Slovakia Implements Foreign Worker Employment Changes

• Slovakia introduced legislative changes affecting the employment of third-country nationals, including new provisions for holders of temporary protection for Ukrainians and updated work authorization requirements.  

Foreign Worker Employment Changes 

Effective July 15, 2026, Slovakia amended both its Foreign Residence Act and Employment Services Act, introducing several changes related to the employment of third-country nationals. 

 The updates affect work authorization procedures, temporary protection holders from Ukraine and the validity periods of certain immigration documents.  

New Employment Condition for National Visa Holders 

Under the new requirement, third-country nationals holding a national visa and applying for a temporary residence permit for employment must continue working in the position for which they originally obtained work authorization.

Expanded Employment Eligibility for Slovak Graduates 

The amendments broaden eligibility for third-country nationals who completed secondary or higher education in Slovakia by expanding the categories of qualifying residence permits that allow employment.  

Ukraine-Related Temporary Measures Extended 

Slovakia has clarified that certain work permits, employment confirmations and highly qualified employment authorizations that would otherwise expire during the emergency situation related to the conflict in Ukraine will remain valid until: 

• Two months after the emergency situation is lifted, or 
• July 15, 2027, whichever occurs first.  

Employers may also continue to employ affected foreign nationals in the same position while their employment-based residence renewal applications are pending, until July 15, 2027.  

New Pathway for Ukrainian Temporary Protection Holders 

The legislation creates a transition pathway for Ukrainian nationals currently benefiting from temporary protection. 

Eligible individuals may continue working and maintain labor market access if they: 

• Have been employed in Slovakia for at least six consecutive months immediately before the end of temporary protection; and 
• Remain continuously employed.  

The amendments also allow eligible individuals to transition from temporary protection status to an employment-based temporary residence permit while continuing employment. 

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