Slovakia Eases National Visa Rules for Foreign Workers

From July 15, 2024, Slovakia has introduced more flexible national visa rules for foreigners seeking jobs in sectors with labor shortages in the country.

Last year, Slovakia’s government approved measures to simplify access to the long-term national visa (D visa). Under the new initiative, foreign workers from selected countries will initially receive a one-year visa if they work in professions facing shortages.

The government specified that only specific roles would qualify for the program. Effective July 15, this move aims to streamline the process of obtaining Slovakia’s national visas for foreign workers such as forklift operators, welders, construction workers, electricians, and various assembly line workers in engineering, rubber, chemical, plastic, and electronic device production, among others.

The program also aims to facilitate national visa access for agronomists, cooks, waiters, breeders, bakers, dairy processors, butter producers, equipment operators, cleaners, and kitchen staff, among others.

However, foreign workers in these roles must meet additional criteria to secure a one-year national visa for work in Slovakia.

To qualify under the simplified conditions, foreign workers must be citizens of one of the 17 specified third countries:

• Armenia
• Azerbaijan
• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Georgia
• Indonesia
• Kazakhstan
• Kyrgyzstan
• Moldova
• Montenegro
• Nepal
• North Macedonia
• Philippines
• Serbia
• Tajikistan
• Turkmenistan
• Ukraine
• Uzbekistan

While additional nationalities may be considered later if labor market demands are not met by workers from the listed countries, the government has not yet finalized this list. Further requirements are expected to be announced soon.

After the one-year period expires, foreign workers will have options to extend their stay in Slovakia through alternative pathways for employment purposes.