Guide for international students working in Slovakia

Key conditions, types of work permits and employment after graduation

Student employment in Slovakia

Both high school and university students in Slovakia — regardless of nationality — can legally work under student employment contracts. While Slovak and EU students have equal access to work, non-EU students must comply with specific immigration rules and restrictions on the number of hours worked.

Students under the age of 18 are restricted in the type of work they can do and the number of hours they can work. Once they turn 18, they are considered adults and can work standard part-time or full-time jobs, including temporary student contracts.

Special rules for non-EU students

Non-EU students with temporary residence in Slovakia for the purpose of study may work only during the duration of their studies and exclusively on the basis of student employment contracts. These contracts are valid:

• During the validity of the residence permit for the purpose of study
• Until the date of their final exam, which formally ends their student status

After graduation, the student must change the type of residence from "studies" to "employment" if he or she wants to continue working.

When to start the transition to a work permit?

To ensure uninterrupted legal presence and work authorization, it is important to start early:

• Start preparing before the final exam or graduation
• Prepare all necessary documents and book an appointment at the Aliens Police via the online system

After applying for a residence permit for the purpose of employment, the graduate can start working full-time - depending on the specific situation.

Basic facts

• A non-EU student can legally work in Slovakia until the date of the final exam if they have a valid student residence permit.
• A non-EU graduate can stay and work in Slovakia after completing their studies while processing their residence permit for the purpose of employment - up to 9 months while looking for a job.
• A graduate can start working full-time after receiving their diploma and submitting a complete application for residence for the purpose of employment.
• A work permit holder can also continue their studies if they are staying for the purpose of employment.
• If the student does not request a change of permit, he must immediately quit his job after graduation, as the student contract expires on the day of the final exam. From that moment on, he is considered unemployed until he obtains a new permit or registers with the employment office.

The path to long-term and permanent residence

Third-country nationals who study and work in Slovakia can gradually establish a right to permanent residence:

• Each year of student residence counts as 0.5 years towards permanent residence.
• 5 years of legal residence are required to apply for permanent residence

Example:
If you studied in Slovakia for 5 years, it counts as 2.5 years. If you subsequently work for 2.5 years on a work permit, you are entitled to apply for permanent residence.

Benefits of permanent residence:

• Ability to work without additional permits
• Easier access to residence and employment in other EU countries

Support for employers

Employing international students is a valuable opportunity, but it also brings administrative responsibilities. Employers should ensure timely change of permit type and proper documentation, especially when a student transitions to a postgraduate position.

Need help with the process?

Whether you are a student preparing for life after school or an employer planning to retain international talent, we are here for you. We will help you with:

• By changing permits and complying with legislation
• By preparing and submitting documentation
• Procedures at the aliens' police and labor offices