Working in Slovakia as a Non-EU Student
Many international students wonder whether they can legally work while studying abroad. The good news is that working in Slovakia as a student is completely legal and even encouraged. The Slovak government allows international students to gain work experience while studying, which helps them cover part of their living expenses and build professional skills.
However, international students must strictly follow the legal rules for working in Slovakia as a non-EU student. These rules are tied directly to your residence permit for study. If you violate the legal work limits, it can lead to serious consequences including fines or even cancellation of your residence permit.
Understanding the legal conditions for student work in Slovakia is therefore essential before accepting any job.
The 20 Hours Per Week Rule
If you hold a Temporary Residence Permit for the purpose of study, Slovak law gives you automatic access to the labor market. Unlike some other European countries, you do not need to apply for a separate work permit.
However, there is one important limitation.
Maximum Working Hours
International students are allowed to work:
- 20 hours per week
- approximately 80 hours per month
This rule applies during the active academic semester.
Work During University Holidays
During official university holidays, such as summer break, some student contracts allow more flexibility. However, the average number of working hours across the year must still respect the 80-hour monthly limit.
Important: Working more hours than legally allowed is considered a violation of your residence permit conditions.
Student Jobs in Slovakia: Brigáda Contracts
In Slovakia, student jobs are commonly called “Brigáda.” When you are hired, you will usually sign a special student employment contract called:
Dohoda o brigádnickej práci študentov
This contract is designed specifically for students and offers several financial advantages compared to normal employment contracts.
Tax Benefits for Students
One of the biggest advantages of student jobs in Slovakia is the tax exemption.
If a student earns less than €200 per month, they usually do not pay social or health insurance contributions on that income. This means the student keeps almost the entire amount earned.
Because of this system, working in Slovakia as a student can be a practical way to cover everyday expenses such as food, transport, or accommodation.
Minimum Wage in Slovakia for Students (2026)
The Slovak government updated the national minimum wage starting from January 1, 2026.
The legal minimum hourly wage is now:
€5.259 per hour
In practice, most student jobs pay slightly more than the minimum wage.
Typical student salaries range between:
- €5.50 – €7.50 per hour for entry-level jobs
- higher pay for specialized positions such as IT support or administrative roles
Weekend and Night Work Pay
Slovak labor law requires employers to pay additional surcharges for certain working hours.
For example:
- Sunday work requires a 100% wage surcharge
- night shifts also include additional pay
This means that working on Sundays can increase your hourly pay to €10.50 or more per hour.
Where International Students Can Find Jobs in Slovakia
Finding part-time work as an international student is usually easiest in larger Slovak cities such as Bratislava and Košice.
Several sectors regularly hire international students.
Online Job Portals
The most popular job website in Slovakia is Profesia.sk. Students can search for jobs using filters such as:
- “študentská brigáda”
- English-speaking positions
- part-time contracts
International Companies
Bratislava hosts many international corporations and shared service centers. Companies such as Amazon, Dell, Lenovo, and IBM frequently hire international students for part-time positions in areas such as:
- IT support
- customer service
- finance administration
- HR support
These jobs are often ideal for students who speak English but not Slovak.
Language Tutoring
Native or fluent English speakers can also work as language tutors. Many language schools and private students look for English conversation teachers.
This is one of the most flexible types of student work in Slovakia.
Delivery Jobs
Food delivery platforms such as Wolt and Bolt Food are also popular among international students. These jobs allow students to choose their own schedules and manage their working hours easily within the legal limits.
Working in Slovakia After Graduation
One of the major advantages of studying in Slovakia is the opportunity to stay in the country after graduation.
Once you complete your Bachelor’s or Master’s degree at a Slovak university, the restrictions on working hours no longer apply.
Graduates gain full access to the Slovak labor market and can work full-time without limitations.
The Job Seeker Residence Permit
Even if you do not immediately find employment after graduation, Slovak law allows you to extend your residence permit for up to 9 months to search for a job.
This residence permit is specifically designed for international graduates who want to start their careers in Slovakia.
Because of this policy, many students who start their studies in Slovakia eventually build long-term careers in the country.
Support from EduSlovakia
Moving to a new country for university can feel complicated, especially when dealing with residence permits, work rules, and relocation steps.
EduSlovakia helps international students successfully move to Slovakia and start their academic journey. Our team provides assistance with university applications, admission procedures, relocation support, and guidance on student life in Slovakia.
We help students apply to universities across Slovakia and prepare everything needed before arrival — from study programs to accommodation and practical advice about working during studies.
If you are planning to study in Slovakia and want professional guidance throughout the process, the EduSlovakia team is ready to help you start your journey with confidence.
