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Job in Slovakia for expats in 2024: work permit, job search and changes to migration legislation

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Job in Slovakia for expats in 2024: work permit, job search and changes to migration legislation

Slovakia is known for its breathtaking scenery and historical sites, but you may not know that it is also home to a thriving market economy. Due to the low cost of living and job opportunities, the country offers good prospects for career growth. Find out what it takes to get a job here in 2024

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Slovakia is a country that is located in the center of Europe and is distinguished by a strong and fast-growing economy, even in spite of global problems. The main industries are the production of vehicles and electronics, as well as tourism.

In 2024, many expats live in Slovakia. However, since there is a small labor market, local residents always have an advantage over foreigners when it comes to employment. Therefore, in order to get a job in Slovakia, an expat usually has to have certain skills that are in short supply.


Requirements for employment of foreigners in Slovakia


In order to legally work in Slovakia, a foreigner will need a certain list of documents, which depends on the expat's citizenship:

- Citizens of the European Union, EEA and Switzerland do not need to obtain any documents to work in Slovakia.

- All other expats must have a work permit for employment in the country, the procedure of which consists of the following stages:

1. Find a Slovak employer and sign an employment contract.

2. Obtain a work permit in Slovakia.

3. Contact the Slovak consulate to obtain a work visa and residence permit.

4. Move to Slovakia and start working.


What types of work permits are approved in Slovakia?


To work as an employee in Slovakia, a foreigner can receive:

- A single residence and work permit.

- Work and temporary residence permit for the purpose of employment.

- Temporary residence for the purpose of family reunification and work permit during the first 12 months.

- Temporary residence permit of a citizen of a third country who has the status of a permanent resident in another EU member state and a work permit for the first 12 months.

The list of documents and the procedure for obtaining a work permit in Slovakia is in this article.


Changes to Slovak labor legislation in 2024


Currently, Slovakia is experiencing an acute shortage of personnel, so it is actively working on simplifying migration legislation, in particular, in 2024, the country had:


1. National visa rules for foreign workers have been simplified


From July 15, 2024, Slovakia grants long-term visas to foreign workers under new, simplified requirements. These specialists will first receive a one-year work permit in Slovakia. After the end of the one-year period, foreign workers will be able to extend their stay in the country in order to work in alternative ways.

However, these rules apply only to citizens of certain countries who possess certain skills.


- Which specialists can obtain a work permit in Slovakia under a simplified procedure?


In 2024, the following foreign specialists received simplified access to national work visas of Slovakia: forklift operators, welders, builders, electricians and other specialists in the engineering, rubber, chemical and plastic industries, as well as electronics and instrument engineering. Cooks, waiters, agricultural and food industry workers, bakers, cleaners, etc. have also been granted simplified access to national visas.


- Citizens of which countries have the right to receive a simplified work visa to Slovakia?


To obtain a permit, foreign workers must be citizens of one of these countries: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Montenegro, Nepal, North Macedonia, Philippines, Serbia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, and Uzbekistan .


2. The procedure for obtaining a work permit has been accelerated


Foreign workers can now come to Slovakia for employment faster, as the country has introduced new rules.

Previously, foreigners who wanted to apply for a residence permit for the purpose of working in Slovakia had to go through a lengthy procedure, which included a positive opinion from the labor office after submitting an application to the police.

According to the new rules, the process will be significantly accelerated, applications will be considered within two to three months instead of 1.5 years, as before.




In order to safely move, travel or work in a new country, you will need health insurance. You can issue an extended policy on our website using the link.




Where to look for a job in Slovakia?


The best way for an expat to find a job in Slovakia is to visit one of the following sites:

- The current database of vacancies can be found on the websites of the Central Department of Labor, Social Affairs and Family, as well as in Local Departments of Labor, Social Affairs and Family.

- Most foreigners find work in Slovakia through the Internet, the following portals are popular: Profesia.sk, Ponuky.sk, Grafton.sk, Careerjet.sk, Learn4good.com, Monster.com, Spectator.sme.sk, Pravda.sk, Hnonline.sk, Linkedin.com.

You can also contact one of the private employment agencies.


What positions do expats work in Slovakia?


Jobs for qualified personnel - foreigners with sufficient experience, education and knowledge of the Slovak or English language can apply for work in the fields of IT and medicine. Professional engineers and builders are also valued. There is a demand in the country for international drivers (long-distance drivers).

Unskilled work is temporary employment, most often without any special knowledge of the language and education. Traditionally, nannies, caretakers, cleaners, waiters, cook's assistants, etc. are needed.


Average salary in Slovakia


As of 2024, the average gross monthly salary is approximately €1,403, which means an average net monthly income of around €1,123 after taxes and social security contributions.

The highest salary in Bratislava is 1,767 euros, and the lowest in Pryševo is 1,157 euros. The minimum salary in Slovakia from January 1, 2023 is 700 euros.

Financiers, bank employees, lawyers, architects, top managers, pilots earn the most in Slovakia, on average about 2,000-2,500 euros per month.


Is it necessary to know the Slovak language for employment in the country?


Learning the Slovak language is not mandatory, but there are some positions that require fluency in the language. If you are a foreigner who wants to work in Slovakia, you must have a basic level of the language before applying and then improve the language while living in the country.

English is one of the spoken languages; however, not every local can speak English fluently. So that you can communicate better with others, you should learn English and the national language.


Working hours and social benefits in Slovakia


Workers in Slovakia work 40 hours a week; from Monday to Friday. Generally, an employee must work eight hours a day, but in the case of overtime, such an employee can only work an additional 4 hours and must be paid more for it.

Employees receive 4 weeks of annual leave, which can be increased to 5 weeks for people aged 33 and over.

Female employees receive 34 weeks of maternity leave.

Everyone must pay taxes on their income and make monthly contributions to the social insurance system.


Slovakia offers a unique combination of cultural wealth, picturesque landscapes and affordable living. The state also has a powerful system of education and health care. The cost of living is lower compared to many European countries, which allows you to live more comfortably. All these factors attract expats from different parts of the world here.


We will remind you! Saudi Arabia is opening its doors to qualified expats and simplifying the visa process. About changes in the country's migration legislation in 2024 and new employment rules in this article.





Igor Usyk - Head of Migration department at VisitWorld


To ensure a safe move to a new country, I advise you to consult a specialist. My colleagues, qualified specialists with a legal education, will help you avoid unpleasant situations during migration.




Products from Visit World for a comfortable trip:


Checklist for obtaining a visa and necessary documents in Slovakia;

Legal advice on immigration in Slovakia;

Travel insurance for foreigners in Slovakia;

Medical insurance all over the world.




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