The IOM Migration Information Centre prepared a new information leaflet What you should know if you want to work in Slovakia - a practical tool aiming to help navigate the complex process of searching for employment, preparing paperwork, arranging necessary permits and moving to a new country.
It is primarily intended for third-country nationals, i.e. individuals from outside the EU, EEA, and Switzerland, who wish to work in Slovakia, but may also be useful for migrant workers already employed in Slovakia, or those planning to change employment.
The leaflet will guide you through:
- Steps to take before accepting a job offer
- Resources for verifying the employer
- Working conditions to be familiar with
- Tips for minimising issues and risks
- Red flags to be cautious about
- Commonly used glossary
- Useful contacts
The English version of the leaflet can be downloaded HERE.
The leaflet will be available in other languages, including Filipino, Thai, Vietnamese, Chinese, Bosnian/Croatian/Serbian, Ukrainian, Russian, and Spanish.
The National Council of the Slovak Republic has approved changes to the Act on Residence of Foreigners, which will come into effect on July 1, 2025.
Read more: Changes in the Act on Residence of Foreigners from July 1, 2025!
You are considered a successful graduate of a Slovak university on the day you receive your diploma (including a Bachelor’s degree). By obtaining the diploma, you officially complete your university studies, and the purpose of your residence in Slovakia therefore ceases. Depending on your situation, we recommend that you renew your temporary residence for the purpose of study as soon as possible (either to continue your studies or to search for employment for a period of 9 months) or apply for temporary residence for a different purpose, such as employment. 30 days after successfully completing your studies, the Foreign Police may cancel your residence. However, your temporary residence would not be cancelled immediately — you would be informed about the beginning of the cancellation process by a letter sent to your registered address. You can apply for renewal of your temporary residence or for the change of purpose of temporary residence at any time, as long as your residence has not been officially cancelled by the Foreign Police.
Due to the ongoing emergency situation linked to the war in Ukraine, if the validity of your residence expires during the emergency situation, it is automatically extended until two months after the revocation of the emergency situation (unless cancelled by the Foreign Police for legally stipulated reasons or unless your application for its renewal is rejected). This means your stay in Slovakia is lawful, the residence remains valid, however you don´t have a valid residence card to prove your residence in the country. During such automatically extended validity, you can apply for renewal of your residence or change of the purpose/type of your residence and carry out all activities which your residence authorises you to do (e.g. continue working). This rule applies to the territory of Slovakia only.
The following applies to successful graduates of Slovak universities:
- You may be employed in Slovakia without a work permit and without a confirmation on the possibility to fill the vacancy.
- The employer must fulfil the standard obligation of reporting the job vacancy before hiring the graduate (no fixed deadline).
- You may start working in Slovakia immediately after obtaining your diploma (Bachelor's or Master's) — you do not need to wait for a new temporary residence for employment, only a valid residence permit is required (e.g. temporary residence for study).
- Employment can be based on an employment contract (pracovná zmluva) or based on agreements performed outside the employment relation (dohody o prácach vykonávaných mimo pracovného pomeru). To apply for temporary residence for employment, your working hours must be at least 20 hours per week.
- Your employer will need to report the vacancy and inform about the start of your employment by submitting the relevant form to the Labour Office, indicating they are employing you as a university graduate (§ 23a ods. 1 písm. t)). You can be employed in Slovakia without a work permit/approval from the Labour Office.
With temporary residence for the purpose of study, you may apply for change in the purpose of residence from within Slovakia at the Foreign Police only if:
- You have successfully passed the final exam at a Slovak secondary school, or
- You have properly completed your studies at a Slovak secondary school, or
- You have obtained a first- or second-level university degree (Bachelor’s or Master’s).
This article is divided into three parts:
- Renewal of temporary residence for the purpose of study based on continuing studies
- Renewal of temporary residence for the purpose of study for job seeking for 9 months
- Change of purpose of temporary residence from study to employment
1. Renewal of temporary residence for the purpose of study
The application for renewal must be submitted in person at the competent Foreign Police department or electronically no later than the last day of validity of your current residence permit (during the emergency situation, your residence is automatically extended until two months after it is lifted). The condition is that you continue studying in Slovakia. You must provide a confirmation from your school or a relevant government authority proving your continued studies.
