Living and working in Slovakia
Slovakia is amongst others known to have a low cost of living compared to many European countries, allowing for a comfortable lifestyle. But what else? And what is it like to live there?
Here we aim to provide a better idea of what living in this cool country can look like.
Latest available jobs near Slovakia
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German B2B Sales, fully remote
We are currently looking for a German employee in sales for a fully remote position. Full-time and part-time positions available.
Account Manager in Construction for Job Squad – Fully Remote
Are you a good sales person and have you worked with construction before? Then maybe this is the job for you!
Currency
The Euro (€) has been the official currency in Slovakia since 2009
Famous people
Some famous Slovak people are Adriana Karembeu, Albín Brunovský, and Marián Hossa
Population
Slovakia has ~5.4 million residents, many living in Bratislava and Kosice
Typical food
Bryndzove halushky (potato dumplings with sheep cheese and roasted bacon), Zemiakové placky (potato pancakes with garlic), Granadír (pasta with potato)
Avg. working week
Slovakia has a 40 hour work week, 8 hours daily, 5 days a week
Location
Slovakia is situated in Central Europe and borders Austria, Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, and Ukraine. The capital city is Bratislava
Languages
The official language is Slovak, and they use an extended Latin script
Healthcare
Slovak healthcare has a good standard and is covered by mandatory social contributions
What you need to know about working in Slovakia
Slovakia is a country with a growing economy, which has emerged from the financial crisis and during Covid-19 pandemic. The tourism sector is leading the economy in Slovakia with almost 70% of locals and expats working in this sector. The main industries are electronic and vehicle manufacturing and agriculture. It’s a big part of the economy with 40% of the land designated to this activity.
The work-life balance is still developing in Slovakia, and some companies are not following the government legislation regarding working hours. This affects employees’ free time in order to provide for their families. On the other hand, there are companies adopting new work traditions in order to improve the work-life balance. The gross wage in Slovakia, depending on the type of job, is between €780 to €2100 monthly.
Taxes in Slovakia
Once you decide which city you’re going to live in, it’s important to register with the relevant tax authority (Daňový úrad Bratislava) for income tax purposes within 30 days. You can click HERE for further information. After this, you’re ready to start making contributions from your salary that is registered to pay at the end of the fiscal year between 19% and 25% depending on your income.
What you need to fix when living and working in Slovakia
- Residence permit; register when you stay longer than 90 days
- Register your address; officially register your place of residence with local authorities
- Health insurance; this is mandatory in Slovakia. Many expats also get private insurance for convenience
- Open up a local bank account; needed for salary payments
- Get a local SIM card
Speak to one of our recruiters
Life in Slovakia
Slovakia has many festivals and events throughout the year. From traditional folk festivals to modern music events, there’s always something to enjoy. And no matter if you are a nature enthusiast, history buff, or seeking a welcoming community, Slovakia has it all.
Slovaks are also very open to foreigners, and they take it as a compliment that you want to visit their country. However, don’t expect huge smiles and long conversations since they are very straightforward, in a polite way. If you show them at least a basic knowledge of the language they will be more than happy to help you.
6 fun facts about Slovakia
- About 80% of the whole country is at least 800 metres above sea level so Slovakia indeed has beautiful mountains with the highest mountain chain in the Carpathians.
- Borovička is their national drink similar to gin, flavoured with juniper berries.
- The slogan of Slovakia is “Travel in Slovakia – good idea”, simple but meaningful.
- It’s a great destination for those who like to ski! Because of its geographical location there are plenty of slopes available all around the country and prices are low.
- Slovakia has eight UNESCO world heritage sites, and one of them is a charming small town, being one of the 30 most beautiful towns in Europe!
- Slovakia has 180 castles and 425 châteaux making it the country with the world’s highest number of castles and châteaux
Cuisine in Slovakia
Slovak cuisine is very rich and it has been influenced by the Hungarian and Austrian cuisine. It has a unique taste, and typical dishes include something based on soups, stewed and boiled vegetables, stewed fruits, smoked meats (especially sausages), roasted meats, gruels, and dairy dishes; and each region has their special twist.
