International Researcher’s EURAXESS Guide to Slovakia SLOVAKIA
.sk www.euraxess http://ec.europa.eu/euraxess International Researcher’s EURAXESS Guide to Slovakia SLOVAKIA This publication was produced within the project EURAXESS Service Centres funded by the Ministry of Education, Science, Research and Sport of the Slovak Republic and by the European Commission. The publication was also co-financed by the Slovak Rectors’ Conference.
It reflects the views of the authors only, and the funding organisations cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.
EURAXESS SLOVAKIA The International Researcher’s Guide to Slovakia
Published by: SAIA, n. o. Sasinkova 10 812 20 Bratislava 1, Slovak Republic
Prepared by: Michal Fedák, Katarína Košťálová, Lukáš Marcin, Miroslava Szórádová, Petra Zikmundová, Karla Zimanová and other SAIA, n. o. staff
Graphic design and press: MIKO-GRAF, s. r. o., Bratislava
© SAIA, n. o., 2014
ISBN 978–80–89521–39–5 The International Researcher’s Guide to Slovakia 3
1. About EURAXESS...... 4 4. Formalities – how to be ready for the national 1.1 National Portal EURAXESS SLOVAKIA ...... 5 authorities...... 72 2. About Slovakia...... 8 4.1 Entry & stay...... 72 4.1.1 Navigation...... 72 2.1 Profile...... 8 4.1.2 Duties of EU/EEA/SWISS nationals coming to Slovakia. . 77 2.2 Geography...... 9 4.1.3 Duties of third country nationals coming to Slovakia. . 79 2.3 History ...... 10 4.1.4 Bringing family members with you...... 102 2.4 Political system and state bodies...... 12 4.1.5 The graphical view of entry and stay procedures 2.5 Economy...... 13 for nationals coming from EU/EEA/Switzerland 2.6 Significant scientists born in Slovakia...... 15 and third countries...... 107 3. Research in Slovakia ...... 19 4.1.6 Other practical information...... 109 3.1 Legislative framework of research 4.2 Employment ...... 111 Content and development in Slovakia ...... 19 4.2.1 Employment of foreigners...... 111 3.2 Research institutions...... 20 4.2.2 Employment conditions and job seeking. . . . . 119 3.2.1 Higher education sector...... 20 4.3 How to get your documents sufficiently authenticated. . 123 3.2.2 State research and development sector...... 22 4.4 Social security and health insurance ...... 125 3.2.3 Private research and development sector. . . . . 26 4.4.1 Health insurance in Slovakia...... 125 3.2.4 Non-profit sector of research & development. . . .32 4.4.2 Other regulations regarding health insurance 3.3 R&D funding at national level...... 33 of EU/EEA/Swiss nationals...... 126 3.3.1 State research funding agencies...... 34 4.4.3 System of social security in Slovakia 3.3.2 State programmes for research & development (excluding health insurance)...... 127 support...... 36 4.4.4 Other regulations regarding social security. . . . 135 3.3.3 EU structural funds...... 36 4.4.5 Information on social security and health 3.3.4 National Scholarship Programme coverage for students...... 137 of the Slovak Republic ...... 38 4.4.6 Information on social security and health 3.3.5 Scholarships of the Government of the coverage for employees with regular Slovak Republic awarded for the entire or irregular employment contract...... 138 doctoral study within Official Development 4.4.7 Information on social security and health coverage Assistance...... 39 for researchers and university teachers without 3.3.6 Scholarships of the Ministry of Education, employment contract...... 140 Science, Research and Sport of the 4.5 Taxation...... 142 Slovak Republic...... 39 4.5.1 Direct taxes ...... 142 3.3.7 Modernisation Programme Slovakia 21 4.5.2 Indirect taxes...... 145 – Scholarships of the Ministry of Education, 4.6 Recognition of education...... 145 Science, Research and Sport of the 4.6.1 Recognition of primary and secondary education . 146 Slovak Republic...... 40 4.6.2 Recognition of diplomas (tertiary education). . . 147 3.3.8 Programme SASPRO – Mobility Programme 4.7 Import of goods...... 151 of the Slovak Academy of Sciences – Marie Curie 5. Daily life in Slovakia...... 153 Actions Cofunded programme...... 41 5.1 Accommodation and housing...... 153 3.4 Funding for bilateral co‑operation...... 41 5.2 Banks and currency...... 154 3.4.1 Bilateral scientific and technological co‑operation 5.3 Communications and post offices...... 155 based on intergovernmental agreements. . . . . 41 5.4 Cuisine ...... 157 3.4.2 Bilateral intergovernmental agreements on 5.5 Culture and media...... 158 educational, research and cultural co‑operation . . 43 5.6 Day care for children...... 161 3.4.3 Action Austria – Slovakia, Co‑operation 5.7 Education system ...... 163 in Science and Education...... 49 5.7.1 School education...... 163 3.4.4 Fulbright Program – J. W. Fulbright Commission 5.7.2 Higher education...... 169 for Educational Exchange in the Slovak Republic. . 50 3.5 Funding by the European Union...... 51 5.8 Electrical appliances and computers ...... 172 3.5.1 Horizon 2020 – the EU Framework Programme 5.9 Hiking and tourism...... 172 for Research and Innovation...... 51 5.10 Language...... 177 3.5.2 Erasmus+ – the EU programme for education, 5.11 Libraries...... 178 training, youth and sport...... 57 5.12 Living costs...... 179 3.5.3 COST – European Cooperation in Science 5.13 Healthcare...... 180 and Technology...... 59 5.14 Other services ...... 182 3.5.4 EUREKA...... 60 5.15 Public holidays...... 183 3.6 Funding by multilateral/international programmes 5.16 Regional and local administration...... 183 or international organisations ...... 62 5.17 Religion ...... 184 3.6.1 CEEPUS – Central European Exchange Programme 5.18 Shopping...... 184 for University Studies...... 62 5.19 Sport 184 3.6.2 EEA Scholarship Programme Slovakia ...... 63 5.20 Transport...... 185 3.6.3 International Visegrad Fund...... 64 5.21 Veterinary care ...... 190 3.6.4 NATO – Science for Peace and Security Graphical overview of the duties regarding Programme...... 69 the mobility to Slovakia (timeline checklist)...... 196 4 EURAXESS SLOVAKIA
1. About EURAXESS
EURAXESS EURAXESS Services is a network of over – Researchers 200 centres located in 40 European in Motion countries. These centres assist researchers (http://ec.europa. and their families when moving to, or living eu/euraxess) is an initiative launched by in another country. Free-of-charge and the European Commission, to promote personalised assistance is offered on the EURAXESS research careers and facilitate the challenges faced by researchers and their mobility of researchers across Europe. families when relocating, such as: EURAXESS comprises a variety of services visas,
About to help researchers find and secure their work permits, research position, no matter where he/she accommodation, is from. It recognises the challenges social security, medical care and taxes, researchers may face in getting the family support, language courses, etc. right position – visas, social services, family requirements, language barriers, The EURAXESS Service Centres network CV visibility to the right target group, comprises a staff of more than 500, ready working terms and conditions, and many to assist researchers and their families, more. EURAXESS assists with formalities their employers and funders free of charge and helps researchers move between in 40 European countries. These Service positions and countries more easily. Centres are typically located at universities and research organisations in 28 EU EURAXESS is composed of four specific Member States and other participating initiatives for researchers: countries ranging from Iceland to Israel. The EURAXESS Service Centres assist EURAXESS Jobs is a free-of-charge researchers and their families with database of job vacancies, funding every step of their move. They are also opportunities and fellowships, and an invaluable resource for employers a stress-free recruitment tool for of researchers, as they can assist in the researchers and research organisations process of hiring researchers from abroad. in Europe. EURAXESS Jobs is providing more than 6,000 offers available In Slovakia, SAIA, n. o. has been the constantly. Researchers can post and edit EURAXESS Service Centre since 2004. their CVs online and look for positions and funding opportunities advertised. EURAXESS Rights provides comprehensive Employers, be it a research institute, information on the European Charter a major company, an SME or a university, for Researchers and the Code of Conduct can post job vacancies and search the for the Recruitment of Researchers. database for potential candidates to The Charter & Code set out the rights recruit. The website is complemented and obligations of researchers, research by the national EURAXESS portals of all institutions and funding providers. partner countries which contain plenty Their aim is to ensure better employment of additional information on research and working conditions and equitable jobs and funding opportunities in their treatment of all researchers in Europe and own country. The Slovak national portal to increase transparency in their selection (www.euraxess.sk) is one of them. and recruitment. The two documents also The International Researcher’s Guide to Slovakia 5 address the right to social security coverage themselves and with Europe. The web and access to pensions. forum, researchers’ and funding database, e-newsletter help in this regard, while To date, more than 600 organisations have networking events for members are EURAXESS About endorsed the principles of the Charter organised regularly. & Code from 40 countries in Europe and beyond. A full list of signatories and the complete text of the Charter & Code can 1.1 National Portal be viewed on the EURAXESS Rights website EURAXESS SLOVAKIA http://ec.europa.eu/euraxess. Two Slovakia the Charter & Code has been endorsed by European Portal EURAXESS – Researchers the rectors of the Slovak Higher Education in Motion, is interlinked with the national Institutions and the Slovak Academy of EURAXESS portals of all partner countries Science. that contain a wealth of additional information about their own country. By endorsing the Charter & Code the institutions Slovak Portal www.euraxess.sk join a truly pan-European has two separate language versions. network of researchers, research Slovak version is dedicated to Slovak institutions and funders, and benefit researchers, who intend to go abroad, but from international visibility on the also to Slovak research organisations that EURAXESS Rights website. In addition, would like to welcome a foreign researcher the special ‘HR Excellence in Research’ logo in their team. The English version of the is awarded by the European Commission Portal provides information about Slovakia to research institutions or funders actively relevant for the foreign researchers implementing the Charter & Code. interested in carrying out their research To date, more than 200 institutions in Slovakia. The information here is from 27 countries, and 2 international structured in the following way: Grants and organisations acquired the right to use the Fellowships, Jobs in Research, Services logo, mostly from the UK (91). – Practical Information, EURAXESS Rights, and EURAXESS Service Centres EURAXESS Links is a networking tool in Slovakia. for European researchers, scientists and scholars working outside Europe. It is also an important contact point for researchers News intending to move to Europe for a research The News section provides regularly position. EURAXESS Links currently exists new information about upcoming events also in the ASEAN, Brazil, China, India, – conferences or seminars, publications, Japan and North America. scholarships and grants or news from the research field. The latest news EURAXESS Links keeps researchers in these published are visible directly in the main regions fully informed on the EU research page of the national portal. policies, career opportunities in Europe and opportunities for collaboration with colleagues in Europe. EURAXESS Links SAIA Discussion Forum provides interactive web services to The Slovak portal gives you the opportunity European researchers working abroad to access also a new online platform in order to keep them linked among in the form of a discussion forum. 6
The forum offers the possibility to solve The recent jobs published at the European practical issues, exchange of experiences EURAXESS Jobs portal with specific focus and information about the research on positions available in Slovakia are stays in foreign countries on an informal directly displayed on the main page of level. It is possible to register and access www.euraxess.sk. the forum at www.forum.saia.sk. Services – Practical Information Grants and Scholarships The objective of the EURAXESS initiative EURAXESS Information on funding of research is not confined to research funding issues mobility and research projects is available only, but goes even further and serves in the section Grants and Scholarships. the needs of researchers in all the aspects
About You will find here links to selected financing related to mobility from one country to opportunities for your project or mobility. another. It aims to facilitate the mobility This section will also redirect you to in the smoothest way possible and ease a database of scholarships and grants the burden of red-tape that is connected to for foreign students and researchers, mobility. Therefore, in the section Services – which is administrated by SAIA. Here you Practical Information, we gather information can search the offers by research field related to concrete real life situations that or category, and the database is directly occur when moving between countries. available also at www.grants.saia.sk. These include issues of taxation, social security, entry conditions and residence As the funding opportunities are one of permit, employment, health insurance and the most requested topics, overview of the medical care, daycare for children or cultural possibilities available to foreign researchers events in a foreign country, etc. Information who wish to come to Slovakia is provided is clearly organised in thematic sections also in this publication. You can find and also includes contact information more information in Chapter 3 Research for responsible institutions. Of course, in Slovakia. it is always possible to contact the closest EURAXESS Service Centre that will help you to find the answer you are looking for. EURAXESS Jobs in Research The section Jobs in Research of the national Practical information and tips can be also Portal leads you to a link to an uptodate found in this publication; information research job database in the whole Europe. related to formalities with national The database provides you the possibility institutions in Chapter 4 and information to post your CV and so enable the research on daily life in Slovakia in Chapter 5. institutes to approach you in case you fit the profile of their opening. EURAXESS Rights If you represent a research organisation, Good working conditions are crucial either public or private, you have to the researchers’ career development. the possibility to publish your vacancy Definition of the rights and obligations to a targeted audience free of charge on the side of researchers as well and choose among the qualified candidates as research organisations is offered from the whole Europe. by the European Charter for Researchers and the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers. The International Researcher’s Guide to Slovakia 7
In Slovakia, the Charter & Code were coordinator towards the regional offices endorsed in 2005 by two signatories: and also towards the Service Centres Slovak Rectors’ Conference on behalf in other partner countries, European of Slovak universities and the Presidency institutions, as well as national authorities. EURAXESS About of Slovak Academy of Sciences on behalf of its institutes. In the Service Centres you will find informed staff who work with mobility In this section of the EURAXESS Portal issues on everyday basis, and who you can find more information on this will gladly share their knowledge important topic. and experience with you. Not only will they provide you with the information, but, if possible, they will help you with EURAXESS Service Centres the formalities and paperwork and will in Slovakia provide you with information about their In Slovakia, the national network has contacts. You are welcome to find the been coordinated by SAIA, n. o., since contact details in this section of the Portal 2004 based on the mandate from the and turn to the closest Service Centre. then Ministry of Education of the Slovak Republic. The Slovak Service Centres network (as of 2015) consists of 5 SAIA FAQ offices, in the towns of Bratislava, Nitra, Here you can find most important topics Žilina, Banská Bystrica, and Košice. highlighted and easily accesible. The Bratislava office is the national
Map of Slovakia 8 EURAXESS SLOVAKIA
2. About Slovakia Nationalities (as of December 31, 2012): 2.1 Profile Slovak (80.6 %), Hungarian (8.5 %), Official name: Slovak Republic Romary (2.0 %), Czech, Moravian, Silesian (0.6 %), Ruthenian (0.6 %), Ukrainian Geography (0.1 %), German (0.1 %), Polish (0.1 %), Area: 49,036 sq. km other and not declared (7.4 %) Slovakia Perimeter (as of December 31, 2012): 1,652.2 km Religions (as of December 31, 2011): Roman Length of the border on: Austria 106.7 km; Catholics (62 %), Evangelical Lutherans Czech Republic 251.8 km; Hungary 654.8 km; of Augsburg Confession (5.9 %), Greek About Poland 541.1 km; Ukraine 97.8 km Catholics (3.8 %), Reformed Christians (1.8 %), Orthodox (0.9 %), Jews (0.1 %), Cities (area sq. km): Capital – Bratislava others (1.6 %), without denomination (367.66); Other cities and towns – Vysoké (13.4 %) and unknown (10.6 %) Tatry (359.66); Košice (237.05); Ružomberok (126.72); Hriňová (126.49); Tisovec (123.43); Languages: Slovak (official), Hungarian, Brezno (121.96); Levoča (114.77); Kolárovo Romany, Ruthenian, Czech and Ukrainian (106.82); Banská Bystrica (103.38); Komárno Health: Life expectancy at birth (103.17); Prešov (70.43); Žilina (80.03); (as of December 31, 2012): 79.5 yrs. women; Banská Bystrica (103.38); Nitra (100.48); 72.5 yrs. men Trnava (71.54); Martin (67.74); Trenčín (82); Poprad (63.11); Prievidza (43.06); Zvolen Government (98.73) Type: Parliamentary Terrain: Landlocked with high mountains democracy in the north, low mountains in the centre, hills to the west, Danube (“Dunaj”) River Independence: basin in the south The Slovak Republic was established on January 1, 1993 (former Elevation: Lowest point – Bodrog Czechoslovak Republic established in 1918) River 94 metres above sea level; highest point – Gerlachovský štít (Peak) Constitution: Approved on September 1, 1992 2,654 metres above sea level Branches: Executive – President (head of state), Prime Minister (head of government), People Cabinet. Legislative – National Council Nationality: Slovak(s) – noun and adjective of the Slovak Republic (150 seats). Judicial – Supreme Court, Constitutional Court Population: 5,421,034 (as of September 30, 2014), out of it 51.3 % women Political parties: Distribution of the 150 parliamentary seats (according to Cities (population as of December 31, 2013): the results of elections in 2012): Direction Capital – Bratislava (417,389); Other cities – Social Democracy (SmerSD) 83 seats; – Košice (239,797), Prešov (90,923), Christian Democratic Movement (KDH) Žilina (81,273), Banská Bystrica (79,368), 16 seats; Ordinary People and Independent Nitra (78,351), Trnava (65,978), Martin Personalities (OĽaNO) 16 seats; Bridge (56,526), Trenčín (55,886), Poprad (52,654), (MostHíd) 13 seats; Freedom and Solidarity Prievidza (48,134), Zvolen (43,100) (SaS) 11 seats; Slovak Democratic and The International Researcher’s Guide to Slovakia 9
Christian Union – Democratic Party General information about Slovakia: (SDKÚ-DS) 11 seats; Other parties outside Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of the Parliament include Hungarian Coalition the Slovak Republic: www.mzv.sk Party (SMK); People’s Party – Movement National tourism portal of Slovakia: for a Democratic Slovakia (ĽSHZDS);
www.slovakia.travel. About Party of the Democratic Left (SDĽ); Slovak National Party (SNS) 2.2 Geography
Suffrage: Universal at 18 years Slovakia Administrative divisions: Eight selfgoverning The Slovak Republic is situated regions, 79 districts in the Central Europe, sharing borders with Austria, the Czech Republic, Membership in international Hungary, Poland and Ukraine. Mountains, groupings/organisations: EU (May 2004), lowlands, valleys, lakes, cave formations, NATO (March 2004), Schengen area forests and meadows provide many (December 2007), UN (January 1993), examples of Slovakia’s yearround natural OECD, Council of Europe, INTERPOL, beauty. The Carpathian Arc, a range of OSCE, WHO, etc. mountains stretching across the North, Economy (source Eurostat takes up almost a half of the country. – http://epp.eurostat.ec.europa.eu) The South and East of the country lie in the lowlands, an important agricultural Currency: euro (since January 1, 2009) area in Slovakia. GDP (2012): 71.1 million € Real GDP growth rate (2013): 0.9 % The highest point: Gerlachovský štít GDP per capita (2013): 76 % of EU 28 (Peak) in High Tatras (“Vysoké Tatry”) Unemployment (2013): 14.2 % 2,654 m above sea level Consumer price inflation (2013): 1.5 % Public deficit (2013): 2.8 % of GDP The lowest point: River Bodrog 94 m Natural resources: antimony, mercury, iron, above sea level copper, lead, zinc, magnesite, limestone, lignite Maximum length: 428 km (Záhorská Ves [W] – Nová Sedlica [E]) Agriculture crops: grains, potatoes, poultry, cattle, hogs, sugar, beets, hops, fruit, forest Maximum breadth: 195 km products (Štúrovo [S] – Skalité [N]) Breeding: cattle, pigs, poultry, sheep, goats The longest river: River Váh (378 km) Industry: iron and steel, chemicals, electro-chemical, automobiles, light industry, food processing, back-office Time support, engineering, building materials GMT+1; GMT+2 from last Sunday in March Major trading partners (2012): to last Saturday in October Imports: Germany – 15.8 %, Czech Republic – 10.9 %, Russia – 10.2 %, Weather South Korea – 8.6 %, China – 7.4 %; Exports: Germany – 20.9 %, Czech Republic The Slovak Republic has a continental – 13.5 %, Poland 8.3 %, Hungary – 6.3 %, climate with 4 seasons (spring, summer, Austria – 6.2 %. autumn, winter). Summers are hot; winters 10 EURAXESS SLOVAKIA
are cold, cloudy and humid. The average were Celtic (from around 450 B. C.), winter daily temperature is –2 °C, but whose culture represented the pinnacle can plummet to –15 °C. The average daily of barbarian civilisation. The remains temperature in summer is 21 °C, but can of Celtic oppida (elevated, fortified be as warm as over 30 °C. The coldest settlements) can be found, for example, month is January; the hottest month in Bratislava, Devín and on Havránok Hill is July. The period from May to July is often near the Liptovská Mara reservoir. considered the best season. The Celts were forced out by the Slovakia Data concerns Bratislava, the capital Germanic tribes of Marcomans which of Slovakia (Source BBC Weather). Weather fought with the Roman Emperors Marcus in northern and mountainous regions could Aurelius and Commodus (A. D. 166 – 180).
About be much colder. Remains of the Limes Romanus – the fortifications on the Roman Empire’s During the winters the sun rises northern border – are preserved in Slovakia approximately at 7:30 and sets around (for example at Rusovce, Trenčín and Iža). 16:00. During the summer, sunrise is before The German tribes were driven out by Huns 5:00 and sunset is around 21:00. led by Attila.
Tribes of Western Slavs arrived on this Average Average Wet Days th Month Temperature Precipitation territory at the end of the 5 and beginning (+ 0.25 mm) th (°C) (mm) of the 6 centuries. Soon they had to defend themselves against nomadic Avars and this min. max. activity led to the creation of a tribal union Jan –3 2 43 12 under the rule of the Frankish merchant Feb –2 3 47 12 Samo, known as “Samo’s Empire” March 1 9 42 10 (A. D. 623 – 658). April 6 16 42 11 May 11 21 61 11 Middle Ages June 14 24 64 11 After the breakup of July 16 26 73 11 “Samo’s Empire”, Slavonic Aug 15 26 69 10 tribes experienced a loss Sept 12 22 40 8 of political unity. Only Duke Pribina succeeded in establishing Oct 7 15 54 11 a larger state-like entity and founded Nov 3 8 55 13 the first church in this area between 824 Dec 0 4 59 14 and 828. He fought and was defeated by Mojmír, the Duke of Moravia, and had to flee. Duke Mojmír I established a united 2.3 History state called Great Moravia (830 – 908). His successor, Rastislav, invited the missionaries Sts. Cyril and Methodius Stone Age to Great Moravia. They established an The first recorded independent church province, developed tribes to settle the first Slavic alphabet (Glagol) using in the territory Greek symbols, and used it to translate of modern Slovakia the Bible into vernacular. The most The International Researcher’s Guide to Slovakia 11 important ruler of Great Moravia was rest of the Hungarian Empire and Bratislava Svätopluk, who fought with the East was the coronation site of many Hungarian Francia (Kingdom of the East Franks). Great kings from 1563 to 1830 (including Maria Moravia disintegrated after its invasion Theresa from the Habsburg family in 1741). by Magyar tribes and the successes of the East Francia. Sites dating back to In 1635, Péter Pázmány established Trnava About the time of Great Moravia may be found, University in Trnava (which was relocated for example, at Devín, Nitra and Ducové. to Budapest in 1777). The Jesuits founded Košice University in Košice in 1657. Slovakia The Magyar tribes established a Hungarian Empire in the Danube area and The numerous anti-Habsburg the territory of presentday Slovakia was uprisings by Hungarian absorbed around A. D. 1000. The history nobility were curtailed by of Slovakia was thus interwoven with that the 1711 Peace of Azatmar. of the Hungarian state until 1918. However, it did not stop unrest amongst its The development of the Hungarian Empire subjects, a fact that was was interrupted by the Tatar invasion reflected in the high levels (1240 – 1242). After the Tatars left, Belo IV of emigration and banditry. invited Saxons to come and live in Hungary, At this time, the legend which significantly strengthened urban was born of the most civilisation. After the male line of the famous of Slovak outlaws, Árpád dynasty died out in 1301, Charles who was stealing from the rich to give to Robert of Anjou became king in 1308 and the poor – the legend of Juraj Jánošík. established the Anjou dynasty, which was followed by the Jagello dynasty in 1440. The 18th century saw the development of manufacturing and the modernisation The period of humanism and renaissance of mining technology. In 1770, in the Hungarian Empire is forever linked the enlightened, absolutist ruler, to the name of its ruler, Matthias Corvinus Maria Theresa, established the first (1458 – 1490). The first university in the school of mining in the world – Mining territory of presentday Slovakia, Academia Academy in Banská Štiavnica. In 1774, Istropolitana (1465 – 1491), was established she also introduced compulsory school in Bratislava during his rule. attendance. Her son, the Emperor Joseph II, abolished serfdom in the Hungarian Empire in 1785. Modern Times An important historic moment The Slovak national consciousness was for the development of the country was rekindled in the 18th and 19th centuries, the defeat and the killing of King Louis II and a Slovak civil society began to emerge. of the Jagello dynasty by the Turks The first written form of the Slovak at the battle near Mohács in 1526. language was codified in 1847, and the The battle of Mohács started the period first political programme was proclaimed of Turkish occupation of the region in 1848. In 1861, the Memorandum of the including significant part of the territory Slovak Nation was published, and in 1863, of the Hungarian Empire. The territory Matica slovenská (Slovak Foundation) of presentday Slovakia became the was established to promote the Slovak administrative and economic centre of the nation. In 1893, the Slovak Museum Society 12 EURAXESS SLOVAKIA
was established. The late 19th and early policy known as “socialism with a human 20th centuries were marked by the face” that ended with the Prague Spring struggle against Hungarian nationalist and the consequent crushing of the tendencies, culminating in the creation reformist movement by the Soviet army. of the Czechoslovak Republic. A period of “normalisation” lasted until the end of the 70’s. The normalisation regime Present times plunged Czechoslovakia into an economic, political and moral decline. It was Slovakia Czechoslovakia succeeded by the democratic socialism Czechoslovakia was established with in 1980’s. Nevertheless, opposition towards the end of World War I and the dissolution the regime grew and during the late 80’s
About of the AustroHungarian Monarchy in 1918. it became more intense and organised. The period of prosperity of the newly It led to the overthrow of the communist established republic followed until the government in November 1989 referred world’s economic crisis and the later to as the “Velvet Revolution”. advent of the Nazism. In 1939, Slovakia was de iure proclaimed autonomous. Slovak Republic today Its independence, however, was greatly On January 1, 1993, the former Czech and limited by its strong economic, military Slovak Federal (Federative) Republic was and political dependence on Germany. peacefully divided into two independent The Slovak National Uprising during World Slovak and Czech states and the Slovak War II, in 1944, was a clear indication of the Republic joined the United Nations country’s opposition to Nazism. In 1945, as a fullyfledged member. the Czech and Slovak states joined again. In October 1993, the European Parliament Communism ratified the association agreement In 1948, a communistic putsch took place between the Slovak Republic and – the socalled February Revolution. the European Union. In spring 2004, The 1950’s in Czechoslovakia were a period the Slovak Republic joined NATO, and on of political oppression, characterised by May 1, 2004, the Slovak Republic joined the victimisation of prominent political, the European Union as a full member. On cultural and religious individuals, and even December 21, 2007, the Slovak Republic was of ordinary people. In 1968, Alexander included to the Schengen Area, and in 2009, Dubček (the then leader of the Communist the Slovak Republic officially joined the Party of Czechoslovakia) introduced the euro area and adopted euro. 2.4 Political system and state bodies The Slovak Republic was established on January 1, 1993 as one of the successors to the Czech and Slovak Federal (Federative) Republic. It is a parliamentary democracy and its Constitution guarantees equal rights for all citizens regardless of gender, religion, race, national origin, social status or political conviction. The International Researcher’s Guide to Slovakia 13
which may hold a vote of no confidence at any time. The Parliament can hold a vote of no confidence in a single member of the Government, too.
