Slovakia Updates Work Visa Rules for 2026

Slovakia has introduced further reforms to its work visa framework as part of a broader effort to address persistent labor shortages across manufacturing, automotive production, engineering, IT and healthcare. Authorities estimate that more than 100,000 foreign workers are needed to sustain economic growth, prompting procedural and digital updates for 2025–2026.

The changes affect both the national D visa process abroad and the appointment system with the Foreigners’ Police after arrival in Slovakia.

Mandatory Digital Employer Submissions via slovensko.sk

Since September 1, 2025, Slovak employers are required to submit labor office notifications exclusively through their company accounts on the state portal slovensko.sk. This includes vacancy reporting, the so-called information card, and notifications of employment start and termination dates.

The amendments to the Act on Residence of Foreigners aim to streamline administration and improve transparency. While designed for long-term efficiency, the digital transition may initially result in processing delays if employers are unfamiliar with the updated system.

National D Visa Validity Extended to 120 Days

A key reform is the extension of the national D visa validity period from 90 to 120 days. The D visa serves as an entry document allowing applicants to travel to Slovakia and apply for temporary residence for employment purposes.

The additional 30 days provide greater flexibility to secure an appointment with the Foreigners’ Police after arrival, easing pressure created by limited appointment availability in previous years.

Administrative Adjustments and New Conditions

Applications for residence for business purposes must now be submitted exclusively at Slovak diplomatic missions abroad and are subject to annual quotas. In 2025, the total quota was set at 700 applications.

Proof of financial means is now required only in specific cases, such as certain invitation-based or business-related applications. Photographs are no longer mandatory for most residence applications where biometric data can be collected on site.

Online booking through the Ministry of Interior reservation system is mandatory for all Foreigners’ Police services.

Global Expansion of VFS Global Visa Centers

Under a five-year outsourcing contract, Slovakia has expanded visa application processing through VFS Global. As of January 2026, 87 centers are operational across 41 countries, with plans to increase to 159 centers in 83 countries.

Applications for both Schengen short-stay visas and national long-stay or work visas are increasingly handled through VFS Global, offering standardized procedures, online slot booking and centralized fee payment. In countries such as India, the opening of additional centers has reduced travel distances and appointment backlogs.

Booking Appointments for Work Visa and Residence

For employment-based national D visa applications abroad, appointment procedures may require coordination through the Slovak employer, particularly at high-demand embassies. In certain locations, requests must be submitted on designated monthly dates, after which appointments are confirmed and processed through accredited partners, including VFS Global.

Upon entering Slovakia with a national D visa, applicants must apply for temporary residence. Appointments are booked through the Ministry of Interior portal at portal.minv.sk, available in Slovak and English. In some cases, initial registration may not require prior booking, but applicants should expect queues at local Foreigners’ Police departments.

Processing Times and Approval Outlook

Processing times vary by country and season. Visa center decisions typically range from 5 to 20 working days during off-peak periods and may extend to four to six weeks in high-demand seasons.

The overall work permit and temporary residence process generally takes between 45 and 90 days. Approval rates remain relatively high for complete and compliant applications supported by valid employment contracts.

As International Investment experts note, the combination of extended D visa validity, mandatory digital employer submissions and the global expansion of visa centers strengthens Slovakia’s position as a competitive destination for skilled foreign professionals and international companies relocating staff to Central Europe.