Europe – Slovakia Visa – Long Stay – Work Visa

1. What is a Slovakia long stay work visa?


A Slovakia long stay work visa is a type of visa that allows foreign nationals to live and work in Slovakia for an extended period of time. This visa is typically issued for a duration of more than 90 days and is intended for individuals who will be employed in Slovakia by an employer or company registered in the country.

2. Who needs a Slovakia long stay work visa?

Foreign nationals who do not hold citizenship from an EU/EEA country and wish to work in Slovakia for longer than 90 days will need a Slovakia long stay work visa.

3. What are the requirements to apply for a Slovakia long stay work visa?

The specific requirements may vary depending on your country of origin, but generally, applicants need to provide the following documents:

– A valid passport with at least three months validity beyond the intended date of departure from Slovakia
– Completed visa application form
– Two recent passport-sized photos
– Proof of accommodation in Slovakia (e.g. rental contract)
– Employment contract or letter from employer confirming job offer and salary
– Proof of sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay in Slovakia
– Medical travel insurance with coverage throughout the entire period of stay

Additional requirements may include a criminal record check, proof of educational qualifications, and other supporting documents depending on the specific circumstances.

4. How do I apply for a Slovakia long-stay work visa?

To apply for a Slovakia long-stay work visa, you will need to submit your application at the Slovak embassy or consulate in your country of residence. You can find information about required documents and application procedures on the website of the relevant Slovak embassy or consulate.

5. How long does it take to process a Slovakia long-stay work visa?

The processing time for a Slovakia long-stay work visa can vary depending on your nationality and individual circumstances. It is recommended to allow at least two months before your intended travel date to ensure sufficient time for processing.

6. How much does a Slovakia long-stay work visa cost?

The visa application fee for a Slovakia long-stay work visa is currently €116 for most nationalities, but it may vary depending on your country of residence. Additional fees for biometric data collection and other services may also apply.

7. Can I bring my family members with me on a Slovakia long-stay work visa?

Yes, you can bring your family members (spouse and minor children) with you to Slovakia if you have obtained a valid work permit and employment contract. They will need to apply for a long-stay visa as dependents of the main applicant.

8. Can I change jobs while on a Slovakia long-stay work visa?

You are only allowed to work for the employer specified in your employment contract and included in your work permit. If you wish to change jobs, both you and your new employer will need to apply for a new work permit and submit it along with an application for a new residence permit.

9. How long is the long-stay work visa valid for?

A Slovakia long-stay work visa is typically valid for one year or until the expiration date of your employment contract, whichever comes first. You can renew it as long as you still meet the requirements.

10. Can I apply for permanent residency in Slovakia while holding a long-stay work visa?

After legally residing in Slovakia for five continuous years, foreign nationals holding a long-stay residence permit based on employment can apply for permanent residency in Slovakia if they meet all necessary conditions.

2. Who needs to obtain a Slovakia work visa?


Non-EU/EEA citizens who wish to work in Slovakia for longer than 90 days must obtain a work visa. EU/EEA citizens do not need a work visa, but they must register their employment with the Slovak authorities if they plan to stay longer than three months.

3. What are the requirements for obtaining a Slovakia work visa?

The requirements for obtaining a Slovakia work visa may vary depending on your country of origin. In general, however, you will need:

– A valid passport with at least six months validity remaining
– A completed visa application form
– Proof of purpose of trip (such as a job offer or contract)
– Evidence of sufficient financial means to support yourself in Slovakia
– Medical insurance valid in Slovakia
– Criminal record certificate from your home country
– Certificate of no criminal record from the Slovak authorities (may be required for certain occupations)
– Certificates and documents related to your qualifications and professional experience

4. How do I apply for a Slovakia work visa?

You can apply for a Slovakia work visa at the nearest Slovak embassy or consulate in your home country. You will need to submit all necessary documents and pay an application fee. It is recommended to apply well in advance of your intended travel date, as processing times can vary.

5. How much does it cost to obtain a Slovakia work visa?

The cost of a Slovakia work visa may vary depending on your nationality and the type of visa you are applying for. Generally, the fee ranges from 49 EUR to 197 EUR.

6. Can my family members join me on a Slovakia work visa?

Your family members (spouse and minor children) can join you on your Slovakia work visa as long as you can provide evidence that you have sufficient financial means to support them during their stay.

7. Can I change jobs while holding a Slovakia work visa?

Yes, as long as you inform the Slovak immigration authorities about the change and obtain a new work permit for your new job.

8. Can I apply for permanent residency in Slovakia with a work visa?

You may be eligible to apply for permanent residency in Slovakia after holding a work visa for at least five years. However, this may vary depending on your specific situation and qualifications. It is recommended to consult with the Slovak immigration authorities for more information on permanent residency options.