Other state bodies are the Constitutional About Court of the Slovak Republic and the Supreme Audit Office of the Slovak Republic. Slovakia
The state administration is mostly executed State bodies at a central level. The central bodies The National Council of the Slovak devolve to regional levels. If needed, local Republic is a unicameral parliament state administration authorities establish and the country’s main legislative body. other authorities and offices in the regions. The National Council has 150 members elected for 4 year terms in direct elections. 2.5 Economy The electoral system is proportional representation. Parties are allocated The current economy of the Slovak Republic seats in the Parliament according to the is a result of a longterm development. percentage share of the votes they get In the past, agriculture presented the most in parliamentary elections. Only a party important part of Slovak economy. with at least 5 % of votes can obtain seats in the Parliament. The first manufactures in the territory of presentday Slovakia were established The President of the Slovak Republic in the 18th century, while modern industry is the Head of State elected for a fiveyear such as wood processing industry, term in a direct tworound election. paper‑making industry and chiefly The same person can be elected President flour‑milling industry started to develop for a maximum of two consecutive in the 19th century. 5 year terms. The current President of the Slovak Republic is Mr. Andrej Kiska After the establishment of Czechoslovakia (since June 2014). in 1918, Slovakia suffered from being a less‑developed part of the newly The Government of the Slovak Republic established republic. In Bohemia, Moravia is the highest tier of executive power and Silesia, 39 % of the population and consists of the Prime Minister, was employed in industry, and 31 % Deputy Prime Ministers and Ministers. in agriculture and forestry. In Slovakia, The Government is formed on the basis only 17.1 % of the population was of parliamentary elections (last one employed in industry, and 60.4 % worked held in March 2012). The Prime Minister in agriculture and forestry. After the world is appointed and can be dismissed economic crisis armaments companies, by the President. Upon the advice chemical works and footwear works of the Prime Minister, the President were built. During the interwar period, appoints and dismisses other members Czech capital predominated in Slovak of the Government. The Government industry, taking advantage of cheap raw is collectively responsible for the exercise materials and low wages, which resulted of governmental powers to the Parliament, in the growth of Slovak capital investment. 14 EURAXESS SLOVAKIA
After the WWII and the communist The fundamental tax reform was takeover in 1948, industry, transport and one of the most important initiatives banks were nationalised and agriculture of the Slovak government in the period collectivised. In that period, the armament 2002 – 2006. The tax reform has brought industry, metal and heavy industry a flat rate in direct income taxation since developed at the expense of traditional 2004. There was one linear percentage strengths in light and craft‑based rate of 19 % for both individuals and industries, such as textiles, clothing, corporations. Also from 2004, the unified glass and ceramics. The proportion of 19 % VAT rate was applied for all goods and Slovakia employment in industry and agriculture had services, although since January 1, 2011, gradually changed. While in 1948 agriculture the VAT was raised to 20 %. in Slovakia employed 60 % of workers,
About at the beginning of 1980 it amounted to app. The tax system faced a fundamental 18 % of the economically active population. redesign with having a progress tax system introduced as of 2013. The tax rate for the In 1991, privatisation became a part private individual’s income is 19 % of the tax of the extensive changes in the economic base not exceeding 176.8 times the current environment. It was connected with the amount of subsistence minimum including, liberalisation of prices; the achievement and 25 % of the tax base exceeding 176.8 of the internal convertibility of the currency; times the current amount of subsistence the liberalisation of foreign trade; and minimum (equal to 35,022.31 € in 2014 the opening up of the country to foreign with the subsistence minimum equal investors. The bulk of the industrial to 198.09 €/month since 1 July 2014). economy has been transferred to the For the legal entities, the rate is 22 % of private sector, including the key areas the tax base net of tax loss. The volume of machinery, chemical works, textiles, of the Slovak gross domestic product leather, shoes, glass, electronics and car amounted in 2013 to 73,593,200 €. manufacturing. In 1999, Slovak state banks Compared with 2012, GDP increased were privatised. At present, an estimated by 0.9 % at current prices. The annual 85 % of the economy is in private hands. average inflation in 2014, measured by the consumer price index, equalled to −0.1 % The agricultural sector, almost all of which in comparison with 2013 (source Eurostat is now privately owned, produces wheat – http://ec.europa.eu/eurostat) and barley, corn, sugar beet, potatoes, fruit, vegetables, sunflower and livestock Export revenues of Slovakia are (cattle, pigs, poultry, sheep and goats). increasing, mainly because of export to However, its relative economic contribution other EU countries. There is a sustained (lower than 5 % of GDP) is not substantial. tendency toward growth in foreign direct investments and Slovakia offers many Since 1998, the national government has investment opportunities for domestic and focused on macroeconomic stabilisation foreign investors. The strongest position and structural reforms to build a base is currently held by the automobile industry for longterm prosperity. In addition, and its subcontractors (Volkswagen, it has integrated the Slovak Republic with Peugeot-Citroën, Kia Motors). European and international organisations, such as the Organisation for Economic Slovakia’s largest exports include motor Co‑operation and Development (OECD), vehicles (cars), electronic equipment which the country joined in 2000. or petroleum oils. The International Researcher’s Guide to Slovakia 15
Slovakia is still trying to eliminate the insufficient employment opportunities. Bel, Matej – polyhistor (1684 – 1749) The unemployment rate was 13.4 % in 2014 (source The Statistical Office of the Slovak Polymath, educationist, scientist Republic – http://slovak.statistics.sk) and evangelical priest. He was one of the greatest scientific figures of the About 2.6 Significant scientists 18th century, referred to as the Magnum decus Hungariae – the Great Ornament born in Slovakia of Hungary. He made an important Slovakia contribution to pietism, was a pioneer Alexander, Vojtech in the field of collective research into (1857 – 1916) – radiologist the Hungarian nation, and carried out One of the world’s greatest comprehensive scientific, historical and radiologists and the geographical research. He was the co- founder of radiology in the author of a unique account of agriculture Hungarian Kingdom. He in the Hungarian Empire – the works described the development Hungaria antiquae et novae prodromus of tuberculosis and owned (1723), Aparatus ad historiam Hungariae the first X-ray apparatus in Slovakia. (1735 – 1736) and Notitia Hungariae novae historico-geographica. The University of Banská Bystrica bears his name. Bahýľ, Ján – engineer (1865 – 1916) Inventor of the motor-powered helicopter Blaškovič, Dionýz – virologist (1913 – 1998) (four years before Bréguet and Cornu). Ján Bahýľ was granted 7 patents for the Received international recognition invention of the tank pump, air balloons for his research into pathogenesis, combined with an air turbine, the first car the properties of biological and to run on petrol in Slovakia and a lift to biochemical bacteria, laboratory Bratislava Castle. virus mutation, and the ecology of the influenza virus and limpet encephalitis. Banič, Štefan – inventor (1870 – 1941) Lived in the USA from 1907 Gerster, Béla – engineer (1850 – 1923) to 1921. He constructed a prototype parachute Widely respected expert on water in 1913 which was constructions, designing the Panama registered at the and Corinth canal projects. He participated United States Patent Office. He was also in the 1876 international expedition to involved in improving mining productivity identify the most suitable route for an inter- and bridge construction. The parachute oceanic canal, and proposed the area has, of course, become a vital part between Panama and Colon. In 1881, of modern aviation. he was asked to project the Corinth canal, the construction of which started a year later and ended in 1893. He also marked out a railway from Athens to Larissa. 16 EURAXESS SLOVAKIA
He carried out the first public dissection Hell, Jozef Karol – mining engineer in Prague in 1600. He was also a Protestant (1713 – 1789) activist and was executed after the Battle Inventor of the water-pillar pump of Bíla Hora at the beginning of the Thirty machine, which pumps water from a depth Years War. of 212 meters and is still used for oil extraction. Kempelen, Ján Wolfgan – polytechnician and inventor
Slovakia Hell, Maximilián – astronomer (1734 – 1804) (1720 – 1792) Invented first fountain One of the greatest and pressure water
About astronomers of the piping, and designed 18th century and a chess machine, a director of the a talking machine Imperial Observatory and a typewriter in Vienna, Austria. for use by blind people. He correctly measured the distance between the Earth and the Sun in 1769 and calculated the Sun’s parallax. Lenard, Filip Anton Eduard – physicist (1862 – 1947) Born in Bratislava but later moved Ilkovič, Dionýz – chemist and physicist to Germany. Awarded the Nobel Prize (1907 – 1980) in 1905 for his work on cathode rays. A founder of Slovak physics. He played a distinguished part in elaborating the theory of polarography for which Mikovíny, Samuel – geodesist his teacher and collaborator Jaroslav and cartographer (1700 – 1750) Heyrovský was awarded a Nobel Prize in 1959. Invented an original cartographic method while working in Bratislava, where he surveyed and marked out the basic Jedlík, Štefan Anián triangulation polygon from Bratislava (1800 – 1895) – physicist Castle Tower via Zobor to Sitno and Constructed the electromagnetic rotor, Banská Bystrica. The Emperor Charles VI a predecessor of the modern electromotor, commissioned him to produce a collection three years before Farraday, and the of maps of Hungary. He also designed unipolar dynamo six years before fortified buildings and artificial water W. Siemens. reservoirs near the mines in the region of Banská Štiavnica. He also surveyed caves. In 1735, he became head of the first mining Jesenský Jessenius, high school in the Hungarian Kingdom. Ján – physician (1566 – 1621) Famous physician, Murgaš, Jozef – electrical engineer (1864 – 1929) anatomist and Rector of the Charles Lived in the USA, where he worked as University in Prague. a priest. He was also involved in electrical The International Researcher’s Guide to Slovakia 17 engineering and registered 12 patents remembered for his work on optical lenses in the field of wireless telegraphy. and lens aberration in early 1840’s (the He established different frequencies Petzval curvature is named after him) which for the dots and dashes in the Morse made possible the construction of modern code, thus accelerating the transmission cameras. Petzval produced an achromatic of messages. His other patents include portrait lens that was vastly superior to About the spinning reel (for fishing), the wave the simple meniscus lens used in that meter, the electric transformer, the time. Petzval won many distinctions for his magnetic detector and an engine producing work. A crater on the far side of the Moon Slovakia electromagnetic waves. He is often referred bears his name. (J. M. Petzval Museum, to as the “Slovak Edison”. Petzvalova ul. 3, Spišská Belá)
Pajdušáková, Ľudmila – astronomer Segner, Ján Andrej – physicist (1916 – 1979) and mathematician (1704 – 1777) The first Slovak woman astronomer, Designed a reactive a specialist in solar water engine known astronomy. She as the Segner made her name as wheel, and invented the discoverer of the water turbine 5 comets with her principle which Starlit Sky Atlases formed the basis for and Discoveries of the Comets. Other the functioning of examples of her scientific research included modern space rockets. the systematic observation of meteors (among them the Umid meteor shower in 1945) and observations of the Sun. Selye, Ján – physician (1907 – 1982) Her facsimile collection published in 1946, which included more than 11,000 meteorites Discovered the on 10,000 facsimiles, was at that time the stress reaction and second largest after the Harvard collection. the adaptation A small planet (3636) Pajdušáková = 1982 UJ2, syndrome; did research discovered in 1982, was named in memory into the killer illness of Ľudmila Pajdušáková by the International of the 20th century, Astronomic Union. coronary thrombosis. Moved to Canada where he established the “Institut de Medicine et Petzval, Jozef Maximilián de Chirurgie Experimentale”. – mathematician, optician, inventor (1807 – 1891) One of the Stodola, Aurel – engineer, professor foremost and inventor (1859 – 1942) European researchers Graduated in mechanical engineering in the 19th and worked as a professor at the Federal century. Polytechnic in Zurich, Switzerland. He He is best achieved his greatest successes in the area 18 EURAXESS SLOVAKIA
of steam and gas turbines, his calculations and constructions forming the basis of this Štúr, Ľudovít – politician, particular field of mechanical engineering. national activist and linguist (1815 – 1856) He constructed a movable artificial arm, known as Stodola’s arm, in 1915. He was The leading figure granted the most prestigious engineering in the Slovak awards – the Grashof Medal and the James revelation period Watt Gold Medal (1940). He was also in the 19th century. a corresponding member of the French Together with Jozef Slovakia Academy of Sciences. Miloslav Hurban and Michal Hodža, he codified modern Štefánik, Milan Rastislav – politician, About Slovak in 1844. soldier and astronomer Ľudovít Štúr’s (1880 – 1919) “Standard Slovak” The most important was published in 1846 in his “Náuka reči Slovak politician slovenskej” or “Theory of the Slovak participating in the language”. negotiations leading to the establishment of the Czechoslovak Thurzo, Viliam – physician (1912 – 1984) Republic in 1918. Originally a scientist, Founder of oncological research he studied astronomy and oncology in Slovakia. He discovered in Prague and Paris. the tumorous virus B77, which is still used Štefánik specialised in astrophysics as a model for research into the genesis and especially in solar physics. of tumours.
Štúr, Dionýz – geologist and botanist (1827 – 1893) Very active in the field of geology and the founder of outstanding collections. A director of the Imperial Geological Institute. The International Researcher’s Guide to Slovakia 19
3. Research in Slovakia
The Slovak research environment can be (state department research institutions) Research in Slovakia characterised by describing its research that are mostly financed from the state related legislation, by identifying Slovak budget, and in private research institutions research institutions, where you could financed by business sector. find a job or a collaboration, and finally by identifying funding opportunities The Ministry of Education, Science, (on national, bilateral, multilateral level) Research and Sport of the Slovak Republic for your research in Slovakia. (MESRS SR) is the central body that is responsible for creating conditions for S&T development, for costeffective utilisation 3.1 Legislative framework of state budget funds and coordination of of research activities of other central bodies, the Slovak Academy of Sciences and of universities, and development which are involved in the preparation in Slovakia and implementation of state S&T policy.
Research and development The support of R&D is realised by granting funds from the state budget in the form – its legal status of non-repayable subsidies. It can be The basic act in the area of research a purpose-oriented form of support on the and development (R&D) is the basis of public tender or an institutional form Act No. 172/2005 Coll. on Organisation of support. Funds within purpose‑oriented of State Support for Research form of support are granted for solving R&D & Development and on Amendment of the projects and infrastructure development Act No. 575/2001 Coll. on the Organisation projects through the Slovak Research of the Activities of the Government and and Development Agency, and projects on the Organisation of the Central State within state programmes. Funds within Administration as amended by later purpose‑oriented form of support are regulations of Act No. 233/2008 and granted to private enterprises and are Act No. 40/2011. The Act defines among considered as state support. Funds others the role of the Government of the within institutional form of support are Slovak Republic, Ministry of Education, granted for support of R&D at public and Science, Research and Sport of the Slovak state universities, in the Slovak Academy Republic and other central bodies of state of Sciences and in state department administration, position and roles of the research institutes. Slovak Research and Development Agency, conditions and forms of granting state Public and state universities are support, system of state programmes of educational, science and artist R&D and the information support for R&D. institutions established by separate act (the Act No. 131/2002 Coll. on Universities). R&D in the Slovak Republic is carried out The Slovak Academy of Science in particular at universities, institutes of is a selfgoverning science institution the Slovak Academy of Sciences and legal of the Slovak Republic established by entities, which have been established separate act (the Act No. 133/2002 Coll. by state administration central bodies on Slovak Academy of Sciences). 20 EURAXESS SLOVAKIA
3.2 Research institutions Legal and physical entities with offices in the Slovak Republic active in R&D are integrated in the following sectors: the higher education sector, the state sector, the private sector and the nonprofit sector. According to Act No. 172/2005 Coll., on the basis of competence evaluation, legal or natural person acquires certificate of competence to carry out research and development, and thus is entitled to seek funding from the state budget.
Research in Slovakia The certificate is issued and withdrawn by the Minister of Education, Science, Research Comenius University in Bratislava and Sport of the Slovak Republic upon (Univerzita Komenského v Bratislave) a proposal of an evaluation committee. – www.uniba.sk Constantine the Philosopher University in Nitra (Univerzita Konštantína Filozofa 3.2.1 Higher education sector v Nitre) – www.ukf.sk The Higher education sector consists J. Selye University in Komárno of 20 public higher education institutions, (Univerzita J. Selyeho v Komárne) 3 state higher education institutions and – www.selyeuni.sk, in Slovak 13 private higher education institutions. and Hungarian According to the Act on higher education Matej Bel University in Banská Bystrica institutions, these are third-level (Univerzita Mateja Bela v Banskej educational, scientific and art institutions. Bystrici) – www.umb.sk More detailed information is available Pavol Jozef Šafárik University in Košice at the websites of the respective higher (Univerzita Pavla Jozefa Šafárika education institutions. v Košiciach) – www.upjs.sk Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra Public higher education institutions (Slovenská poľnohospodárska univerzita Academy of Arts in Banská Bystrica v Nitre) – www.uniag.sk (Akadémia umení v Banskej Bystrici) Slovak University of Technology – www.aku.sk, in Slovak only in Bratislava (Slovenská technická Academy of Fine Arts and Design univerzita v Bratislave) – www.stuba.sk in Bratislava (Vysoká škola výtvarných Technical University in Zvolen umení v Bratislave) – www.vsvu.sk (Technická univerzita vo Zvolene) Academy of Performing Arts – www.tuzvo.sk in Bratislava (Vysoká škola múzických Technical University of Košice umení v Bratislave) – www.vsmu.sk (Technická univerzita v Košiciach) Alexander Dubček University of Trenčín – www.tuke.sk (Trenčianska univerzita Alexandra Trnava University in Trnava Dubčeka v Trenčíne) – www.tnuni.sk, (Trnavská univerzita v Trnave) in Slovak only – www.truni.sk Catholic University in Ružomberok University of Economics in Bratislava (Katolícka univerzita v Ružomberku) (Ekonomická univerzita v Bratislave) – www.ku.sk – www.euba.sk The International Researcher’s Guide to Slovakia 21
University of Prešov in Prešov Jána Albrechta v Banskej Štiavnici) (Prešovská univerzita v Prešove) – www.huaja.org – www.unipo.sk Media Academy, School of Media and University of Ss. Cyril and Methodius Marketing Communication in Bratislava Research in Slovakia in Trnava (Univerzita sv. Cyrila a Metoda (Akadémia médií, Odborná vysoká škola v Trnave) – www.ucm.sk mediálnej a marketingovej komunikácie University of Veterinary v Bratislave) – www.akademiamedii.sk, Medicine and Pharmacy in Košice in Slovak only (Univerzita veterinárskeho lekárstva Pan-European University in Bratislava a farmácie v Košiciach) – www.uvlf.sk (Paneurópska vysoká škola v Bratislave) University of Žilina in Žilina (Žilinská – www.paneurouni.com univerzita v Žiline) – www.uniza.sk School Goethe Uni Bratislava (Vysoká škola Goethe Uni Bratislava) – State higher education institutions www.guni.sk, in Slovak and German Academy of the Police Force in Bratislava School of Economics and Management (Akadémia Policajného zboru in Public Administration in Bratislava v Bratislave) – www.akademiapz.sk (Vysoká škola ekonómie a manažmentu Armed Forces Academy of General verejnej správy v Bratislave) Milan Rastislav Štefánik in Liptovský – www.vsemvs.sk Mikuláš (Akadémia ozbrojených síl gen. School of Management/City University M. R. Štefánika v Liptovskom Mikuláši) in Trenčín/Bratislava (Vysoká škola – www.aos.sk manažmentu v Trenčíne/Bratislave) Slovak Medical University in Bratislava – www.vsm.sk (Slovenská zdravotnícka univerzita St. Elizabeth University of Health v Bratislave) – www.szu.sk Care and Social Work in Bratislava (Vysoká škola zdravotníctva a sociálnej Private higher education institutions práce sv. Alžbety v Bratislave) Bratislava International School – www.vssvalzbety.sk, in Slovak only of Liberal Arts in Bratislava University of Central Europe in Skalica (Bratislavská medzinárodná škola (Stredoeurópska vysoká škola v Skalici) liberálnych štúdií v Bratislave) – www.sevs.sk – www.bisla.sk University of Security Management College Danubius in Sládkovičovo in Košice (Vysoká škola bezpečnostného (Vysoká škola v Sládkovičove) manažérstva v Košiciach) – www.vsdanubius.sk – www.vsbm.sk Dubnica Institute of Technology in Dubnica nad Váhom Foreign higher education institutions (Dubnický technologický inštitút Foreign higher education institutions v Dubnici nad Váhom) – www.dti.sk, provide higher education in the territory in Slovak only of the Slovak Republic in accordance International School of Management with legislation of the state of their ISM Slovakia in Prešov (Vysoká škola headquarters on the basis of the permission medzinárodného podnikania ISM issued by the MESRS SR. Slovakia v Prešove) – www.ismpo.sk, Banking Institute/College of Banking in Slovak only in Banská Bystrica – headquarters Ján Albrecht Music and Art in the Czech Republic (Bankovní institut Academy in Banská Štiavnica vysoká škola v Banskej Bystrici – sídlo (Hudobná a umelecká akadémia v Českej republike) – www.bivs.cz 22 EURAXESS SLOVAKIA
Fresenius University of Applied Sciences in Banská Bystrica – headquarters in Germany (Hochschule Fresenius v Banskej Bystrici – sídlo v Nemecku) – www.hs-fresenius.sk, in Slovak only Institute of Hospitality Management in Prague – headquarters in the Czech Republic (Vysoká škola hotelová v Praze. – sídlo v Českej republike) – www.vsh.cz Palacký University in Olomouc – headquarters in the Czech Republic (Univerzita Palackého v Olomouci – sídlo v Českej republike) – www.upol.cz
Research in Slovakia University College of International and The Slovak Academy of Sciences Public Relations Prague in Bratislava (www.sav.sk) – headquarters in the Czech Republic (Vysoká škola medzinárodních a veřejných Earth and Space Sciences vztahů Praha v Bratislave – sídlo Astronomical Institute, v Českej republike) – www.vip-vs.cz Tatranská Lomnica (www.astro.sk) Geological Institute, Bratislava 3.2.2 State research (www.geol.sav.sk) Geophysical Institute, Bratislava and development sector (http://gpi.savba.sk) The state R&D sector consists of research Institute of Geography, Bratislava institutes of the Slovak Academy (www.geography.sav.sk) of Sciences (SAS) and state sector R&D Institute of Hydrology, Bratislava organisations established by central (www.ih.savba.sk) state administration bodies. The SAS is a selfgoverning scientific organisation Mathematical and Physical Sciences of the Slovak Republic established by Institute of Experimental Physics, Košice special Act, the activity of which is aimed (www.uef.saske.sk) at the development of science, education, Institute of Physics, Bratislava culture and economy. The SAS conducts (www.fu.sav.sk) its research activity by means of research Mathematical Institute, Bratislava institutes established on the basis of either (www.mat.savba.sk) full or partial public funding. State sector R&D organisations funded in full or Engineering Sciences in part by the state are established by Institute of Construction the appropriate central administrative and Architecture, Bratislava bodies. More details can be found on (www.ustarch. sav.sk) the websites of the respective SAS research Institute of Electrical Engineering, institutes and state sector research Bratislava (www.elu.sav.sk) organisations. Institute of Geotechnics, Košice (www.saske.sk/UGT) Institute of Informatics, Bratislava (www.ui.sav.sk) Institute of Materials and Machine Mechanics, Bratislava (www.umms.sav.sk) The International Researcher’s Guide to Slovakia 23
