Employment & Work Permits
Securing work permits, employer support, and professional opportunities in Slovakia
Recognizing Your Path to Working in Slovakia
With a growing economy and labor shortages in key sectors, Slovakia offers exciting career opportunities for foreign professionals. But before you start working, you must determine the right legal path—whether that is a work permit, an employment-based residence permit, or an EU Blue Card.
Each option comes with specific requirements based on your occupation, qualifications, and employer’s ability to sponsor you. Some positions are exempt from labor market tests, while others require job postings for a set period before hiring a foreign national. Understanding these rules while managing job interviews, contract negotiations, and relocation can be overwhelming.
That is where we come in. We work directly with your employer and the Labor Office to streamline document submissions, ensuring compliance at every step. Our team also reviews your employment contract, verifying salary terms, contract length, and legal requirements. With our expert guidance, you can focus on your new career—while we handle the legal complexities.
Streamlining Employer Support for a Smooth Work Permit Process
Obtaining a work permit in Slovakia requires careful coordination between you and your employer. The application process typically involves submitting proof of education or professional qualifications, along with a criminal background check. Meanwhile, your employer must provide a detailed job description to the Labor Office, and in some cases, a labour market test is required to confirm that no suitable local candidate is available.
Without proper management, delays and rejections can arise—causing unnecessary stress for both employer and employee. Even after receiving approval from the Labour Office, you may still need to apply for a temporary residence permit, tying your legal stay to your job. Any errors, such as missing documents or misinterpretations of job roles, can jeopardize your application. We take the complexity out of the process by coordinating directly with employers, ensuring all required documents are prepared correctly and on time. Through clear communication and meticulous planning, we help you avoid administrative setbacks—so you can start your new job without unnecessary delays.
Transitioning from a Different Residence Permit
If you already hold a residence permit in Slovakia but have secured a new job, switching to an employment-based permit requires careful planning. This transition often involves additional paperwork, such as updated labor contracts and salary confirmations. Your employer must also verify that the position meets foreign worker requirements, including minimum salary thresholds and specialized skill criteria.
Timing is crucial—especially if your current permit is nearing expiration. Delays or misunderstandings in the process can lead to legal status gaps, overstays, fines, or even the need to restart your application from outside Slovakia. Our team simplifies the transition by evaluating your current residence status, ensuring your contract aligns with regulations, and submitting your application on time. We also provide reminders for future renewals, so you can stay compliant and continue working without interruptions. Let us handle the complexities while you focus on your new career opportunity.
Renewals and Maintaining Validity
If you are working in Slovakia, your temporary residence for employment is typically granted for two years—after which it must be renewed. The renewal process often requires your employer to repost the job vacancy, but the posting period and requirements vary based on whether you are staying in the same role or switching positions. Additionally, your employer must apply for a confirmation of the possibility to fill a vacancy (or, for highly skilled workers, a confirmation of highly skilled employment) before you can submit your renewal application. Any misstep or delay in this process could put your legal status at risk.
Our team works closely with both employees and employers, ensuring every step is managed correctly—from job postings to permit approvals—so you can continue working in Slovakia without disruption.
Handling Work Permit Refusals or Appeals
Even with careful preparation, work permit applications can be denied for various reasons—such as missing documents or insufficient proof that no Slovak or EU candidate could fill the role. A rejection can be frustrating, especially if you have already made plans to start your new job or settle in Slovakia. Do not let one rejection stop you. Our team will carefully analyze the refusal, explain the specific reasons behind it, and guide you on the best course of action. If the rejection was due to incomplete documentation, we will help you correct the errors and resubmit a stronger application. In other cases, it may be more strategic to apply for a different role or permit type.
With expert legal support, you will not have to navigate this process alone. We will provide clear advice, answer your questions, and ensure you have the best chance of success in securing your work permit.
