Slovakia
In a bid to address labor shortages in various sectors, Slovakia has introduced new regulations to accelerate the employment process for foreign workers. Effective July 15, 2024, these changes aim to streamline the procedure for obtaining national visas, allowing foreign workers to commence employment in Slovakia much more quickly than before.
Streamlined Visa Process
Previously, foreign nationals seeking employment in Slovakia faced a lengthy and cumbersome process to obtain a residence permit. The procedure included securing a positive opinion from the labor office after filing a request with the police, which often took up to one and a half years. However, under the new rules, applications will be processed in just two to three months.
One significant change is that employers in Slovakia must now receive an opinion from the labor office before the foreign worker applies for a residence permit. This change is designed to speed up entry into Slovakia and allow employers to fill crucial positions more swiftly.
Targeted Sectors and Positions
The new regulations provide easier access to Slovakia’s national visa, particularly for roles experiencing significant labor shortages. The professions eligible for these streamlined processes include:
- Forklift Operators
- Welders
- Construction Workers
- Operation Electricians
- Assembly Workers in engineering production, rubber, chemical, and plastic production, and electronic device production
Additionally, other roles such as agronomists, cooks, waiters, breeders, bakers, milk processors, butter producers, equipment operators, cleaners, and kitchen workers are also eligible for expedited visa processing.
Eligibility Criteria and Select Countries
However, not all foreign nationals are eligible for Slovakia’s simplified visa process. The program targets workers from specific countries experiencing high demand in Slovakia’s labor market. As of now, eligible nationals include those from the following 17 countries:
- Armenia
- Azerbaijan
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Georgia
- Indonesia
- Kazakhstan
- Kyrgyzstan
- Moldova
- Montenegro
- Nepal
- North Macedonia
- Philippines
- Serbia
- Tajikistan
- Turkmenistan
- Ukraine
- Uzbekistan
The Slovak government may expand this list to include other nationalities if necessary to meet labor market needs.
Visa Conditions and Extensions
Foreign workers granted a national visa under these new rules will initially receive a one-year visa, contingent on their occupation being one of those experiencing shortages. The visa duration matches the length of employment, up to a maximum of one year. Extensions or alternative pathways for continued work in Slovakia may be available after the initial visa period expires.
The Slovak authorities have set a quota of 5,000 national visas for the year, with 3,000 allocated for highly qualified workers and 2,000 for skilled workers. Of these, 200 spots are already reserved for bus drivers.
Government Initiative and Future Plans
This initiative, approved by the Slovak government last year, underscores the country’s commitment to addressing labor shortages while simultaneously facilitating the entry of foreign workers. The government anticipates releasing additional requirements and details about the visa process soon, ensuring that both employers and potential workers have clear guidance.
By easing the visa process for foreign workers, Slovakia aims to bolster its workforce in key industries, ensuring economic stability and growth. These new rules represent a significant step towards more efficient immigration and labor policies, positioning Slovakia as an attractive destination for skilled and semi-skilled workers from select countries.