Institute of Materials Research, Košice Institute of Botany, Bratislava (www.imr.saske.sk) (www.ibot.sav.sk) Institute of Measurement Science, Institute of Forest Ecology, Zvolen Bratislava (www.um.sav.sk) (www.savzv.sk) Research in Slovakia Institute of Landscape Ecology, Medical Sciences Bratislava (www.uke.sav.sk) Cancer Research Institute, Bratislava Institute of Parasitology, Košice (www.exon.sav.sk) (www.saske.sk/pau) Centre for Molecular Medicine, Institute of Plant Genetics Bratislava (www.mmc.sav.sk) and Biotechnology, Nitra Institute for Heart Research, Bratislava (www.pribina.savba.sk/ugbr) (www.usrd.sav.sk) Institute of Experimental Endocrinology, Historical Sciences Bratislava (www.endo.sav.sk) Institute of Archaeology, Nitra Institute of Experimental Pharmacology (www.archeol.sav.sk, in Slovak only) and Toxicology, Bratislava Institute of Ethnology, Bratislava (www.uef.sav.sk) (www.uet.sav.sk) Institute of Molecular Physiology Institute of History, Bratislava and Genetics, Bratislava (www.history.sav.sk) (www.umfg.sav.sk) Institute of Social Sciences, Košice Institute of Neurobiology, Košice (www.saske.sk/SVU) (www.neurobiology.sk) Institute of Neuroimmunology, Humanities and Social Sciences Bratislava (www.niu.sav.sk) Institute for Forecasting, Bratislava Institute of Normal and Pathological (www.prog.sav.sk) Physiology, Bratislava Institute for Research in Social (www.unpf.sav.sk) Communication, Bratislava Institute of Virology, Bratislava (www.kvsbk.sav.sk) (www.virology.sav.sk, in Slovak only) Institute for Sociology, Bratislava (www.sociologia.sav.sk) Biological and Chemical Sciences Institute of Economic Research, Institute of Chemistry, Bratislava Bratislava (www.ekonom.sav.sk) (www.chem.sk) Institute of Experimental Psychology, Institute of Inorganic Chemistry, Bratislava (www.psychologia.sav.sk) Bratislava (www.uach.sav.sk) Institute of Philosophy, Bratislava Institute of Molecular Biology, (www.klemens.sav.sk/fiusav) Bratislava (www.imb.savba.sk) Institute of Political Sciences, Bratislava Institute of Zoology, Bratislava (www.upv.sav.sk) (www.zoo.sav.sk) Institute of State and Law, Bratislava Polymer Institute, Bratislava (www.usap.sav.sk, in Slovak only) (www.polymer.sav.sk) Arts and Culture Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences Institute of Art History, Bratislava Institute of Animal Biochemistry (www.dejum.sav.sk) and Genetics, Ivanka pri Dunaji Institute of Musicology, Bratislava (www.ubgz.sav.sk) (www.uhv.sav.sk) Institute of Animal Physiology, Košice Institute of Oriental Studies, Bratislava (www.saske.sk/ufhz) (www.orient.sav.sk) 24 EURAXESS SLOVAKIA
Institute of Slovak Literature, Bratislava Slovak Film Institute, Bratislava (www.uslit.sav.sk, in Slovak only) (www.sfu.sk, in Slovak only, primary Institute of Theatre and Film Research, activity other than R&D) Bratislava (www.udfv.sav.sk) Slovak National Gallery, Bratislava Institute of World Literature, Bratislava (www.sng.sk, primary activity other (www.usvl.sav.sk) than R&D) Ján Stanislav Institute of Slavistics, Slovak National Library, Martin Bratislava (www.slavu.sav.sk) (www.snk.sk, primary activity other Ľudovít Štúr Institute of Linguistics, than R&D) Bratislava (www.juls.savba.sk) Slovak National Museum, Bratislava (www.snm.sk) Specialised organisations Slovak Technical Museum, Košice Arboretum Mlyňany, Vieska nad Žitavou (www.stm-ke.sk, primary activity other
Research in Slovakia (www.arboretum.sav.sk, in Slovak only) than R&D) Central Archives, Bratislava State Scientific Library, Banská Bystrica (www.archiv.sav.sk, in Slovak only) (www.svkbb.eu, in Slovak only, primary Computing Centre, Bratislava activity other than R&D) (www.vs.sav.sk, in Slovak only) State Scientific Library, Košice Encyclopaedic Institute, Bratislava (www.svkk.sk, primary activity other (www.encyclopaedia.sk, in Slovak only) than R&D) Institute of Technology, Bratislava State Scientific Library, Prešov (www.ti.sav.sk, in Slovak only) (www.svkpo.sk, primary activity other than R&D) Theatre Institute, Bratislava Other state research institutes (www.theatre.sk, primary activity other Ministry of Agriculture and Rural than R&D) Development of the Slovak Republic University Library, Bratislava (www.mpsr.sk) (www.ulib.sk, primary activity other National Agricultural and Food Centre, than R&D) Lužianky (www.nppc.sk, in Slovak only) National Forest Centre, Zvolen Ministry of Defence of the Slovak Republic (www.nlcsk.org) (www.mosr.sk, in Slovak only): State Forests of Tatra National Park, Central Military Hospital, Ružomberok Tatranská Lomnica (www.lesytanap.sk) (www.uvn.sk, primary activity other State Veterinary and Food Institute, Dolný than R&D) Kubín (www.svuba.sk, in Slovak only) Institute of Military History, Bratislava (www.vhu.sk) Ministry of Culture of the Slovak Republic (www.culture.gov.sk) Ministry of Education, Science, Research Monuments Board of the Slovak and Sport of the Slovak Republic Republic, Bratislava (www.pamiatky.sk) (www.minedu.sk) Museum of the Slovak National International Laser Centre, Bratislava Uprising, Banská Bystrica (www.ilc.sk) (www.muzeumsnp.sk, in Slovak only, IUVENTA – Slovak Youth Institute, primary activity other than R&D) Bratislava (www.iuventa.sk, primary Slovak Central Observatory, Hurbanovo activity other than R&D) (www.suh.sk, primary activity other National Institute for Education, than R&D) Bratislava (www.statpedu.sk) The International Researcher’s Guide to Slovakia 25
Research Institute for Children National Cancer Institute, Psychology and Pathopsychology, Bratislava, (www.nou.sk, in Slovak only, Bratislava (www.vudpap.sk) primary activity other than R&D) Slovak Centre of Scientific and Technical National Institute of Cardiovascular Research in Slovakia Information, Bratislava (www.cvtisr.sk, Diseases, Bratislava (www.nusch.sk, primary activity other than R&D) primary activity other than R&D) National Institute of Rheumatic Ministry of Environment of the Slovak Diseases, Piešťany (www.nurch.sk, Republic (www.minzp.sk) in Slovak only, primary activity other National nature protection of than R&D) the Slovak Republic, Banská Bystrica Regional Authority of Public Health, (www.sopsr.sk, in Slovak only, Banská Bystrica (www.vzbb.sk, primary activity other than R&D) primary activity other than R&D) Slovak Republic Environmental Agency, University Hospital, Martin Banská Bystrica (www.sazp.sk, in Slovak (www.unm.sk, in Slovak only, only, primary activity other than R&D) primary activity other than R&D) State Geological Institute of Dionýz University Hospital of Louis Pasteur, Štúr, Bratislava (www.geology.sk) Košice (www.unlp.sk, in Slovak only, Slovak Hydrometeorological Institute, primary activity other than R&D) Bratislava (www.shmu.sk, primary activity other than R&D) Ministry of Interior of the Slovak Republic Slovak Museum of Nature Protection (www.minv.sk) and Speleology, Liptovský Mikuláš Institute of Criminalistics and Forensic (www.smopaj.sk, in Slovak only, Expertise of the Police Force, Bratislava primary activity other than R&D) (www.minv.sk/?keupz, in Slovak only) Slovak Water Management Enterprise, Slovak National Archive, Bratislava Banská Štiavnica (www.svp.sk, in Slovak (www.minv.sk/?slovensky-narodny- only) archiv-1, in Slovak only) Water Research Institute, Bratislava Institute of Fire Technology (www.vuvh.sk) and Expertise, Bratislava Water Management Construction, (www.minv.sk/?home_PTEU, in Slovak Bratislava (www.wb.sk, in Slovak only, only) primary activity other than R&D) Ministry of Justice of the Slovak Republic Ministry of Health of the Slovak Republic (www.justice.gov.sk) (www.health.gov.sk) Judicial Academy of the Slovak Republic, Children’s University Hospital, Košice Pezinok (www.ja-sr.sk, primary activity (www.dfnkosice.sk, in Slovak only, other than R&D) primary activity other than R&D) Children’s University Hospital with Ministry of Labour, Social Affairs Health Centre, Banská Bystrica and Family of the Slovak Republic (www.dfnbb.sk, in Slovak only, (www.employment.gov.sk) primary activity other than R&D) Institute for Labour and Family Children’s University Hospital Research, Bratislava (www.sspr.gov.sk) with Health Centre, Bratislava (www.dfnsp.sk, in Slovak only, primary activity other than R&D) 26 EURAXESS SLOVAKIA
Other state non-departmental research www.skcris.sk. In the system you will find organisations also more details about the companies. Below we provide a list of approved Matica slovenská, Martin companies that are eligible to perform (Slovak Foundation), basic R&D as their activity (in case the R&D research, ethnography, literature, is a prevailing activity, it represents more linguistics, Slovak history than 50 % of all activities): (www.matica.sk, in Slovak only) ABE Projekt, s. r. o., Jaslovské Bohunice, Nation’s Memory Institute, Bratislava, natural sciences collects and process all kinds ABmerit – Ing. Peter Čarný, Trnava, of information related to the period natural sciences (www.abmerit.sk) of oppression in the years 1939 – 1989 ACP AuComp, s. r. o., Bratislava, (www.upn.sk) engineering and technology (www.acp.sk,
Research in Slovakia Public Health Authority of the Slovak primary activity other than R&D) Republic, Bratislava (www.uvzsr.sk, ADDSEN, s. r. o., Malacky, engineering primary activity other than R&D) and technology (www.addsen.eu, primary activity other than R&D) Geodesy, Cartography and Cadastre Aircraft Repair Company Trenčín, a. s., Authority of the Slovak Republic, Bratislava Trenčín, natural sciences (www.lotn.sk, (www.skgeodesy.sk, in Slovak only) primary activity other than R&D) Research Institute of Geodesy AllProjects, s. r. o., Prešov, engineering and Cartography, Bratislava and technology (www.allprojects.sk, (www.vugk.sk) in Slovak only, primary activity other than R&D) Slovak Office of Standards, Metrology Anima Technika, s. r. o., and Testing, Bratislava (www.unms.sk) Bratislava, natural sciences Slovak Institute of Metrology, Bratislava (www.animatechnika.com) (www.smu.sk) AQUASYSTEM, s. r. o., Bratislava, engineering and technology Statistical Office of the Slovak Republic (www.aquasystem.sk, primary activity (www.slovak.statistics.sk) other than R&D) INFOSTAT – Institute of Informatics AQUATEST, a. s. Slovakia, Košice, and Statistics, Bratislava natural sciences (www.aquatest.sk, (www.infostat.sk, in Slovak only) primary activity other than R&D) Ardaco, a. s., Bratislava, natural sciences 3.2.3 Private research (www.ardaco.com) AVANTEK, s. r. o., Nové Mesto and development sector nad Váhom, engineering and technology The R&D sector comprises also private (www.avantek.sk, primary activity companies active in research. In order to other than R&D) be officially recognised as an organisation Axxence Slovakia, s. r. o., Bratislava, eligible to perform research, these are engineering and technical sciences approved by the MESRS SR and listed at (www.axxence.de, primary activity www.vedatechnika.sk (Central information other than R&D) portal for research, development and BARANI DESIGN, s. r. o., Liptovský innovation) and in the Information system Mikuláš, engineering and technology on Science and Research – SK CRIS (www.baranidesign.com, primary (Current Research Information System) at activity other than R&D) The International Researcher’s Guide to Slovakia 27
BETAMONT, s. r. o., Zvolen, Chemosvit Fibrochem, a. s., Svit, engineering and technical sciences engineering and technology (www.betamont.sk, primary activity (www.fibrochem.sk, primary activity other than R&D) other than R&D) Research in Slovakia BetónRacio, s. r. o., Trnava, CHEZAR, s. r. o., Bratislava, engineering and technical sciences engineering and technology (www.betonracio.sk, primary activity (www.chezar.sk, in Slovak only, primary other than R&D) activity other than R&D) BIOMEDOX, s. r. o., Bratislava, Continental Matador Rubber, s. r. o., natural sciences (www.biomedox.sk) Púchov, natural sciences (www.matador.sk, BIONT, a. s., Bratislava, natural primary activity other than R&D) sciences (www.biont.sk, primary activity CSBC, s. r. o., Bratislava, engineering other than R&D) and technology (www.csbc.sk, primary Biorealis s. r. o., Bratislava, agriculture activity other than R&D) (www.biorealis.sk) Dairy Research Institute, a. s., bioTomal, s. r. o., Rúbaň, natural Žilina, engineering and technology sciences (www.biotomal.sk, in Slovak (www.vumza.sk, in Slovak only, only, primary activity other than R&D) primary activity other than R&D) BME Design, s. r. o., Tlmače, engineering Danubia NanoTech s. r. o., and technology Bratislava, natural sciences BPM Consulting, s. r. o., Košice, (www.danubiananotech.com) engineering and technology DARWELL, s. r. o., Bratislava, agriculture (www.bpmc.sk, primary activity other (primary activity other than R&D) than R&D) DAVOS trade – logistics, s. r. o., Bryndziaren a syráreň, s. r. o. – bryndza Krupina, engineering and technology and cheeses factory, Zvolenská Slatina, (www.davos-tl.sk, in Slovak only, natural sciences (www.bryndziaren.sk, primary activity other than R&D) primary activity other than R&D) DB Biotech, s. r. o., Košice, natural Business and Drive, s. r. o., Malacky, sciences (www.dbbiotech.com, engineering and technology primary activity other than R&D) (www.businessanddrive.sk, DECOM, a. s., Trnava, engineering primary activity other than R&D) and technology (www.decom.sk, CEIT, a. s., Žilina, natural sciences primary activity other than R&D) (www.ceitgroup.eu) DEKONTA Slovensko, s. r. o., CEIT Technical Innovation, s. r. o., Bratislava, natural sciences Žilina, engineering and technology (www.dekontaslovensko.sk, in Slovak (www.ceittechinnovation.eu) only, primary activity other than R&D) Cenekon, s. r. o., Bratislava, Driving Academy, s. r. o., engineering and technology Orechová Potôň, natural sciences (www.cenekon.sk, in Slovak only, (www.drivingacademy.sk, primary activity other than R&D) primary activity other than R&D) Central European Education Institute, East-Slovak Institute of Cardiovascular s. r. o., Bratislava, social sciences Diseases, a. s., Košice, medical sciences (www.vip-vs.sk, in Slovak only) (www.vusch.sk, in Slovak only, primary Chemko, a. s. Slovakia, Bratislava, activity other than R&D) engineering and technology Ecoland, s. r. o., Trnava, natural sciences (www.chemko.sk, primary activity other EKOSPOL, a. s., Žilina, natural sciences than R&D) (www.ekospol.sk, in Slovak only) 28 EURAXESS SLOVAKIA
EkoWatt, s. r. o., Bratislava, Geodeticca Vision, s. r. o., Košice, engineering and technology natural sciences (www.geodeticca.sk) (www.ekowatt.sk, in Slovak only) Georganics, s. r. o., Bratislava, natural EL, s. r. o., Spišská Nová Ves, sciences (www.georganics.sk) natural sciences (www.elsro.sk, GetWell, a. s., Kolíňany, natural sciences primary activity other than R&D) (www.getwell.sk, primary activity other ELTECO, a. s., Žilina, engineering and than R&D) technology (www.elteco.sk, in Slovak GISTA, s. r. o., Prešov, natural sciences only, primary activity other than R&D) (www.gista.sk) Environmental Institute, s. r. o., Koš, GoldenSUN Slovakia, s. r. o., engineering and technology (www.ei.sk) Liptovský Mikuláš, natural sciences ErasData-Pro, s. r. o., Bratislava, (www.goldensun.sk, in Slovak only) natural sciences (www.erasdatapro.sk, GRADIENT Slovakia, s. r. o.,
Research in Slovakia primary activity other than R&D) Bratislava, natural sciences ESPRIT, s. r. o., Banská Štiavnica, (www.gradientecm.com, primary activity natural sciences (www.esprit-bs.sk, other than R&D) primary activity other than R&D) GT Systems 2, s. r. o., Detva, natural EUROFINS BEL/NOVAMANN, s r. o., sciences (www.gtsystems2.sk, primary Nové Zámky, natural sciences activity other than R&D) (www.eurofins.sk, primary activity other H&H studio, s. r. o., Nové Zámky, than R&D) engineering and technology EVPÚ a. s., Nová Dubnica, engineering (primary activity other than R&D) and technology (www.evpu.sk, primary HAKO, a. s., Liptovský Mikuláš, natural activity other than R&D) sciences (www.hako.sk, primary activity First Welding Company, a. s., engineering other than R&D) and technology (www.pzvar.sk, primary hameln rds a. s., Modra, natural activity other than R&D) sciences (www.hameln-rds.com) Fortischem, a. s., Nováky, engineering Highchem, s. r. o., Bratislava, and technology (primary activity engineering and technology other than R&D) (www.highchem.com, primary activity FUSION, Advanced Research other than R&D) Group, s. r. o., Bratislava, natural HORDEUM, s. r. o., Sládkovičovo, sciences (www.mental.sk) agriculture (www.hordeum.sk) GBASE, s. r. o., Bratislava, natural InnoDriveSTU, s. r. o., sciences (www.gbase.sk, in Slovak Bratislava, natural sciences and Russian only, primary activity other (www.innodrivestu.com, in Slovak only, than R&D) primary activity other than R&D) Gtrend, s. r. o., Bratislava, Institute of Economics and Civil natural sciences (www.gtrend.sk, Engineering, s. r. o., Bratislava, natural primary activity other than R&D) sciences (www.use-sk.sk) GA Drilling, a. s., Bratislava, Institute of Nuclear and Molecular engineering and technology Medicine, Košice, medical sciences (www.gadrilling.com) (www.inmm.sk, in Slovak only, Geneton, s. r. o., Bratislava, primary activity other than R&D) natural sciences (www.geneton.sk) Intech Slovakia, s. r. o., Bratislava, GEOCOMPLEX, a. s., Bratislava, engineering and technology natural sciences (www.geocomplex.sk, (www.intechenergo.sk, in Slovak only, primary activity other than R&D) primary activity other than R&D) The International Researcher’s Guide to Slovakia 29
IPM Engineering, s. r. o., Zvolen, LIKO Bratislava, a. s., Bratislava, engineering and technology engineering and technologies (www.ipmeng.sk) (primary activity other than R&D) ITALL, s. r. o., Žilina, natural sciences LOX Technologies – Ing. Eduard Research in Slovakia (www.itall.sk, in Slovak only, primary Burian, engineering and technologies activity other than R&D) (www.loxtechnologies.com, IVMA STU, s. r. o., Bratislava, primary activity other than R&D) engineering and technology MEDICPRODUCT, a. s., Lipany, natural (www.ivmastu.sk) sciences (www.medicproduct.sk, K W D, s. r. o., Zvolen, engineering primary activity other than R&D) and technology (www.kwd.sk) Medirex, a. s., Bratislava, KMSYSTÉM, s. r. o., Prešov, natural medical sciences sciences (www.km-system.sk, in Slovak (www.laboratornadiagnostika.sk, only, primary activity other than R&D) in Slovak only, primary activity other Kompozitum, s. r. o., Topoľčany, than R&D) engineering and technology Mesnac European Research and (www.kompozitum.sk, primary activity Technical Centre, s. r. o., Dubnica nad other than R&D) Váhom, engineering and technologies KONŠTRUKTA – Defence, a. s., Dubnica (www.mertc.com) nad Váhom, engineering and technology METRODAT, s. r. o., Bratislava, (www.kotadef.sk) engineering and technology KONŠTRUKTA – Industry, a. s., (www.metrodat.eu) Trenčín, engineering and technology MIA Engineering, s. r. o., Dubnica nad (www.kotaind.sk, primary activity Váhom, engineering and technologies other than R&D) (www.miae.sk, in Slovak only, KPM CONSULT, a. s., Bratislava, primary activity other than R&D) engineering and technology MicroStep, s. r. o., Bratislava, (www.kpmconsult.cz, primary activity engineering and technology other than R&D) (www.microstep.sk, primary activity KRD molecular technologies, s. r. o., other than R&D) Bratislava, natural sciences MicroStep – MIS, s. r. o., (www.krd.sk, in Slovak only, Bratislava, natural sciences primary activity other than R&D) (www.microstep-mis.com, primary KŘIŽÍK GBI, a. s., Prešov, engineering activity other than R&D) and technology (www.gbi.krizik.sk, NanoDesign, s. r. o., Bratislava, primary activity other than R&D) engineering and technology KVANT, s. r. o., Bratislava, natural (www.nanodesign.sk) sciences (www.kvant.sk, primary activity NATURES, s. r. o., Trnava, other than R&D) engineering and technology KZLM – TILIA, s. r. o., Liptovský (www.natures.sk, in Slovak only, primary Mikuláš, engineering and technology activity other than R&D) (www.tilia.sk, in Slovak only, primary NES Nová Dubnica, s. r. o., activity other than R&D) Nová Dubnica, engineering LiAxx Biotech, s. r. o., Bratislava, and technology (www.nes.sk, primary engineering and technology activity other than R&D) (primary activity other than R&D) Normex, s. r. o., Nitra, natural sciences LIGNOPROJEKT Slovakia, s. r. o., (primary activity other than R&D) Bratislava, engineering and technology Novativ, s. r. o., Čadca, natural sciences 30 EURAXESS SLOVAKIA
OLTIS Slovakia, s. r. o., Bratislava, SEZ Krompachy, a. s., Krompachy, engineering and technology engineering and technology (www.oltisgroup.cz) (www.sez-krompachy.sk, PARKBOX, s. r. o., Bratislava, primary activity other than R&D) engineering and technology sféra, a. s., Bratislava, engineering (primary activity other than R&D) and technology (www.sfera.sk) PHOSTEC, s. r. o., Žarnovica, engineering SKALIMENTI, s. r. o., Pezinok, and technology (www.phostec.eu) natural sciences Polychem, s. r. o., Prievidza, Slovak Productivity Centre, Žilina, natural sciences (www.polychem.sk, engineering and technology in Slovak only, primary activity other (www.slcp.sk) than R&D) SMME – STU, s. r. o., Bratislava, POWERTEC, s. r. o., Bratislava, engineering and technology
Research in Slovakia engineering and technology (www.stuscientific.sk/content/smme- (www.powertec.sk, in Slovak only) stu-s-r-o, in Slovak only) ProFood, s. r. o., Pezinok, natural sciences Software – Industry, s. r. o., Bratislava, Pulp and Paper Research Institute, a. s., natural sciences (www.tind.sk/swindustry, Bratislava, engineering and technology primary activity other than R&D) (www.vupc.sk) SOVA Digital, a. s., Bratislava, Qintec, s. r. o., Trnava, natural sciences engineering and technology (www.qintec.sk, primary activity (www.sova.sk, in Slovak only, other than R&D) primary activity other than R&D) RDAS, s. r. o., Žilina, engineering SPINEA Technologies, s. r. o., and technology (www.r-das.sk) Prešov, engineering and technology RELKO, s. r. o., Bratislava, engineering (www.spinea-technologies.com, and technology (www.relko.sk) in Slovak only, primary activity other Research Institute for Man-Made Fibres, than R&D) a. s., Svit, natural sciences (www.vuchv.sk, St. Elizabeth Cancer Institute, primary activity other than R&D) s. r. o., Bratislava, natural sciences Research Institute of ICT (www.ousa.sk, in Slovak only, primary in Construction, s. r. o., Košice, social activity other than R&D) sciences (www.vusi.sk, in Slovak only) STATOS, s. r. o., Bratislava, natural RMC, s. r. o., Nová Dubnica, sciences (www.statos.sk, in Slovak only, natural sciences (www.rmc.sk, primary primary activity other than R&D) activity other than R&D) STUVITAL, s. r. o., Bratislava, RMR studio, s. r. o., Zvolen, natural natural sciences (www.stuvital.sk, sciences (www.rmrstudio.sk, in Slovak in Slovak only) only, primary activity other than R&D) Sylex, s. r. o., Bratislava, RT systems, s. r. o., Bratislava, natural sciences (www.sylex.sk, primary natural sciences (primary activity other activity other than R&D) than R&D) SYNKOLA, s. r. o., Bratislava, Scientica, s. r. o., Bratislava, natural sciences (www.synkola.sk) natural sciences (www.scientica.sk, SYPRIN – Industrial informatics in Slovak only) systems, s. r. o., Bratislava, natural SELEKT – Research and Breeding sciences (www.syprin.sk, in Slovak only, Institute, a. s., Bučany, agriculture primary activity other than R&D) (www.selekt.sk, in Slovak only, primary TIndustry, s. r. o., Myjava, engineering activity other than R&D) and technology (www.tind.sk) The International Researcher’s Guide to Slovakia 31
TAUCHEM, s. r. o., Bratislava, agriculture (www.vsuz.sk, in Slovak only, natural sciences (www.tau-chem.sk) primary activity other than R&D) TECHNISERV, s. r. o., Bratislava, VUCHT, a. s., Bratislava, engineering engineering and technology and technology (www.vucht.sk, primary Research in Slovakia (www.techniserv.sk, primary activity activity other than R&D) other than R&D) VÚEZ, a. s., Levice, engineering TEKMAR SLOVENSKO, s. r. o., Lužianky, and technology (www.vuez.sk, primary natural sciences (www.tekmar.sk, activity other than R&D) primary activity other than R&D) VÚIS – CESTY (Roads), s. r. o., Transmisie Engineering, a. s., Bratislava, engineering and technology Martin, engineering and technology (www.vuis-cesty.sk) (www.transmisie.sk, primary activity VÚIS Bridges, s. r. o., Bratislava, other than R&D) engineering and technology Transport Research Institute, a. s., (primary activity other than R&D) Žilina, engineering and technology VÚIS Building Chemistry, s. r. o., (www.vud.sk) Bratislava, engineering and technology Tuvatech, s. r. o., Trenčín, engineering VÚJE Trnava, a. s., Trnava, engineering and technology (www.tuvatech.sk) and technology (www.vuje.sk) U. S. Steel Košice, s. r. o., Košice, VUKI, a. s., Bratislava, engineering engineering and technology and technology (www.vuki.sk, primary (www.usske.sk, primary activity activity other than R&D) other than R&D) VUP, a. s., Prievidza, engineering ÚEOS – Komercia, a. s., Bratislava, and technology (www.vupas.sk, social sciences (www.ueos.sk, in Slovak primary activity other than R&D) only, primary activity other than R&D) VÚRUP, a. s., Bratislava, natural UNI&Co., s. r. o., Bratislava, engineering sciences (www.vurup.sk, in Slovak only, and technology (www.unicoas.sk, primary activity other than R&D) primary activity other than R&D) VÚSAPL, a. s., Nitra, engineering UNICOL, s. r. o., Poprad, and technology (www.vusapl.sk, natural sciences (www.unicol.sk, primary activity other than R&D) primary activity other than R&D) VÚTCH – CHEMITEX, s. r. o., VÁHOSTAV – SK, a. s., Bratislava, Žilina, engineering and technology engineering and technology (www.vutch.sk) (www.vahostav-sk.sk, in Slovak VÝVOJ Martin, a. s., Martin, engineering and Russian only, primary activity and technology (www.vyvoj.sk, other than R&D) primary activity other than R&D) VETSERVIS, s. r. o., Nitra, natural WAY INDUSTRIES, a. s., Krupina, sciences (www.vetservis.sk, in Slovak engineering and technology (www.way.sk, only, primary activity other than R&D) primary activity other than R&D) VIA MAGNA, s. r. o., Vrútky, humanities ZELSEED, a. s., Horná Potôň, agriculture (www.viamagna.eu.sk) (www.zelseed.sk, in Slovak only, VIPO, a. s., Partizánske, engineering primary activity other than R&D) and technologies (www.vipo.sk, ZTS VVÚ Košice, a. s., Košice, primary activity other than R&D) engineering and technology VIS GRAVIS, s. r. o., Bratislava, (www.ztsvvu.eu) natural sciences (www.visgravis.sk) ŽP Research and Development Centre, VŠÚZ, a. s. (Potato Research s. r. o., Podbrezová, engineering and Breeding Institute), Veľká Lomnica, and technology (www.zpvvc.sk) 32 EURAXESS SLOVAKIA
3.2.4 Non-profit sector of research EPPP – European Public Policy & development Partnership, Bratislava, social sciences (www.eppp.sk) Nonprofit sector of R&D comprises EsFem, Prešov, natural sciences of civic associations and nonprofit (www.esfem.sk, in Slovak only, primary organisations engaging in the area of R&D. activity other than R&D) These nonprofit organisations are eligible EUROIURIS – European Legal to perform R&D as their activity: Centre, o. z., Bratislava, social sciences Academia Istropolitana Nova, (www.euroiuris.sk) Svätý Jur, humanities (www.ainova.sk, GEODETICCA TECHNOLOGICAL primary activity other than R&D) INSTITUTE, n. o., Košice, natural Academic Ranking and Rating Agency, sciences (www.geodeticca.sk, primary Bratislava, social sciences (www.arra.sk) activity other than R&D)