Only a valid passport must be submitted with the application, otherwise, the Foreign Police will not accept it. If all required documents are not submitted with the application, you must do so within 30 days, or the proceedings will be stopped without the right to appeal. In justified cases, the Foreign Police may extend the deadline by 15 days. The residence is considered valid (only) within Slovakia until a decision on the renewal is made.
The list of required documents can be found at the end of our fact sheet (temporary residence - study) HERE.
2. Renewal of temporary residence for the purpose of study for job seeking for 9 months
Graduates who wish to stay in Slovakia after their studies to look for a job or start a business can apply for a 9-month renewal of their temporary residence for the purpose of study. The application must be submitted in person or electronically at the relevant Foreign Police department no later than the last day of validity (during the emergency situation, your residence is automatically extended until two months after it is lifted). The condition is successful graduation from a university in Slovakia (including Bachelor’s degree). The purpose of residence is proved by a notarized copy of your university diploma or confirmation of graduation.
The application must be accompanied by a valid passport, otherwise, the Foreign Police will not accept your application. If you fail to submit all required documents, you must do so within 30 days, or the proceedings will be stopped without the right to appeal. In justified cases, the Police may extend this deadline by 15 days. The residence is valid (only) within Slovakia until the renewal decision is made.
The list of required documents can be found at the end of our fact sheet (temporary residence - study) HERE.
3. Change of purpose of temporary residence from study to employment
If you have successfully completed secondary or university education in Slovakia and have found an employer, you may apply for temporary residence for the purpose of employment, usually granted for 5 years. This is a change of purpose of residence, not a renewal, and thus requires submitting a new application. The application must be submitted in person at any Foreign Police department, no later than the last day of your current residence validity (during the emergency situation, the residence is extended until two months after it is lifted).
To apply for temporary residence for employment, you must provide a confirmation from your employer (template available HERE) and a notarized copy of your diploma (if you have not already submitted it previously). Since you are changing the purpose from study to employment, you do not need to submit a criminal record extract (if submitted previously) or a medical certificate. The list of required documents can be found in our fact sheet (temporary residence - employment) HERE. The standard processing time is 90 days (30 days in case of shortage professions, work for business service centers or technology centres). However, due to the current emergency situation, this timeline may be delayed.
If your job position or employer changes after your temporary residence for the purpose of employment has been granted, you must notify the competent Foreign Police department using a confirmation from your new employer (template available HERE). We recommend sending this document by registered mail and keeping the original/copy, as well as the proof of mailing. You may begin working on the new position immediately, without any approval process, as long as you have a valid residence permit.
Additional useful information from our website:
- Documents required for each type of temporary residence
- What you should know before signing an employment contract (downloadable fact sheet)
- How should your monthly salary slip look like and its content (downloadable fact sheet)
- How to search for work in Slovakia
- Termination of employment
- Practical tips how to work safely
If you have been affected by the unavailability of time slots in the booking system at Foreign Police departments in Slovakia, the following options and information may help you solve or rectify your situation.
- New option of electronic submissions: As of 15 December 2024, based on legislative changes, it is possible to submit certain types of applications also by electronic means based on a valid residence document activated for electronic use. For details, please check the FAQ section of our website HERE.
- Alternative channel for some categories: Specific categories of applicants (e.g. specific students, scholarship holders, university staff, employees of certain employers) can get an appointment with the Foreign Police through an alternative channel which may be faster. For details, please check the FAQ section of our website HERE.
- Requesting exceptions: In justified cases (e.g. minors, seniors, health issues, expiring documents), you can try requesting an exception for submitting an application without a booked appointment by sending an email to the respective Border and Foreign Police Directorate. The Directorate may grant such exception, subject to its discretion. Details and contacts are available HERE.
- Automatically extended expired residence permits: Due to the ongoing crisis situation linked to the war in Ukraine, if the validity of your temporary/permanent residence or tolerated stay expired during the crisis situation, it is automatically extended until two months after the revocation of the crisis situation. Therefore, your residence in Slovakia remains valid and your stay in the country is lawful. This does not apply if a residence renewal application is rejected or if the residence is cancelled by the Foreign Police.
- Applying at any Foreign Police department: If you are a first-time applicant for a residence permit in Slovakia (temporary residence, or permanent residence for five years), if applying for a national visa, or for a tolerated stay (temporary protection), you can book an appointment with any Foreign Police department, without being bound to the place of residence. For details, please check the FAQ section of our website HERE.
