Government regulation to help established companies

As part of post-investor care, SARIO consultants regularly communicate with and visit companies established in Slovakia, where, among other things, they record feedback on the business environment. One of the most challenging topics was the facilitation of employment of foreigners in the field of industry as well.

Regulation of the Government of the Slovak Republic No. 383/2023 Coll., which entered into force at the end of 2023, aims precisely to meet the needs of the market and to facilitate the influx of nationals of selected third countries who will be able to fill shortage positions (e.g. operator, assembly worker, metal welder, CNC machine adjuster, maintenance worker, etc.).

The Government of the Slovak Republic approved a regulation according to which nationals of selected third countries in selected areas of industry have the opportunity to obtain a national visa for the duration of the employment, maximum for 1 year.

At the same time, a foreigner who is granted with national visa, must be a national of one of the following countries: Republic of Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Philippines, Georgia, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz republic, Moldova, Nepal, Macedonia, Serbia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine or Uzbekistan.

As well, according to the statistical classification of jobs (SK ISCO), the Slovak government defined those positions for which a national visa can be granted. It exclusively includes the following:

8121999 – equipment operator in the metallurgical and foundry industry not specified elsewhere

8141000 – rubber product machine operator

8211000 – assembly worker (operator) in engineering production

8219003 – assembly worker in chemical, rubber and plastic production

8212002 – assembly worker (operator) of electronic devices

8344000 – forklift operator

7212002 – metal welder

7223001 – adjuster of CNC machines

7223003 – metal worker

7411001 – construction and operation electrician, or

5153003 – maintenance worker

The employer's first step consists of submitting a list of third-country nationals to the Central Office of Labour, Social Affairs and Family (ÚPSVaR), through the central public administration portal. The list must be signed with a qualified electronic signature. After checking the conditions defined above and after granting approval, ÚPSVaR submits the list to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Interior of the Slovak Republic within 5 working days of its receipt.

The quota for granting total number of national visas during 1 calendar year is 2,000. At the same time, it is necessary to add, that foreigners who apply for a national visa in accordance with this regulation at a representative office of the Slovak Republic abroad, will be treated with priority.

You can find more information on this link (in Slovak language).