• Insights

Slovakia: New Immigration Law Implemented Affecting EU and Non-EU Nationals

January 25, 2023

insight-news-default

Country / Territory

  • Slovak RepublicSlovak Republic

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

At a Glance

  • As of January 1, 2023, a new law has gone into effect in Slovakia affecting immigration processes for both European Union and non-EU nationals.
  • Major changes include expanding the categories of workers who are exempt from labor market testing; requiring information card notifications to be submitted to the Labor Office for certain EU nationals; allowing non-EU nationals on Single Permits to remain employed while their renewal application is pending; and shortening the period where non-EU nationals holding Residence Permits for Family Reunification require an additional work permit.
  • These changes are intended to create a more streamlined immigration process and allow for employers to retain the necessary required talent for their businesses to grow.

The situation

As of January 1, 2023, a new immigration law has gone into effect amending several employment conditions for foreign nationals.

A closer look

The following changes have gone into effect:

CHANGE DETAILS IMPACT
Expanded labor market testing exemptions when obtaining work authorization
    • The following worker categories are no longer required to complete labor market testing to obtain work authorization:
      • Third-country nationals who are performing educational or scientific activities as a pedagogical employee, university teacher, researcher or artistic employee of a university, research employee or development employee in research activity;
      • Third-country national employees of employers whose employee base is made up of less than 30% of third-country nationals (applicable solely for shortage professions); and
      • Non-EU nationals applying for Single Permit renewals or Blue Card renewals who are not changing their job positions.
    • Previously, labor market testing was required for these categories.
    • The removal of the labor market testing step will allow for earlier employee start dates as the process to obtain work authorization will be shorter, which is critical due to ongoing labor shortages.
Information cards for EU nationals
    • Employers must submit information cards for EU nationals working in Slovakia on assignment or secondment.
    • The cards must be submitted in person or by registered mail to the Labor Office within seven calendar days of the start and termination dates.
    • Previously, this practice was only recommended by the Labor Office, not required.
    • The Labor Office is becoming stricter in enforcing existing administrative requirements. Employers should work with their immigration professional to comply with the enhanced rules.
Non-EU Single Permits renewals
    • Non-EU national Single Permit renewal applicants can remain employed under an expired Single Permit until a decision is made on their renewal application, as long as the renewal application is submitted at least 90 days before expiry (in most cases).
    • Previously, non-EU nationals were only authorized to work until the expiry of their current permit.
    • Affected workers will no longer have to be taken off payroll and can continue to work if their Single Permit expires while their renewal is being processed.
    • Employers should ensure that Single Permit renewal applications are submitted prior to the 90-day cutoff to qualify for this benefit.
Shorter additional work permit requirement for non-EU nationals holding Residence Permits for Family Reunification Purposes
    • Non-EU nationals holding Residence Permits for Family Reunification purposes (i.e., family members of main applicants), seeking to work in Slovakia are only required to apply for a work permit for the first nine months of their residence. After nine months, they do not require a work permit. Previously, these individuals were required to hold a work permit for the first 12 months of residence.
    • Affected individuals will not require a work permit after nine months, allowing them greater access to the local labor market.

 

Background

The Slovak government has taken initiative to combat labor shortages within the past year, including simplifying visa processes for third-country nationals in managerial positions.

Looking ahead

It is likely that further changes to Slovakia’s immigration system will be forthcoming and will continue to welcome foreign nationals in shortage occupations who use their skills to contribute to the growth of the Slovak economy.

This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to [email protected].

Country / Territory

  • Slovak RepublicSlovak Republic

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Explore more at Fragomen

Podcast

EB5: What Prospective Applicants Need to Know NOW!

In this episode of The Immigration Conversation, Partner Chad Blocker, Senior Counsel Mitchell Wexler and Associate Alex Kim discuss what prospective EB-5 applicants should know now, including source-of-funds documentation, project selection, concurrent filing, retrogression and upcoming program deadlines.

Learn more

Blog post

New EU Social Security Coordination Rules: What Employers Need to Know

In this blog, Partner Jo Antoons and Senior Manager Marina Ocariz discuss the EU’s provisional agreement on revised social security coordination rules and what employers should know about the expected changes to A1 certificate requirements, posted worker rules and short-term cross-border work compliance.

Learn more

Blog post

Approaching EB-5 Grandfathering Deadline: What Investors Need to Know Before September 30, 2026

In this blog, Partner Rahul Soni explains the EB-5 grandfathering provisions under the EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022 and why prospective investors should consider filing before the September 30, 2026 deadline to help preserve statutory protections and reduce exposure to future program uncertainty.

Learn more

Video

Do You Need a Visa for Thailand? Tourist Visa Rules Explained

In this video, Practice Leader Kate Praphakornphiphat explains the key requirements, documents, fees and processing time for a Thailand tourist visa, as well as stay duration and extension options for short-term travel. 

Learn more

Fragomen news

Fragomen and Talent Beyond Boundaries Named Co-Chairs of Global Task Force on Refugee Labour Mobility

Fragomen and Talent Beyond Boundaries announce that they will jointly serve as co-chairs of the Global Task Force on Refugee Labour Mobility for a two-year term beginning in June 2026.