- Booking system in a nutshell: For all information about the booking system, its rules, possible problems and your options, please check the FAQ section of our website HERE. The IOM Migration Information Centre cannot provide its clients with any other information regarding the booking system beyond what is mentioned in our FAQ section.
The right to study at a University in Slovakia is granted to citizens of Slovakia, citizens from EU countries, and foreigners from non-EU countries. The principle of non-discrimination applies during the admission process, and all applicants must meet the same requirements.
Universities in Slovakia are categorized as:
• Public universities
• State universities (including military, police, and medical universities)
• Private universities
• Foreign universities
You can find the list and categorization of universities HERE.
Admission Requirements
The basic admission requirements for universities depend on the level of the study program:
• For bachelor’s studies, a complete secondary education or vocational secondary education is required.
• For master’s, engineering, and doctoral studies (second level), completion of a first-level study program is required.
• For doctoral studies (third level), completion of a second-level study program is required.
A diploma from a foreign educational institution must be recognized by the relevant Slovak authority. More information on the recognition of foreign qualifications can be found on the website of the Ministry of Education, Science, Research, and Sport of the Slovak Republic.
Each university sets its own additional admission requirements, often including entrance exams.
Steps to Apply for a University
- Choosing a University
You can find a list of all universities on the website of the Ministry of Education, Science, Research, and Sport of the Slovak Republic. A comprehensive catalog of universities is also available on the portals VysokeSkoly.sk and Portál VŠ.
• If you're unsure which university to choose, visit universities during Open Days (such as at UK, STU, TUKE, VŠMU, EUBA, UNIZA, TRUNI, etc.). - Application
• Information on how to fill out the application form can be found on the website of the selected university (e.g., Comenius University: HERE, HERE, and HERE).
• Applications can be completed electronically (on the university's website) or in paper form (download forms HERE). Make sure to check with the chosen faculty whether the application is required in paper form, electronically, or both. If applying on paper, write clearly in block letters and do not alter the details.
• The application form asks for the university code. If you studied in Slovakia, you can find your university’s nine-digit identification code HERE.
• Deadlines for submission can be found HERE. Specify the university, study mode, and faculty.
• Application fee – there is a fee for applying, which varies depending on the university.
• Attachments – according to the specific faculty’s requirements, you may need to include additional documents (e.g., medical certificate, CV, notarized diplomas, and certificates). - Useful Websites
- Portal VS
- PrihlaskaVS.sk
- Study at Comenius University in Bratislava
- Guide to filling out the application form (PDF) (in Slovak)
Tuition Fees
At public universities, the tuition fee conditions are the same for both Slovak citizens and foreigners. Full-time studies in Slovak are free for both Slovaks and foreigners, except for specific cases as defined by law (e.g., when the standard duration of study is exceeded).
If the study program is in a language other than Slovak, students in full-time study must pay tuition fees for each academic year, regardless of their nationality – this applies to both Slovak citizens and foreigners.
Private universities set their own fees and tuition policies in their internal regulations.
Health Insurance
A student with temporary residence in Slovakia for study purposes should have health insurance that covers the entire duration of their stay in Slovakia. If you are not eligible for public health insurance, you must have commercial health insurance. Some providers of commercial health insurance include Union, Maxima, Axa, etc. You can find further details and coverage information on their websites.
Individuals who are mandatory covered by public health insurance include:
• Foreign students studying in Slovakia under an international agreement.
• Slovak students living abroad who study in Slovakia.
• Unaccompanied minors under 18 years old with permission to stay in Slovakia, or those born in Slovakia to parents with a residence permit (from the time a residence application for the child is filed).
• Persons in Slovakia who are scholarship recipients under government programs, EU programs, or other international agreements, provided the scholarship is granted for more than one month.
These individuals are automatically covered by public health insurance by law but must register with one of the three health insurance companies (Všeobecná zdravotná poisťovňa, Union, Dôvera).
On our website, you can also find more information, including:
• Who is and who is not subject to mandatory public health insurance
• Public health insurance covered by State
Government Scholarships
Information about government scholarships can be found on the page for Government Scholarships for Foreign Students, including application forms and required documents.
Check if you are eligible to apply for a scholarship HERE.