Between the traditional dishes in Slovakia there are:
- Bryndzove halushky – potato dumplings with sheep cheese (bryndza) and roasted bacon
- Zemiakové placky – potato pancakes fried in oil with garlic and flour
- Granadír – pasta with potato
- Fried cheese – cheese fried in bread crumbs
- Schnitzel – Wiener schnitzel
- Lokse – potato pancake.
Finding accommodation in Slovakia
You can find accommodation in Slovakia through websites like flatio. There are also Facebook groups where the main topic is rental in Slovakia or Bratislava. You can contact the landlord of the properties or make a post stating that you are looking for a place to stay. These are the average monthly rental costs in Slovakia:
- 1-bedroom apartment in the city center: €800-€950
- 1-bedroom apartment outside the city center: €500-€750
- Room in a shared apartment: €250-€400
How expensive is Slovakia?
The costs of living in Slovakia are low compared to other European countries, and the most expensive place to live is Bratislava – but even here expats can afford a good life without excessive strain on the budget. Below you can see more examples of everyday expenses you may have while living and working in Slovakia:
- Groceries: €200-€300 a month
- Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: €6-€15
- Coffee in a café: €1,50-€3
- 0.5L Beer in a bar: €1,50-€3
- Gym membership: €40-€70 a month
- Cinema ticket: €8-€10
Still not convinced about Slovakia?
Living in Slovakia offers a unique blend of cultural richness, picturesque landscapes, and affordable living:
- With its diverse history and architecture, the country has charming medieval towns, beautiful castles, and mountains that are perfect for outdoor activities.
- The country also offers a strong education system, making it an attractive destination for families.
- Moreover, Slovakia’s healthcare system is of high standard, providing accessible and quality medical services.]Their central location in Europe makes it an ideal base for exploring neighbouring countries like Poland or Czech Republic for example.
FAQ
No, as an EU citizen, you generally do not need a work permit to work or live in Slovakia. You can read more about it here.
Slovak is an official language in Slovakia, and even though majority of the society speaks at least the basics of English and it is used in the business environment, it’s always good to be able to speak the language of the country you are in, even if it is just “please”, “thank you” and “have a nice day”.
Learning online you can start even before departure and there are two ways for doing that. You can find a video course and go through it on your own, there are a lot of videos available, you can also visit websites like this slovake.eu, where the learning plan was already made and you just have to follow it. Most online courses are free, but if you prefer paid ones, there is also a possibility like this.
If you would like to learn on-site, IOM Migration Information Centre in Bratislava and Košice offers free language courses for European foreigners and this course focuses more on the daily usage of Slovakian with elements of culture. There are also courses organised by private teachers where a small group of foreigners is gathered, but this type of activity is paid and prices may vary depending on the institution.
No matter how you decide to learn Slovak, the key is to apply it every day. Speak with nationals while asking for directions or buying a cinema ticket, every possibility is good!
Slovakia has a temperate continental climate with distinct seasons. In winter (December to February), temperatures can range from -5°C to -10°C in lowland areas and even colder in mountain regions. Spring (March to May) brings milder temperatures between 5°C to 15°C, while summer (June to August) sees averages of 20°C to 25°C. Autumn (September to November) brings cooling temperatures of 5°C to 15°C before the onset of winter.
Getting around in Slovakia is relatively easy, thanks to a well-developed transportation network. The country offers an extensive and efficient public transport system, including buses, trams, and trains, connecting major cities and towns. Taxis are readily available in urban areas, while rental cars provide flexibility for exploring rural regions. Slovakia’s picturesque landscapes make traveling by train or bus a scenic and enjoyable experience.
Healthcare in Slovakia is generally good, with a mix of public and private facilities. The public system is accessible and provides essential services to residents, while private options offer shorter waiting times and additional amenities. Slovakia has a mandatory health insurance system, ensuring coverage for most medical needs. However, the quality of care may vary between regions, and some specialized treatments may require seeking medical services abroad.