Learn more

Blog post

From Barnsley to the North: AI Growth and the UK's Immigration Challenge

In this blog, Manager Gillian Gibbons and Immigration Consultants Gemma Oliver and Larna Kate Hadfield examine how Barnsley’s designation as the UK’s first government-backed Tech Town reflects wider AI and digital growth across the North of England, and why immigration strategy will be critical for employers seeking to access the global talent needed to support regional innovation.

Learn more

Media mentions

Hong Kong Business Magazine: Employers Seek Broader Immigration Reforms

In this Hong Kong Business article, Managing Director Magdalene Tennant discusses Hong Kong’s recent decision to allow employment and dependent visa renewal applications to be filed up to three months before expiry, a change intended to reduce the risk of work disruptions and provide employers with greater flexibility in managing foreign talent.

Learn more

Media mentions

Professional Engineering: How to Access International Engineering Talent in a Changing Immigration System

In this article published by Professional Engineering, Senior Manager Nadine Barnole examines how UK engineering employers can continue to access international talent amid growing skills shortages and a rapidly evolving immigration landscape.

Learn more

Media mentions

Times Brasil CNBC: How Technology is Reshaping Identity Verification Systems

In this Times Brasil CNBC Real Tech interview, Partner Diana Quintas discusses Brazil’s recent visa exemption for Chinese nationals, what it signals for Brazil-China mobility and how technology is helping support more efficient cross-border movement.

Learn more

Podcast

World Refugee Day 2026

In this episode of The Immigration Conversation, Business Immigration Manager Ayana Ibrahimi is joined by Lara Dyer, Chief Solutions Officer (Americas) at Talent Beyond Boundaries; Stuart Szabo, CEO and Co-founder of Beacon; and Jessica Turner, Co-founder and CEO of ThriveON, to discuss refugee labour mobility and employment-based pathways for displaced talent.

Learn more

Video

Business Travel to China | #MobilityMinute

In this Mobility Minute, Manager Maja Sugui provides an overview of key visa and compliance considerations for business travelers planning trips to China.

Learn more

Media mentions

Michigan Law’s Law Quadrangle: Christopher Wendt, ’98: At the Intersection of Immigration and Health Care Workers

In this profile published in Michigan Law’s Law Quadrangle, Counsel Christopher Wendt discusses the role of immigration in supporting the US healthcare workforce and expanding access to civil legal aid in Minnesota.

Learn more

Podcast

EB5: What Prospective Applicants Need to Know NOW!

In this episode of The Immigration Conversation, Partner Chad Blocker, Senior Counsel Mitchell Wexler and Associate Alex Kim discuss what prospective EB-5 applicants should know now, including source-of-funds documentation, project selection, concurrent filing, retrogression and upcoming program deadlines.

Learn more

Blog post

New EU Social Security Coordination Rules: What Employers Need to Know

In this blog, Partner Jo Antoons and Senior Manager Marina Ocariz discuss the EU’s provisional agreement on revised social security coordination rules and what employers should know about the expected changes to A1 certificate requirements, posted worker rules and short-term cross-border work compliance.

Learn more

Blog post

Approaching EB-5 Grandfathering Deadline: What Investors Need to Know Before September 30, 2026

In this blog, Partner Rahul Soni explains the EB-5 grandfathering provisions under the EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022 and why prospective investors should consider filing before the September 30, 2026 deadline to help preserve statutory protections and reduce exposure to future program uncertainty.

Learn more

Video

Do You Need a Visa for Thailand? Tourist Visa Rules Explained

In this video, Practice Leader Kate Praphakornphiphat explains the key requirements, documents, fees and processing time for a Thailand tourist visa, as well as stay duration and extension options for short-term travel. 

Learn more

Fragomen news

Fragomen and Talent Beyond Boundaries Named Co-Chairs of Global Task Force on Refugee Labour Mobility

Fragomen and Talent Beyond Boundaries announce that they will jointly serve as co-chairs of the Global Task Force on Refugee Labour Mobility for a two-year term beginning in June 2026.

Learn more

Blog post

From Barnsley to the North: AI Growth and the UK's Immigration Challenge

In this blog, Manager Gillian Gibbons and Immigration Consultants Gemma Oliver and Larna Kate Hadfield examine how Barnsley’s designation as the UK’s first government-backed Tech Town reflects wider AI and digital growth across the North of England, and why immigration strategy will be critical for employers seeking to access the global talent needed to support regional innovation.

Learn more

Media mentions

Hong Kong Business Magazine: Employers Seek Broader Immigration Reforms

In this Hong Kong Business article, Managing Director Magdalene Tennant discusses Hong Kong’s recent decision to allow employment and dependent visa renewal applications to be filed up to three months before expiry, a change intended to reduce the risk of work disruptions and provide employers with greater flexibility in managing foreign talent.

Learn more

Media mentions

Professional Engineering: How to Access International Engineering Talent in a Changing Immigration System

In this article published by Professional Engineering, Senior Manager Nadine Barnole examines how UK engineering employers can continue to access international talent amid growing skills shortages and a rapidly evolving immigration landscape.

