Social Security for Third Country Nationals
The social security rights and obligations of third-country nationals in Slovakia depend primarily on the applicable legislation. This is determined by factors such as the country of employment, the country of residence and, where applicable, an international social security agreement between Slovakia and another country.
If Slovakia has concluded a bilateral social security agreement with your country, the provisions of that agreement may determine which country´s social security legislation applies and whether periods of insurance completed in both countries can be taken into account for entitlement to benefits.
Slovakia currently has bilateral social security agreements in force with the following countries:
- Australia
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Canada (including Quebec)
- Israel
- Montenegro
- North Macedonia
- Serbia
- South Korea
- Russia**
- Türkiye
- Ukraine
- United States of America
If no bilateral social security agreement exists, third-country nationals are generally subject to Slovak social security legislation if they are employed or carry out self-employed activity in Slovakia. In such cases, they have the same rights and obligations under the Slovak social insurance system as Slovak nationals, provided they meet the statutory conditions.
Foreign nationals may also choose to participate in certain branches of the Slovak social insurance system on a voluntary basis, provided they fulfil the legal conditions.
Researchers who are staying in Slovakia without being employed or carrying out self-employed activity are generally not covered by the compulsory Slovak social insurance system. They may, however, opt for voluntary insurance if they meet the statutory requirements.
**The practical application of the agreement with the Russian Federation may be affected by current international developments.