Important Updates
Important Updates
May 14, 2026 | United KingdomUnited Kingdom: Children Can Now Use Passport E-Gates
May 15, 2026 | AustraliaAustralia: Federal Budget for 2026-27 Released
May 15, 2026 | ChileChile: Expedited Business Visa Implemented for Indian Nationals
May 15, 2026Fragomen Wins 2026 FEM Americas EMMAs for Outstanding Agility & Crisis Management and Thought Leadership
May 15, 2026 | RomaniaRomania: New Unified Work Permit System and Online System Implemented
May 14, 2026 | United KingdomUnited Kingdom: Children Can Now Use Passport E-Gates
May 15, 2026 | AustraliaAustralia: Federal Budget for 2026-27 Released
May 15, 2026 | ChileChile: Expedited Business Visa Implemented for Indian Nationals
May 15, 2026Fragomen Wins 2026 FEM Americas EMMAs for Outstanding Agility & Crisis Management and Thought Leadership
May 15, 2026 | RomaniaRomania: New Unified Work Permit System and Online System Implemented
May 14, 2026 | United KingdomUnited Kingdom: Children Can Now Use Passport E-Gates
Subscribe
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
  • 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

Awards

Fragomen Wins 2026 FEM Americas EMMAs for Outstanding Agility & Crisis Management and Thought Leadership

Fragomen is recognized with multiple honors at the 2026 FEM Americas EMMAs, including Outstanding Agility & Crisis Management as a Service Provider and Thought Leadership – Best Survey or Research Study of the Year for the Worldwide Immigration Trends Report 2026.

Learn more

Blog post

Housing Market Dynamics in Saudi Arabia: Policy Changes, Rent Stabilization and Cost of Living Implications for Employers

Destination Services Director Christine Sperr examines how housing market reforms, rent stabilization measures and cost-of-living dynamics in Saudi Arabia are influencing workforce mobility, compensation planning and long-term settlement strategies under Vision 2030.

Learn more

Visas

German Visa Risks: What Past Unauthorised Employment Means for Your Visa Application

Manager Dr. Adela Schmidt explains how German authorities assess past travel and business activities and why suspected unauthorized work during prior visits can lead to visa refusals and temporary entry bans.

Learn more

Podcast

Why Strategy Matters Now: Inside the Center for Strategy and Applied Insights

Partner Cosmina Morariu and Senior Director Leah Rogal discuss the mission of Fragomen’s Center for Strategy and Applied Insights and how it helps organizations and governments navigate evolving immigration policy and global talent mobility challenges.

Learn more

Fragomen news

Fragomen and Papaya Global Launch Strategic Partnership to Streamline Global Mobility and Compliance

Fragomen and Papaya Global announce a strategic partnership combining workforce technology and immigration capabilities to help organizations simplify global mobility, enhance compliance and manage cross-border workforces through a more integrated, technology-enabled approach.

Learn more

Video

Understanding Immigration in Latin America: Residency Options and Citizenship Pathways

Latin America & the Caribbean Managing Partner Leonor Echeverria explores how Latin America’s evolving immigration landscape offers accessible and flexible residence pathways for foreign nationals, highlighting key visa options, regional trends and the growing role of digital modernization across the region.

Learn more

Podcast

Reality Check Pt. 2: Immigration Law in Pop Culture

Senior Associate Stephanie Weaver and Associate Julia Manacher continue their discussion on immigration law in popular culture, examining how television and media portray immigration processes and the realities behind common immigration storylines.

Learn more

Media mentions

Bloomberg: Trump Wants to Make H-1B Workers More Expensive for US Employers

Partner Kevin Miner discusses how proposed H-1B salary threshold increases may raise employer costs and influence hiring strategies for specialized talent across industries.

Learn more

Video

Portugal Extends Citizenship Timeline | #MobilityMinute

In this Mobility Minute, Manager Pierangelo D’Errico discusses Portugal’s newly approved nationality law changes and the potential impact on Golden Visa applicants and other foreign residents.

Learn more

Media mentions

Global Mobility Lawyer: AI Use in UK Immigration Tribunals Prompts Scrutiny Over Decision-Making Process

Partner Rajiv Naik highlights the importance of transparency, clear guidance and human oversight as AI use expands in UK immigration tribunals.