Learn more

Media mentions

Times Brasil CNBC: How Technology is Reshaping Identity Verification Systems

In this Times Brasil CNBC Real Tech interview, Partner Diana Quintas discusses Brazil’s recent visa exemption for Chinese nationals, what it signals for Brazil-China mobility and how technology is helping support more efficient cross-border movement.

Learn more

Podcast

World Refugee Day 2026

In this episode of The Immigration Conversation, Business Immigration Manager Ayana Ibrahimi is joined by Lara Dyer, Chief Solutions Officer (Americas) at Talent Beyond Boundaries; Stuart Szabo, CEO and Co-founder of Beacon; and Jessica Turner, Co-founder and CEO of ThriveON, to discuss refugee labour mobility and employment-based pathways for displaced talent.

Learn more

Video

Business Travel to China | #MobilityMinute

In this Mobility Minute, Manager Maja Sugui provides an overview of key visa and compliance considerations for business travelers planning trips to China.

Learn more

Media mentions

Michigan Law’s Law Quadrangle: Christopher Wendt, ’98: At the Intersection of Immigration and Health Care Workers

In this profile published in Michigan Law’s Law Quadrangle, Counsel Christopher Wendt discusses the role of immigration in supporting the US healthcare workforce and expanding access to civil legal aid in Minnesota.

Learn more
Fragomen.com home
Select Language
  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German

Select Language

  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German
ContactCareersMediaClient Portal
Search Fragomen.com
  • Our Services
    For EmployersFor IndividualsBy IndustryCase Studies
  • Our Tech & Innovation
  • Our People
  • Our Insights
    Worldwide Immigration Trends ReportsMagellan SeriesImmigration AlertsEventsMedia MentionsFragomen NewsBlogsPodcasts & Videos
  • Spotlights
    Travel and Mobility Considerations: Situation in the Middle EastNavigating Immigration Under the Second Trump AdministrationImmigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance RoadmapCenter for Strategy and Applied InsightsVietnamese ImmigrationView More
  • About Us
    About FragomenOfficesResponsible Business PracticesFirm GovernanceRecognition

Our Services

  • For Employers
  • For Individuals
  • By Industry
  • Case Studies

Our Tech & Innovation

  • Our Approach

Our People

  • Overview / Directory

Our Insights

  • Worldwide Immigration Trends Reports
  • Magellan Series
  • Immigration Alerts
  • Events
  • Media Mentions
  • Fragomen News
  • Blogs
  • Podcasts & Videos

Spotlights

  • Travel and Mobility Considerations: Situation in the Middle East
  • Navigating Immigration Under the Second Trump Administration
  • Immigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance Roadmap
  • Center for Strategy and Applied Insights
  • Vietnamese Immigration
  • View More

About Us

  • About Fragomen
  • Offices
  • Responsible Business Practices
  • Firm Governance
  • Recognition
Select Language
  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German

Select Language

  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German
ContactCareersMediaClient Portal
Important Updates
Important Updates
June 23, 2026 | JapanJapan: Visa Issuance Fees to Increase Effective July 2026
June 24, 2026 | GuyanaGuyana: New In-Person Requirement for Work Permit Endorsement
June 24, 2026 | Saudi ArabiaSaudi Arabia: Premium Residency Holders Now Require Work Permits
June 24, 2026 | VietnamVietnam: eID Requirement Forthcoming for All Administrative Procedures
June 23, 2026 | GhanaGhana: New Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) and eVisa Requirements; Visa-on-Arrival Discontinued
June 23, 2026 | JapanJapan: Visa Issuance Fees to Increase Effective July 2026
June 24, 2026 | GuyanaGuyana: New In-Person Requirement for Work Permit Endorsement
June 24, 2026 | Saudi ArabiaSaudi Arabia: Premium Residency Holders Now Require Work Permits
June 24, 2026 | VietnamVietnam: eID Requirement Forthcoming for All Administrative Procedures
June 23, 2026 | GhanaGhana: New Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) and eVisa Requirements; Visa-on-Arrival Discontinued
June 23, 2026 | JapanJapan: Visa Issuance Fees to Increase Effective July 2026
Subscribe

Stay in touch

Subscribe to receive our latest immigration alerts

Subscribe

Our firm

  • About
  • Careers
  • Firm Governance
  • Media Inquiries
  • Recognition

Information

  • Attorney Advertising
  • Legal Notices
  • Privacy Policies
  • AI Transparency Statement
  • UK Regulatory Requirements

Our firm

  • About
  • Careers
  • Firm Governance
  • Media Inquiries
  • Recognition

Information

  • Attorney Advertising
  • Legal Notices
  • Privacy Policies
  • AI Transparency Statement
  • UK Regulatory Requirements

Have a question?

Contact Us
  • LinkedIn
  • Youtube
  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • TikTok
  • Twitter

© 2026 Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP, Fragomen Global LLP and affiliates. All Rights Reserved.

Please note that the content made available on this site is not intended for visitors / customers located in the province of Quebec, and the information provided is not applicable to the Quebec market. To access relevant information that applies to the Quebec market, please click here.