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How to work abroad with Slovak documents

How to work abroad with Slovak documents
Editor-in-Chief
193901/06/2025
In short

A Slovak residence permit (pobyt/trvalý pobyt) allows you to work only in Slovakia. It does not give you the right to work in other EU countries without a special permit. A živnosť (sole-trader licence) also does not give you the right to work abroad. Working illegally can lead to fines, deportation, and a ban on entry. You can legally work abroad only if you are sent on a business trip by a Slovak employer or through the Erasmus+ program for students.

Do you have a Slovak temporary residence permit (pobyt) or permanent residence permit (trvalý pobyt) and want to work abroad, for example, in Germany or another EU country? Many people think: "I have Slovak documents, so I can work anywhere in the EU without problems". But it's not that simple – there are details you should know to avoid fines, deportation, or entry bans. In this article, we will explain if you can work abroad with Slovak documents, what legal options exist, and what risks await those who break the rules.   

Can I work in the EU with a Slovak temporary or permanent residence permit?

The short answer is no. A Slovak residence permit (temporary or permanent) only allows you to work in Slovakia. According to EU rules, specifically EU Directive 2024/1233, your residence permit is tied to the country that issued it. This means you cannot simply go to Germany or France with a Slovak residence permit and start working – you need a separate permit from the country where you want to work.  

What if I have an active živnosť?

Unfortunately, this also does not give you the right to work abroad. A živnosť (Slovak sole-trader licence) allows you to do business in Slovakia, but not in other EU countries. If you go to Germany with a živnosť and start working there without a permit, it will be considered illegal activity. Fines, deportation, and an EU entry ban are the consequences you can expect with 100% certainty. In countries like Germany or Austria, where people often go to work, migration checks happen regularly. Someone might earn a certain amount and avoid problems, but is it worth the risk? We strongly advise against such schemes – it is better to act legally.  

When can I work abroad with Slovak documents?

A business trip is the only real "loophole." If you have a Slovak employer, they can send you on a project to another EU country. But there are clear conditions: you need a contract for specific work, Form A1, which is issued by the Slovak social insurance institution (Sociálna poisťovňa), your salary must be paid only by the Slovak side (receiving money from a foreign company is illegal), and the duration of the business trip, accommodation, and insurance (with coverage of at least €30,000) must be clearly defined. Without meeting these conditions, working abroad will be considered illegal. There is a second option – for students participating in the Erasmus+ program. If you have a Slovak residence permit and are a student, you can work abroad as part of an internship through Erasmus+ (internship). But this is only possible officially through the program – any work outside of it will be a violation.   

What about refugees?

For those with temporary protection (dočasné útočisko) in Slovakia, it is even more complicated. You cannot legally go to another EU country and work there with this document – you need to get new documents in that country.  

What are the risks of working illegally?

 First, there are fines – they can reach thousands of euros depending on the country. Second, deportation and an EU entry ban for 3–5 years. Additionally, you might face tax problems: if you worked without the correct documents, taxes will "surface" later, and you will have to pay fines.     Working abroad with Slovak documents is possible only in clearly defined cases – business trips or participation in the Erasmus+ program for students. Everything else is either illegal or requires a separate permit from the country you are going to. A Slovak residence permit or živnosť does not give you the right to work anywhere in the EU, so don't fall for "easy schemes" that promise quick earnings – the risks are too high.

Sources

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Frequently asked questions

Can I work in other EU countries with a Slovak residence permit?+
No, a Slovak residence permit (pobyt) only allows you to work in Slovakia. You need a separate permit to work in other countries.
Does a živnosť give the right to work abroad?+
No, a živnosť (sole-trader licence) only allows you to do business in Slovakia and does not give you the right to work in other EU countries.
What are the conditions for legally working abroad with Slovak documents?+
You can legally work abroad if you are sent on a business trip by a Slovak employer under a contract, with an issued A1 form, paid by the Slovak side, and if you follow the rules for deadlines, accommodation, and insurance. For students, internships through the Erasmus+ program are possible.
What are the risks of working illegally abroad with Slovak documents?+
Fines, deportation, a ban on entering the EU for 3–5 years, as well as tax problems and penalties.
Can refugees with Slovak temporary protection work in other EU countries?+
No, they need to get new documents in the country where they want to work.

This material is for information only and is not legal, tax or financial advice. Rules and laws change — before making important decisions, check official sources or talk to a specialist. How we prepare our materials

Updated 29 July 2026

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