The National Scholarship Program offers scholarships for students studying at Slovak universities, as well as for international students coming to Slovakia. It aims to support mobility for students and PhD candidates, as well as postdoctoral researchers and to support the mobility of foreign students, doctoral candidates, university teachers, and research and artistic workers for stays at Slovak universities and Research organizations.
Eligibility details can be found HERE and HERE.
Another type of scholarship is available for talented students from Slovak secondary schools who wish to study in Slovakia or for talented students from abroad.
Find more information about this type of scholarship HERE and HERE.
You can also find and download information on studying at a university in Slovakia in our factsheet HERE.
Information regarding temporary residence permit for the purpose of study can be found HERE.
HERE you can also find out useful tips that you should know as a student with temporary residence in Slovakia.
The IOM Migration Information Centre does not have the competence to help its clients with unavailability of time slots at the Foreign Police or with technical issues of the booking system
Due to increasing numbers of clients addressing us with issues related to the online booking system, please note that the IOM Migration Information Centre (MIC):
- Is not able to book/arrange appointments at the Foreign Police for clients.
- Does not have any influence over the operation of the booking system, which is operated by the Slovak Ministry of Interior.
- Prepared answers to the most frequently asked questions related to the booking system in the FAQ section of our website where you can find important information, useful tips and solutions to possible issues.
- Cannot provide clients with advice beyond the information included in the FAQ section of our website.
Notice for applicants for temporary residence for employment or its renewal, and for their employers
When applying for the granting or renewal of temporary residence for the purpose of employment (so-called single permit) after July 15, 2024, at the time of submitting your application, a consenting confirmation of the possibility to fill the vacancy must already be issued by the Labour Office.
You need to follow these steps:
- STEP 1: Your employer must usually first report the vacancy. You can find details, deadlines, and exceptions HERE.
- STEP 2: Your employer must then request the issuance of a confirmation of the possibility to fill the vacancy. Details can be found HERE and HERE.
- STEP 3: The Labour Office must issue a consenting confirmation of the possibility to fill the vacancy. They have 15 business days from receiving the complete application from the employer to do so. The confirmation will be sent electronically to the employer and to the Foreign Police/Slovak Embassy.
- STEP 4: You can submit your application for the granting or renewal of temporary residence for employment. You must do so within 90 days from issuance of the confirmation. Before going to the Foreign Police/Slovak Embassy, verify with your employer whether they have received the consenting confirmation from the Labour Office, or even request its copy. If the Labour Office has not delivered the consenting confirmation to the Foreign Police/Slovak Embassy, your application will not be accepted.
- STEP 5: After submitting a complete application for the granting of temporary residence for employment, you can start working.
Important:
- The above does not apply to graduates of Slovak high schools/universities.
- What documents you need when applying for the granting or renewal of temporary residence for employment can be found in our factsheet.
- All changes in residence and employment of foreigners in Slovakia from July 15, 2024, can be found on our website HERE.
From 15 July 2024, several changes will occur in Slovak immigration regulations. While many of these will only affect selected groups, some will impact most foreigners living in or planning to come to Slovakia.
Read about the most important changes and make sure you are prepared. If anything is unclear, please contact us by phone or email.
Contents of the Article
Single Permit for Residence and Employment (Temporary residence for the purpose of employment)
Temporary residence for the purpose of studies
Temporary residence for the purpose of business
Temporary residence for the purpose of family reunio
EU Blue Card
The main objective of this amendment is to adjust the conditions for obtaining the EU Blue Card, which is temporary residence for highly skilled employment. The required salary is being reduced to 1.2 times the average salary in the Slovak economy, or just the average salary for those who have completed university education in the last three years. The minimum required length of the employment contract is being shortened to six months. Managerial employees and specialists in information and communication technologies can replace university education with a certificate of advanced professional skills, and employees in regulated professions must present a qualification recognition document.
The process of obtaining the EU Blue Card is also changing. After reporting a job vacancy, the employer will apply for a confirmation of the possibility to fill the vacancy at the Labour office, which will decide on the application within 15 working days. Subsequently, the potential employee will have 90 days to submit a residence application and, if it is complete, can start working immediately.
A new feature is the ability for EU Blue Card holders to engage in business or be unemployed for up to six months if they have held the Blue Card for more than two years.