3. How do I apply for a Slovakia work visa?


To apply for a Slovakia work visa, follow these steps:

1. Check if you need a visa: Citizens of the EU, EEA, and Switzerland do not need a visa to work in Slovakia. Non-EU citizens will need to obtain a work visa before entering the country.

2. Find a job and an employer: Before applying for a work visa, you must have a job offer from an employer in Slovakia.

3. Gather required documents: The documents required might vary according to your nationality and the type of work you will be doing in Slovakia. However, some common requirements include a valid passport, completed visa application form, job contract or letter of employment, and proof of qualifications or experience.

4. Submit your application: You can submit your application at the nearest Slovak embassy or consulate in your country. You can also apply through an authorized representative if you are unable to apply in person.

5. Pay the fees: You will be required to pay a non-refundable processing fee when submitting your application.

6. Attend an interview (if needed): In some cases, applicants may be asked to attend an interview at the embassy or consulate.

7. Wait for processing: The processing time for a Slovakia work visa can vary depending on your nationality and other factors.

8. Collect your visa: If approved, you will receive your visa which will allow you to enter and work in Slovakia.

It is recommended to start this process well in advance as it can take several weeks or months for the application to be processed and approved.

4. What documents are required for a Slovakia work visa application?


The documents required for a Slovakia work visa application are:

1. Completed visa application form
2. Valid passport (with at least 3 months validity after the intended stay)
3. Two recent passport-sized photos
4. Proof of employment or job offer in Slovakia (such as an employment contract)
5. Criminal record certificate from the applicant’s country of residence
6. Medical insurance valid in Slovakia
7. Proof of accommodation in Slovakia (such as a rental agreement or hotel reservation)
8. Financial means to support oneself during the stay in Slovakia (such as bank statements or salary slips)
9. Payment of the visa fee
10. Any additional documents required by the Slovak embassy/consulate, such as proof of qualifications or business registration documents for self-employed individuals.

It is recommended to contact the Slovak embassy/consulate in your country for a complete and updated list of required documents for a work visa application.

5. What is the processing time for a Slovakia work visa?


The processing time for a Slovakia work visa can vary depending on the individual’s country of residence and other factors. It is recommended to apply for a work visa at least 3-4 months in advance to allow for ample processing time. The average processing time is around 30 days, but it can take up to 90 days or longer in some cases.

6. Is there an age limit for obtaining a Slovakia work visa?


Yes, applicants must be at least 18 years old to obtain a work visa in Slovakia.

7. Do I need to have a job offer before applying for a Slovakia work visa?


Yes, in most cases, you will need to have a job offer or contract from a Slovakian employer before applying for a work visa. This is because the employer may be required to sponsor your visa application and provide necessary documents, such as a letter of invitation, proof of employment, and work permit confirmation. Additionally, having a job offer shows that you have a valid reason to stay and work in Slovakia.

8. Can I apply for permanent residence in Slovakia through the long stay work visa?


No, the long stay work visa does not lead directly to permanent residence in Slovakia. However, after holding a long stay work visa for 5 years (or 3 years in some cases), you may be eligible to apply for permanent residence in Slovakia.

9. Are there any language requirements for the Slovakia work visa?


Yes, there are language requirements for the Slovakia work visa. Non-EU citizens must have basic knowledge of the Slovak language in order to obtain a work permit and a residence permit. This means being able to communicate in everyday situations and understand basic information in Slovak. However, some exceptions may be made for highly skilled workers or certain industries where English is commonly used as the working language. In these cases, proof of proficiency in English may be accepted instead of knowledge of Slovak.

10. How long can I stay in Slovakia with a long stay work visa?


You can stay in Slovakia with a long stay work visa for the duration of your work contract, up to a maximum of 2 years. After this period, you will need to apply for an extension or a new visa if you wish to continue working in Slovakia.

11. Can I bring my family members with me on my long stay work visa to Slovakia?


Yes, you can bring your family members with you on your long stay work visa to Slovakia. Your spouse and any children under the age of 18 will be eligible for a dependent visa, which will allow them to join you in the country. They will need to provide all necessary documents and meet any eligibility requirements in order to obtain their dependent visas.

12. How much does it cost to obtain a Slovakia long stay work visa?


The cost of a Slovakia long stay work visa varies depending on your individual circumstances and the type of work you will be doing. Generally, the application fee for a long stay visa is 33 EUR. Additional fees may apply for certain supporting documents or services. It is recommended to check with the Slovak embassy or consulate in your country for the exact cost of the visa.

13. Is it necessary to have medical insurance for the duration of my stay in Slovakia on a long stay work visa?


Yes, it is necessary to have medical insurance for the duration of your stay in Slovakia on a long stay work visa. This is a requirement by the Slovak government and proof of medical insurance coverage is usually required when applying for a work visa. The medical insurance must cover any potential healthcare needs you may have while living in Slovakia, including emergency care, hospitalization, and repatriation. It is important to ensure that your medical insurance meets the minimum requirements set by the Slovak government.