Research in Slovakia AMAVET, n. o. – Association for Youth, ICARST, n. o., Bratislava, natural Science and Technology, Bratislava, sciences (www.icarst.org, primary natural sciences (www.amavet.sk) activity other than R&D) Aqua Vita – Živá voda, Liptovský INSTITUTE OF APPRAISAMENT AND Mikuláš, engineering and technology EDUCATION+, Bratislava, humanities (primary activity other than R&D) (www.exedi.sk, in Slovak only) Association of Research and MEDIREX GROUP ACADEMY, n. o., Development Industrial Organisations, Bratislava, medical sciences, Bratislava, natural sciences (www.medirexgroupacademy.sk) (www.zpvvo.sk, primary activity other Prevencia AD, Pezinok, social sciences than R&D) (www.prevenciaad.vacau.com, in Slovak BAKOMI, Banská Štiavnica, social only, primary activity other than R&D) sciences (www.bakomi.sk, in Slovak Railway Transport Cluster, n. o., Poprad, only, primary activity other than R&D) engineering and technology BIOMASA, Association of legal entities, Raptor Protection of Slovakia, Bratislava, Kysucký Lieskovec, engineering and natural sciences (www.dravce.sk, primary technology (www.biomasa.sk, primary activity other than R&D) activity other than R&D) Research Institute of Posts and BROZ – Regional Association for Telecommunications, n. o., Banská Nature Conservation and Sustainable Bystrica, engineering and technology Development, Bratislava, natural (www.vus.sk) sciences (www.broz.sk, in Slovak only, School of Communication and primary activity other than R&D) Media, n. o., Bratislava, social sciences Building Testing and Research (www.skamba.sk) Institute, n. o., Bratislava, engineering Slovak Association of Business Process and technology (www.tsus.sk, Management, n. o., Košice, engineering primary activity other than R&D) and technology (www.sapria.sk, CELIM Slovakia, Trnava, natural in Slovak only, primary activity other sciences (www.celim.sk, in Slovak only, than R&D) primary activity other than R&D) Slovak European Law Association, Centre for Development of Chemical Bratislava, social sciences and Pharmaceutical Industry, Nitra, (www.saep.sk, in Slovak only) natural sciences (primary activity other Slovak Governance Institute, Bratislava, than R&D) natural sciences (www.governance.sk) The International Researcher’s Guide to Slovakia 33
Slovak Legal Metrology, Banská Bystrica, So far, institutional support of S&T of HEI engineering and technology (www.slm.sk, sector and the Slovak Academy of Sciences primary activity other than R&D) from the state budget predominates over Slovak Public Health Association, programme-based purpose-oriented form Research in Slovakia Košice, natural sciences (www.savez.sk, of support. Research spending per capita primary activity other than R&D) was 112.8.2 € and per 1 employee of R&D Society for Bat Protection of Slovakia, was almost 22 thousand € in 2013 There n. o., Bardejov, natural sciences has been registered decrease in R&D (www.netopiere.sk, in Slovak only, personnel from 28,880 in 2012 to 27,823 primary activity other than R&D) in 2013, i.e. decline by 1,057 employees Transport Research Company, Bratislava of R&D. This negative trend should be (www.dvs-eu.sk, in Slovak only) reversed by measures making the research VEDUTA, Hronsek, engineering and career more attractive in accordance with technology (www.veduta.eu, in Slovak the strategic document: Research and only, primary activity other than R&D) innovation strategy for smart specialisation Welding Research Institute – Industrial (RIS 3 SK – see below). (source: Yearbook Institute of the Slovak Republic, Bratislava, of Science and Technology in the Slovak engineering and technology (www.vuz.sk, Republic 2014, Statistical Office of the primary activity other than R&D) Slovak Republic, http://slovak.statistics.sk, Young Physicists’ Tournament, section Products > Publication of the Bratislava, natural sciences catalogues; http://statdat.statistics.sk; (www.tmfsr.sk, in Slovak only) Report on the state-of-the-art of research and development in the Slovak Republic Support service in innovative processes for 2013, Ministry of Education, Science, development in SMEs and technology Research and Sport of the Slovak Republic – transfer is provided by the Business https://www.minedu.sk/data/att/7289.pdf, and Innovation Centre (BIC) Bratislava, in Slovak only). www.bic.sk, which is a member of the European Enterprise Network. The system of R&D funding at national level is governed by the Act No. 172/2005 Coll. on The complete database of R&D Organisation of State Support for Research organisations can be found on the website and Development as amended by later www.skcris.sk. regulations. Subsidies for solving research tasks are granted to entitled applicants 3.3 R&D funding through grant agencies (in particular the Slovak Research and Development Agency) at national level and state programmes for R&D support. In 2013, spending on R&D stood at 0.85 % of GDP. In total about 610.9 million € was Since 2014, the Research and innovation spent on R&D in 2013, 52 % came from strategy for smart specialisation of the public funds (38.9 % from government Slovak Republic for 2014 – 2020 is in force sources) and 48 % from private sources. (RIS3 SK). Its overall goal is to contribute to Capital expenditures represented 15.9 % strengthening of the key industry anchoring and current expenditures 84.1 %. Basic and to diversification of the economy by research was in 2013 supported by 44.1 % a strong increase of the own research, of the R&D budget, applied research was innovation and creativity usage. Other financed by 23.8 % of R&D budget and aims and principles include strengthening 32.1 % went to development funding. of excellence and of internationalisation 34 EURAXESS SLOVAKIA
of science and technology, research it is a successor of the previous agency and development capacity building, running since 2001. In the period of years innovation capacity in economic practice 2014 – 2020 expenditure on operations and building, and promoting a business programmes of APVV are planned in the environment favourable for innovation amount of 316 million €, which means and its internationalisation. The RIS3 SK tripled resources and a transformation of strategy also defines priorities of research the agency is projected. and development to be funded in the forthcoming years via national funding The agency acts in compliance with schemes but also via EU structural funds. the longterm objective of state S&T policy and its programmes are approved by Research and Development priorities: the Government of the Slovak Republic. 1. Material research and Nanotechnology
Research in Slovakia 2. Information and Communication The Agency supports research and technologies development (basic and applied research 3. Biomedicine and Biotechnology and experimental development) by providing funds for the implementation Technological priorities: of the following types of the projects: 4. Industrial technologies research and development projects in all 5. Sustainable Energy fields of science and technology; 6. Environment and Agriculture within the Agency’s programmes; under international agreements on Social priorities: scientific and technological co‑operation 7. Selected areas of social sciences and projects within international (with respect to the most pressing programmes and initiatives in the field problems of the Slovak society) of research and development, including costs of their preparations. Research and development projections are included within the national goals Projects can be submitted to the Agency of the Slovak Republic outgoing from within Agency’s Calls for Proposals. the Europe 2020 strategy. It is presumed The agency usually supports projects to increase the overall level of public with the period of solving not exceeding and private investments in research three years. and development to 1.2 % of the GDP by 2020. The Agency provides funding on the basis of grant schemes. A grant scheme 3.3.1 State research funding represents a system for the support of research and development activities, which agencies specifies the fields of promotion of joint research and development programmes; Slovak Research & Development Agency the criteria for evaluating project proposals; Slovak Research and the forms of providing funds. Development Agency – SRDA (Agentúra Grant schemes are focused on: na podporu výskumu a vývoja – APVV) General Calls – is the major R&D grant agency in the Bilateral Co‑operation Slovak Republic. It was established by Multilateral Co‑operation the Act No.172/2005 in July 2005 and The International Researcher’s Guide to Slovakia 35
General Calls – Research and Further programmes of APVV might be development support in all scientific areas envisaged in the future, especially aiming The general call has no pre-defined at the support of: thematic priorities, bottom-up approach human resources – professional growth Research in Slovakia is applied. Specialisation, objectives and of R&D employees, stabilising of the subject content of R&D project are defined excellent research groups and creating by the applicant Projects in the following conditions for receiving and returning of groups of disciplines are supported: natural highly-qualified researchers from abroad; sciences, technological sciences, medical companies – new innovative technologies, sciences, agricultural sciences, social increase of research and development sciences and humanities. capacities and technology transfer; international co‑operation – support Bilateral scientific and technological of preparation project proposals to be co‑operation submitted under Horizon 2020 schemes. On the basis of international agreements concluded by the Ministry of Education, More information: Science, Research and Sport of the Slovak www.apvv.sk Republic, calls for submitting projects on bilateral research co‑operation are VEGA – Science Grant Agency regularly published. Science Grant Agency (VEGA) is a grant The projects of bilateral co‑operation agency of the Ministry of Education, are intended to have these objectives: Science, Research and Sport of the Slovak preparation of joint international Republic (MESRS SR) and the Board of the projects; Slovak Academy of Sciences. Researchers preparation of joint publications from universities in the Slovak Republic, and other outputs; from the Slovak Academy of Sciences and common active participation from organisations directly controlled in conferences as an output from joint by the MESRS SR may apply for financial R&D activities; support within the agency. VEGA accepts mutual use of special laboratory applications for grants for scientific equipment; projects that solve problems of basic research materials collection. research. A project submitted to VEGA must represent a proposal for a solution to Maximum duration of projects is 24 months. an integral mono-topical scientific problem The financial support is strictly limited to within a specific time frame. There are no shortterm participants’ mobility. More pre-defined thematic priorities, bottom-up about bilateral S&T co‑operation can be approach is applied. Calls for submitting found in chapter 3.4.1. proposals are published annually by the MESRS SR, with the deadline usually Multilateral Co‑operation – support in April of the calendar year prior to the year of activities engaged in international of implementation. co‑operation: Call for additional funding of R&D projects More information: within EU Framework Programmes. website of the MESRS SR: www.minedu.sk (www.minedu.sk/vedecka-grantova- More about multilateral co‑operation agentura-msvvas-sr-a-sav-vega/, can be found in chapter 3.6. in Slovak only) 36 EURAXESS SLOVAKIA
KEGA – Cultural and Education Grant in compliance with the longterm objective Agency of state S&T policy and are approved by the Government of the Slovak Republic. The Cultural and Education Grant Agency (KEGA) is an internal grant agency of the More information: MESRS SR focused on financial support website of the MESRS SR: www.minedu.sk. of projects of applied research in the field of education and creative art in defined 3.3.3 EU structural funds thematic areas. Applicants from public universities may apply for the financial In the period 2014 – 2020, there will be support from KEGA. Thematic priorities 2 operational programmes focused on and calls for submitting proposals education, research and development for the forthcoming calendar year are under the responsibility of MESRS SR – OP
Research in Slovakia published annually by the MESRS SR Human Resources and OP Research and usually in May/April of the calendar year Innovation. There should be announced prior to the year of implementation. first calls for proposals under these OPs in 2015. More information: website of the MESRS SR: www.minedu.sk Operational Programme Research (www.minedu.sk/kulturna-a-edukacna- and Innovation grantova-agentura-msvvas-sr-kega/, in Slovak only) The Programme aims to enhance innovation activity and the competitiveness 3.3.2 State programmes of enterprises, in particular SMEs, in order to increase their added value, for research & development stimulate growth and job creation and support improve the performance of the research The Act No. 172/2005 Coll. lays down and innovation (R&I) system. It will two types of state programmes: state mobilise private investments in R&I and programme of R&D and state programme promote co‑operation between research of R&D infrastructure development. organisations, higher education and the The state programme of R&D is business sector. The Programme covers all implemented by means of R&D projects regions in Slovakia and is the main tool for in the given thematic area aimed at solving implementing the country’s R&I Strategy key problems of social and economic for Smart Specialisation. development within society. The state programme of R&D infrastructure The OP Research and Innovation is built development is implemented in the form upon 4 thematic priority axes and one of development projects and is aimed priority axis aimed at technical assistance. at creating and improving conditions It will be targeted at thematic goals for R&D projects solving in particular of Supporting research, technological by means of technology infrastructure development and innovation and modernisation, increasing qualification, Enhancing the competitiveness of SMEs. support of mobility, establishing Thematic priority axes are: excellence centres and transfer of R&D Support of research, development outcomes into practice. Proposals of state and innovations programmes are elaborated by the MESRS Support of research, development SR in co‑operation with involved partners and innovations in Bratislava region The International Researcher’s Guide to Slovakia 37
Enhancement of competitiveness Municipalities with the most deprived and growth of SMEs marginalised Roma communities will Development of competitive SMEs gain from an integrated funding approach in Bratislava region combining ESF and ERDF investments Research in Slovakia into people and infrastructure. Total allocation for OP R&I is almost A comprehensive approach to 2267 billion € (EU contribution), of which development needs of these communities 79,22 % is aimed at thematic goal 1 Support will involve outreach activities, help to of research, technology development and weaker pupils, financial literacy and innovations and 17,69 % is allocated to health awareness initiatives, social the thematic goal Enhancement of SMEs housing and support to social enterprises. competitiveness. Thematic priority axes are: Education Operational Programme Youth employment initiative Human Resources Employability Investing in human capital and helping Social inclusion people to enter the labour market will be Integration of marginalised Roma top priorities under this programme, which communities will be instrumental in helping Slovakia Technical infrastructure of municipalities to respond to the Europe 2020 priorities with marginalised Roma communities and country specific recommendations for policy reforms under the European Semester Total allocation for OP HR is almost in education, employment and social inclusion. 2205 billion € (EU contribution).
Investments will be focused on three main More information: areas: website of the European Commission, A strong emphasis is placed on DG for Regional Policy: combating youth unemployment. The http://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy funds will finance initiatives to improve website of the MESRS SR: education and training systems and OP Research and Innovation: www.minedu. ensure young people get the right sk/operacny-program-vyskum-a-inovacie/ skills that improve their employment (in Slovak only) prospects. Quality early childhood education and care to reconcile parents’ OP Human Resources: www.minedu. work-life balance and support children’s sk/operacny-program-ludske-zdroje/ development as well as vocational (in Slovak only) education to reinforce the provision of work-based learning in companies are Other sources of R&D funding in Slovakia further areas for investment. Projects will help people in difficulties Apart from public/state funding resources and those from disadvantaged groups (including EU Structural Funds) R&D is to have the same opportunities as others also financed by the private sector and to improve their study outcomes, find non‑governmental nonprofit organisations. jobs and integrate into society. Children, In addition to national funding, R&D is unemployed or people with disabilities also funded from international resources, are all among those who will benefit e.g. from EU research and technological the most. development framework programmes. 38 EURAXESS SLOVAKIA
3.3.4 National Scholarship Liechtenstein, Republic of Macedonia, Programme of the Slovak Moldova, Montenegro, Norway, Russian Republic Federation, Serbia (including Kosovo), Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine, The National Scholarship NŠP Vatican City; Programme (NSP) is the flagship c) Belarus, Uzbekistan; Národný of Slovak mobility funding. In 2005, štipendijný d) Canada, Mexico, USA, countries of Latin the NSP was established by the program and Central America; approval of the Government of e) Australia, China (including Taiwan), Egypt, the Slovak Republic. The NSP is funded India, Indonesia, Israel, Japan, Republic by the Ministry of Education, Science, of Korea, New Zealand, Republic Research and Sport of the Slovak Republic. of South Africa, Thailand, Vietnam.
Research in Slovakia The NSP supports incoming and outgoing The scholarship covers living costs during mobility – the incoming scheme supports the study/research/teaching/artistic stay foreign university students, PhD students, of foreign applicants. It does not cover university teachers, researchers the travel costs to and from Slovakia. and artists to come and stay at higher education institutions and research Amount of a monthly scholarship organisations in Slovakia; the outgoing a) university student (Master level) 350 € scheme supports students, PhD students, b) PhD student 580 € university teachers, researchers and artists c) university teacher/researcher or artist: with a permanent residence in Slovakia to – early-stage university teacher/researcher/ spend part of their studies or conduct their artist (without PhD and less than 4 years research at a higher education institution of work experience) or research organisation abroad. – experienced university teacher/researcher/ 580 € artist: – with PhD and less than 10 years of work 850 € The scholarship for the incoming experience applicants is provided for 1 – 12month stays – with PhD and more than 10 years 1 000 € (or 1 – 2 semester stays in case of university of work experience students) at higher education institutions and research organisations in Slovakia. Scholarship applications are submitted The scholarship does not support pursuing online at www.scholarships.sk. The online the entire Master/PhD programme application system is opened 6 weeks in Slovakia, nor Slovak nationals studying before the application deadline. Some abroad. The applicant cannot already be documents must be sent as original hard employed for teaching/research activity copies by post to the following address: in Slovakia or have a parallel funding from SAIA, n. o. a different source. Sasinkova 10 812 20 Bratislava 1, Slovak Republic Citizens from the following countries are eligible to apply for the NSP scholarship: Application deadlines: a) Member States of the European Union; 30 April by 16:00 CET – scholarship stays b) other signatories to the Bologna process during the following academic year, (listed are only countries outside 31 October by 16:00 CET – scholarship the EU) – Albania, Andorra, Armenia, stays during the summer semester of the Azerbaijan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, running academic year. Georgia, Iceland, Kazakhstan, The International Researcher’s Guide to Slovakia 39
Selection Committee decides who will be (citizens from the highlighted countries can awarded a scholarship in the framework of apply for PhD study, others for Bachelor the NSP. The Committee is appointed by the and Master study): Afghanistan, Albania, Minister of Education, Science, Research Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Research in Slovakia and Sport of the Slovak Republic. Decisions Kenya, Kosovo, Moldova, Mongolia, of the Committee are based on the Palestinian National Authority, Ukraine and documents attached to applicants’ online Vietnam. This list of eligible countries may application. List of scholarship holders is vary every year. published at the website of the NSP within 8 weeks after the application deadline. The Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of the Slovak Republic informs the More information: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the respective www.scholarships.sk, www.saia.sk countries via diplomatic channels about the conditions of doctoral degree studies at public higher education institutions in the 3.3.5 Scholarships of the Slovak Republic together with the number Government of the Slovak of scholarship slots. Every applicant must Republic awarded for the entire submit his/her scholarship application doctoral study within Official online at www.vladnestipendia.sk Development Assistance before the application deadline (31 May). The respective sending party presents its The Government of the Slovak Republic nomination of scholarship applicants via annually awards scholarships for doctoral the Embassy/Consulate General of the (PhD) degree programmes to students Slovak Republic in the respective country from the countries eligible for the until 31 May. Scholarships are awarded by Official Development Assistance (ODA). the Selection Committee of the Ministry Scholarships offered in the framework of Education, Science, Research and Sport of the terms and conditions set out by of the Slovak Republic. the OECD for implementing the ODA also include scholarships of the Government of More information: the Slovak Republic for Slovak nationals living www.minedu.sk/scholarships-of-the- abroad. Granting of these scholarships has government-of-the-slovak-republic/, become a component of the state support www.vladnestipendia.sk for Slovak nationals living abroad.
Studies can be carried out only at public 3.3.6 Scholarships of the Ministry higher education institutions in Slovakia of Education, Science, and are held in Slovak language. Research and Sport The Scholarships of the Government of the Slovak Republic of the Slovak Republic include a scholarship for a 10month language preparation in case The Ministry of Education, Science, that the applicant has not completed the Research and Sport of the Slovak Republic previous education in the Slovak Republic. (MESRS SR) offers scholarships for study/research/teaching stays at public Citizens of the following countries can universities in Slovakia or institutes of the apply for a scholarship in the framework Slovak Academy of Sciences for applicants of the Scholarships of the Government from any country in the world in the of the Slovak Republic within the ODA following categories: 40 EURAXESS SLOVAKIA
foreign university students for 5month 3.3.7 Modernisation Programme stays (age between 18 – 26 years); Slovakia 21 – Scholarships foreign PhD students for 5month stays of the Ministry of Education, (age between 23 – 35 years); Science, Research and Sport foreign university teachers/researchers of the Slovak Republic for 3month stays (age between 30 – 50 years). In the framework of the Modernisation Programme Slovakia 21, the Ministry Scholarships for 5-month study/research of Education, Science, Research and Sport stays for foreign PhD students of the Slovak Republic (MESRS SR) The MESRS SR offers scholarships to offers a scholarship to secondary school foreign PhD students for a study/research graduates from Belarus, Bosnia and stay at public universities in the Slovak Herzegovina, Republic of Macedonia,
Research in Slovakia Republic or research institutes of the Moldova, Montenegro, Serbia Slovak Academy of Sciences. Successful and Ukraine in the form of: applicants within this scheme will receive a free-of- charge 10-month language and a scholarship of 330 €/month. The MESRS academic preparation at the Institute SR does not cover travel costs related to for Language and Academic Preparation arrival to and departure from Slovakia. for Foreigners and Compatriots of the Comenius University in Bratislava Scholarships for 3-month teaching/ (www.cdvuk.sk). research stays for foreign university teachers/researchers Successful applicants will be receiving The MESRS SR grants scholarships a monthly scholarship that should cover to foreign academics for a teaching/ their living costs related to their stay research stay at public universities in the in Slovakia. After the completion of their Slovak Republic or research institutes of the language and academic preparation, Slovak Academy of Sciences. Successful students shall continue in their full applicants within this scheme will receive university studies (Bachelor, Master, a scholarship of 550 €/month. The MESRS PhD level) at a public higher education SR does not cover travel costs related to institution in Slovakia within study arrival to and departure from Slovakia. programmes with technical orientation. Students from the respective countries will Applications are submitted on-line together be studying in Slovakia in Slovak language with the required documents through under the same conditions as Slovak the website www.scholarships.studyin.sk. students, i.e. without paying any tuition In case that some of the required fees (if not exceeding the standard length of documents will be missing, the application study). Students must cover their living costs will be not accepted by the Ministry. during their studies in Slovakia themselves.
