Slovakia has implemented new regulations aimed at significantly reducing the time it takes for foreign nationals to enter the country for employment purposes. The initiative is part of a broader strategy to tackle labor shortages across various sectors of the Slovak economy and to streamline the immigration process for skilled international workers.

According to Schengen.News, the newly introduced rules are expected to considerably accelerate the employment procedure for non-EU foreign workers, reducing the processing time for work-related residence permits from up to 18 months to approximately two to three months. The updated policy is designed to make Slovakia more competitive and attractive for foreign talent, particularly in industries facing acute labor deficits.

Key Change: Faster Processing Through Labor Office Pre-Approval

Under the previous system, foreign workers seeking employment in Slovakia were required to submit a residence permit application to the police, which was followed by an assessment from the Slovak labor office. This often resulted in long waiting periods and administrative inefficiencies.

Under the new rules, the process has been reversed. Employers will now obtain the labour office’s opinion before the foreign worker applies for a residence permit. This allows foreign nationals to determine their eligibility earlier in the process and speeds up the overall timeline for entering Slovakia legally for work.

Milan Kurota, Head of SlovakiaInvest Group, praised the reforms, highlighting the practical benefits for both employers and prospective employees. “It is important that foreign workers know in advance whether the labor office has given them permission to work in the country so that they do not waste money to apply for a residence permit in case they receive a rejection,” he stated.

This forward-looking approach reduces uncertainty and enhances efficiency for businesses recruiting international talent.

Slovakia’s National Visa Reform for High-Demand Sectors

In a related development, Slovakia eased national visa rules for non-EU workers on July 15, 2024. The reform facilitates quicker access for foreign nationals whose professions are listed among sectors experiencing significant labor shortages.

Under the revised policy, national visas will be granted to eligible foreign workers for a period of one year. These visas are targeted specifically at individuals with experience in high-demand fields such as:

• Cooks

• Agronomists

• Bakers

• Breeders

• Equipment operators

• Kitchen workers

• Learners (trainees)

• Assembly workers

• And others relevant to industry needs

However, authorities have clarified that not all foreign nationals will benefit from the simplified visa regime. Only nationals from designated countries are eligible for the streamlined process under the new visa regulations.

Strategic Response to Labor Market Pressures

These reforms underscore Slovakia’s strategic commitment to addressing pressing labor market challenges through pragmatic immigration policies. With many industries—particularly in manufacturing, agriculture, and hospitality—facing talent shortages, attracting qualified foreign workers is seen as essential for economic stability and growth.

By removing bureaucratic bottlenecks and improving clarity in the work permit application process, Slovakia aims to become a more welcoming destination for foreign professionals while simultaneously supporting the operational needs of local businesses.