Work permits and visas in Slovakia: an employer’s guide

The small European nation of Slovakia is popular with remote workers and digital nomads who want to work and live there. However, non-natives must have legal permission and documentation to work in the country during their stay.

Foreign employers who would like to support employees relocating to Slovakia must consider certain factors such as visa requirements, residence permits, and the cost of managing these processes. Complying with local tax and labor laws is crucial in any country you hire in, especially if you plan to expand globally. 

Understanding and following these laws can be tricky, increasing the possibility of fines, penalties, legal risks, or in some cases, severe punishments like prison sentences. To hire or relocate employees in Slovakia, you can partner with an employer of record (EOR). An EOR makes it easy for you to comply with local laws in the country, including immigration regulations, labor legislation, and tax practices. 

This guide will explain how work permits and visas in Slovakia work and how to comply with local laws. We’ll also explain how a global employment service like Remote can simplify the process of relocating your team members.

Why is immigration compliance important in Slovakia?

Many countries are making it easier for people to migrate temporarily for remote work. While individuals can legally enter the country via a specific type of visa, only some non-citizens have permission to work while living in the country.

An employee must have the correct visa type and a Slovakian work permit to work long-term in the country. Living and working in Slovakia is illegal without these documents. Individuals working without legal authorization may face severe punishment, from small fines and penalties to deportation. In addition, such individuals may not gain reentry into the country for a long time. Your company’s legal status and reputation might also be impacted.

The rise of remote working and the increase in digital nomads has led to an increased risk of individuals who live and work abroad without the right legal documents. In response, governments all over the world are imposing harsh punishments and enforcing laws to criminalize those who are working without the correct work permits. 

Who needs a work authorization check in Slovakia?

Every country has regulations that involve assessing workers’ eligibility to work by evaluating various documents and conducting certain checks. 

The correct documentation, especially a work permit, is essential if you want to work legally in Slovakia. Non-citizens require legal clearance to practice their profession. Besides ensuring the holder’s right to live in the country, these permits also reveal the duration and purpose of the license. 

Before working legally in Slovakia, the following categories of individuals need to undergo work authorization checks.

• Permanent residents

• Temporary residents

• Work permit holders

The process of obtaining the legal right to work in Slovakia and sorting out work permits can be a hassle for employers. Partnering with a global EOR like Remote can fast-track this process and ensure team members get the right documentation to work in Slovakia quickly and compliantly.

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Do non-citizens need a work visa or work permit in Slovakia?

In Slovakia, only natives and citizens can work for any employer without a work visa or work permit. Citizens of the EU or EEA countries also do not need a work visa to work in Slovakia. All non-EU/EEA nationals require a work permit to work in Slovakia. 

How is the Schengen Visa applicable?

With the Schengen visa, individuals cannot get jobs in Slovakia or other Schengen countries. The Schengen visa is typically a short-term visa for medical, family visitation, or tourism purposes.

How is the European Union Blue Card applicable?

Slovakia issues the EU Blue Card to highly skilled foreigners seeking employment in the country. However, the EU Blue Card is valid only for four years. 

The European Union Blue Card is a means of identification that fulfills the purpose of a work and residence permit. It is for skilled non-European natives, especially from third-world countries. These individuals can reside and work in about 25 of the 27 EU nations.

What are the long-stay visa types in Slovakia?

Slovakia issues long-stay visas (D visas) for three primary purposes: employment, academics, and family reunification.

• Employment visa. This visa is for third-country individuals wanting to relocate to Slovakia for employment purposes. They must have already gained employment with an employer based in Slovakia before applying.

• Study visa. Foreign nationals who would like to relocate to Slovakia may apply for a study visa.

• Family reunification visa. This visa serves individuals who are keen to join close relatives residing in Slovakia. Close relatives in this category include spouses, children, siblings, and parents. 

How do you get a work visa for Slovakia?

Foreigners moving to Slovakia for work must have the proper documentation before gaining entry. The documentation includes the following:

• Visa application form

• Valid international passport

• A 3mm x 3.5mm passport photograph

• Proof of accommodation

• Evidence of employment, usually employment contract

• Health insurance 

Applicants must file their documents in person when applying for a work visa in Slovakia. This process usually takes about 30 days at the Slovakian embassy. It can also occur at Slovakia’s Bureau of Border and Foreign Police of the Presidium of the Police Force upon entering the country.

As you can see, immigration rules while hiring abroad are complex.

Remote can help you hire or relocate employees to Slovakia while complying with local legislation. We offer a relocation initiative managed by our mobilization experts. From legal document validation to securing residency and work permits, Remote will support team members through every step of the immigration process. 

What is the process for employee work visa sponsorship in Slovakia?

The employer plays a significant role in helping the employee relocate to Slovakia for work. While the employee applies for a temporary residence permit, the employer notifies the Office of Labor, Social Affairs, and Family.

Working with a global employer of record like Remote can help you complete this process seamlessly. Remote’s mobility team comprises immigration and employee transition experts with comprehensive knowledge of the local legal legislation in Slovakia.

Partnering with us gives you unlimited access to our purpose-built relocation service. Our experts specialize in managing employees’ travel procedures, including securing work visas, permits, and work authorization permissions for both existing staff and new candidates. Learn more about how Remote can help team members relocate internationally.

Upon collecting employees’ details, our experts provide relevant questionnaires for the required documentation. We then perform a thorough right-to-work analysis and offer professional advice per the candidate’s sponsorship eligibility. Once the candidate’s work visa is in order, Remote can onboard employees efficiently in Slovakia on your behalf.  

What are the visa requirements for digital nomads in Slovakia?

Slovakia does not have a peculiar visa for digital nomads, contractors, or freelancers who want to work in the country. As mentioned, European nationals can stay in the country and work without a work permit.

Why use an employer of record to hire in Slovakia?

Even if the employee is eligible to work in Slovakia, keep in mind that you have to compliantly employ them in the country via a local entity. Opening a legal entity in Slovakia can be a costly and time-consuming process.

To overcome this hassle, you can work with an employer of record who can take on the legal responsibility of hiring employees in Slovakia on your behalf. A trusted EOR like Remote can help you manage onboarding, benefits, taxes, payroll, work permits, and compliance, quickly and efficiently.

Navigating work permits and visas in Slovakia with Remote 

Sponsoring an employee’s relocation to Slovakia is a multilayered process. It involves complying with various regulations on immigration, the right to work, residence permits, and taxation. Keeping up with these regulations can be time-consuming and tedious, and may significantly increase hiring costs. There are also legal risks and the risks of permanent establishment to consider.

Working with Remote can help you comply with these laws while reducing employment costs. Remote works with specialists who manage the onboarding, visa, and work permit processing. Our team can help:

• Support employees through the relocation process and provide expert immigration advice to help them scale through it.

• Facilitate the timely renewals and extensions of work permits and visas, so there’s no hassle or stress involved for both the employer and employee.

• Collect, review, and submit paperwork and documentation that are key to the process.

• Reduce legal risks by ensuring ongoing compliance with local labor laws and tax practices.

Download our helpful Relocation Guide for the crucial information you need to complete your staff’s immigration to this country from start to finish. Or get in touch with our Mobility team, who can help you hire or relocate employees to Slovakia right away!

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