Application deadline: 31 May The Selection Commission of the MESRS SR awards the scholarships for 10month More information: language and academic preparation, based www.scholarships.studyin.sk, on the submitted documents. www.minedu.sk Application deadline: 31 May
More information: www.mop21edu.sk/, www.minedu.sk The International Researcher’s Guide to Slovakia 41
3.3.8 Programme SASPRO Application deadline: 28 January 2015 – Mobility Programme of the (second call) and half of July 2015 (third call) Slovak Academy of Sciences More information: – Marie Curie Actions Research in Slovakia Cofunded programme www.saspro.sav.sk/, http://ec.europa.eu/ research/mariecurieactions/ A programme of the Slovak Academy of Sciences dedicated for experienced 3.4 Funding for bilateral scientists from abroad who are interested in working at the institutes of the Slovak co‑operation Academy of Sciences – the most important research institution in the Slovak Republic. 3.4.1 Bilateral scientific More about SAS is available at: and technological www.sav.sk/index.php?&lang_change=en co‑operation based on intergovernmental The main objective of the Programme agreements SASPRO is to provide for incoming scientists adequate and motivating The Government of the Slovak Republic conditions enabling them to develop has concluded bilateral agreements on career, gain new experience and establish scientific and technological co‑operation international co‑operation. The effort to to support the participation of scientists support the return of Slovak scientists and experts in joint projects with several from abroad back to Slovakia is equally countries that are listed below. Institutions important. The program allows to apply for usually responsible for execution at the a fellowship from 12 to 36 months, while the national level are also listed. field of science within which it is possible to submit applications is not limited. Calls for proposals (usually once in two The program is co-funded by FP7 of the years) are published on websites of the European Union within COFUND scheme of responsible institutions. It is therefore People Programme (Marie Curie Actions). advised to visit their websites on a regular basis. For 2015, the calls planned have not Programme SASPRO is divided into two yet been published in time of preparation mobility schemes, which are aimed at of this publication. Proposals for the different target groups: S&T projects based on the concluded Incoming scheme – is dedicated agreements can be submitted usually for researchers who have not resided by both physical and legal entities from or carried out their main activity (work, public and private sectors active in R&D. studies, etc.) in the Slovak Republic for Only jointly submitted proposals will be more than 12 months in the last 3 years eligible for consideration. Both project prior to the application submission; partners must submit their common Reintegration scheme – is dedicated for proposal separately before the deadline Slovak nationals who have carried out to the addresses of respective coordinating their main activity in the Third countries institutions in their country, which also at least 3 years prior to the application provide the relevant application forms. submission and who have resided or The final selection of proposals is made carried out their main activity in the by the Joint Committee, which takes into Slovak Republic for maximum 3 months consideration the evaluation of both prior to the application submission. parties. 42 EURAXESS SLOVAKIA
Financial support for bilateral projects can Greece be used exclusively to finance the mobility Ministry of Education and Religious of scientists and experts. Affairs, General Secretariat for Research & Technology, Bilateral Relations The Slovak Republic has concluded Division www.gsrt.gr (in Greek only) 24 bilateral intergovernmental agreements on scientific and technological co‑operation Hungary with the following countries: Ministry of Human Capacities www.kormany.hu/en/ministry-of- Austria human-resources Federal Ministry of Science, Research and Economy www.bmwf.gv.at India Austrian Agency for International Ministry of Science and Technology,
Research in Slovakia Mobility and Co‑operation in Education, Department of Science & Technology, Science and Research (OeADGmbH) International Co‑operation Division www.oead.at www.stic-dst.org
Bulgaria Italy Ministry of Education and Science, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Scientific Research Department International Co‑operation, Directorate www.minedu.government.bg General for Cultural Promotion (in Bulgarian only) and Co‑operation www.esteri.it
Czech Republic Japan Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, www.msmt.cz Science and Technology www.mext.go.jp Association of Innovative Japan Science and Technology Agency Entrepreneurship (submission www.jst.go.jp of applications) www.aipcr.cz Kenya China Ministry of Energy and Petroleum Ministry of Science and Technology, www.energy.go.ke Department of International Ministry of Education, Science and Co‑operation www.most.gov.cn/eng Technology www.education.go.ke
Egypt Lithuania Ministry of Higher Education and Ministry of Education and Science Scientific Research www.egy-mhe.gov.eg www.smm.lt
France Poland Ministry of Higher Education and Research Ministry of Science and Higher www.enseignementsup-recherche.gouv.fr Education www.nauka.gov.pl (in French only) Campus France – The French national Portugal agency for the promotion of higher Ministry of Education and Science education, international student www.dgidc.min-edu.pt (in Portugal only) services, and international mobility www.campusfrance.org The International Researcher’s Guide to Slovakia 43
Republic of Korea by the federal government and managed by Ministry of Education, Science 26 federal grant agencies. As examples of and Technology national agencies supporting research can http://english.mest.go.kr/enMain.do be mentioned National Science Foundation Research in Slovakia (www.nsf.gov) and National Institute Republic of South Africa of Health (www.nih.gov). Ministry of Science and Technology www.dst.gov.za National Research Foundation 3.4.2 Bilateral intergovernmental www.nrf.ac.za agreements on educational, research and cultural Romania co‑operation Ministry of National Education www.edu.ro (in Romanian only) The Government of the Slovak Republic has concluded bilateral agreements Russian Federation on educational, research and cultural Ministry of Education and Science, co‑operation with several countries Department of International (see the table) in order to support exchange Co‑operation http://eng.mon.gov.ru programmes providing scholarships for students and researchers coming to Serbia Slovakia to study or conduct research at Ministry of Education, Science Slovak universities and research institutes and Technological Development of the Slovak Academy of Sciences. www.mpn.gov.rs Scholarships are awarded for the purpose Slovenia of study, research or training. There is no Ministry of Higher Education, Science general limitation regarding field of study. and Technology www.arhiv.mvzt.gov.si Applicants must be fluent in English or other language agreed/arranged with a Slovak Spain host institution or proficient in Slovak. Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Co‑operation www.exteriores.gob.es Applicants must be nominated by the respective counterpart institutions Ukraine (see the table). PhD students and Ministry of Education and Science, researchers, who would like to study Department of International or conduct research in Slovakia, should Co‑operation and European Integration arrange in advance a contact with a Slovak www.mon.gov.ua host research institution. List of all Slovak higher education institutions and research USA institutes can be found in chapter 3.2. The Slovak Republic has concluded several separate bilateral agreements, For further information (specific relating to specific areas of research. instructions, exact application deadlines, application forms or websites) about Database of grant programmes funding for academic and research from different areas can be found at pursuits, please, consult websites of the www.grants.gov/web/grants/search- appropriate counterpart institutions, and grants.html. These programmes are funded the database of scholarships and grants of SAIA, available at www.grants.saia.sk. 44 EURAXESS SLOVAKIA
Scholarship disbursement provide the visiting PhD student/teacher/ Sending party usually covers travel researcher with per diems and free costs (based upon the distance between accommodation. the location of the host university or research institute and the PhD student’s/ There are no grants for family members. researcher’s home country). Receiving party Scholarship holders must be insured usually covers a living allowance. against illness and accident during the period of the scholarship stay. Currently, the longterm scholarship (at least 1 month) pays 330 €/month For further information on terms for PhD students and 550 €/month and conditions of the insurance for researchers/university teachers. contact the respective counterpart For short stays the receiving party shall institutions. Research in Slovakia Programme offered by the Ministry Counterpart Target group of Education, Science, Research Country institution (Incoming Special eligibility conditions and Sport of the Slovak Republic & URL researchers) on the basis of reciprocity Action Austria – Slovakia, Co‑operation in Science and Education At the date of application finished at least Research stay (3 – 6 months) PhD student one semester. Age limit is 35 years. PhD holder (excellent researcher) with no
more than 10 years of research experience Research stay for postdocs PhD holder after having graduated from a PhD (3 – 6 months) programme, not to be in the position of an Austria Associate Professor (no “habilitation” yet) PhD student Short-term study/research visits Postdoc Age limit is 60 years. (1 – 3 days) Researcher Teacher www.oead.at at HEI*
operation in education and research and research in education operation Basic knowledge of the Slovak language ‑ Summer School of Slovak Language PhD student recommended; preferably students and Culture (SAS)
Austrian agency for international mobility agency Austrian international for and co (OeAD-GmbH) and researchers in Slavic languages
University graduate
, Specialisation and research stay PhD student (1 to 10 months) Teacher at HEI Researcher Belgium-French Community only) (in French
PhD student Basic knowledge of the Slovak language Summer School of Slovak Language Researcher recommended; preferably students and Culture (SAS) Teacher at HEI and researchers in Slavic languages Ministry of French Community, General General Ministry Community, of French Department and Scientific Research of Education www.federation-wallonie-bruxelles.be www.enseignement.be
PhD Student Application form of the Ministry
Research stay of Education, Science, Research and Sport Researcher (1 – 10 months) of the Slovak Republic with all required Teacher at HEI Belarus attachments PhD Student Basic knowledge of the Slovak language Summer School of Slovak Language Researcher recommended; preferably students and Culture (SAS)
Ministry of Education www.edu.gov.by Teacher at HEI and researchers in Slavic languages The International Researcher’s Guide to Slovakia 45
Programme offered by the Ministry Counterpart Target group of Education, Science, Research Country institution (Incoming Special eligibility conditions and Sport of the Slovak Republic & URL researchers) on the basis of reciprocity
Research in Slovakia
PhD student Application form of the Ministry Post gradual/research stay of Education, Science, Research and Sport Researcher (1 – 10 months) of the Slovak Republic with all required Teacher at HEI attachments Bulgaria PhD student Basic knowledge of the Slovak language Summer School of Slovak Language recommended; preferably students and Culture (SAS) Researcher Teacher at HEI and researchers in Slavic languages Ministry and Science of Education www.minedu.government.bg (in Bulgarian only)
Application form of the Ministry Study fellowship of Education, Science, Research and Sport PhD student (min. 1 month) of the Slovak Republic with all required attachments Application form of the Ministry of Education, Science, Research and Sport Croatia Lecture stay (max. 30 days) Teacher at HEI of the Slovak Republic with all required attachments PhD student Basic knowledge of the Slovak language Summer School of Slovak Language Researcher recommended; preferably students and Culture (SAS)
Ministry and Sports Education of Science, http://public.mzos.hr Teacher at HEI and researchers in Slavic languages Application form of the Ministry of Education, Science, Research and Sport Study/research stay (5 or 10 months) PhD student
of the Slovak Republic with all required attachments Application form of the Ministry Researcher of Education, Science, Research and Sport Cyprus Research stay (7 days) Teacher at HEI of the Slovak Republic with all required attachments PhD student Basic knowledge of the Slovak language Summer School of Slovak Language Researcher recommended; preferably students and Culture (SAS)
Ministry of Education and Culture Ministry and Culture of Education www.moec.gov.cy Teacher at HEI and researchers in Slavic languages Application form of the Ministry Study/research stay (3 – 10 months) of Education, Science, Research and Sport PhD student (only at Slovak universities) of the Slovak Republic with all required attachments
operation operation For PhD degree holders; application ‑ Short-term research/lecture stay Researcher form of the Ministry of Education, Science, Czech Republic (max. 14 days) Teacher at HEI Research and Sport of the Slovak Republic with all required attachments www.dzs.cz PhD student Basic knowledge of the Slovak language Summer School of Slovak Language Researcher recommended; preferably students and Culture (SAS) Teacher at HEI and researchers in Slavic languages Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports, Youth Ministry of Education, Co International for Centre in Education Application form of the Ministry Study/research stay PhD student of Education, Science, Research and Sport (min. 3 months) Researcher of the Slovak Republic with all required Denmark attachments PhD student Basic knowledge of the Slovak language Summer School of Slovak Language Researcher recommended; preferably students and Culture (SAS)
Ministry of Education www.eng.uvm.dk Teacher at HEI and researchers in Slavic languages 46 EURAXESS SLOVAKIA
Programme offered by the Ministry Counterpart Target group of Education, Science, Research Country institution (Incoming Special eligibility conditions and Sport of the Slovak Republic & URL researchers) on the basis of reciprocity Application form of the Ministry of Education, Science, Research and Sport
Full PhD studies (3 years) PhD student of the Slovak Republic with all required attachments Application form of the Ministry Shortterm research stay Researcher of Education, Science, Research and Sport (max. 10 days) Teacher at HEI of the Slovak Republic with all required Egypt attachments Application form of the Ministry (in Egyptian only) (in Egyptian Longterm research stay Researcher of Education, Science, Research and Sport (2 – 6 months) Teacher at HEI of the Slovak Republic with all required attachments
Research in Slovakia PhD student Basic knowledge of the Slovak language Summer School of Slovak Language Researcher recommended; preferably students and Culture (SAS)
Ministry and Scientific Research of Higher Education www.egy-mhe.gov.eg Teacher at HEI and researchers of Slavonic studies PhD student Age limit is 35 years; application form Study/research stay of the Ministry of Education, Science, Researcher (3 – 9 months) Research and Sport of the Slovak Republic Teacher at HEI Finland with all required attachments
PhD student Basic knowledge of the Slovak language Summer School of Slovak Language Researcher recommended; preferably students and Culture (SAS)
Centre for International International for Centre Mobility www.studyinfinland.fi Teacher at HEI and researchers in Slavic languages Application form of the Ministry of Education, Science, Research and Sport Study/research stay (5 months) PhD student of the Slovak Republic with all required Germany attachments PhD student Basic knowledge of the Slovak language Summer School of Slovak Language Researcher recommended; preferably students and Culture (SAS)
Federal MinistryFederal and Research of Education www.bmbf.de Teacher at HEI and researchers in Slavic languages
Application form of the Ministry Study/research stay of Education, Science, Research and Sport PhD student (5 – 10 months) of the Slovak Republic with all required attachments Application form of the Ministry of Education, Science, Research and Sport Greece Lecture/research stay (10 days) Teacher at HEI of the Slovak Republic with all required attachments PhD student Basic knowledge of the Slovak language Summer School of Slovak Language recommended; preferably students and Culture (SAS) Researcher Teacher
Ministry and Religious Affairs of Education www.minedu.gov.gr at HEI and researchers in Slavic languages Application form of the Ministry of Education, Science, Research and Sport Research stay (1 to 10 months) PhD student of the Slovak Republic with all required attachments Application form of the Ministry Shortterm study stay (1 – 3 months)/ Researcher of Education, Science, Research and Sport expert visit (5 – 20 days) of the Slovak Republic with all required Hungary Teacher at HEI attachments
PhD student Basic knowledge of the Slovak language Summer School of Slovak Language Researcher recommended; preferably students and Culture (SAS) Teacher at HEI and researchers in Slavic languages Ministry of Human Capacities www.kormany.hu/en/ministry-of-human-resources The International Researcher’s Guide to Slovakia 47
Programme offered by the Ministry Counterpart Target group of Education, Science, Research Country institution (Incoming Special eligibility conditions and Sport of the Slovak Republic & URL researchers) on the basis of reciprocity
Application form of the Ministry Research in Slovakia of Education, Science, Research and Sport Study stay (1 year) PhD student of the Slovak Republic with all required attachments Application form of the Ministry Research stay Researcher of Education, Science, Research and Sport China (1 – 10 months) Teacher at HEI of the Slovak Republic with all required attachments
PhD student Basic knowledge of the Slovak language Summer School of Slovak Language Researcher recommended; preferably students and Culture (SAS) Teacher at HEI and researchers in Slavic languages Ministry of Education www.moe.edu.cn
Application form of the Ministry of University graduate Education, Science, Research and Sport Post gradual stay (max. 10 months) PhD student of the Slovak Republic with all required Israel attachments Basic knowledge of the Slovak language Summer School of Slovak Language University graduate recommended; preferably students and Culture (SAS) PhD student Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ministry of Foreign www.mfa.gov.il and researchers in Slavic languages
University graduate Age limit is 40 years; application form of the Ministry of Education, Science, Study/research stay (max. 10 months) PhD student
operation Research and Sport of the Slovak Republic ‑ Researcher with all required attachments Italy PhD student Basic knowledge of the Slovak language Summer School of Slovak Language Researcher recommended; preferably students and Culture (SAS) Teacher of Slovak and researchers in Slavic languages
Ministry of Foreign Affairs Affairs Ministry of Foreign Co and International www.esteri.it language
Slovak or English language; application form of the Ministry of Education, Science, Kazakhstan Study/research stay (3 – 10 months) PhD student Research and Sport of the Slovak Republic with all required attachments Ministry of Education and Science www.edu.gov.kz
PhD student Application form of the Ministry of Education, Science, Research and Sport Study/research stay (3 – 10 months) Researcher of the Slovak Republic with all required Teacher at HEI attachments
Lithuania PhD student Basic knowledge of the Slovak language Summer School of Slovak Language Researcher recommended; preferably students and Culture (SAS)
Ministry of Education and Science www.smm.lt Teacher at HEI and researchers in Slavic languages
Application form of the Ministry of Education, Science, Research and Sport Macedonia Study/research stay (3 – 10 months) PhD student of the Slovak Republic with all required www.mon.gov.mk attachments Ministry and of Education Science only) (in Macedonian
PhD student Application form of the Ministry of Education, Science, Research and Sport Study/research stay (3 – 10 months) Researcher of the Slovak Republic with all required Teacher at HEI Moldova attachments Student or teacher Basic knowledge of the Slovak language Summer School of Slovak Language of Slovak and/or recommended; preferably students and Culture (SAS)
Ministry of Education www.edu.gov.md Slavonic studies and researchers in Slavic languages 48 EURAXESS SLOVAKIA
Programme offered by the Ministry Counterpart Target group of Education, Science, Research Country institution (Incoming Special eligibility conditions and Sport of the Slovak Republic & URL researchers) on the basis of reciprocity Age limit is 35 years; application form PhD student of the Ministry of Education, Science, Study/research stay (3 – 9 months) Researcher Research and Sport of the Slovak Republic with all required attachments Short-term research stay for researchers, linguists and specialists in the field Researcher of education; application form of the Norway Research stay (1 – 3 weeks) Teacher at HEI Ministry of Education, Science, Research and Sport of the Slovak Republic with all required attachments PhD student Basic knowledge of the Slovak language Summer School of Slovak Language Researcher recommended; preferably students and Culture (SAS) Research in Slovakia Ministry and Research of Education www.regjeringen.no Teacher at HEI and researchers in Slavic languages Application form of the Ministry Researcher of Education, Science, Research and Sport Research stay (1 – 10 months) Teacher at HEI of the Slovak Republic with all required
attachments Application form of the Ministry Post gradual research stay of Education, Science, Research and Sport Poland (1 – 3 months; at Slovak public PhD student of the Slovak Republic with all required universities only) attachments PhD student Basic knowledge of the Slovak language Summer School of Slovak Language Researcher recommended; preferably students and Culture (SAS)
Ministry of Science and Higher Education www.nauka.gov.pl Ministry Education of National www.men.gov.pl Teacher at HEI and researchers in Slavic languages Application form of the Ministry
PhD student of Education, Science, Research and Sport Research stay (3 – 10 months) Researcher of the Slovak Republic with all required Teacher at HEI Romania attachments www.edu.ro PhD student Basic knowledge of the Slovak language Summer School of Slovak Language Researcher recommended; preferably students and Culture (SAS)
Ministry of National Education (in Romanian only) Teacher at HEI and researchers in Slavic languages PhD student Slovak or English language, Application form of the Ministry of Education, Science, Research stay (1 – 10 months) Researcher Research and Sport of the Slovak Republic Russian Teacher at HEI with all required attachments Federation PhD student Basic knowledge of the Slovak language Summer School of Slovak Language Researcher recommended; preferably students and Culture (SAS)
Ministry of Education and Science http://eng.mon.gov.ru Teacher at HEI and researchers in Slavic languages Application form of the Ministry of Education, Science, Research and Sport Study stay (1 – 9 months) PhD student of the Slovak Republic with all required
Serbia attachments PhD student Basic knowledge of the Slovak language Summer School of Slovak Language Researcher recommended; preferably students and Culture (SAS)
Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Development www.mpn.gov.rs Teacher at HEI and researchers in Slavic languages Application form of the Ministry
Study/research stay of Education, Science, Research and Sport PhD student (3 – 10 months) of the Slovak Republic with all required attachments Slovenia PhD student Basic knowledge of the Slovak language Summer School of Slovak Language Researcher recommended; preferably students and Culture (SAS) Teacher at HEI and researchers in Slavic languages Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology www.arhiv.mvzt.gov.si The International Researcher’s Guide to Slovakia 49
Programme offered by the Ministry Counterpart Target group of Education, Science, Research Country institution (Incoming Special eligibility conditions and Sport of the Slovak Republic & URL researchers) on the basis of reciprocity
Application form of the Ministry Research in Slovakia of Education, Science, Research and Sport Research stay (4 or 8 months) PhD student of the Slovak Republic with all required
attachments Turkey Basic knowledge of the Slovak language Summer School of Slovak Language PhD student recommended; preferably students and Culture (SAS) Teacher at HEI and researchers of Slavonic studies Ministry Education of National www.meb.gov.tr only) (in Turkish
PhD student Slovak or English language; application form of the Ministry of Education, Science, Study/research stay (1 – 10 months) Researcher Research and Sport of the Slovak Republic Teacher at HEI with all required attachments
Ukraine PhD student Summer School of Slovak Language Students and researchers of Slovak Researcher and Culture (SAS) language studies
Ministry of Education and Science www.mon.gov.ua Teacher at HEI Lecturing/research stay (9 months); Researchers Teacher for more information consult: at HEI www.cies.org All fields of study; knowledge Study/research stay (9 months); University graduate of the Slovak language at the level for more information consult: Researcher needed in fields: political science, history, www.iie.org Teacher at HEI anthropology (by the begin. of the grant) USA Degree in English, History, American English Teaching Assistantship literature, TEFL/Applied Lingustics and/or (9 months); for more information Graduating seniors experience in teaching and/or coursework consult: www.iie.org in American studies Specialist Programme (2 – 6 weeks); Min. 5 years of postdoctoral teaching Researchers Teacher for more information consult: or professional experience in respective at HEI
Fulbright Commission Commission Fulbright www.fulbright.sk www.cies.org field of study
* HEI – Higher Education Institution
3.4.3 Action Austria – Slovakia, The Programme is administered by Co‑operation in Science SAIA, n. o. (www.saia.sk). and Education Via the Programme, the financial support A bilateral programme is provided to Austrian PhD students the objective of which is and researchers in the form of individual to intensify co‑operation scholarships and co‑operation projects. between Austria and Slovakia in the field of education and research. The Programme Following types of individual scholarships has been funded by the Ministry of are offered for PhD students and researchers: Education, Science, Research and Sport scholarships for research stays of of the Slovak Republic and the Federal PhD students (3 – 6 months): scholarship Ministry of Science, Research and Economy of 940 €/month; application deadline: of the Republic of Austria on the basis of the 15 March and 15 October agreement signed in 1992. Since 2014, the scholarships for research stays Action Austria – Slovakia has been running of post‑docs (3 – 6 months): scholarship on the basis of the new agreement on its of 1,500 €/month; application deadline: continuation during the period 2014 – 2019. 15 March and 15 October 50 EURAXESS SLOVAKIA
scholarships for short visits services. The Fulbright Program enables (max. 3 days): scholarship of 90 €/day; U. S. students, scholars, professionals and application deadline: application teachers to participate in study, research possible throughout the year and teaching exchanges in the Slovak scholarships for summer school of Republic. Slovak language (for PhD students only); application deadline: 15 March General requirements for grants and awards are the U. S. citizenship at the time of Electronic submission of applications application and high level of academic and for scholarships: www.scholarships.at professional achievements. In the Slovak Republic, the Program is administered by Co‑operation projects concerned with the J. W. Fulbright Commission in Bratislava the following areas can be supported: (www.fulbright.sk).
