Slovakia is grappling with a labour shortage that cuts across industries. (source: Martin Baumann)
Companies in Slovakia are increasingly looking beyond borders to attract workers.
The country is grappling with a labour shortage that cuts across industries, with an estimated 100,000 workers needed to fill the gap. According to the Slovak Association of Recruitment Agencies (APAS), three-quarters of businesses are struggling to hire, while nearly half report an urgent need for additional staff.
Employers argue that simplifying the process for foreign workers to enter the Slovak labour market is essential to address the issue.
For citizens of non-EU countries, several pathways enable employment in Slovakia. One of them is temporary residence for the purpose of employment, but firms have two more options: intra-corporate transfers (ICT) and employee mobility within the EU.
When does ICT apply?
ICT applies when a non-EU citizen is temporarily transferred from a company’s branch outside the EU to its Slovak subsidiary, writes the podnikajte.sk business website. This often involves roles in management, specialisation, or professional training for more than 90 days. ICT permits are granted for up to three years for executives and specialists or one year for trainees.
Eligibility for ICT requires:
Employment with the same employer for a specified period before transfer (six months for specialists, three for trainees).
Proof of qualifications and an employment contract.
An application submitted through a Slovak embassy.
The application for this type of temporary residence must clearly indicate that it pertains to an intra-corporate transfer. This information can be included within the employment contract.
It is also essential that, in the past five years, the company has not been fined for breaching rules against illegal employment.
Employee mobility is a simpler route
For non-EU professionals already holding ICT status in another EU country, Slovakia offers an expedited mobility option. There is no need to apply for a new residence permit—an employer simply informs the Slovak Interior Ministry about the transfer.
In addition to employee mobility, the scheme also extends to university students, researchers, and family members.
These two frameworks empower businesses in Slovakia to temporarily relocate experts from abroad without the hassle of lengthy recruitment processes, provide employees with global experience and broadened career opportunities, and address local talent shortages while maintaining competitiveness on the global stage.
