New to the Slovak Republic?
If you have recently moved to the Slovak Republic, it can take some time to adapt to your new surroundings. We have put together some information to help those of you who have just moved or intend to move to the Slovak Republic. Whilst every care has been taken in preparing this information as accurately as possible, the Embassy cannot accept any liability for the information contained here.
Living and Working in the Slovak Republic
Before leaving Ireland please consult our current travel advice for the Slovak Republic and check that you have :
- A valid passport
- A European Health Insurance card (EHIC, known before as E111) so as to regularise your entitlement, in the short term, to health services in EU states (apply to your local Health Board)
- A Long Form Birth Certificate (with the Hague Apostille stamped on it by the Consular Section of the Department of Foreign Affairs to prove its authenticity)
- Adequate funds to maintain you while you establish yourself
- Private comprehensive medical insurance (EHIC does not cover repatriation to Ireland)
It is recommended that you complete the next-of-kin details at the back of the passport. You should also keep your family informed of your address and contact details in the Slovak Republic at all times.
We recommend that Irish citizens travelling or living abroad register their contact details with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. The information will allow us to contact you, and provide assistance if there is an unforeseen crisis such as a natural disaster or civil unrest, or if you have a family emergency while you are overseas.
Residency Requirements
All EU citizens who intend to remain in the Slovak Republic for longer than three months are obliged to apply for a Residence Permit. Application forms can be downloaded here. The addresses and opening hours of Police Offices at which applications can be made are also available. It is recommended that you bring a Slovak speaker with you when making an application for a residence permit.
Police Clearance Certificates for Irish citizens
Irish citizens taking up employment or starting a business in Slovakia may be asked to provide a Police Clearance Certificate from Ireland. Applications can be made to An Garda Síochána online.
Work and Study in the Slovak Republic
There are a number of online information portals administered by the Slovak authorities that contain useful information for those working or studying in the Slovak Republic. These can be accessed through the links below.
Slovak Government Ministry links
- Slovak Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- Slovak Ministry of Finance
- Slovak Ministry of Economy and Construction
- Slovak Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development
- Slovak Ministry of Defense
- Slovak Ministry of Environment
- Slovak Ministry of Interior
- Slovak Ministry of Justice
- Slovak Ministry of Education, Science, Research and Sport
- Slovak Ministry of Health
- Slovak Ministry of Transport and Construction
- Slovak Ministry of Labor, Social Affairs and Family
- Slovak Ministry of Culture and Tourism
Slovak Government agencies
- Slovak Customs Office
- Slovak Office of Standards, Metrology and Testing (OSMT)
- Slovak Institute for Technical Standardization (STS)
- Slovak Commercial Register
- Slovak Chamber of Advocates - includes a comprehensive listing of Slovak Lawyers and can be searched by language and location.
- Slovak Investment and Trade Development Agency (SARIO)
- Public Procurement Office of the Slovakia
- Industrial Property Office
English language media
Other useful websites
Migration Information Centre http://mic.iom.sk/en/home.html
Visiting Slovakia http://www.slovakia.com/
Advice to emigrants
If you are seeking employment in the Slovak Republic you should be aware that proficiency in Slovak is a requirement for most jobs, with the possible exception of English-language teaching. It is highly advisable to acquire some knowledge of the language prior to moving to the Slovak Republic.