Research in Slovakia co‑operation of young researchers (PhD students and post-docs), Fulbright Program Mechanisms: co-supervised doctoral studies Programmes administered by the Council (PhD students), for International Exchange of Scholars organisation of Slovak-Austrian (www.cies.org) PhD training on enhancement Fulbright Scholar Program for of communication skills and on project U. S. Faculty and Professionals preparation, (Lecturing and/or Research) – to lecture organisation of joint Slovak-Austrian and conduct research in a wide variety language summer schools. of academic and professional fields, although preference is given to subjects Electronic submission of project proposals: related to the United States and http://projekt.aktion.saia.sk economic and social issues important for the Slovak Republic. More information: Fulbright Specialists Program www.oead.at, www.aktion.saia.sk – designed to provide shortterm (the second one in Slovak and German only) academic opportunities (2 – 6 weeks) for U. S. faculty and professionals to collaborate with professional 3.4.4 Fulbright Program counterparts on curriculum and faculty – J. W. Fulbright Commission development, institutional planning for Educational Exchange and a variety of other activities. in the Slovak Republic Fulbright-Terra Foundation Award in the History of American Art – two The J. W. Fulbright grants per year at any university Commission for in a European Union country (except Educational Exchange in the Slovak France, Germany, and the UK, where Republic has been established by executive the Foundation already has established agreements between the United States teaching fellowships). The grants are and the Slovak Republic to promote for undergraduate and/or graduate educational, research and cultural teaching in history of American art prior exchanges between the United States and to 1980 and for research. Scholars will the Slovak Republic through the Fulbright be expected to aid host institutions Program. The Commission services include in developing, modeling and adapting grant programmes and information American art history curriculum. They The International Researcher’s Guide to Slovakia 51
can also give seminars, workshops, 3.5.1 Horizon 2020 – the EU and public lecturers, as well as advise Framework Programme graduate students on theses. The award for Research and Innovation is for early career scholars up to the Research in Slovakia Associate Professor level for one Horizon 2020 (H2020) semester. is the financial instrument of the European Union Programmes administered by the Institute to implement the flagship initiative of International Education (www.iie.org) “Innovation Union” of the Europe 2020 Fulbright U. S. Student Program strategy, aimed at securing Europe’s global – for U. S. graduate students, young competitiveness. Horizon 2020 will be professionals and artists to study, implemented in the years 2014 – 2020 with conduct research or be an English a budget of over 77 billion €. teaching assistant in the Slovak Republic for 1 academic year. Advanced graduate The programme aims to contribute to students interested in studying or solving the economic crisis by investing independent research are preferred. in future growth and jobs creating, Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship to respond to people’s concerns about – preference is given to candidates with their standard of living, safety and the degrees in English, History, American environment, and to strengthen Europe’s literature, TEFL/Applied Linguistics place in global research, innovation and and/or experience in teaching. Grantees technology. will be placed in secondary schools that correspond with their background; they An important priority of the programme is are required to teach at least 15 hours a strategic approach to strengthening and per week. focusing EU’s international co‑operation on the research and innovation. The More information: Marie SkłodowskaCurie Actions and the www.fulbright.sk possibilities of the European Research Council are open also to researchers from 3.5 Funding by third countries. Horizon 2020 is open to the involvement of participants from around the European Union the world. Strategic and coherent approach Since 2004, the Slovak Republic to international co‑operation is secured is a member of the EU. Therefore there is no by a document adopted by the EC on limitation for institutions from Slovakia to 14 September 2012: “Enhancing and focusing participate in any EU programme designed EU international co‑operation in research to strengthen co‑operation not only among and innovation: A strategic approach”. EU Member States but also with third (non‑EU) countries. For an easier Current open calls of the programme are orientation you can take a look at published at the website: http://ec.europa. a http://europa.eu/about-eu/funding- eu/research/participants/portal. You will grants/index_en.htm, where you can find find here also the principal documents variuos funding sources availabe at EU level important for submission of the project – with regards to the target group. the socalled H2020 Work Programme for the current year, which describes the details of the individual schemes, Guides for Applicants, Rules for Participation, etc. 52 EURAXESS SLOVAKIA
This website allows you also to join the “Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions” database of independent experts. After – providing excellent and innovative approval, as an expert you may be directly research training, as well as attractive involved in the assessment and monitoring career and knowledge-exchange of submitted/approved projects. Experts opportunities through cross-border and have the opportunity to gain experience cross-sector mobility of researchers to that may in the future increase the chances best prepare them to face current and for submitting their own project without future societal challenges; unnecessary errors. “European Research Infrastructures, including e-Infrastructures” – H2020 puts a great emphasis on developing and supporting excellent multidisciplinary and cross-cutting activities European research infrastructures and between scientific fields. The programme assist them to contribute to the ERA th Research in Slovakia differs from the previous 7 Framework by fostering their innovation potential, Programme for Research and Technological attracting world-level researchers and Development not only with its name, but training human capital, and complement also with the new segmentation and focus this with the related Union policy and on the following pillars: international co‑operation. 1. Excellent Science; 2. Industrial Leadership; II. Pillar: Industrial Leadership 3. Societal Challenges. The second pillar Industrial Leadership is implemented with a budget of 17.02 billion €. I. Pillar: Excellent Science Its objective is to make Europe more Excellent Science Pillar aims to reinforce attractive as a place to invest in research and extend the excellence of the Union‘s and innovation and to promote activities science base and to consolidate the ERA in which the industry has a leading role. in order to make the Union‘s research This Pillar will enable significant investment and innovation system more competitive in key industrial technologies, maximise the on a global scale. Its overall budget growth potential of European companies represents 24.44 billion €. by providing them with adequate level of funding, and help innovative SMEs to grow It consists of four specific objectives: to the level of the world’s leading companies. “The European Research Council (ERC)” – providing attractive and It consists of three specific objectives: flexible funding to enable talented and “Leadership in enabling and industrial creative individual researchers and their technologies” (information and teams to pursue the most promising communications technology – ICT, avenues at the frontier of science; nanotechnology, advanced materials, “Future and emerging technologies biotechnology, advanced manufacturing (FET)” – supporting collaborative and processing and space), research in order to extend “Access to risk finance” Europe‘s capacity for advanced (overcoming deficits in the availability and paradigm‑changing innovation; of debt and equity finance for R&D fostering scientific collaboration across and innovation-driven companies and disciplines on radically new, highrisk projects at all stages of development), ideas and accelerate development “Innovation in SMEs” (SME‑tailored of the most promising emerging areas support stimulating all forms of science and technology; of innovation in SMEs). The International Researcher’s Guide to Slovakia 53
III. Pillar: Societal Challenges higher education primarily through The Pillar focused on societal the KICs (Knowledge and Innovation challenges is implemented with the Communities), budget of 29.68 billion €. This Part “Joint Research Centre” (JRC) Research in Slovakia responds directly to the policy priorities – non‑nuclear direct actions of JRC. and societal challenges that are identified in the Europe 2020 strategy, and that aim Information on all financial instruments to stimulate the critical mass of research of H2020, as well as calls for proposals, and innovation efforts needed to achieve is available at http://ec.europa.eu/ the Union‘s policy goals. research/participants/portal, http://ec.europa.eu/programmes/ Funding shall be focused on the following horizon2020/ specific objectives: Health, demographic change Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions and wellbeing; Food security, sustainable agriculture The Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions and forestry, marine, maritime (MSCA) ensure excellent and innovative and inland water research, research training, as well as attractive career and the bioeconomy; and knowledge-exchange opportunities Secure, clean and efficient energy; through cross-border and cross-sector Smart, green and integrated transport; mobility of researchers, to better prepare Climate action, environment, resource them for current and future societal efficiency and raw materials; challenges. MSCA are open to all domains Europe in a changing world – Inclusive, of research and innovation addressed innovative and reflective societies; under the Treaty on the Functioning of the Secure societies – Protecting freedom European Union, from basic research up and security of Europe and its citizens. to market takeup and innovation services. Research and innovation fields, as well as Other specific objectives of H2020 sectors, are chosen freely by the applicants “Fast Track to Innovation” – pilot in a fully bottom-up manner. They are (2015-2016) – fully-bottom-up measure open to researchers and innovation staff in Horizon 2020 to promote close-to-the- at all stages of their career, as well as to market innovation activities, and open to universities, research institutions, research all types of participants, infrastructures, businesses, and other “Spreading excellence and widening socioeconomic actors from all countries. participation” – full exploitation of Attention is paid to encouraging the strong the potential of Europe‘s talent pool participation of industry, in particular SMEs, (including access to COST), for the successful implementation and “Science with and for society” – impact of the MSCA. building effective co‑operation between science and society, recruiting new The MSCA support researchers to talent for science and pairing scientific establish themselves on a more stable excellence with social awareness and career path and to ensure that they can responsibility (including European achieve an appropriate work/life balance, initiative EURAXESS), taking into account their family situation. “European Institute of Innovation and The principles of the European Charter Technology” (EIT) – bringing together for Researchers and Code of Conduct excellent research, innovation and for the Recruitment of Researchers 54 EURAXESS SLOVAKIA
promoting open recruitment and attractive transferable competences. It will provide working and employment conditions are enhanced career perspectives in both recommended to be endorsed and applied the academic and nonacademic sectors by all the funded participants. through international, interdisciplinary and intersectoral mobility combined with Mobility is a key requirement in the an innovation-oriented mind-set. Actions. Researchers receive funding on the condition that they move from one ITN supports competitively selected country to another to broaden or deepen joint research training and/or doctoral their competences. MSCA pay particular programmes, implemented by partnerships attention to gender balance. of universities, research institutions, research infrastructures, businesses, SMEs, and It consists of 4 actions8: ITN, IF, RISE other socioeconomic actors from different
Research in Slovakia and COFUND. Within these 4 actions countries across Europe and beyond. the projects are submitted on the basis of calls for proposals (published on the Partnerships take the form of: website: http://ec.europa.eu/research/ European Training Networks (ETN), participants/portal). Administrative European Industrial Doctorates (EID), or and logistical support services to the European Joint Doctorates (EJD). whole of H2020, as well as certain other programmes (for example Erasmus+), will Action 2: be provided by the Research Executive IF – Individual Fellowships Agency (REA), a funding body created The goal of IF is to enhance the creative by the European Commission. REA runs and innovative potential of experienced the support for independent experts researchers wishing to diversify their evaluating project proposals, including the individual competence in terms of skill management of onsite evaluation facilities acquisition through advanced training, for most of H2020, and provides services international and intersectoral mobility. for the legal and financial validation of IF provide opportunities to acquire participants. The REA also conducts the and transfer new knowledge, and to Research Enquiry Service, which answers work on research in a European context questions from applicants, participants (EU Member States and Associated and the broader public on EU research and Countries) or outside Europe. The scheme innovation funding. particularly supports the return and reintegration of researchers from outside Action 1: Europe who have previously worked here. It ITN – Innovative Training Networks also develops or helps to restart the careers The ITN aim to train a new generation of individual researchers that show great of creative, entrepreneurial and innovative potential, considering their experience. early-stage researchers, able to face current and future challenges, and to convert Support is foreseen for individual, knowledge and ideas into products and trans‑national fellowships awarded to services for economic and social benefit. the best or most promising researchers ITN will raise excellence and structure for employment in EU Member States research and doctoral training, extending or Associated Countries, based on an the traditional academic research training application made jointly by the researcher setting, and equipping researchers with the and host organisation in the academic right combination of research-related and or nonacademic sectors. The International Researcher’s Guide to Slovakia 55
There may be awarded two types or include a combination of both. of fellowships: Exchanges can be for both early-stage European Fellowships (EF) – held in EU and experienced researchers’ levels, Member States or Associated Countries; and can also include administrative, Research in Slovakia open to researchers either coming managerial and technical staff supporting to Europe or moving within Europe; the research and innovation activities of the researcher must comply with the the proposal. Support for the exchanges rules of mobility in the country where between institutions in the EU Member the EF is held; States and Associated Countries covers Global Fellowships (GF) – based only intersectoral secondments. Exchanges on a secondment to a third country with institutions from third countries can and a mandatory 12month return period be intersectoral secondments, as well to a European host. The researcher must as secondments within the same sector. comply with the rules of mobility in the No secondments between institutions country where the GF secondment takes located in third countries or within the place, not for the country of the return same EU Member State or Associated phase. Country can be supported.
Action 3: Action 4: RISE – Research and Innovation Staff COFUND – Co-funding of Regional, Exchange National and International Programmes The RISE scheme promotes international The COFUND scheme aims at stimulating and intersectoral collaboration through regional, national or international research and innovation staff exchanges, programmes to foster excellence and sharing of knowledge and ideas in researchers’ training, mobility and career from research to market (and vice-versa) development, spreading the best practices for the advancement of science and the of MSCA. This is achieved by co-funding development of innovation. RISE involves new or existing regional, national and organisations from the academic and international programmes to open up to, nonacademic sectors (in particular SMEs), and provide for, international, intersectoral based in Europe (EU Member States and and interdisciplinary research training, as Associated Countries) and outside Europe well as transnational and cross-sectoral (third countries). Support is provided for the mobility of researchers at all stages of development of partnerships in the form their career. Each proposal funded under of joint research and innovation activities the COFUND scheme shall have a sole between the participants. This is aimed participant that will be responsible for at knowledge sharing via international as the availability of the necessary matching well as intersectoral mobility, based on funds to execute the proposal. Participants secondments of research and innovation submit multi-annual proposals for new or staff (exchanges) with an in-built return existing doctoral programmes or fellowship mechanism. The organisations constituting programmes that may be run at regional, the partnership contribute directly to the national or international level. implementation of the joint research and innovation activities by seconding and/or The evaluation is organised in two different hosting eligible staff members. panels: Doctoral programmes address the Activities can focus either on one dimension development and broadening of the of mobility (intersectoral/international), research competencies of early-stage 56 EURAXESS SLOVAKIA
researchers. The training follows the European Research Council EU Principles on Innovative Doctoral The European Research Training. Collaboration with a wider Council (ERC) is a part of the set of partners, including from the first Pillar “Excellent Science” nonacademic sector, which may provide in H2020. As an important hosting or secondment opportunities instrument for the support of excellence or training in research or transferable in research, the ERC will work with skills, as well as innovative elements a budget of over 13 billion €. The ERC is an of the proposed programme, will be autonomous body; its overall strategy is set positively taken into account during up by the independent Scientific Council – the evaluations. Each researcher ERC governing body – defining the scientific must be enrolled in a doctoral funding strategy and methodologies. programme. Attention is paid to the The ERC aims to support the best and most
Research in Slovakia quality of supervision and mentoring creative scientists to identify and explore arrangements, as well as career new opportunities and directions in any guidance. field of research. It awards longterm grants Fellowship programmes fund to individual researchers of any nationality individual research training and career and age from anywhere in the world who development fellowships for experienced wish to carry out their research projects researchers. The programmes supported in a host organisation based in Europe. should have regular selection rounds Excellence is the sole evaluation criterion. following fixed deadlines or regular cutoff dates, allowing fair competition The ERC has three main and two additional between the researchers applying. financial schemes that are open to top The selections should be based on researchers of any nationality, age or open, widely advertised competition, research, who are interested to carry with transparent international peer out frontier research in one of the 28 EU review and the selection of candidates Member States or Associated Countries. on merit. Mobility types supported ERC Starting Grants – grants for by fellowship programmes may be upcoming research leaders of any similar to the ones supported under nationality with 2 – 7 years of work Marie Skłodowska‑Curie Individual experience as researchers since Fellowships. On top of transnational completion of PhD who are about to mobility, applicants are encouraged establish a proper research team and to to include elements of cross-sectoral start conducting independent research mobility into their programmes. in Europe; size of the grant is up to 1.5 – 2 mil. € for the period of 5 years; More information on MSCA: ERC Consolidator Grants – grants Website of the European Commission, designed to support researchers of any DG for research and Innovation: nationality with over 7 and up to 12 years http://ec.europa.eu/research of work experience as researchers since completion of PhD and scientific Website of the MSCA: http://ec.europa.eu/ track record showing great promise research/mariecurieactions who are at the stage at which they are consolidating their own independent Information on open calls for proposals: research team or programme; size of the http://ec.europa.eu/research/participants/ grant is up to 2 – 2.75 mil. € for the period portal of 5 years; The International Researcher’s Guide to Slovakia 57
ERC Advanced Grants – grants for in EU funding in comparison with the researchers who have a track record previous programme period. of significant research achievements in the last 10 years and have already The main objective of the programme Research in Slovakia established themselves as independent is to introduce a new EU approach to research leaders in their own right; sole education and training with regard to the evaluation criterion is the scientific difficult economic period, changing world excellence of researcher and research of labour market and imbalances in the proposal; size of the grant is up to available skills and market demand. The 2.5 – 3.5 mil. € for the period of 5 years; aim is to increase the quality and relevance ERC Proof of Concept – only ERC grant of qualifications and skills of students, holders can apply for this additional teachers, apprentices, volunteers, youth funding to establish the innovation leaders and people working in grassroots’ potential of ideas arising from their sport. The single integrated programme ERC‑funded frontier research projects; is ambitious, easier to implement and size of the grant is up to 150,000 € for strategically seeks for co‑operation the period of 18 months; of education sector and work environment. ERC Synergy Grants – grants introduced The programme brings new features, in 2012 intended to enable a small such as loan guarantee scheme for group (2 – 4 scientists) of Principal Master’s students, Knowledge Alliances Investigators and their teams to between higher education institutions bring together complementary skills, and enterprises and Sector Skills Alliances knowledge and resources in new ways, – partnerships between education and in order to jointly address research training establishments and business. problems; size of the grant is up to Erasmus+ enables the higher education 15 mil. € for the period of 6 years; mobility to the third countries and no Synergy Call is foreseen for 2015. creating of projects with higher education institutions in these countries. More information on the schemes and possibilities of financial support can be In the field of education and training, found on the website http://erc.europa.eu. the Programme shall pursue its objectives through the following types of actions: 3.5.2 Erasmus+ – the EU programme for education, 1. Mobility of Individuals training, youth and sport – Mobility of learners and staff: opportunities for students, trainees, Erasmus+ is EU’s new young people and volunteers, as well programme (introduced as for professors, teachers, trainers, in 2014), which combines youth workers, staff of education and replaces the existing institutions and civil society programmes for education, training, youth organisations to undertake a learning and sport. During the period 2014 – 2020, and/or professional experience the programme will provide opportunities in another country; for over 4 million Europeans to study, – Joint Master Degrees: highlevel train, gain work experience and volunteer integrated international study abroad. The total budget for this period is programmes delivered by consortia 14.8 billion €, representing a 40 % increase of higher education institutions that 58 EURAXESS SLOVAKIA
award full degree scholarships to the – IT support platforms, such as best Master students worldwide; eTwinning, the European Platform – Master Student Loan Guarantee: for Adult Learning (EPALE) and the higher education students can get European Youth Portal, offering virtual a loan backed up by the Programme collaboration spaces, databases of to go abroad for a full Master degree. opportunities, communities of practices Students should address themselves and other online services for teachers, to national banks or student loan trainers and practitioners in the field of agencies. school and adult education, as well as for young people, volunteers and youth 2. Co‑operation for Innovation workers across Europe and beyond. and the Exchange of Good Practices – Transnational Strategic Partnerships 3. Support for Policy Reforms
Research in Slovakia aimed to develop initiatives addressing – Knowledge in the fields of education, one or more fields of education training and youth; training and youth and promote – Prospective initiatives to stimulate innovation, exchange of experience innovative policy development; and knowhow between different types – Support to European policy tools; of organisations involved in education, – Co‑operation with international training and youth, or in other relevant organisations with highly recognised fields. Certain mobility activities are expertise and analytical capacity; supported, if they contribute to the – Stakeholder dialogue, policy objectives of the project; and Programme promotion. – Knowledge Alliances between higher education institutions 4. Jean Monnet Activities and enterprises, which aim to foster – Academic Modules, Chairs, Centres of innovation, entrepreneurship, Excellence in order to deepen teaching creativity, employability, knowledge in European integration studies; exchange and/or multidisciplinary – Policy debate with academic world, teaching and learning; supported through Networks – Sector Skills Alliances supporting the and Projects; design and delivery of joint vocational – Support to institutions training curricula, programmes and and associations, to organise and carry teaching and training methodologies, out statutory activities of associations drawing on evidence of trends dealing with EU studies and EU issues; in a specific economic sector and – Studies and conferences. skills needed in order to perform in one or more professional fields; 5. Sport – Capacity Building projects supporting – Collaborative Partnerships; co‑operation with Partner Countries – Non-profit European sports events; in the fields of higher education and – Actions that strengthen the evidence youth. Capacity Building projects aim base for policy-making. to support organisations/institutions and systems in their modernisation Erasmus+ is open for applicants from the and internationalisation process. following countries: Certain mobility activities are EU Member States; supported, if they contribute to the Acceding countries, candidate countries objectives of the project; and potential candidates benefiting from a pre-accession strategy; The International Researcher’s Guide to Slovakia 59
European Free Trade Area (EFTA) funding from two different lines managed countries that are party to the European in an integrated manner: a) Scientific Economic Area (EEA) Agreement and Technological Co‑operation – COST (Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein); reinforces its networking activities carried Research in Slovakia Countries covered by the European out by COST; b) Widening Activities – Neighbourhood Policy, where a bilateral COST contributes to fostering inclusive agreement has been concluded. research and innovation policy by bringing together “pockets of excellence”, More information: outstanding researchers, who are not yet Erasmus+ programme, European well integrated in European and global Commission website: http://ec.europa.eu/ research, also enhancing capacity building. programmes/erasmus-plus Moreover, COST includes a set of measures DG for Education and Culture of the aimed at providing structural support to European Commission website: ERA, widening the European research http://ec.europa.eu/dgs/education_culture base and promotes S&T co‑operation with SAAIC – Slovak Academic Association for other countries, beyond COST current International Co‑operation: www.saaic.sk, membership. www.erasmusplus.sk IUVENTA – Slovak Youth Institute COST anticipates and complements – www.iuventa.sk the activities of the EU Framework Programmes, and also increases the 3.5.3 COST – European mobility of researchers across Europe. It fosters the establishment of scientific Cooperation in Science excellence in the 9 key domains: and Technology Biomedicine and Molecular Biosciences; COST was Chemistry and Molecular Sciences established as an and Technology; intergovernmental framework in 1971 for Earth System Science promoting co‑operation among researchers and Environmental Management; across Europe. Within COST, research Food and Agriculture; carried out at national level is funded Forests, their Products and Services; by the COST Member States, while the Individuals, Societies, Cultures EU funds central administration and and Health; coordination. COST has a very specific Information and Communication mission and goal. It contributes to reducing Technologies; the fragmentation in European research Materials, Physics and Nanosciences; investments and opening the European Transport and Urban Development. Research Area to co‑operation worldwide. In addition, Trans-Domain Proposals allow COST activities are funded under the H2020 for broad, multidisciplinary proposals specific objective “Spreading excellence to strike across the 9 scientific domains. and widening participation”. They are implemented through newly established COST is composed of 36 countries implementation structure (COST (35 member countries and one cooperating Association) under the direct governance of country): 28 EU Member States, Bosnia and the Committee of Senior Officials in order Herzegovina, FYROM, Iceland, Norway, to handle directly EU support to COST Serbia, Switzerland, Turkey and Israel activities. During H2020, COST receives EU (cooperating country). COST does not fund 60 EURAXESS SLOVAKIA
research itself, but provides a platform economies, but also includes Israel, South for European scientists to cooperate on Korea and Canada. EUREKA Member a particular project and exchange expertise. States in co‑operation with the European These projects are called “Actions”. Each Commission promote international, COST Action is a network centred around market-oriented research and innovation nationally-funded research projects through the support they offer to small and in fields that are of interest to at least five medium-sized enterprises, large industry, COST countries. COST provides the COST universities and research institutes. Actions with financial support for joint Through EUREKA, these organisations are activities such as conferences, shortterm introducing new products, processes and scientific exchanges and publications. services to market, helping make Europe Each COST Action has an objective, economically strong and socially sound. defined goals and clear deliverables. COST The Slovak Republic became a EUREKA
Research in Slovakia Actions have located their topic into one member on June 28, 2001. of COST’s scientific domains. In order to support science and technology networking EUREKA programmes: across borders, COST is also working on EUREKA Individual projects enhancing international co‑operation by – market‑oriented international involving researchers from Near Neighbour R&D projects in any kind of technology Countries and International Partner can receive support on the basis of the Countries in COST Actions on the basis of quality of a business plan. These ascertained mutual benefit. In addition, projects are generally led by small and COST signed Reciprocal Agreements to medium-sized businesses, and involve increase co‑operation with New Zealand, a partnership of at least two EUREKA South Africa and Argentina. member countries. Partners can be of any type: SMEs, large companies, More information: research institutions and universities. www.cost.eu Building partnerships, accessing new markets and agreeing upon intellectual National coordinator for Slovakia: property rights are all important prof. Milan Dado, PhD. elements of a partnership within University of Žilina EUREKA individual projects. Together, Faculty of Electric Engineering the partners develop new technologies Univerzitná 8215/1, 01 026 Žilina and/or services with the ultimate The Slovak Republic goal of reaching the market with their e-mail: [email protected] innovation. EUREKA/Eurostars Programme 3.5.4 EUREKA – a joint programme between EUREKA and the European Commission EUREKA, founded in 1985, is an and the first European funding and intergovernmental organisation support programme to be specifically for market-driven industrial dedicated to research-performing SMEs. R&D. It is a decentralised Eurostars stimulates them to lead network facilitating the coordination international collaborative research and of national funding on innovation aiming innovation projects by easing access to boost the productivity & competitiveness to support and funding. It is co-funded of European industries. The network by the European Communities and integrates over 40 pan-European 33 EUREKA member countries. Eurostars The International Researcher’s Guide to Slovakia 61
projects are collaborative; they must EUREKA Umbrellas – thematic involve at least two participants networks, which focus on a specific (legal entities) from two different technology area or business sector. Eurostars participating countries. The main goal of an umbrella is to Research in Slovakia In addition, the main participant must facilitate the generation of EUREKA be a research-performing SME from projects in its own target area. one of these countries. The role of Umbrella activities are coordinated the SME participants in the project and implemented by a working group should be significant. At least 50 % consisting of EUREKA representatives of the project’s core activity should be and industrial experts. Currently there carried out by SMEs. The consortium are EUREKA Umbrellas in the following should be well balanced, which means technology areas: manufacturing, that no participant or country will be materials, tourism and agrifood. required to invest more than 75 % of the total project costs. Eurostars project Countries participate in EUREKA projects should be market-driven: it must have through a network of National Information a maximum duration of three years, and Points (NIPs). The affiliation known within two years of project completion, as Associated Country Status was initiated the product of the research should as part of EUREKA’s strategy to enhance be ready for launch onto the market. co‑operation with countries outside The exception to this rule applies to of Europe judged to have scientific and biomedical or medical projects, where research potential. The National Project clinical trials must be started within two Coordinators (NPC) are at operational level, years of project completion. running the National EUREKA Offices. Eurostars is a programme also They are the direct contact with project integrated in Horizon 2020 and the total in each member country. NPCs facilitate the budget represents 1.14 billion €, a tripled setting-up and running of a project and are amount in comparison to the previous responsible for project generation, national period of the 7th Framework Programme. and international support and followup. EUREKA Clusters – longterm, strategically significant industrial More information: initiatives that usually have a large www.eurekanetwork.org number of participants, and aim www.eurostars-eureka.eu to develop generic technologies of key importance for European National project coordinator for Slovakia: competitiveness mainly in ICT, Jana Stadtruckerova energy, communication, water and Ministry of Education, Science, manufacturing. Through regular calls for Research and Sport of the Slovak Republic projects, Clusters bring together large Higher Education, Science and Research companies, often competitors, along Division with SMEs, research institutes and Stromová 1, 813 30 Bratislava universities, sharing both the risk and Slovak Republic benefits of innovation. They focus on e-mail: [email protected] developing and commercially exploiting new technologies. Their goal is to ensure that Europe retains its leading position in the world market. 62 EURAXESS SLOVAKIA
3.6 Funding by Programme supports semester-stays for students and PhD students (3 – 10 months), multilateral/international shortterm mobilities (1 – 2 months, programmes min. 21 days) for students and PhD students or international elaborating their final thesis, as well as stays for guest university lecturers organisations (1 month, min. 5 days and 6 lectures). All fields of study are welcome and there are no 3.6.1 CEEPUS – Central European priority areas. Applications are submitted Exchange Programme electronically at www.ceepus.info twice for University Studies a year (15 June for stays during the winter semester of the following academic year; The main activity of CEEPUS 31 October for stays during the summer
Research in Slovakia are university networks semester of the running academic year). designed to stimulate academic mobility, Universities collaborate within in particular regional student mobility the framework of approved networks. within Central, Eastern and South-Eastern Each network must consist of at least Europe, and to promote Central, Eastern 3 universities from 2 different Member and South-Eastern European university States involved in the Programme. co‑operation, as well as the development Applications for university networking of joint programmes, ideally leading up are submitted online at www.ceepus.info, to double or joint degrees and joint thesis annual deadline is 15 January. In the supervision. CEEPUS covers mobility grants first round, the decision on network for students and teachers in this framework. membership is made by the National Selection Committee based on the Programme members are Albania, Austria, assessment of submitted applications. Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, In the second round, the decision is Czech Republic, Republic of Macedonia taken by the International Conference (FYROM), Hungary, Moldova, Montenegro, for the Selection of Cooperating Networks Poland, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia which comprises representatives of and the University of Prishtina in Kosovo. the CEEPUS Programme member countries. The list of approved networks is available The main objectives of CEEPUS are: at www.ceepus.saia.sk. to contribute to merging the European Higher Education Area and European Should a home university, host university Research Area; or both not participate in the network, to use regional academic mobility its students, PhD students and teachers as a strategic tool to implement Bologna may still apply for scholarship under objectives; the category “freemover”. Deadline to enable co‑operation with Central, for freemover applications is annually Eastern and South-Eastern Europe. 30 November at www.ceepus.info.