14. Is there an annual quota or limit on the number of long stay work visas issued by Slovakia?


Yes, there is an annual quota on the number of long stay work visas issued by Slovakia. The quota is set by the Ministry of Interior and varies each year. It is typically based on the needs of the labor market and the economic situation in the country. Once the quota is reached, no more long stay work visas will be issued for that year.

15. Can I switch jobs while on a long stay work visa in Slovakia?


Yes, you can switch jobs while on a long stay work visa in Slovakia. However, you will need to obtain a new work permit for the new job and notify the immigration authorities of the change in employment. It is also important to consult with an immigration lawyer or your employer to ensure that all necessary steps are taken before switching jobs.

16. Will I be able to travel within the Schengen area with my Slovakia long-stay work visa?


Yes, as a holder of a long-stay work visa for Slovakia, you will be able to travel within the Schengen area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. However, if you plan on staying in another Schengen country for longer than 90 days, you may need to apply for a separate residency or work permit in that country. It is important to check the specific entry and visa requirements for each country before traveling.

17. Will I have access to public healthcare and social services in Slovakia with my long-stay work visa?


Yes, as a holder of a long-stay work visa, you will have access to public healthcare and social services in Slovakia. This includes free or subsidized medical care, access to pharmacies and medication, emergency services, and other necessary healthcare services. You may also be eligible for various social benefits such as unemployment benefits, maternity or parental leave, and pension plans. However, specific eligibility criteria may vary depending on your individual circumstances and the type of work visa you hold. It is recommended that you consult with the relevant authorities in Slovakia for more information on your entitlements.

18 . Can I extend my Long Stay Work Visa in Slovenia if needed?

Yes, it is possible to extend a Long Stay Work Visa in Slovenia if needed. You can apply for an extension at the administrative unit responsible for your place of residence in Slovenia. Generally, you should apply for an extension 30 days before your current visa expires.

To be eligible for an extension, you will need to provide evidence that your employment contract is still valid, that you have sufficient means of support (such as a salary or savings), and that you have valid health insurance.

It is important to note that Long Stay Work Visas in Slovenia are typically granted for one year and can only be extended once. After two years on a Long Stay Work Visa, you will need to apply for permanent residency if you wish to continue living and working in Slovenia.

For more information on extending your visa, you can visit the website of the Embassy of the Republic of Slovenia or contact them directly.

19 . Do I need to have a certain amount of savings or income before applying for a Long Stay Work Visa in Slovenia?


Yes, in order to apply for a Long Stay Work Visa in Slovenia, you will need to show proof of sufficient financial means to support yourself during your stay. This can include savings, income from employment, or a job offer with a certain salary. The exact amount required may vary depending on personal circumstances and the length of stay. It is recommended to contact the Embassy of Slovenia for specific requirements and guidelines.

20 . What are the conditions to qualify for permanent residency in Slovenia through the Long Stay Work Visa?

To be eligible for permanent residency in Slovenia through the Long Stay Work Visa, applicants must meet the following conditions:

1. Have a valid Long Stay Work Visa: Applicants must have a valid Slovenian Long Stay Work Visa at the time of application.

2. Possess sufficient means of support: Applicants must be able to prove that they have sufficient financial resources to cover their living expenses in Slovenia. This can include income from employment, savings, investments, or a combination of these.

3. Have health insurance: Applicants must hold comprehensive health insurance coverage for their entire stay in Slovenia.

4. Meet the required length of stay: Applicants must have resided in Slovenia on a Long Stay Work Visa for at least five years continuously before they can apply for permanent residency.

5. Sufficient knowledge of Slovenian language: Applicants must demonstrate a basic command of the Slovenian language, which can be proven by passing an exam or providing other evidence such as completing a language course.

6. No criminal record: Applicants must have no criminal record and provide a police clearance certificate from their country of origin or any other country where they have resided in the past 10 years.

7. Pass integration exam and attend integration programs: Applicants must pass an integration exam and participate in integration programs to demonstrate their willingness to integrate into Slovenian society.

8. Secure housing: Applicants must have secure and stable housing arrangements, either by owning or renting property in Slovenia.

9. Not pose a threat to national security: Applicants must not pose a threat to national security or public order.

10. Meet any additional requirements: Depending on your specific circumstances, additional requirements may apply. These could include holding a specific degree or qualifications relevant to your job, proving family ties with Slovenian citizens or permanent residents, etc.

It is important to note that meeting these conditions does not guarantee approval for permanent residency in Slovenia through the Long Stay Work Visa. The final decision is at the discretion of the Slovenian authorities.