements are satisfied, it may be extended.
- Blue Card: The original validity of the Blue Card is up to two years. After then, it may be extended for an additional three years. After a given amount of time, someone who fits the requirements and works in a highly trained job may be qualified for permanent residency in Slovakia.
- Seasonal Employment: A seasonal work visa's term, which may vary from a few months to several months, is usually linked to the visa's validity.
- Intra-Company Transfer: The length of the intra-company transfer and the specifics of the assignment are often tied to the validity of this visa.
- Self-Employed Work visa: Initially available for up to two years, the self-employed work visa may be renewed if the firm is still operating and all conditions are satisfied.
Remembering that the precise validity period may change depending on individual circumstances and the Slovak authorities' judgement is vital. For the most precise and recent information on the duration of the particular kind of work visa you are applying for, it is advised to check with the Slovak embassy or consulate or contact the appropriate Slovak authorities.
Requirements to Obtain Slovakia Work Visas
Foreign nationals will need the following documents to apply for a Slovakian Schengen visa:
- A completed application form
- A valid passport containing at least two blank pages
- Two recent passport photographs
- Proof of sufficient financial means
- Proof that the applicant has travel medical insurance coverage for their stay in Slovakia
- An employment contract with a company based in the Slovak Republic
To apply for a permit to work in the Slovak Republic, foreign nationals should be prepared to submit the following documents:
- A valid passport
- A signed application form completed in the Slovak language
- An employment contract or official job offer from an employer based in Slovakia
- Officially translated documents that support the applicant’s professional and educational qualifications for the position
The Slovakian Labour Office may require additional documents on a case-by-case basis.
Document Guidelines
The application and documents must be submitted in the Slovak language. All official documents must be translated into the Slovak language and have attached a certified translator seal. You can also submit an official translation in the Czech language, but it must be certified by the Slovak embassy accredited for the country of translation.
Documents issued abroad must be certified with an apostille stamp or legalised; this includes:
- Birth certificate
- Marriage certificate
- Death certificate
- Powers of attorney
- University diplomas
- Business Registration
- Court orders
Applying for a Slovakian Work Visa
To apply for a Slovakia work visa, you need to follow the instructions below:
- Select the correct visa type. First, you need to make sure you know which work visa you’re going to apply for. There are several types of work visas; for some, you may need a separate application for a work permit. So, verify this with your employer in Slovakia, and contact an embassy or consulate for more information.
- Prepare your documents. Then, you need to prepare several documents for your work visa application, which may change depending on which type of visa you apply for.
- Pay the visa fee. You must pay the visa fee before you can get your application reviewed— you may also be required to pay some administrative fees when you visit the embassy or consulate.
- Submit your application. Finally, on the day of your visa interview, you can submit your application to the appropriate office in your home country. You can apply for your work visa at a Foreign Police Department in Slovakia if you’re already in the country with a residence permit or from a country with a visa facilitation agreement with Slovakia.
Slovakia Work Visa Processing Time
The processing time for your work visa application can be three to six months or more, depending on the embassy’s workload. No matter how long it takes to process, once the embassy or consulate decides on your application, they will let you know.
So that you know, you must include proof of health insurance for each application. Additionally, the embassy or the Labor Office may ask you for more documents if they see fit.
After You Enter Slovakia
When you receive a favourable decision on your work visa application, there are several steps you need to take once you enter Slovakia:
- First, apply for your temporary residence permit based on employment to a Foreign Police Department office.
- Secondly, register your residence as soon as you enter the country.
- Thirdly, you need to sign up for either national health insurance or purchase private insurance— you need to submit proof of health insurance 30 days after you enter the country.
Slovakia Work Visa Fees
The fees for a Slovakia Work Visa are as follows:
Work permit |
Fees |
Employment |
€170 |
Blue Card |
€170 |
Nationals from a third country who have the status of a long-term residence in another EU Member State and are employed in Slovakia. |
€170 |
Nationals from a third country who have the status of a long-term residence in another EU Member State and are employed in Slovakia. |
€170 |
Seasonal employment |
€35 |
Duration of a Slovakia Work Visa
A Slovakia work visa is usually valid for the same amount as the work contract. Still, the initial permit is usually issued between one to two years, and then you must get your permit renewed.
Extending a Slovakia Work Visa
You can extend the validity of your work permit for up to two years only on the condition that you will work for the same employer and in the same job position. The total duration of your work permit must be at most 90 days within 12 months. You must apply for a work permit extension 20 days before your current work permit expires.
Note: If you intend to change the employer or your job position, you must apply for a new work permit.
Slovakia visa for employment for foreigners
Our offers on job vacancies, employment, obtaining a work visa and temporary residence are relevant for citizens of the following countries:
- CIS: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan.
- Southeast Asia: Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Vietnam, Laos, Indonesia, Mongolia, Philippines;
- Middle East: Turkey, Jordan, Yemen, Iraq;
- Africa: Nigeria, Algeria, Morocco, Egypt, Tunisia, Congo, Ghana, Togo, Sierra Leone, Côte d'Ivoire
and other countries.
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