Slovakia Skilled Work VISA for Skill Shortages – Application Method and Criteria
Are you a skilled professional dreaming of a new adventure in Europe? Imagine a life where your talents are not only recognized but rewarded with exciting opportunities in one of Europe’s fastest-growing economies—Slovakia!
Nestled in the heart of the continent, Slovakia offers a rich cultural experience, a high standard of living, and the chance to explore everything from medieval castles to vibrant cities. But that’s not all. Through the Slovakia EU Blue Card, you can take the leap from daydreaming about working abroad to making it a reality, all while bringing your family along for the ride.
Whether you’re an IT expert, engineer, healthcare professional, or finance whiz, Slovakia is looking for skilled workers like you to power its dynamic industries. So why wait? Let’s dive into how the Slovakia EU Blue Card can open doors to a prosperous future for you and your loved ones!
What is the Slovakia EU Blue Card?
The Slovakia EU Blue Card is a residence and work permit that allows skilled workers from non-EU countries to live and work in Slovakia. It’s specifically designed for individuals with higher qualifications, such as a university degree or equivalent professional experience, who have secured a job offer in Slovakia in a sector where skilled labor is in demand.
Key Features of the Slovakia EU Blue Card:
- Valid for up to 4 years (renewable).
- Allows for family reunification, so family members can live with the cardholder in Slovakia.
- Grants the ability to apply for permanent residency after 5 years of continuous residence.
- Provides mobility within the EU—after 18 months, you can apply for an EU Blue Card in another EU country without returning to your home country.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the Slovakia EU Blue Card, you must meet specific eligibility requirements, including:
- Higher Qualifications: You must hold a university degree or equivalent professional qualifications.
- Job Offer: You need a valid employment contract or job offer for at least one year from a Slovak employer and the job must be in a highly qualified profession.
- Salary Requirement: Your job offer must meet or exceed the minimum salary threshold, which is 1.5 times the average national wage in Slovakia.
- Health Insurance: Proof of health insurance for both you and your family (if applying with dependents) is required.
- Accommodation: You must provide proof of suitable accommodation in Slovakia.
In-Demand Professions in Slovakia for 2024
The Slovakia EU Blue Card is typically granted to professionals in sectors facing skill shortages which include:
- IT Specialists: Software developers, network engineers, and data analysts.
- Engineers: Mechanical, civil, and electrical engineers.
- Healthcare Professionals: Doctors, nurses, and dentists.
- Finance Experts: Financial analysts, accountants.
- Construction Workers: Structural engineers and construction managers.
- Educators: Teachers in STEM fields.
Average Salaries in Slovakia
Salaries for skilled workers in Slovakia vary by profession, but here are the typical salary ranges for in-demand professions:
- IT Professionals: €2,500 – €5,000 per month
- Engineers: €2,000 – €4,500 per month
- Doctors: €3,000 – €6,000 per month
- Nurses: €1,500 – €2,500 per month
- Financial Experts: €2,500 – €4,000 per month
- Construction Engineers: €2,000 – €4,000 per month
- Teachers: €1,500 – €3,000 per month
Family Reunification: Can You Apply with Your Family?
Now lets talk about the scope of bringing your family to Slovakia is possible or not when you apply for Slovakia skilled shortage visa. So the answer is Yes! one of the major advantages of the Slovakia EU Blue Card is the ability to apply for family reunification, allowing your spouse, children, and other dependents to join you in Slovakia.
Who Can Apply with You?
- Spouse: Your legally married spouse can apply for a residence permit based on family reunification.
- Children: Dependent children under the age of 18 are eligible to join you.
- Other Dependents: In some cases, other dependent family members, such as parents, may also be eligible.
Documents Required for Family Application:
- Proof of Relationship: Marriage certificate for spouses, birth certificates for children.
- Valid Passports: For all family members.
- Proof of Accommodation: Documents showing you have suitable accommodation for your family in Slovakia.
- Health Insurance: Proof of health insurance for each family member.
- Proof of Financial Means: Demonstrating that you can support your family while in Slovakia.
Right to Work for Your Spouse
In some cases, your spouse may be granted the right to work in Slovakia once they obtain a residence permit for family reunification. They can then apply for jobs based on their skills and experience.
Application Process for Family Members
- Secure Your Blue Card: https://immigration-portal.ec.europa.eu/eu-blue-card/slovakia_en
- Family Application: Your family members can apply for residence permits either at the same time or after your Blue Card is approved.
- Submit Documents: Applications for family members should be submitted to the Slovak embassy in your home country or directly to the Slovak Foreigners’ Police in Slovakia.
- Residence Permits: Once approved, your family will receive temporary residence permits, allowing them to live and stay with you in Slovakia.
Where to Find Skill Shortage Jobs in Slovakia in 2024?
Finding a job that qualifies for the EU Blue Card in Slovakia is essential. Here are the top platforms to search for skilled job vacancies:
Government Portals:
- Slovak Labour Office: https://www.upsvr.gov.sk – Job vacancies and employment information.
- EURES Slovakia: https://ec.europa.eu/eures/public/sk/homepage – EU-wide job mobility portal.
Top Job Search Websites:
- Profesia.sk: https://www.profesia.sk/ – Popular job portal with listings for skilled workers.
- Pracuj.sk: https://www.pracuj.sk/ – A major job search platform.
- JobAngels.co: https://www.jobangels.co/ – Specialized in IT and engineering.
- LinkedIn Slovakia: https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/ – A great resource for finding job offers with visa sponsorship.
Top Recruitment Agencies for Foreigners
If you’re looking for recruitment agencies that help foreigners find jobs in Slovakia, these are among the best:
- Grafton Recruitment: https://www.grafton.sk/en
- Manpower Slovakia: https://www.manpower.sk/en
- Talent Solutions Slovakia: https://www.talent-solutions.sk/
- DK Recruitment Services: https://www.dkrs.sk/en/
- Start Group: https://startgroup.com/
