How to hire and pay employees in Slovakia

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Slovakia Facts and Stats

Currency

Euro (EUR) – €

Employer Costs

29.4%

Languages

Slovak

Population

5.5 million

Payroll frequency

Monthly

Hiring

Grow your team in Slovakia

Emerald can hire and payroll your workers, quickly and compliantly with their ready to go entity. Make growing your team simple with Emerald as a global partner.

Pros & Cons of hiring in Slovakia

Hiring employees in Slovakia offers several advantages as well as some challenges. On the positive side, Slovakia benefits from a highly educated workforce, particularly in fields such as engineering, IT, and finance, due to its strong emphasis on technical education. The cost of labour in Slovakia is generally lower compared to Western European countries, which can be advantageous for companies looking to manage expenses. Additionally, Slovakia’s strategic location in Central Europe provides easy access to major European markets, and its membership in the European Union ensures alignment with EU standards and regulations.

However, employers may face challenges such as a complex bureaucratic process for setting up and maintaining employment contracts, as well as navigating local labour laws and regulations. Furthermore, while English proficiency is increasing, it may not be universally high, which could affect communication within international teams. Additionally, Slovakia has experienced occasional labour shortages in specific sectors, which could make recruitment more competitive.

Why Slovakia is good for remote workers

Employers should hire remotely in Slovakia to leverage the country’s growing tech industry and vibrant talent pool. Slovakia has become a notable hub for software development and IT services, thanks to its emphasis on STEM education and a thriving startup ecosystem. Remote hiring from Slovakia allows employers to tap into this specialised skill set without geographical constraints.

The flexibility of remote work also means companies can benefit from a more adaptable and diverse workforce, enhancing innovation and productivity. Moreover, remote positions can help attract top talent who value work-life balance and flexibility, making it easier to fill critical roles with highly qualified professionals from Slovakia.

Start growing your remote workforce now

Employment

Probation

Maximum of 3 months unless a managerial position, which can be extended to 6.

Emerald Technology can onboard employees in Slovakia within 48 hours.

Leave Policy
01.

Maternity Leave

A pregnant employee is entitled to a minimum of 34 weeks maternity leave, beginning 6-8 weeks prior to the due date. The employee will be paid at 75% of their usual salary by social security.

02.

Paternity Leave

Fathers are entitled to 14 days paternity leave within the first 6 weeks of the child’s birth, compensated at 75% of their usual salary by social security.

03.

Sickness Leave

Covered by the employer at 25% of the usual salary for days 1-3 and 55% from days 4-10. Beyond the 10th day, the Social Insurance Agency will pay 55% of the regular salary.

04.

Notice Periods

Minimum of 1 month. 2 months if service lasted 1-5 years. 3 months for above 5 years of employment.

Onboarding

Onboarding

As the legal employer, Emerald Technology requires the following employee documents to ensure complete compliance:

Emerald Technology can onboard employees in Slovakia within 48 hours.
Termination

Resignation and Dismissal

When an employer dismisses an employee it must be with just cause and they must give them notice. The notice period starts from the day after the employer notifies the employee of the termination. Notice must be given in accordance with the following schedule at a minimum:

Minimum of 1 month.

2 months if service lasted 1-5 years.

3 months for above 5 years of employment.

Severance

If an employee is made redundant, they are entitled to a payment based on years of continuous service.

In Slovakia, severance pay is mandated for employees who are terminated under certain conditions, such as redundancy. The amount of severance pay depends on the length of service with the employer. Generally, employees are entitled to:

One month’s salary for up to one year of employment.

Two months’ salary for more than one year but less than five years of employment.

Three months’ salary for more than five years of employment

Time off

Statutory Time off

Full time employees in Slovakia are entitled to 20 days of paid annual leave.

Public Holidays

  • Day of the Establishment of the Slovak Republic
  • Three Kings’ Day
  • Good Friday [Dyngus Day]
  • Easter Monday
  • Labour Day
  • Day of Victory over Fascism
  • St. Cyril and Methodius Day
  • Slovak National Uprising Day
  • Constitution Day
  • Day of Our Lady of Sorrows
  • All Saints Day
  • Day of Freedom and Democracy
  • Christmas Eve
  • Christmas Day
  • Second Day of Christmas
Emerald Technology can onboard employees in Slovakia within 48 hours.
Salary / Taxes

Work, Pay and Taxes

01.

Minimum Wage

€4.023 to €4.310 per hour and €700.00 to €750.00 per month

02.

Working Hours

Typically, the working week is 40 hours (5 eight-hour days) and it must not exceed 48 hours.

03.

Overtime

In Slovakia, overtime is paid at 125% of the average salary (135% for hazardous work) for hours beyond a 40-hour workweek. Public holidays are compensated at 200%. For work on Saturdays, employees receive an extra 1.79 EUR/hour, and for Sundays, an extra 3.58 EUR/hour. Night work is compensated with at least 1.43 EUR/hour, or 1.79 EUR/hour for hazardous work. Executive and C-level employees are exempt from these overtime regulations.

04.

Salary Payments

Monthly

05.

Bonus or 14th month salary (if applicable)

In Slovakia, the concept of a “14th month salary” or a bonus equivalent to an additional month’s salary is not mandated by law but is a common practice in many companies. Employers may provide this bonus, often referred to as a “13th month salary” or “annual bonus,” as part of their employment contracts or collective agreements.

06.

Income Tax

Income Bracket Tax Rate
Up to 3,600 -19%
Over 3,600 -25%
07.

Social Security

In Slovakia, social security contributions are essential in funding various benefits including pensions, health insurance, unemployment benefits and family support, so they are mandatory for both employers and employees. These contributions are administered by the Social Insurance Agency. Employers contribute approximately 24.8% of the gross salary of each employee and employees contribute approximately 9% of their gross salary.

Worker misclassification in Slovakia

Similar to other countries, Slovakia has strict rules on classifying individual contractors and full-time employees differently. Misclassifying your workers can put your business at risk of fines.

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