Recently, there has been an increase in cases of unethical or fraudulent practices by companies and agencies that place foreign workers. Be vigilant and carefully review all terms and conditions before signing anything. Illegal employment, known as “načierno,” deprives you of wage guarantees, sick leave, and insurance coverage, and is also against the law.
What to Check in an Employment Contract
Before signing any document, especially an employment contract, make sure you fully understand its contents. Here are the key points to pay attention to:
Language of the contract. Is the contract written in a language you understand? If not, request a translation or seek assistance from a lawyer.
Job description. The contract should clearly describe your duties and position. Make sure the actual work matches what’s stated.
Work hours. How many hours per week are you required to work? For a full-time position, this is usually 40 hours per week.
Salary. Check the salary amount and the terms of payment. The minimum monthly wage in Slovakia in 2026 is 915 euros gross (approximately 729 euros net). Find out when and how your salary is paid, and whether all additional payments are included.
Social and Health Insurance. Are you eligible for health and social insurance? For individuals with dočasné útočisko (temporary shelter) status, the government pays insurance premiums if you are not an employee or self-employed. Your employer is required to report your employment to the Úřad práce (Labor Office).
Vacation. How many days of vacation are you entitled to? Usually, it’s 20 days per calendar year, and 25 days for people over 33 years of age.
Your Rights and Protection Against Unfair Practices
Foreign workers in Slovakia have the same rights as EU/EEA citizens. This includes the right to a minimum wage, paid vacation, breaks, and allowances.
Overtime, weekend work, and night shifts. Check how overtime is regulated and how work on weekends, holidays, and at night is compensated. In 2026, the premium rates are as follows: for night work (from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.) – 2.10 euros/hour (40%); on Saturdays – 2.63 euros/hour (50%); on Sundays – 5.26 euros/hour (100%).
Breaks and Rest Periods. If you work more than 6 hours, you are entitled to a 30-minute break. There must be at least 12 hours of uninterrupted rest between two shifts.
Checking the employer. Always check the company that is offering you a job. You can search for job openings and information about employers on verified job portals such as sluzbyzamestnanosti.gov.sk, profesia.sk, kariera.sk, or worki.sk. If you work through a temporary employment agency, you should not have to pay for its services.
How to Avoid Scammers’ Traps
Be especially wary of any suspicious offers. Here are a few tips on how to protect yourself:
Don’t sign anything under pressure. If someone tells you, “Sign now, and we’ll explain everything later,” that’s a red flag.
Request the contract in advance. Ask to see the contract beforehand so you can read it carefully and seek advice if needed.
Ask questions. If there’s something you don’t understand, don’t hesitate to ask.
Written Agreements. Always ask that important verbal agreements be included in the contract.
Keep your own copy. Always keep your own copy of the signed contract.
Personal documents. Never give your original personal documents (passport, residence permit) to anyone. The employer is only allowed to make copies.
Where to Turn for Help
If you have any doubts about your employment contract or working conditions, or if you have been a victim of fraud, don’t delay. Seek advice from:
The IOM Migration Information Center by email at [email protected] or by phone at 0850 211 478 (within Slovakia) or +421 2 5263 0023, +421 55 6258662.
The National Human Trafficking Hotline at 0800 800 818 (available 24 hours a day).
Labor Inspectorate (Inšpektorát práce), if an employer fails to pay wages or violates the Labor Code.
Attorneys from the Slovak Bar Association can be contacted by email at [email protected] or by phone at +421 911 175 387 (for individuals who have arrived from Ukraine due to the military conflict).