Learn more

Video

Europe’s Entry and Exit System (EES): What Travelers Need to Know

Senior Associate Tuğba Özyakup outlines how Europe’s Entry and Exit System (EES) introduces digital tracking of non-EU short-stay travel across the Schengen Area, requiring more proactive planning, accurate record-keeping and awareness of increased border processing times to avoid delays and overstay risks.

Learn more

Fragomen news

2026年4月 アメリカ移民法ダイジェストLearn more

Awards

Fragomen Wins 2026 FEM Americas EMMAs for Outstanding Agility & Crisis Management and Thought Leadership

Fragomen is recognized with multiple honors at the 2026 FEM Americas EMMAs, including Outstanding Agility & Crisis Management as a Service Provider and Thought Leadership – Best Survey or Research Study of the Year for the Worldwide Immigration Trends Report 2026.

Learn more

Blog post

Housing Market Dynamics in Saudi Arabia: Policy Changes, Rent Stabilization and Cost of Living Implications for Employers

Destination Services Director Christine Sperr examines how housing market reforms, rent stabilization measures and cost-of-living dynamics in Saudi Arabia are influencing workforce mobility, compensation planning and long-term settlement strategies under Vision 2030.

Learn more

Visas

German Visa Risks: What Past Unauthorised Employment Means for Your Visa Application

Manager Dr. Adela Schmidt explains how German authorities assess past travel and business activities and why suspected unauthorized work during prior visits can lead to visa refusals and temporary entry bans.

Learn more

Podcast

Why Strategy Matters Now: Inside the Center for Strategy and Applied Insights

Partner Cosmina Morariu and Senior Director Leah Rogal discuss the mission of Fragomen’s Center for Strategy and Applied Insights and how it helps organizations and governments navigate evolving immigration policy and global talent mobility challenges.

Learn more

Fragomen news

Fragomen and Papaya Global Launch Strategic Partnership to Streamline Global Mobility and Compliance

Fragomen and Papaya Global announce a strategic partnership combining workforce technology and immigration capabilities to help organizations simplify global mobility, enhance compliance and manage cross-border workforces through a more integrated, technology-enabled approach.

Learn more

Video

Understanding Immigration in Latin America: Residency Options and Citizenship Pathways

Latin America & the Caribbean Managing Partner Leonor Echeverria explores how Latin America’s evolving immigration landscape offers accessible and flexible residence pathways for foreign nationals, highlighting key visa options, regional trends and the growing role of digital modernization across the region.

Learn more

Podcast

Reality Check Pt. 2: Immigration Law in Pop Culture

Senior Associate Stephanie Weaver and Associate Julia Manacher continue their discussion on immigration law in popular culture, examining how television and media portray immigration processes and the realities behind common immigration storylines.

Learn more

Media mentions

Bloomberg: Trump Wants to Make H-1B Workers More Expensive for US Employers

Partner Kevin Miner discusses how proposed H-1B salary threshold increases may raise employer costs and influence hiring strategies for specialized talent across industries.

Learn more

Video

Portugal Extends Citizenship Timeline | #MobilityMinute

In this Mobility Minute, Manager Pierangelo D’Errico discusses Portugal’s newly approved nationality law changes and the potential impact on Golden Visa applicants and other foreign residents.

Learn more

Media mentions

Global Mobility Lawyer: AI Use in UK Immigration Tribunals Prompts Scrutiny Over Decision-Making Process

Partner Rajiv Naik highlights the importance of transparency, clear guidance and human oversight as AI use expands in UK immigration tribunals.

Learn more

Video

Europe’s Entry and Exit System (EES): What Travelers Need to Know

Senior Associate Tuğba Özyakup outlines how Europe’s Entry and Exit System (EES) introduces digital tracking of non-EU short-stay travel across the Schengen Area, requiring more proactive planning, accurate record-keeping and awareness of increased border processing times to avoid delays and overstay risks.

Learn more

Fragomen news

2026年4月 アメリカ移民法ダイジェストLearn more

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.