Working as an International Student in Slovakia in 2025: Work Guide

Learn key criteria to work as an international student in Slovakia in 2025, including part-time work rules and Slovakia work permit types.

Student Employment Rules in Slovakia

High school and college students can be employed in Slovakia on temporary student contracts. In terms of the type of employment contracts they can sign, there is no difference between Slovak nationals and foreign students. However, there are limitations on the number of hours students can work, which vary depending on their age.

Students under 18 can be employed but are restricted in terms of the type of work and number of working hours. After the age of 18, students are considered adults and can potentially sign any type of contract — including part-time work for students under standard employment arrangements.

However, foreign students from Non-EU countries, must follow specific rules that differ from Slovak or EU students. There are always questions and uncertainties while working and studying in Slovakia as an international student — don’t miss our FAQ section to truly understand everything you need to know.

EU Students working in Slovakia

For EU citizens, there are no differences in employment when working in Slovakia. They have access to the same job opportunities and part-time jobs for students as Slovak nationals. This includes both high school and university students seeking their first student employment. However, employers must keep in mind obligation to notify the beginning and end of employment of EU citizen towards the Labour Office.

Working While Studying in Slovakia as a Non-EU Student

International students from Non-EU countries who hold a valid temporary residence permit for study purposes in Slovakia can be employed under a “student temporary work contract.” This allows them to access part-time jobs for students while enrolled in school. When hiring students, Slovak companies can easily onboard them by submitting the required notifications to the Labour office at the beginning and end of employment. This simplifies participation in part-time students work arrangements for employers.

The temporary residence permit for study is valid for the official duration of the academic program. However, student status ends on the day of the final exam, which is also the last date a student can be employed under a student work contract.

To continue working after graduation, students must update their work permit in Slovakia by applying to change status from “study” to “employment purposes.”

Frequently Asked Questions by Non – EU Students and Employers

Q: Until when can a Non-EU student work based on a student employment contract?

A: Only as long as their student residence permit is valid, and they have not yet completed their studies or final exams in Slovakia.

Q: Can Non-EU graduates stay and work in Slovakia after completing their studies?A: Yes. Non-EU students who complete high school, a bachelor’s, or a master’s degree in Slovakia can enter the Slovak labor market without restrictions. However, they must update their work permit from “study” to “employment purpose” in order to begin graduate jobs.

Q: When can a student who completed studies in Slovakia start a regular employment contract?
A: Once they hold a Slovak diploma and have submitted a complete application for a temporary residence permit for employment purposes, they can begin regular full-time employment.

Guide to Permanent Residence

It is possible to apply for permanent residence in Slovakia after five years of uninterrupted temporary residency.

Time spent under a student residence permit counts partially toward this requirement:

One year on a student residence permit counts as half a year toward permanent residence.

For example: If you held a student permit for 5 years, it would count as 2.5 years.

Completing an additional 2.5 years on a temporary employment permit will fulfil the 5-year requirement for a long-term residence application.

With permanent residence in Slovakia:

You can freely choose your employer without needing special work authorization.
It becomes easier to obtain residence in other EU countries and seek employment across the region.

Frequently Asked Questions while changing Permits

Q: When should I start the process of changing my permit from study to employment?
A: If you are already employed under a student work contract and have earned a bachelor’s degree, you can begin the process of switching to an employment permit even before completing a master’s degree. The bachelor’s degree is sufficient to initiate the transition.

Q: Can I continue studying with an employment residence permit?
A: Yes. Holding a temporary residence permit for employment makes it possible to also continue your studies in Slovakia.

Q: Will I have to stop working after completing my studies and before obtaining an employment permit?
A: Yes. Student work contracts are only valid for active students—this applies to both Slovak and foreign students. Slovak universities officially consider your studies completed on the day of your final exam. From the following day, you are considered unemployed and must report to the Labour office unless you have already transitioned to a different permit.

Non-EU students who complete their degree in Slovakia but do not immediately find employment may remain in the country to search for work. After graduating, students are allowed to stay in Slovakia for up to 9 months to look for a job — meaning they have the legal right to reside even without a job offer during this period.

Many international students in Slovakia take advantage of part-time jobs for students during their studies and often continue working after graduation. By staying an additional 2.5 years on a valid employment permit, they become eligible to apply for long-term residence, gaining greater flexibility to remain in Slovakia or move freely across the EU.

Transitioning from student to employment status in Slovakia can bring a lot of uncertainty, especially for non-EU students who face specific restrictions and challenges around working while studying. The process of changing your permit and understanding the right steps can feel complex and frustrating. Also, employers might have questions relating to the continuation of employment of their international students after study completion.

Let us help you simplify it all—book a consultation and get expert guidance fitted to your situation.