Working Legally in Slovakia
It is necessary for expats to obtain a work permit in order to work legally in Slovakia. The employer must make the application for the work permit on behalf of the expat. There are some exemptions for citizens of European Union (EU) and European Economic Area (EEA) countries and Swiss citizens, who have the right to work in Slovakia without the need for a work permit.
Types of Work Permits for Expats in Slovakia
There are two types of work permits for expats in Slovakia: the long-term work permit and the temporary work permit
The long-term work permit is issued for a maximum of two years and can be renewed. It is available for expats who will work in Slovakia for longer than three months
The temporary work permit is issued for a maximum of six months and is available for expats who will work in Slovakia for a short period of time
Both types of work permits are subject to eligibility criteria, such as the minimum salary, qualifications and skills of the expat, and the type of job being offered.
Work Permit Application Process in Slovakia
The procedure to apply for a work permit in Slovakia involves the following steps:
The employer must advertise the job in the Slovak Republic for at least 15 days.
The employer must obtain a decision from the National Employment Office (Urad práce) that there are no suitable Slovak or EU/EEA citizens available for the job.
The employer must complete and submit the application for a work permit to the Slovak Ministry of Interior.
The expat must undergo a medical examination and obtain a certificate of good health.
The expat must obtain a police clearance certificate from their home country.
The process of obtaining a work permit can take up to two months.
Work Permit Documents in Slovakia
The following documents are required to apply for a work permit in Slovakia:
- Application form
- Passport or other travel document
- Recent passport-sized photographs
- Proof of health insurance
- Police clearance certificate
- Evidence of qualifications and skills
- Proof of employment contract
- Proof of accommodation
Work Permit Costs in Slovakia
The costs involved in applying for a work permit in Slovakia include:
- Work permit fee
- Medical examination fee
- Legalization of foreign documents fee
These fees can vary depending on the type of work permit and the length of stay in Slovakia.
Reliable Information on Working Legally in Slovakia
Expats can find reliable information on working legally in Slovakia from the following websites:
- Slovak Ministry of Interior
- National Employment Office (Urad práce)
- Embassy of the Slovak Republic
- The Slovak Association of International Employment Agencies (SAISA)