Single Permit for Residence and Employment (Temporary residence for the purpose of Employment)
Changes are also occurring in the process of obtaining temporary residence for the purpose of employment. The employer will apply for a confirmation of the possibility to fill the job vacancy- usually after 20 working days have passed since the job vacancy was reported. The Labour office will again decide within 15 working days, the candidate will have 90 days to submit the residence application, and can start working immediately if the application is complete. The Foreign police will decide on the applications within 60 days.
Holders of temporary residence for the purpose of employment will be unable to change the purpose of their residence to business for 12 months.
Temporary protection
All holders of temporary refuge (e.g. foreign citizens who needed a national visa to be able to apply for a residence at the Foreign Police) will be able to apply for temporary or permanent residence at the Foreign Police. They will also be allowed to do business.
Applications for temporary residence for the purpose of employment from temporary refuge holders, who have been working in the same position for at least six months, will be decided without assessing the labour market situation.
Temporary residence for the purpose of studies
Holders of temporary residence for the purpose of studies will not be able to apply for a change of the purpose of their residence if they do not successfully complete their studies.
Temporary residence for the purpose of business
Statutory officers of commercial companies that do not achieve the required profit and whose residence validity expires or who announce/report its termination, will not be able to apply for new temporary residence for 12 months.
Applicants for the renewal of temporary residence will have 20 days to pay off debts on taxes, customs duties, and health and social insurance contributions.
Temporary residence for the purpose of family reunion
Applications of family members of OECD citizens working for foreign investors, employees of significant foreign investors, corporate service centres, or technology centres will be decided on within 30 days.
Applications from family members of EU Blue Card applicants will also be decided on within 30 days if the Blue Card applicant and their family member submit their applications simultaneously
General rules on residence
Applications for residence can be submitted at the Foreign police by holders of Schengen visas for seasonal employment and temporary refuge holders. If a complete residence application is submitted, applicants will be able to stay in Slovakia until a decision is made. Instead of a bank confirmation of an account balance, bank statements for the last three months will be presented as proof of sufficient financial means for residence, and affidavits can be signed directly at the Foreign police without the need for official verification.
All persons with granted residence will be required to notify the Foreign police if they stay outside Slovakia for more than 180 continuous days.
In case of submitting an incomplete application for the renewal of temporary residence, applicants will have 30 days to complete it. The police may extend this period by 15 days. If the application is not completed, the process will be stopped without the possibility of an appeal.
Persons whose applications for the renewal of temporary residence are rejected will no longer have their residence automatically extended in connection with the emergency situation.
A general fee of €10 will be charged for issuing and delivering a residence document (if issued within 30 days), or €39 (if issued within two working days).
National visa
Applications for national visa can only be submitted at relevant institutions based on the applicant's place of residence. In addition to the Slovak embassies, it will be possible to submit applications at external service providers.
Visa for applying for residence in Slovakia will include information on the type of residence the foreigner wants to apply for, and if applying for employment purposes, it will contain information about the employer.
It will not be possible to obtain national visa to apply for temporary residence for purpose of business.
Notice – next year's change
The amendment to the law also introduces the obligation to demonstrate knowledge of Slovak at the A2 level when applying for long-term residence. This rule, however, will not be effective this year, but it will be effective as of 15 July 2025
Subcategories
Novinky
Migračné informačné centrum IOM (MIC) poskytuje nasledovné služby:
- Otvorené kurzy slovenského jazyka pre cudzincov
- Finančný príspevok na vzdelávacie a rekvalifikačné kurzy
- Finančný príspevok na uznanie ukončenia vzdelania zo zahraničia
- Právne poradenstvo
- Sociálne a pracovné poradenstvo
- Podporu zamestnávateľov
Vyššie spomínané bezplatné služby sú dostupné pre nasledovné skupiny :
občanov krajín z krajín EÚ/ EHP a krajín mimo EÚ/ EHP, ktorí majú na Slovensku prechodný, trvalý alebo tolerovaný pobyt, vrátane žiadateľov o dočasné útočisko a osôb s udeleným dočasným útočiskom na Slovensku ("odídenci"),
- vysokokvalifikovaných cudzincov (s vysokoškolským vzdelaním) z krajín EÚ/ EHP a krajín mimo EÚ/ EHP a ich rodinných príslušníkov,
- zahraničných univerzitných študentov s platným pobytom na území Slovenskej republiky študujúcich na vysokej škole v SR a ich rodinných príslušníkov.
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