Work visa to Slovakia

Slovakia, like many other countries, after joining the European Union, is experiencing a shortage of qualified personnel, blue-collar workers, and is always in need of laborers and agricultural workers. While Slovaks are heading to countries with higher wages – England, Switzerland, Denmark, their places are being claimed by applicants from Ukraine. The introduction of a business visa for Ukrainians has opened up opportunities for unhindered travel, but obtaining a work visa to Slovakia has not lost its relevance. Legal employment abroad is impossible without a number of formalities.

Obtaining a work visa to Slovakia – 5 steps towards your dream

In 2018, due to the problem of staff shortages, the government adopted a number of laws aimed at simplifying the entry and employment of foreigners in the country. However, a work visa to Slovakia for Ukrainians in 2026 will be required, this is a mandatory condition for official employment. It can only be obtained if there are no applicants for the vacancy from among citizens of the country or the EU.

How to get a work visa to Slovakia

To obtain a visa, you need a work permit, which must be obtained before arriving in the country. The document is issued only for a vacancy for which you have already been approved by a potential employer. To become a visa holder, you must:

• find a job and sign an employment contract;
• submit documents to the Employment Office in Slovakia;
• obtain a work permit (or refusal).

If the purpose of the trip is employment and you have not obtained a permit, you will be able to work only unofficially, which entails risks and liability under the country’s law. Having a work visa means that a Ukrainian is protected by Slovakia’s labor legislation and has prospects for a long stay in the country.

Work visa to Slovakia: documents for registration

To obtain a visa to work abroad, in addition to an oral employment agreement with the employer, you will need:

• a passport valid for at least 3 months after the visa expires;
• 2 photos (3.5×4.5) taken within the last six months;
• copies of all pages with stamps of the internal passport of Ukraine;
• a copy of the Taxpayer Identification Number;
• a certificate of marital status (marriage or divorce);
• a visa application form filled in Latin letters, printed out and certified with a personal signature;
• a certified invitation to work from a Slovak employer;
• confirmation of provision of a place of residence or rental housing;
• a bank statement (the amount in the account must exceed 600 euros);
• medical insurance (coverage from 30,000 euros);
• a consular fee of 35 euros.

Documents are submitted to the consular section in person.

How much does a work visa to Slovakia cost, production times in 2026

The cost of a work visa to Slovakia depends on the time it takes to obtain it. The usual procedure takes 7-10 days, an urgent visa is issued in 3 days and costs 70 euros.
Employment in Slovakia is possible with a short-term (aka Schengen) visa – category C, and a national long-term visa – category D.

What are the consequences of not having a visa and how to avoid difficulties with obtaining one?

Many job seekers are interested in the issue of employment without a visa, you can see offers with this option for seasonal work, but it is worth assessing the risks. Foreigners can work, but only as volunteers – for food and housing, without the right to payment for their work. Do not be surprised if the employer does not pay you – within the law, he is right. Remuneration for work in monetary equivalent without a work permit in Slovakia is a violation of the migration order, the consequence is deportation and deterioration of the history of trips to EU countries.
There is nothing complicated in how to open a work visa to Slovakia, but in solving serious issues it is always better to trust the specialists. The company’s employees will help you with collecting the necessary documents, fill out an insurance policy, a questionnaire, and before that they will find a suitable vacancy, negotiate with the employer.
Legal employment abroad is a guarantee of your safety, and a work visa to Slovakia is one of the most important documents with which you will feel confident in a foreign country. Make sure your documents are properly completed and set out to conquer the world.