How to get a job in Slovakia for a Ukrainian citizen
For Ukrainians planning to work in Slovakia, it is important to properly prepare all the documents and go through the necessary procedures for legal employment. Find out how to obtain a work permit and visa for Ukrainian citizens who want to work in Slovakia.
What work permits are required for Ukrainian citizens in Slovakia?
There are several options for work permits for Ukrainian citizens, depending on how long you plan to stay in Slovakia.
The main types of work permits are:
1. Single Permit - a combined work and residence permit required for most foreign workers (non-EU) for a long-term stay (over 90 days).
2. Work Permit - for short-term work lasting less than 90 days.
3. EU Blue Card - for highly skilled workers with higher salaries.
4. Temporary Residence Permit for Business - for self-employed persons and entrepreneurs.
The process of obtaining a work permit
If you plan to work in Slovakia for more than 90 days, you need to obtain a Single Permit, which includes a work and residence permit in Slovakia. If your work will be short-term (up to 90 days), you need to obtain a Work Permit.
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Steps to obtain a work permit:
1. In order to apply for a work permit, you must have proof of employment. Your employer in Slovakia must apply for a work permit for you at the Slovak Office of Labor, Social Affairs and Family.
2. Before applying for a work permit, the employer must advertise the vacancy for 20 working days at the Slovak Labor Office. This is necessary to prove that no suitable Slovak or EU nationals have been found for the position.
3. Applying for a work permit. After announcing the vacancy and receiving confirmation from the Labour Office, your employer submits a work permit application to the Office of Labor, Social Affairs and Family or the nearest consulate.
4. Obtaining a work permit. Once the application is approved, you will receive a work permit. This will allow you to apply for a national visa for work.
The process of obtaining a work visa in Slovakia
Schengen visa (for short-term work up to 90 days):
If you plan to work in Slovakia for less than 90 days, you need a Schengen visa for work. This visa can be obtained through the nearest Slovak consulate or embassy by submitting the relevant documents, including a work permit.
National (D) visa for work (for long-term stay):
If you plan to stay in Slovakia for more than 90 days, you need to apply for a National (D) visa.
Required documents for applying for a national visa:
- A work permit issued by the Slovak Labor Office.
- Passport valid for at least 3 months after your planned date of departure from the Schengen area.
- A completed national visa application form.
- Employment contract with your employer.
- Proof of residence in Slovakia.
- Health insurance covering the costs of medical care in Slovakia.
- Proof of financial solvency (e.g. bank statement).
Visa application deadline:
The processing of a Schengen visa application takes 15 to 45 days, while the processing of a National visa can take 30 to 60 days.
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After obtaining a visa: Getting a temporary residence permit
Once you have received your work visa, you must apply for a residence permit for employment in Slovakia. This must be done within three days of your arrival in the country.
Other documents that may be required
The following documents may be required for successful employment in Slovakia:
- Certificate of no criminal record.
- Proof of qualifications (if your job requires special skills or education).
- Proof of accommodation (lease agreement or confirmation from your employer).
Can I change my employer in Slovakia?
According to Slovak law, a work permit is tied to a specific employer. This means that if you decide to change your job, your new employer has to submit a new work permit application on your behalf.
How much does a visa and work permit cost?
- Visa (Schengen or national): €90
- Work permit: €50-€100 (depending on the type of permit)
Main resources for applying for a work visa and work permit:
1. Official portal of the Slovak government: www.sluzbyzamestnanosti.gov.sk
2. Ministry of Labor, Social Affairs and Family of Slovakia: www.employment.gov.sk
3. Slovak consulate/embassy: to apply for a visa
Starting a business in Slovakia for a foreigner consists of the following steps:
1. Research and business idea. Conduct thorough market research to understand the demand for your product or service in Slovakia. Identify your target market, competitors, and potential challenges. Develop a solid business idea that meets the needs of the local market.
2. Legal structure. Choose the appropriate legal structure for your business, such as a sole proprietorship, partnership, limited liability company (s.r.o.) or branch.
3. Business plan. Create a comprehensive business plan that outlines your company's goals, target market, marketing strategies, financial projections, and operational details. A well-prepared business plan is essential for obtaining financing and guiding your business activities.
4. Business registration. Register your business with the relevant authorities. This includes obtaining a trade license, tax identification number, and registration in the Trade Register. Visit your district office or contact the Slovak Business Agency (SBA) for advice on the registration process.
Ways to submit an application for company registration in the Commercial Register:
- Electronically using the service “Application for registration, change or deletion of data in the Commercial Register”, for which you need to download the form (form 7 - available in Slovak only) from the website of the Ministry of Justice of the Slovak Republic and sign it with a qualified electronic signature. All attachments to the application must also be signed with a qualified electronic signature.
In this case, a 50% discount applies, i.e. the fee is 150 euros.
- Through a single point of contact - PSC.
If you apply for registration in the Commercial Register at the PSC, you can also apply for company registration at the Tax Office.
Conditions for registration
The founders (shareholders) of the company must not have any tax arrears or arrears in paying contributions to the Social Insurance Agency. The registration court will refuse to register a company if its founder is included in the list of debtors.
Deadlines
The period for registering a commercial company in the Commercial Register is 2 business days. Companies are entitled to start business activities from the date of registration in the Commercial Register.
I am a foreigner and I want to do business in the Slovak Republic. What other conditions must I fulfill?
The business activities of foreigners in the territory of the Slovak Republic are regulated by Act No. 513/1991 Coll. as amended - the Commercial Code. Foreigners may conduct business activities in the territory of the Slovak Republic under the same conditions and to the same extent as citizens of the Slovak Republic, unless otherwise provided by law.
Other conditions that entrepreneurs must meet are determined by law:
- Act No. 455/1991 of Coll,
- Law No. 431/2002 Coll,
- Act No. 595/2003 Coll. on income tax,
- Act No. 222/2004 Coll. on Value Added Tax, etc., from which the entrepreneur has different obligations.