University co‑operation is focused on the Scholarship rates for Slovakia: preparation of joint programmes and joint a) university students 280 €/month; diplomas, mobility of university students, b) PhD students and university teachers PhD students and university teachers, 470 €/month. student excursions and summer schools. The International Researcher’s Guide to Slovakia 63
The scholarships are paid off by the Eligible applicants and partners: This National CEEPUS Office in Slovakia. Travel program targets mainly higher education costs can be reimbursed by the respective institutions and upper secondary schools National CEEPUS Office of the scholarship (not individuals) based in Slovakia. An Research in Slovakia holder’s home country. eligible applicant must have at least one partner (a higher education institution More information: or an upper secondary school) from at www.ceepus.info least one donor state – Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein and together they can National CEEPUS Office in Slovakia: submit a project proposal. On the top SAIA, n. o. of these partnerships, it is possible to Sasinkova 10, 812 20 Bratislava 1 engage other upper secondary schools Slovak Republic and higher education institutions based www.ceepus.saia.sk either in Slovakia, donor states or in other countries implementing EEA Scholarship 3.6.2 EEA Scholarship Programme Programmes. Organisations of practice (especially from non-academic sector) Slovakia can be engaged as well in the form of The EEA Grants represent associated partners. the contribution of Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway to reduce Projects of HEIs should include: economic and social disparities and to Faculty-based co‑operation between strengthen bilateral relations with 16 EU institutions in Slovakia and in Donor countries in Central and Southern Europe. States aiming at long-term relations, EEA Scholarship Programme Slovakia Development of common study modules, (EEA SP) is a unique tool to increase higher Development or preparation of new education student and staff mobility, teaching aids and teaching methods as well as strengthen inter-institutional (with special focus on ICT-based learning), co‑operation between higher education Intensive courses for students and institutions and upper secondary schools PhD students, in Slovakia as beneficiary. EEA Scholarship Preparation of joint scientific papers Programme Slovakia is funded through and publications, the EEA Grants (85 %) and state budget Organising conferences, seminars, of the Slovak Republic (15 %). Programme training, workshops, and summer operator of the EEA Scholarship schools, Programme Slovakia is SAIA, n. o. Internships, practical placements, professional training of students and In 2015, institutions can apply for PhD students in research organisations, grants within a call for proposals for hospitals, companies, non-profit inter‑institutional co‑operation projects. organisations and in other organisations of practice cooperating with accredited This measure supports bilateral or educational institutions, multilateral institutional co‑operation Short-term mobility of students, among higher education institutions PhD students, (HEIs) in Slovakia and in donor states. The Short-term mobility of academic staff, objective is to support balanced partnerships Short-term mobility of experts from based on reciprocity of activities performed research organisations, hospitals, and bilateral or multilateral interest and companies, non-profit organisations benefit from co‑operation. 64 EURAXESS SLOVAKIA
and other organisations cooperating universities, but also private companies with accredited educational institutions, or individual citizens are eligible for grant Short-term mobility of top management support provided that their projects and administrative staff. deal with the region and further develop co‑operation among project partners based Applications: Call for proposals for in the region. The Fund’s annual budget inter‑institutional co‑operation projects of 8 mil. € consists of equal contributions will be opened in the first quarter of 2015 from the V4 governments. and it will remain open for two months. Other calls for proposal in 2015 are not The Fund operates following programmes: planned. For more information on how to VF grant programmes: find a partner please visit: www.eeasp.saia. – Small Grants – With the exception sk/en/main/are-you-looking-for-a-partner- of cross-border projects entities
Research in Slovakia institution or www.eeasp.saia.sk/en/main/ from at least three Visegrad Group education-systems/slovakia/. (V4) countries must be involved. It is advised, however, to include More information: partners from all V4 countries. Any www.eeasp.saia.sk organisation or natural person in the world (with the exception of SAIA, n. o. institutions directly funded from Sasinkova 10, 812 20 Bratislava 1 state budgets) is eligible for the Slovak Republic funding provided that the proposed project has “Visegrad” features. 3.6.3 International Visegrad Fund Shortterm projects (up to 6 months); max. budget per project is 6,000 €; The International Projects financed within Small Visegrad Fund Grants should fall within one of the is an international following six categories: cultural organisation based in Bratislava founded co‑operation, scientific exchange by the governments of the Visegrad and research, education, youth Group (V4) countries – Czech Republic, exchanges, cross-border co‑operation Hungary, Poland and Slovak Republic. or promotion of tourism. in 2000 The mission of the Fund is to Annual application deadlines: facilitate and promote the development 1 March, 1 June, 1 September, of closer co‑operation among citizens and 1 December. institutions of the V4 region, as well as More information: between V4 region and other countries, http://visegradfund.org/grants/ especially the Central and Eastern Europe, small_grants#t Western Balkans and South Caucasus. The Fund does so through grant support – Standard Grants – With the of common cultural, scientific and exception of cross-border projects, educational projects, youth exchanges, entities from at least three Visegrad cross-border projects and tourism Group (V4) countries must be promotion, and through individual mobility involved. It is advised, however, programmes (scholarships, residencies). to include partners from all V4 Non‑governmental organisations, civil countries. Any organisation or society organisations, municipalities and natural person in the world (with local or regional governments, schools and the exception of institutions directly The International Researcher’s Guide to Slovakia 65
funded from state budgets) is eligible must adhere to at least one of the for the funding provided that the priorities defined by the Conference proposed project has “Visegrad” of Ministers of Foreign Affairs of V4 features.midterm projects (up to countries. List of priorities set by Research in Slovakia 12 months); min. budget per project is the Conference of Ministries for 6,001 € (on average the respective year can be found 10,000 € – 15,000 €). The financial at the website of the programme. contribution of the Fund cannot Annual application deadline: 15 April exceed 80 % of total project costs More information: including the in-kind contribution http://visegradfund.org/grants/ of the applicant, or in-kind strategic_grants contributions of other subjects. Projects financed within Standard – Visegrad Strategic Conferences – The Grants should fall within one of the programme was established in 2014 following six categories: cultural as a sub-programme of the Strategic co‑operation, scientific exchange Grants to fund conference‑type and research, education, youth events of strategic regional relevance. exchange, cross-border co‑operation Prospective applicants are highly or promotion of tourism. encouraged to consult the fund Annual application deadlines: prior to the submission of their 15 March, 15 September. proposals. Prospective applicants More information: must have an excellent track record http://visegradfund.org/grants/ and rich experience with the fund’s standard_grants grant programs (previous successful projects implemented with the – Strategic Grants –The aim of fund’s support); the proposal the Visegrad Strategic Program must prove the given conference’s (Strategic Grants) is to support significant international impact long-term projects of strategic as well as a strong regional (V4) character that link institutions of relevance; the proposed conferences all four Visegrad Group countries. must fall within one or more of the The projects must adhere to at least following topics: foreign policy, one of the priorities defined by the economy, security, democratization, Conference of Ministers for the given human rights, economic and year: V4+ Ukraine, Interconnection social transformation, regional of transportation and other co‑operation, etc. Annual budget infrastructure of V4 countries and for the Strategic Conferences interconnection and liberalization is 400,000 €. of energy market in Visegrad region Annual application deadline: 15 April in practice. The priorities adhere to More information: the priorities of the given Presidency http://visegradfund.org/grants/ of the Visegrad Group.longterm strategic-conferences projects (up to 36 months); max. budget is unlimited (on average – University Grants – the programme 40,000 €). The programme supports is designed for universities with projects of strategic character that the aim to promote and support link institutions of all four Visegrad the development and launching Group countries. The projects of outstanding university courses 66 EURAXESS SLOVAKIA
or degree programmes that deal research proposals on Advance with specific phenomena explicitly materials are to be eligible:Materials related to the Visegrad Group for extreme environments: Materials countries. The course/programme for electronics and energy can be taught in any language. The harvesting; Lightweight construction supported sums depend on the scope materials:Maximum budget is and quality of each project, but are 100,000 €/project in the form of an intended to be ca. 10,000 €/course “on-top” support. and 40,000 €/degree programme. Application deadline: 10 April Annual application deadline: More information: 10 November http://visegradfund.org/grants/japan/ More information: http://visegradfund.org/grants/vusg – Flagship Projects – Eastern
Research in Slovakia Partnership – providing access to – Visegrad+ – the programme was experience and knowhow of the created to administer and finance V4 countries with the processes projects which contribute to the of democratic transformation and democratisation and transformation integration and regional co‑operation. processes in selected countries and Projects submitted to the Fund must regions, especially non-EU Member involve grantees and project partners States in Eastern Europe and the from all four V4 countries, as well as South Caucasus (Armenia, Azerbaijan, with at least two Eastern Partnership Belarus, Georgia, Moldova, Ukraine) countries. Projects support reform and the Western Balkans (Bosnia processes, political association and and Herzegovina, Macedonia, economic integration with the EU, Montenegro, Serbia – including strengthen the institutional capacity, Kosovo). The priority target countries, contribute to the development of civil priority orientation and project topics society and the overall transformation for Visegrad+ projects are defined of the Eastern Partnership countries and approved by the decision of the (Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Conference of Ministers. Georgia, Moldova, Ukraine). More information: More information: http://visegradfund.org/grants/ http://visegradfund.org/v4eap/flagship visegrad_plus – Extended Standard Grants – Eastern – V4–Japan Joint Research Program Partnership – midiumterm projects – mechanism for formulating and (lasting 12 months, maximum supporting concrete research projects 18 months);. The programme is carried out on multilateral basis similar to the existing Standard between the V4 region and Japan. Grants programme and is meant to Proposals eligible are those that support reform processes, political follow the models of Japan + 2 – 4 association and economic different V4 countries, pference integration with the EU, strengthen will be given to projects involving the institutional capacity, contribute partners from all V4 countries to the development of civil (1 + 4 model) – public or private society and the overall transformation research organizations or small or of the Eastern Partnership (EaP) medium-sized enterprises. For 2015 countries (Armenia, Azerbaijan, The International Researcher’s Guide to Slovakia 67
Belarus, Georgia, Moldova and or institute of the respective national Ukraine). Projects must involve academy of sciences) in any V4 country projects partners from at least three other than that of their citizenship. V4 countries and at least a single Successful applicants within this Research in Slovakia country of the Eastern Partnership. scheme will receive a scholarship of More information: 2,300 €/semester and the respective http://visegradfund.org/v4eap/ host university/institute will receive extended-standard-grants 1,500 €/semester/scholar. Annual application deadline: 31 January. – Visegrad University Studies Grants More information: – Eastern Partnership – programme http://visegradfund.org/ targeting the countries of the Eastern scholarships/intra Partnership (Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova, Ukraine) – In-Coming Scholarships – Master’s and offers grant funding to projects and Post-Master’s scholarships for developing university courses periods of 1 or 4 semesters suitable of degree programs that will be for scholars who are interested launched at colleges and universities in a study/research stay at accredited accredited in the EaP countries. public or private universities or The program enables these colleges, institutes of the respective national universities or their legal units academies of sciences in the Visegrad (schools, faculties) to apply with Group (V4) countries. Citizens of the proposals for courses or programs of following countries are eligible to various academic fields that focus on apply: Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, sharing specific V4 experience with Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, democratization and transformation Georgia, Macedonia, Moldova, process, regional co‑operation, the Montenegro, Russian Federation, EU accession process, etc. Any public Serbia (including Kosovo), Ukraine. or private university in the Eastern Successful applicants within this Partnership is eligible for the grant. scheme will receive a scholarship of The course/programme can be taught 2,300 €/semester and the respective in any language. The supported sums host university/institute will receive depend on the scope and quality of 1,500 €/semester/scholar. Scholars each project, but are intended to be who will have to travel to the host ca. 10,000 €/course and 40,000 €/ institution more than 1,500 km are degree programme. also eligible for onetime Travel Grant. More information: Annual application deadline: 31 January. http://visegradfund.org/v4eap/vusg-eap More information: http://visegradfund.org/ IVF scholarship programmes: scholarships/incoming – Intra-Visegrad Scholarships – Master’s and Post-Master’s – Out-Going Scholarships scholarships for periods of 1 or – programme suitable 2 semesters suitable for scholars for current scholars or Master’s coming from one of the Visegrad degree holders from V4 countries who Group (V4) countries who are are interested in a study/research interested in a study stay (at any stay at accredited public or private accredited public or private university universities or institutes of the 68 EURAXESS SLOVAKIA
respective national academies in a study/research stay at selected of sciences in the following higher education institutions countries: Albania, Armenia, accredited by the Government of Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bosnia and the Republic of China (Taiwan). Herzegovina, Georgia, Macedonia, Reciprocal part of the programme Moldova, Montenegro, Serbia supports mobility of Taiwanese (including Kosovo), Ukraine. researchers to the V4 region. The Successful applicants within this study/research stay lasts 10 months; scheme will receive a scholarship of there is a possibility to re-apply once, 2,300 €/semester and the respective i.e. the maximum duration of the stay host university/institute will receive is 20 months. Successful applicants 1,500 €/semester/scholar. Scholars will receive a scholarship of 750 €/ who will have to travel to the host month/PhD student + onetime travel
Research in Slovakia institution more than 1,500 km are grant of 800 € or 1,000 €/month/ also eligible for onetime Travel Grant. postdoc + 800 € onetime travel grant. Annual application deadline: 31 January. More information: More information: http://visegradfund.org/ http://visegradfund.org/ scholarships/taiwan scholarships/outgoing IVF artist-in-residence programmes – Visegrad Scholarships at Open – Visegrad Artist Residency Program Society Archives (OSA) – the (VARP) with several sub-programmes: International Visegrad Fund – Visual&Sound Arts – mobility and in co‑operation with the Open Society exchange of citizens of the Visegrad Archivum Budapest offers research Group (V4) countries in the fields of fellowships at the OSA at the Central visual and sound arts. The artist- European University in Budapest. The in-residence projects must be scholarship of 2,000 € is designed implemented in a V4 country to provide access to the archives other than that of the applicant’s for scholars, artists and journalists, residence. Supported period of each and to cover travel costs to and from residency is 3 months. Successful Budapest, a modest subsistence and applicants within this scheme will accommodation for a research period receive a residency fee (scholarship) of 2 months. Scholarships for shorter of 750 €/month and the respective periods are pro-rated. List of priorities host organisation will receive set by the Fund and the Archivum 750 €/month to cover expenses for the respective year can be found related to the residency (each residency at the website of the programme. project receives 4,500 € in total). More information: Annual application deadline: September. http://visegradfund.org/ More information: scholarships/osa http://visegradfund.org/residencies/ visual-sound – VisegradTaiwan Scholarship – the aim of the programme is to facilitate – Performing Arts – opportunities for academic exchanges by providing host performing artists or companies support to PhD candidates and from and in all V4 Member States. postdoctoral researchers from the The aim of the programme is to V4 countries who are interested support innovation, experiment and The International Researcher’s Guide to Slovakia 69
creativity in the performing arts. The 3.6.4 NATO – Science for Peace programme supports exchanges and and Security Programme contributes toward more intensive collaboration among freelance artists The Science for Peace and Research in Slovakia and performing arts institutions in V4 Security (SPS) Programme countries. The financial support is supports practical given to both the artists and the host co‑operation in science and innovation institutions: through projects aimed at safety, . 4,000 € for individual residency environment sustainability and other (1 – 2 artists): 1,500 € for the host priorities identified by NATO partners. institution and 2,500 € for the The programme has an annual budget of artist(s); around 12 million €. The funds are intended . 8,000 € for group residency for co‑operation projects if scientific and (3 artists and more): 2,500 € for research institutions, and training centres the host institution and 5,500 € of NATO countries with similar institutions for the artistic group. Annual in the partner countries. application deadline: October. More information: Funded activities http://visegradfund.org/residencies/ Projects may not be purely scientific. performing-arts Projects must have clear connection with the key priorities of NATO, added value of – Visegrad Literary Residency Program safety and benefits for the development – programme supports residency of relations between NATO and partners. stays and literary events addressed Preferably, the projects have considerable to writers of fiction and nonfiction, added value of public diplomacy. poets, essayists, critics, as well as literary translators, publicists and Activities funded under the programme journalists from the Visegrad Group must comply with the following key priorities: (V4) countries. Each literary project 1. Facilitate mutually beneficial lasts 6 weeks/3 months. Successful co‑operation on issues of common applicants within this scheme will interest, including international efforts receive a scholarship of 1,125 € to meet emerging security challenges (Compact Spring Edition: May – June) (counter-terrorism, energy security, or 2,250 € (Regular Autumn Edition: cyber defence, defence against CBRN September – November). Annual agents, environmental security); application deadline: February. 2. Enhance support for NATO-led More information: operations and missions; http://visegradfund.org/residencies/ 3. Enhance awareness on security literary developments including through early warning, with a view to preventing crises More information: (security-related advanced technology, www.visegradfund.org border and port security, mine International Visegrad Fund and unexploded ordnance detection Kráľovské údolie 8, 811 02 Bratislava and clearance, human and social aspects Slovak Republic of security; 4. Any related project clearly linked to a threat to security not otherwise defined in these priorities may also be 70 EURAXESS SLOVAKIA
considered for funding under the SPS Information about the programme is also Programme. Such proposals will be available in the Scholarships and grants examined for links to NATO‘s Strategic database of SAIA: http://grants.saia.sk/ Objectives. Pages/ProgramDetail.aspx?Program=589.
Full list of SPS Key priorities can be found at www.nato.int/cps/en/natolive/85291.htm. NATO-Russia scientific co‑operation In scientific co‑operation has been Support mechanisms for co‑operation established a special programme funding in the key priorities: (www.nato.int/cps/en/natolive/88267.htm) Multi-year research and development of support for co‑operation between projects (Science for Peace Projects) scientists and experts from NATO countries – with added value for safety, funding and Russia. The Action Plan for 2013 – 2015
Research in Slovakia of co‑operation in multi-annual provides for co‑operation in the following (3 – 4 years) projects in applied research priority areas related to security: and development offering financial 1. Facilitate mutually beneficial support to cover the costs of the project co‑operation on issues of common (e.g. research equipment, computers, interest, including international software and training of people involved efforts to meet emerging security in the project); challenges (counter-terrorism, energy Training courses – training, practice security, defence against CBRN agents, and exchange of expertise between environmental security); experts and specialists form member 2. Enhance awareness on security and partner countries (Advanced developments including through early Study Institutes, Advanced Training warning, with a view to preventing Course) in order to mediate the latest crises (security related advanced knowledge and development trends technology, such as in the field of in the areas relevant to NATO, lasting up telemedicine, border and port Security, to 7 working days; mine and unexploded ordnance Workshops – (Advanced Research detection and clearance, human and Workshops) – funding of expert social aspects of security). workshops with the aim of sharing 3. Other topics will be considered for experiences, opinions and finding inclusion in the Action Plan as they solutions to security issues relevant to are identified by representatives NATO lasting 2 – 5 days. and are deemed by NRC (SPS) to be particularly suitable for pursuit within its Submission of applications programme of work. Detailed information on each scheme and application forms can be found at Submission of applications www.nato.int/cps/en/natolive/87260.htm. Applications for grants to support Projects proposals may be submitted the co‑operation between Russian continuously through this website and scientists and scientists from NATO are subject to international review. Final countries within the given topic may be decision on the project’s support is issued submitted to NATO through the following by the leaders of NATO Member States. website, the application forms are also Early consultation of the project intents available at http://www.nato.int/cps/en/ is advised with the representatives natolive/87260.htm. Support mechanisms and permanent delegations to NATO. are the already mentioned Science for The International Researcher’s Guide to Slovakia 71
Peace projects, Advanced Training Courses, NATO-Russia co‑operation also supports, Advanced Study Institutes and the encourages and coordinates joint Advanced Research Workshops. The last cooperative nationally funded projects with 3 are usually held in Russia. the participation of experts from NATO Research in Slovakia countries and Russia. Russian scientists may be involved in core co‑operation programme described More information: in the section “Funded activities” in the Science for Peace and Security Programme framework of the Euro Atlantic Partnership Emerging Security Challenges Division Council (EAPC). NATO HQ, Bd Leopold III B1110 Brussels, Belgium E-mail: [email protected] www.nato.int/cps/en/natolive/78209.htm 72 EURAXESS SLOVAKIA
4. Formalities – how to be ready for the national authorities
Aim of this chapter is to give you – university students, PhD students, teachers and researchers coming to Slovakia – an overview of the formalities towards the national authorities related to your stay in Slovakia.
The main parts discuss the following issues: Entry and stay Employment How to get your documents sufficiently authenticated Social security and health insurance Taxation Recognition of education Import of goods
You can find the graphical overview of the duties regarding the mobility to Slovakia (timeline checklist) at the end of this publication or at: www.euraxess.sk/_user/ documents/Euraxess/checklist-timeline_incoming_researchers-final.pdf.
4.1 Entry & stay This guide will help you to identify the procedures and documents you will need in your specific situation. Please, follow the “Navigation” and find the tailormade guidelines to get through the formalities smoothly.
Please, note that this text is for your information only elaborated on the basis of available and valid information for the year 2014; it does not contain exhaustive information
Formalities – how to be ready for the national authorities on stay of foreigners in Slovakia in general, and it gives no right for claims or legitimate expectations of any kind. Full official information is provided in the Act No. 404/2011 Coll. on the Residence of Foreigners, amended by the Act no. 75/2013, no. 388/2013 and 495/2013 Coll. The legislation is available in Slovak on the website of legislative information http://jaspi.justice.gov.sk, www.zakonypreludi.sk/zz/2011-404.
4.1.1 Navigation Start with part I. and continue as advised in the instructions following your answer to questions according to your situation:
I. Are you an EU/EEA/Swiss national? A. Yes – proceed directly to chapter “Duties of EU/EEA/Swiss nationals coming to Slovakia“, page 77.
. Note: If a family member plans to accompany you during your stay, do not forget to consult also question IV.
B. No – continue with question II. The International Researcher’s Guide to Slovakia 73
II. Is your planned stay in Slovakia short-term, i. e. shorter than 90 days? A. Yes. What kind of activity do you plan to perform in Slovakia? 1. study at a university (irrespective of the study level, including PhD studies) 2. carry out research and development on the basis of a Hosting Agreement Formalities – how to be ready for the national authorities (look at the part “What is a Hosting Agreement”, page 91) (the employment does not require work permit or confirmation on the possibility of filling a vacancy and besides an employment contract the activity can be performed on the basis of agreements outside employment contract, or on the basis of an awarded scholarship) 3. perform an activity resulting from a programme approved by the Government of SR, a European programme, or a programme based on intnernational treaty binding for SR (on the basis of an invitation letter and/or letter of a scholarship award without employment contract, or only with a contract with limited scope of activities, when a work permit or a confirmation of a possibility of filling a vacancy is not required, see page 92 for the specification of the activities performed) 4. participate in an internship within study outside the territory of the Slovak Republic (on the basis of a certificate of internship) 5. perform activities of a lecturer or an artist (on the basis of an invitation letter or a confirmation, without employment contract, or only with a contract with limited scope of activities, when a work permit or a confirmation of a possibility of filling a vacancy is not required, see page 92 for the specification of the activities performed)
In case of the points 1 – 5 it is not necessary to apply for a temporary residence permit.
Do you need visa to enter Slovakia (or Schengen Area in general)? (you can check here if your home country is listed as having visa-free travel to EU: http://ec.europa.eu/immigration/do-i-need-a-visa/do-i-need-a-short- stay-visa_en#novisa%29
Yes –then apply for visa. For detailed information about visa procedures see chapter “Visa – Application for Schengen visa“, page 80.
. After arrival to Slovakia, there are also some duties you have to fulfil – see chapter “Duties after arrival in Slovakia“, page 102.
No – in this case you do not need to make any administrative steps before your arrival.
. After arrival to Slovakia, there are also some duties you have to fulfil – see chapter “Duties after arrival in Slovakia“, page 102. 74 EURAXESS SLOVAKIA
6. be employed above the scope of the conditions in the points 1 – 5 on the basis of an employment contract In general even in case of a stay shorter than 90 days and employment in Slovakia it is necessary to apply for a temporary residence permit. Even though the Act no. 404/2011 Coll. provides for certain situations where it is possible to stay for employment within the first 90 days without a temporary residence permit, these are very specific cases that are not crucial to this publication. Please continue in the navigation as if your stay was longer than 90 days.
B. No. Your intended stay is longer than 90 days. You need to apply for a temporary residence permit; the related administrative process may vary according to where you decide to apply for the temporary residence permit.
