Before you leave

General:

There are a number of administrative formalities that apply to expatriates who wish to live and work in Slovakia. These generally depend on your country of origin. Please be sure to always check with your embassy or the Slovak Consulate, as laws can and do change.

A valid passport is required by all non EU/EEA or Swiss nationals entering Slovakia, and it’s important to remember that your passport must be valid for at least another three months after the end of your stay. EU/EEA and Swiss nationals must show a valid passport or national identity card.

A visa may or may not be required, depending on whether your home country has a bilateral agreement with Slovakia. If you’re not sure, check with the Slovak Consulate in your home country.

Visitors should also have the equivalent funds of USD50 per person per day for their stay in the Slovak Republic, as this may be checked by customs. Further information is available from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (www.foreign.gov.sk).

It’s recommended that you also bring along all of the following documents, which may be necessary to meet legal, employment or educational requirements.

• Birth certificate
• Marriage certificate
• Diplomas and CV
• Children’s school records
• Medical records
• Vaccination schedules

If your company doesn’t provide assistance obtaining work or residency permits, hiring the services of a relocation company is strongly recommended. The bureaucratic requirements to get the mandatory Slovak documentation can be a complex, time-consuming process with the challenge compounded by the fact that many government personnel have limited English, if any at all. Regulations can and do change frequently. Hiring a relocation company will help ensure that your application meets current requirements and could save you time and frustration.

Work permit:

EU citizens:

EU citizens no longer need a work permit and any required documentation is the responsibility of the employer. However, they’re required to have a confirmation of permanent residency for tax purposes.

Non-EU citizens:

Work permits are granted for a maximum of two years and are not transferable if you change jobs. They may be extended one or more times, each time for a maximum of two years. Requests for extensions must be filed at least 30 days before expiration and require the employer’s statement that it will continue to hire you. This is conditional on you agreeing to work with the same employer; if you wish to apply for a different job, you’ll have to apply for a new permit.

An application for a work permit must be submitted to the appropriate Labour Office, accompanied by proof of education. A medical certificate is only necessary if required by law in your particular profession, and in this case you should speak to your employer. The statutory deadline for consideration of the application is 30 days and the permit is granted by the Office of Labour, Social Affairs and Family, with a local competence in the future place of work.

Your permit will expire if the period for which it was granted ends, if your employment ends sooner or if your residence permit expires. The Labour Office can cancel the permit if you violate the legal regulations or if you don’t enter into the employment for which the permit was granted. Your employer is required to advise the responsible authority within seven working days if your employment ends earlier than specified in the permit.

Residence permit:

EU citizens:

The necessary confirmation for your residence permit can be obtained from the Slovak Foreign Police. You’ll be required to submit your passport, two passport photos and a notarised lease agreement or proof of home ownership.

Non-EU citizens:

Non-EU citizens must first apply in person for a temporary residence permit, which can be done at the Slovak Embassy or Consulate in your home country. This will allow you to stay in Slovakia for up to one year for business and / or educational purposes. The permanent residence permit is then obtained from the Foreign Police. You will require:
• Passport
• 2 passport photos
• Typed application form in Slovak
• Document certifying reason for request (business, employment, schooling, etc.)
• Criminal background check (Slovak and home country)
• Medical certificate stating applicant is free of contagious disease
• Proof of funds (varies, check with Slovak Consulate for specifics)
• Proof of medical insurance
• Proof of housing (signed lease agreement or ownership deed)
Please be aware that, prior to approval, non-EU nationals may have to submit to lengthy interviews by Slovak officials.

A visa may or may not be required, depending on whether your home country has a bilateral agreement with Slovakia.

• Driving licence
• Proof of health insurance
• Employment contract
• Lease agreement / purchase contract
• Criminal background check

EU citizens no longer need a work permit and any required documentation is the responsibility of the employer.

Non-EU citizens must first apply in person for a temporary residence permit, which can be done at the Slovak Embassy or Consulate in your home country. This will allow you to stay in Slovakia for up to one year for business and / or educational purposes.

Before you leave:

One of the greatest resources for international living is Internet communication and banking. Living abroad is dramatically different today than it was even 10 years ago, but it can be easy to let that lull you into a false sense of complacency. There are a number of things you should do prior to leaving your home country to minimise or eliminate potential problems down the road.

Be sure to notify all banks and credit card companies of your relocation. Many companies will block the use of debit or credit cards in foreign countries unless they have been advised in advance of your travel plans. Arrange for online payment of bills where possible or leave a supply of postdated cheques when necessary. Check with your bank about the procedures for transferring money internationally and make any required arrangements around taxes, pension plans and other financial matters.

Ensure that you have packed all documents, educational and medical records, and bring a generous supply of any prescription medications you may require. If you’re shipping your furniture, remember to check to see if your appliances and electronics will work in Slovakia.
If you’re bringing your family pet, EU citizens must ensure they have a pet passport. Non-EU citizens must show a veterinary health certificate which proves that the animal meets all EU requirements. If travelling by air, contact your airline to ensure that all criteria are met so there’s no last- minute crisis to deal with. No one wants the kids in tears at the airport because Rover couldn’t get on the plane!

Be sure to notify all banks and credit card companies of your relocation. Many companies will block the use of debit or credit cards in foreign countries unless they have been advised in advance of your travel plans.