New national visas for highly qualified foreign nationals

In the past, many employers faced a number of administrative obstacles and formalities that disproportionately prolonged the time taken before an expert from abroad could start work in Slovakia. Typically, multinational companies needed to employ a foreign national within their company group to implement a project, either at the client's site or internally. Even if it was obvious that such a specially qualified employee could not be found in Slovakia, a lengthy process was still necessary. The regulation is therefore a long-awaited and welcome change. The national visa is temporary and should make it easier for a foreign professional to start work with a Slovak employer promptly. Thus, the foreign employee can start to work on the formalities necessary to obtain a residence and work permit for a longer period while he/she is already working in Slovakia.

What does a national visa bring?

• Facilitates the employment of highly qualified foreigners and their relocation to Slovakia,
• Makes it easier for foreigners to enter and stay in Slovakia and search for a job for up to 90 days, and
• Provides an option to work for a specific employer for up to one year.

Who qualifies for a national visa?

The national visa is intended for highly qualified non-EU third-country nationals, which means:

• Graduates of top 500 world universities or equivalent institutions and universities in the Slovak Republic or the Czech Republic, or
• Highly skilled professionals that the Slovak market lacks, especially in the IT and health sector, but also managers, scientists, researchers, and other technical workers.

What does a national visa entitle the bearer to?

The regulation brings two types of national visas:

1. National visa for up to 90 days for the purpose of seeking work. This type of visa entitles the holder to come and stay in the Slovak Republic; or
2. National visa for up to 1 year for employment purposes. This type of visa entitles the holder to stay in the Slovak Republic and work for a specific employer.

What happens after the national visa expires?

The national visa is only a temporary solution. It cannot be reissued. Therefore, standard residence and work permits for the period after the expiry of the national visa are required. It is necessary to apply for these standard permits prior to the national visa’s expiry.

If you are interested in this topic, please do not hesitate to contact us for more information.