Slovakia

Am I eligible to apply for an EU Blue Card?

To apply for an EU Blue Card, the applicant must:

• have a valid work contract or binding job offer for highly qualified employment with a duration of at least 6 months;
• meet the minimum salary threshold in the Member State concerned (see below);
• present documents proving that the relevant higher professional qualifications are met (e.g. decision on recognition on the document of higher education; for more information about higher professional qualifications, see the FAQ section);
• present a valid passport, an application for a visa or a visa (if necessary), and a valid residence permit or a national long-term visa (if appropriate);
• provide one ID photo (colour), a criminal record statement and documents proving accommodation.

In addition, the applicant must not pose a threat to national security, public order or public health in the view of the Member State.

How much do I have to earn to qualify for an EU Blue Card?

The gross annual salary resulting from the monthly or annual salary specified in the work contract or binding job offer must be between 1 and 1.6 times the average gross annual salary in the Member State concerned. 

Slovakia requires that the salary is agreed at least in the amount of 1.2 multiple of the average monthly wage in the Slovak national economy (or the average salary if the applicant obtained a university degree in the last 3 years), as published by the Statistical Office of the Slovak Republic for the calendar year before the year in which the application for an EU Blue Card was submitted. 

In 2023, the average monthly wage in the Slovak national economy was EUR 1,430.

Information on branch statistics, including average monthly wage

Are there exceptions to the minimum salary requirement?

N/A.

Will EU citizens' applications be prioritised over mine?

Some Member States apply a Labour Market Test (LMT). This is a mechanism that aims to ensure that migrant workers are only admitted after employers have unsuccessfully searched for national workers, EU citizens (in EU Member States, this also means EEA workers) or legally residing third-country nationals with access to the labour market according to national legislation (for more information see the FAQ section).

As of 15 July 2024, Slovakia does not apply a labour market test. However, the employer still must make a vacancy announcement and then apply for a confirmation from the Labour Office. 

The employer must report a vacancy to the Labour Office no later than the day of applying for the confirmation. Reporting of the vacancy is not required if the applicant is:

• a holder of a national visa in the interest of the Slovak Republic, who will be employed in the same job position, or
• a holder of the temporary residence for employment who will be employed in the same job position.

How long will my EU Blue Card be valid?

The standard period of validity in Slovakia is: five years.

Specific rules: in Slovakia, the EU Blue Card is issued for a period of five years. If the employment contract is of shorter duration, the EU Blue Card shall be issued for the duration of the contract plus 90 days.

How much will it cost?

Initial EU Blue Card fee: EUR 250 

Renewal: EUR 140

Fee for issuance and delivery of residence document: EUR 10

Fee for express issuance and delivery of residence document: EUR 39

How long will it take to get my EU Blue Card?

The authorities will issue a decision within 30 days from the date of delivery of a complete application.

IOM Migration Information Centre

Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of the Slovak Republic

More information on obtaining an EU Blue Card in Slovakia

Information