Work permit

You are required to obtain a work permit if you are:

to be hired for seasonal employment for a maximum of 180 days in 12 consecutive months,
granted a temporary residence for the purpose of family reunification, during the period of the first 12 months since being granted a temporary residence (except for cases when no work permit is needed and family members can start working right after obtaining their temporary residence),
granted a temporary residence as a third country national with the long-term residency status in another EU Member State, during the period of the first 12 months since being granted a temporary residence,
if it is stipulated in an international treaty binding on Slovakia.

Employer's duties

An employer that wants to employ a third country national who needs a work permit is obliged to report a vacancy in writing to the Labour Office competent according to the place of work, at least 10 working days prior to submitting the application for a work permit. Vacancy may be reported in person, in writing, by telephone, e-mail or via the online system ISTP. Reporting of a vacancy is not required in case of persons covered by an international treaty binding on Slovakia.

Employee's duties

You (or your employer on your behalf) can apply for a work permit at the competent Labour Office 10 working days after the notification of a vacancy at the earliest. Should the application be submitted by the employer, he/she must submit your written consent with the application (with a notarised signature).

The decision on your application for a work permit should be issued within 20 working days from the submission of your application. The work permit is granted for the foreseen employment duration, for a maximum of two years (or for five years, if so stipulated in an international agreement). No fees are charged for the submission of the application for a work permit. The work permit can be renewed, upon your application, by the Labour Office, even repeatedly, for a maximum of two years. The vacancy must be reported to the Labour Office at least 10 working days before the submission of the application for the renewal. The employment must be carried out at the same position and for the same employer. A written application for the renewal is to be submitted at the Labour Office 90 days at the earliest and 30 days at the latest before the expiration of the currently granted work permit.