Employment in Slovakia

Economic Overview

Those looking to work in Slovakia will be pleased to know that it is considered a high income economy, and that it recovered well after the financial crisis — posting a GDP growth of 2.4% in 2014.

The main industries in the country include vehicle and electronics manufacturing; however, in recent years a rise in tourism has seen the development of the service economy, which now employs almost 70% of the local and expatriate population. Agriculture is also a major part of the economy, with nearly 40% of the land in the country cultivated for agricultural use.

Social Security in Slovakia

Social security in Slovakia covers three general areas: social insurance, which covers pensions, sickness, unemployment and accident insurance; social assistance, which allows individuals below the subsistence rate to claim unemployment benefits; and social state support, which covers situations where individuals might need extra support, for example after the birth of a child or the death of a family member. Healthcare, as discussed in our article on living in Slovakia, is not dealt with as part of social security for locals and expatriates living and working in Slovakia.

Eligibility for social security is not dependent on residence, but on occupational activity. This system in general can be very complicated, so you are advised to contact the relevant ministries and departments for more information.

Work Permits for Slovakia

Although Slovakia has a smaller jobs market than some European countries, it still has the same work permit rules as many other nations. This means that as an EEA citizen you will not need a work permit or a visa to work in Slovakia, as it is a full member of the European Union.

However, your employer will still need to register you with the relevant governmental ministries and agencies either before or within the first seven days of employment, including the Labor, Social Affairs and Family Office, as well as with the Social and Health Insurance systems. You will also need a confirmed address for tax purposes.

However, if you are relocating to Slovakia from outside the EEA, you will need a work permit and a residence permit. These can be obtained from the Ministry of Labor, Social Affairs and Family and the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs respectively. As a foreigner, you must typically apply for a work permit first, and then for the residency permit. You can also apply for a temporary residency permit first, to allow you to stay in the country for 90 days whilst waiting for your permanent residence permit.