Do you need visa to enter Slovakia (or Schengen Area in general)? (you can check here if your home country is listed as having visa-free travel to EU: http://ec.europa.eu/immigration/do-i-need-a-visa/do-i-need-a-short- stay-visa_en#novisa)
a) Yes. You can get the temporary residence permit in two ways: (1) you can apply for temporary residence permit abroad prior to your arrival to Slovakia (to find out details about temporary residence permit, please continue with question III). After issuing the temporary residence permit a Slovak embassy/consulate on the basis of an application issues the National visa (type “D”) allowing the entry into Slovakia (for further information about the visa procedure consult the part “Visa – Application for National Visa”, page 84.
While planning your stay, please note that this procedure may last longer due to diplomatic post between a Foreign Police Office in Slovakia and the respective Slovak embassy/consulate. Formalities – how to be ready for the national authorities . After arrival to Slovakia, there are also some other duties you have to fulfil – see chapter “Duties after arrival in Slovakia“, page 102.
. Note: If a family member plans to accompany you during your stay, do not forget to consult also question IV.
(2) in case that from objective reasons it is not possible to apply for temporary residence permit from abroad due to lack of time, and the applicant is considered to be a“credible immigrant” (e. g. scholarship holders coming to Slovakia on the basis of bilateral intergovernmental agreements or programmes approved by the Government of SR, or in case of a research stay on the basis of a hosting agreement) you can apply for the National visa (type “D”) abroad (for further details about visa procedures see chapter “Visa – Application for National visa“, page 84. Afterwards you come to Slovakia and apply for temporary residence permit in Slovakia (to find out details about temporary residence permit, please continue with question III.). The International Researcher’s Guide to Slovakia 75
. Do not forget to bring all documents needed for residence permit with you; otherwise you will have to leave Slovakia (Schengen Area) at the latest on the date when your visa expires. Formalities – how to be ready for the national authorities . Note: The application procedure for temporary residence permits for the purpose of study, research and development and special activity or Blue card, may take 30 days after the date the application was accepted by the respective Foreign Police Office. In other cases the procedure can take 90 days.
. After arrival to Slovakia, there are also some duties, you have to fulfil – see chapter “Duties after arrival in Slovakia“, page 102.
. Note: If a family member plans to accompany you during your stay, do not forget to consult also question IV.
b) No. You can get the temporary residence permit in two ways: (1) you apply for temporary residence permit in Slovakia, if you are legally staying in the territory of the SR (to find out details about temporary residence permit, please continue with question III.).
. Do not forget to bring all documents needed for residence permit with you; otherwise you will have to leave the territory of Slovakia (Schengen Area) after 90 days of cumulative stay within a 180-day period.
. After arrival to Slovakia, there are also some duties you have to fulfil – see chapter “Duties after arrival in Slovakia“, page 102.
. Note: If a family member plans to accompany you during your stay, do not forget to consult also question IV.
(2) you can apply for temporary residence permit abroad at the Diplomatic Mission of the SR prior to your arrival to Slovakia (to find out details about temporary residence permit, please continue with question III.).
While planning your stay, please note that this procedure may last longer due to diplomatic post between a foreign police office in Slovakia and the respective Slovak embassy/consulate.
. After arrival to Slovakia, there are also some duties you have to fulfil – see chapter “Duties after arrival in Slovakia“, page 102.
. Note: If a family member plans to accompany you during your stay, do not forget to consult also question IV. 76 EURAXESS SLOVAKIA
III. What kind of activity do you plan to perform during your stay in Slovakia longer than 90 days? A. study at a university – irrespective from the type of study (full programme study or credit academic mobility/exchange stays), you can apply for temporary residence permit for the purpose of study – see chapter “Purpose of study in case of university students/PhD students” page 85.
B. carry out research or development Are you invited by a Slovak university to stay as a PhD student? a) Yes – if you have an invitation letter (letter of acceptance) as a PhD student, proceed as “1. study at a university“ mentioned above. b) No (irrespective of whether you have an invitation from a university or another research organisation), continue with the next question. Have you signed a Hosting Agreement with a university or a research or development institution in Slovakia? (see chapter “What is a Hosting Agreement”, page 91) a. Yes – you can apply for temporary residence permit for the purpose of research and development – see chapter “Purpose of research and development for researchers with a Hosting Agreement“, page 87. b) No – how is your stay arranged? i. research or teaching activities at a university within an exchange/mobility programme of the SR or the EU or co‑operation scheme – for further information about residence permit see chapter “Purpose of special activity“, page 92, ii. regular employment contract without a Hosting agreement: Does your activity require higher qualification and will the working conditions and terms be met for the granting of “Purpose of temporary residence in case of employment requiring higher qualification – Blue card of the EU”? a. yes – to verify the conditions and their fulfilment continue with
Formalities – how to be ready for the national authorities page 99, “Purpose of temporary residence in case of employment requiring higher qualification – Blue card of the EU” b. no – continue with the section “Purpose of employment“, page 95.
C. teach at a university a) you will accomplish teaching activities of a lecturer – university teacher based on a simple invitation letter from a Slovak university, but with no employment contract, or you will perform teaching activities within an exchange/mobility programme of SR or the EU or a co‑operation scheme based on an international agreement binding for SR, but with no employment contract – follow the procedures in the chapter “Purpose of special activity“, page 92, b) you will have a regular employment contract: Does your activity require higher qualification and will the working conditions and terms be met for the granting of “Purpose of temporary residence in case of employment requiring higher qualification – Blue card of the EU”? The International Researcher’s Guide to Slovakia 77
a. yes – to verify the conditions and their fulfilment continue with page 99, “Purpose of temporary residence in case of employment requiring higher qualification – Blue card of the EU” b. no – continue with the section “Purpose of employment“, page 95. Formalities – how to be ready for the national authorities
. After arrival to Slovakia, there are also some other duties you have to fulfil – see chapter “Duties after arrival in Slovakia“, page 102.
. Note: If a family member plans to accompany you during your stay, do not forget to consult also question IV.
IV. If you intend to come to Slovakia with your family members, please answer again the following question: Are you an EU/EEA/Swiss national? A. Yes – Is the accompanying family member an EU/EEA/Swiss national? a) Yes – your family member can proceed in accordance with procedures described in chapter “Duties of EU/EEA/Swiss nationals coming to Slovakia“, page 77, b) No – for the residence permit for the family member consult the chapter “Procedures for family members of EU/EEA/Swiss nationals who come from third countries“, page 102.
B. No – Is the accompanying family member an EU/EEA/Swiss national? a) Yes – your family member can proceed in accordance with procedures described in chapter “Duties of EU/EEA/Swiss nationals coming to Slovakia“, page 77, b) No – for the residence permit for the family member consult the chapter “Residence permit for the purpose of family reunion in case of third country nationals’ families”, page 104.
. If you need personal advice or assistance, you can contact us at [email protected].
The graphical view of entry and stay procedures for a national from EU/EEA/Switzerland and third-country national can be found on the page 106.
4.1.2 Duties of EU/EEA/SWISS nationals coming to Slovakia Residence of EU/EEA/SWISS nationals
An EU national, for the purposes of the Act on the Residence of Foreigners, is everyone who is a national of an EU member state, except a national of the Slovak Republic. If an EU/EEA/Swiss national intends to stay in Slovakia for less than three months, he/she is obliged only to submit the notice of stay to the foreign police office within 10 working days since his/her arrival to Slovakia. This is usually made by the accommodation provider, if the person stays in a hotel, hostel or dormitory. If accommodated in private (e.g. in a private rented flat or at a friends’ place), the EU/EEA/Swiss national is obliged to submit the notice of stay in person directly at the respective foreign police office (list of foreign police offices can be found on page 109). 78 EURAXESS SLOVAKIA
If an EU/EEA/Swiss national intends to stay in Slovakia longer than 3 months, he/she is obliged to submit the notice of stay to the foreign police office within 10 working days since his/her arrival to Slovakia (for the usual ways of notifying see the paragraph above). After that he/she can stay in Slovakia without any further obligations for up to three months from the entry into the Slovak Republic. After this period of three months is over, EU/EEA/Swiss national is obliged to apply for registration of residence in the Slovak Republic within next 30 days.
If an EU/EEA/Swiss national knows or assumes immediately after his/her arrival in the Slovak Republic that he would reside in the Slovak Republic for longer than three months, he/she may apply for the registration of residence immediately and thus fulfil the obligation to submit the notice of stay at the same time (of course only providing he/she does so within the period of 10 working days). It is not necessary to submit the notice of stay first within the period of 10 working days and then apply for the registration of residence.
What do you need for the report of stay? if you are staying with private person, come in person to the foreign police office during the office hours and present the following: filled in form “Notice of the stay” (available in 7 languages to download here www.minv.sk/?pobyt-cudzinca; must be filled in Slovak language; the forms are also available at local foreign police offices), valid ID/passport.
What do you need for the registration of residence for EU/EEA/Swiss nationals? Come in person to the foreign police office during the office hours and present the following: filled in form “Application for registration of right of residence of Union Citizen” (available to download at www.minv.sk/?pobyt-cudzinca, look for document entitled “Žiadosť o obnovenie prechodného pobytu,…, o registráciu práva občana Únie, …”;
Formalities – how to be ready for the national authorities must be filled in Slovak language), valid ID/passport, a document proving the purpose of your stay in Slovakia, or sufficient financial resources: – in case of employment in the territory of the Slovak Republic – employment contract or commitment of the employer, – a document proving sufficient resources for you and your family members not to become a burden on the social assistance system of the Slovak Republic, and a certificate of health insurance in Slovakia (European Health Insurance Card is sufficient), or certificate of insurance reimbursement for medical expenses in the territory of the Slovak Republic, – in case of study in Slovakia – confirmation of study or admission to a school in Slovakia, and statutary declaration of sufficient financial resources, – in case you assume to be employed in Slovakia – statutary declaration on a continuing search for jobs in Slovakia and proof of medical insurance, – in case you are a family member of an EU citizen, you will accompany or join – certificate of registration of the EU citizen, and birth or marriage certificate, or a proof of your permanent relationship. The International Researcher’s Guide to Slovakia 79
If you are interested in obtaining a Residence card of an EU citizen, you are required to submit the following documents: two recent photographs 3 × 3,5 cm, a document in Slovak proving provision of accommodation (e.g confirmation from your Formalities – how to be ready for the national authorities accommodation provider or a rental agreement and the letter of ownership).
Fee 1): 4.50 EUR for the issue of an EU national residence card
Although the Act on the Residence of Foreigners establishes only a possibility (not an obligation) to apply for the issue of an EU national residence card, you need to know that this document makes a foreigner’s life significantly easier, especially when dealing with authorities – banks, insurance companies, etc.
4.1.3 Duties of third country nationals coming to Slovakia
Visa When intending to apply for visa the foreign nationals are urged to contact the territorially competent Slovak embassy/consulate general (see page 110) in order to receive a detailed and up-to-date information on visa requirements, since the general information provided below may not fully cover the visa requirements applicable in the third country. Before visiting the embassy/consulate in person, contact them by telephone or e-mail and arrange an appointment if possible.
Note: To find out whether your country is on the list of Visa countries, check the following website: http://ec.europa.eu/immigration/do-i-need-a-visa/do-i-need-a-short-stay-visa_en#novisa.
You can apply for visa at the earliest 3 months prior to your planned trip 2). Under the applicable law, the visa application procedure shall not take longer than 15 days, in exceptional cases the decision may take up to 60 days. Exemptions apply to the nationals of the countries which have signed Community-level visa facilitation agreements (Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Cape Verde, Georgia, Macedonia, Moldova, Montenegro, the Russian Federation, Serbia, and Ukraine). When national of these countries apply for visa, the decision should be issued within 10 calendar days of the delivery of a completed visa application. Nationals of Macedonia, Moldova, Montenegro and Serbia don’t need visa, if they are holders of biometric passports.
The validity of the granted visa or the duration of stay may be extended if the visa holder proves serious personal reasons. The applicant shall pay a fee of 30 € for the renewal. The visa is renewed for free if the holder has proven force majeure or humanitarian reasons, preventing him from leaving the country before expiry of the visa, or the authorized duration of stay. Extension of visas shall take the form of a visa sticker. Visa may not be
1) Law of the National Council of the Slovak Republic no. 145/1995 Coll. on Administrative Fees, www.zakonypreludi.sk/zz/1995-145 (Slovak only) 2) Chapter II, Art. 9, parag. 1 of the Regulation (EC) No 810/2009 of the European parliament and the Council of 13 July 2009 establishing a Community Code on Visas, http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=OJ:L:2009:243:0001:0058:en:PDF. 80 EURAXESS SLOVAKIA
extended to more than 90 days. If the foreign national has a visa issued for the length of stay of 90 days, the visa cannot be extended.
A. Application for Schengen visa (Type C – short stay) Schengen visa is a short-stay visa issued by all countries in the Schengen area. It is a visa with which you can enter the 26 Schengen countries 3) for one or several visits, the duration of which cannot exceed 90 days in any 180-day period 4). Cyprus, Croatia, Bulgaria and Romania recognize Schengen visa as equal to their national visa for the purpose of transit or a planned stay not exceeding 90 days within any 180-day period; this only applies to visa valid for two or multiple entries 5).
The date of entry will be the first day of stay in the territory of a Schengen Member State and the day of leaving is the last day of such residence. The duration of stay authorized by a residence permit is not included into the duration of a visa stay. The term “any” is applied using a period of 180 days moving backwards in relation to each day of stay (day of admission or the day of the inspection) to verify whether the condition of 90/180 days is observed. The absence from the Schengen area for a period of 90 consecutive days enables a new stay for the period of 90 days. In examining the compliance with the rule of 90/180 days under this visa, a stay in the countries that are not members of the Schengen area is disregarded (Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Ireland, Romania and United Kingdom). On the contrary a stay in the Schengen countries outside the EU – Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland are taken into the account 6). To calculate the period of stay in the territory of Schengen countries under the condition of approved 90/180 days, it is possible to use a Visa calculator 7).
3) List of member and candidate countries of Schengen area is listed on the website of the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Home Affairs, http://ec.europa.eu/dgs/home-affairs/what- we-do/policies/borders-and-visas/schengen/index_en.htm, or at the following websites:
Formalities – how to be ready for the national authorities www.schengenvisainfo.com/schengen-visa-countries-list/, http://www.minv.sk/?clenske_staty. Schengen area countries are: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland. 4) The maximum duration of a short stay was defined by EU Regulation no. 610/2013 of 26 June 2013, which entered into force on 18 October 2013, and which changed the Schengen Borders Code and the Visa Code: Regulation (EU) No 610/2013 of the European parliament and of the council of 26 June 2013 amending Regulation (EC) No 562/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing a Community Code on the rules governing the movement of persons across borders (Schengen Borders Code), the Convention implementing the Schengen Agreement, Council Regulations (EC) No 1683/95 and (EC) No 539/2001 and Regulations (EC) No 767/2008 and (EC) No 810/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council, http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/ LexUriServ.do?uri=OJ:L:2013:182:0001:0018:EN:PDF. 5) Decision of the European Parliament and Council No. 565/2014/ES of 15 May 2014 6) Calculation of a stay in the Schengen Area, Visas and residence of foreigners in Slovakia, Slovak Embassy in Vienna, www.mzv.sk/vieden. 7) Calculator and user manual are available on the website of the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Home Affairs, http://ec.europa.eu/dgs/home-affairs/what-we-do/policies/ borders-and-visas/border-crossing/index_en.htm. The International Researcher’s Guide to Slovakia 81
Territorial validity of the visa is specified on a visa sticker in the “Platné pre/Valid for” line. The visa may be valid for all Schengen Member States. In that case, “Valid for: Schengen countries” is specified on the visa sticker entitling its holder to move freely within the entire Schengen area for the period of the visa validity and duration of stay. Formalities – how to be ready for the national authorities
In the case of a visa with limited territorial validity, the following may be specified on the visa sticker: “Valid for: the Slovak Republic” (i.e., the visa is valid only for the Slovak Republic), or “Schengen countries – XY” (i.e., the visa is valid for all Schengen countries except XY), or “Valid for: SK, XY” (i.e., the visa is valid only for the Slovak Republic and XY).
In general, when applying for a Schengen visa, foreign nationals have to submit the following: filled-in form “Application for Schengen Visa” (available at www.mzv.sk/en/consular_info/visa) The application must be signed by the applicant; in case of minors or persons lacking legal capacity, the application must be signed by their legal guardian, who is required to attach a copy of the document identifying him/her as the applicant’s legal guardian, recent full-face color photograph 3 × 3.5 cm, valid travel document; the travel document must be valid for at least three months longer than the expected validity of the visa requested and it must have been issued within previous 10 years. The document shall contain at least 2 blank pages, documents demonstrating the purpose and conditions of the planned stay (confirmation of acceptance for study, a letter of invitation, letter of award, hosting agreement, emplyoment permit, etc.), travel medical insurance – the insurance must cover all costs that may arise in connection with the repatriation of the applicant to his/her home country due to health problems, urgent medical treatment, emergency hospital treatment or death. Travel insurance must be valid for all Schengen Member States and the entire length of the applicant’s stay. A minimum insurance coverage of 30 000 € is required. Family members of EU or EEA nationals are exempt from the obligation of submitting travel health insurance, accommodation-related documents, e.g.: – letter of award or hosting agreement in case they specify accommodation provided – a voucher/reservation confirming hotel accommodation and services provided – a personal letter of invitation confirming that the applicant will stay at the inviting person’s place – other documents, documents confirming sufficient means of subsistence, e.g.: – cash in a freely convertible currency – travel cheques – a bank account statement confirming that the applicant has had a regular income (salary, pension) in the previous 6 – 12 months – other documents safeguarding funds in a convertible currency, 82 EURAXESS SLOVAKIA
(No general amount of funds to cover the costs of living is prescribed, but the funds must be sufficient for the length and purpose of stay and costs of living in the final country of destination or Schengen area countries. At this moment, Slovak authorities generally operate with 56 €/person/day, hence a foreign national might be requested to proof the corresponding amount respective to the duration of his/her stay as stated in the visa at the Slovak border 8).) documents enabling an assessment of the applicant’s intention to leave the territory of the EU after the expiry of the visa applied for, e.g. means of transport – a return (not open) air/bus/train ticket, other documents – for the purposes of the visa application procedure, the embassy or consulate general may ask foreign nationals to submit other documents in order to verify the declared purpose of the visit and applicant’s intention to return to his/her home country or the country of his/her residence.
Visa application fees 9): 60 € in general or 35 € for nationals of third countries who have signed a Visa Facilitation Agreement with the Community: Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Cape Verde, Georgia, Macedonia (holders of non-biometric passports), Moldova (holders of non-biometric passports), Montenegro (holders of non-biometric passports), Russian Federation, Serbia (holders of non-biometric passports), Ukraine.
The fees are paid in a freely convertible currency or in a national currency of the third
Formalities – how to be ready for the national authorities country, in which the application has been filed, converted using the applicable official exchange rate. No administrative fee is charged for visa application filed by a third country national who is a family member of an EU or EEA national and exercises his/her right of free movement.
B. Invitation Foreigners may be asked to enclose to their visa application also an official invitation validated by a police authority. It is necessary to verify this obligation with the Embassy/consulate of the Slovak Republic in your home country. The invitation can be replaced by the Hosting agreement in case of a research stay (see page 92).
8) Regulation of the Ministry of Interior of the Slovak Republic No. 499/2011 Coll. determining the amount of funds necessary to cover the costs of a third country citizen’s stay on the territory of the Slovak Republic, www.zakonypreludi.sk/zz/2011-499/znenie-20120101 (Slovak only). 9) Law of the National Council of the Slovak Republic no. 145/1995 Coll. on Administrative Fees, www.zakonypreludi.sk/zz/1995-145 (Slovak only). The International Researcher’s Guide to Slovakia 83
Note: Invitation in the Schengen visa granting procedure ≠ invitation letter (acceptance letter), in which a hosting institution agrees with the realization of a scholarship, research stay, or an invitation to an education/research event. Formalities – how to be ready for the national authorities Application to verify an invitation may be presented by an inviting person: Natural person – Slovak citizen with permanent residence in the territory of the Slovak Republic or a foreigner with legitimate permanent or temporary stay in the territory of the Slovak Republic, Legal person – with the seat in the territory of the Slovak Republic.
A request to verify an invitation must be submitted on an official form at a police department correspondent to the inviting person’s place of stay or to the seat of the inviting legal person. In addition to the inviting and invited person’s data, it is necessary to enclose also other documents to the request, not older than 90 days and proving: purpose of the invitation – being a relative of the invited person; business licence of the inviting person; business or other labour relationships; organising of a cultural, sportive or scientific event (invitation from an organisation or an organiser, programme of the event), study or other form of education, provision of health care, other authentic reason, ability of the inviting person to cover all expenses related to the stay and travel of the invited person. The financial capacity can be proved by a balance statement of a bank account in the name of the inviting person, managed by a bank, foreign bank or branch of a foreign bank. The account balance must cumulatively be at 12-times the subsistence minimum (198,09 € valid for 2014) and funds for each day of the invited person’s stay in the amount of 56 € 10). If the inviting person invites more people, he/she shall demonstrate the ability to cover 12-times the subsistence minimum only once (only on behalf of himself/herself), and the amount of 56 € for each invited person.
An interview will be carried out with the inviting person concerning the relation with the invited person or the reason of the stay.
You can find the “Application for verification of the invitation” online, here: www.minv.sk/?pozvanie-cudzinca.
Fee 11): 33 EUR for the request for a verification of an invitation
A foreign police department issues a verification of an invitation within 15 days from the receipt of the application, the verification is valid for 90 days.
10) Regulation of the Ministry of Interior of the Slovak Republic No. 499/2011 Coll. determining the amount of funds necessary to cover the costs of a third country citizen’s stay on the territory of the Slovak Republic, www.zakonypreludi.sk/zz/2011-499/znenie-20120101 (Slovak only). 11) Law of the National Council of the Slovak Republic no. 145/1995 Coll. on Administrative Fees, www.zakonypreludi.sk/zz/1995-145 (Slovak only). 84 EURAXESS SLOVAKIA
C. Application for National visa (Type D – long stay)
National (long-stay, type D) visa may be issued in relation to the granted residence permit or in connection with Slovakia’s commitments under international treaties or for the benefit of the Slovak Republic. It is issued for a stay longer than 90 days, at longest for a period of a year; in connection with the granting of a residence permit in the Slovak Republic is the visa issued for a period of 90 days. If the foreigner is allowed to stay longer than for a year, the national visa will be replaced before the day of expiry by a residence permit. It is allowed for long-term visa holders to travel to other Schengen member states (outside the frontier of the state who issued the visa) however the total of stays in these states cannot exceed 90 days in any 180-days period 12).
The possibility to apply for National visa depends upon the decision of the respective Slovak embassy/consulate abroad (see part “Slovak embassies and consulates abroad”, page 110). Therefore, it is necessary to contact the respective embassy/consulate and get information about your specific situation.
National visa is issued under similar conditions as the Schengen visa and, in general, it is necessary to provide the same documents for an application.
Visa application fee 13): 33 €
In case National visa is issued in connection with collection of granted residence permit in the Slovak Republic, the fee is 9.50 €.
The fee is paid in a freely convertible currency or in a national currency of the third country, in which the application has been filed, converted using the applicable official exchange rate.
No administrative fee is charged for visa application filed by a third country national who is a family member of an EU or EEA national and exercises his/her right of free movement. Formalities – how to be ready for the national authorities Note: National visa is granted only for a period of time necessary for obtaining the temporary residence permit. Therefore if you are going to apply for temporary residence permit from Slovakia it is crucial to have all your documents needed for the residence permit application with you (see part “3.2 Temporary residence permit” below), so you can obtain your permit in time. Otherwise, you will have to leave the Slovak (Schengen) territory at the day of expiry of your National visa the latest (there is no possibility of extension).
12) Regulation (EU) No 610/2013 of the European parliament and of the council of 26 June 2013 amending Regulation (EC) No 562/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing a Community Code on the rules governing the movement of persons across borders (Schengen Borders Code), the Convention implementing the Schengen Agreement, Council Regulations (EC) No 1683/95 and (EC) No 539/2001 and Regulations (EC) No 767/2008 and (EC) No 810/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council, http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri= OJ:L:2013:182:0001:0018:EN:PDF, see Article 1, Paragraph 5 changing Article 5, Paragraph 4 a) of the Regulation (EC) No 562/2006, page 5; see also e.g. www.mzv.sk/en/consular_info/visa. 13) Law of the National Council of the Slovak Republic no. 145/1995 Z. z. on Administrative Fees, www.zakonypreludi.sk/zz/1995-145 (Slovak only). The International Researcher’s Guide to Slovakia 85
Temporary residence permit There are several relevant types of temporary residence permit which a foreigner participating in various forms of academic and research mobilities may apply for, depending on the activity you are going to pursue in Slovakia and on the way it would be Formalities – how to be ready for the national authorities carried out: temporary residence permit for the purpose of study, temporary residence permit for the purpose of research and development, temporary residence permit for the purpose of special activity, temporary residence permit for the purpose of employment, temporary residence permit for the purpose of employment requiring higher qualification (Blue card of the EU).
To find out which type suits your situation best, please consult the “Navigation”, page 72 A foreigner from a third country carries out the activity defining the purpose of the temporary residence on the territory of the Slovak Republic.
A. Purpose of study in case of university students/PhD students Students from third countries staying in Slovakia longer than 90 days apply for temporary residence permit for the purpose of study. You have to apply in person abroad at the Slovak embassy/consulate competent for your country or at a respective foreign police office in Slovakia. Your application may be accepted at the foreign police office in Slovakia only if you are staying in Slovakia legitimately. You have to submit a complete application; otherwise it will not be accepted. If the embassy or the police department does not accept the application, they will notify the applicant in writing of the documents he/she needs to further enclose in order to accept the request. If the temporary residence permit is granted, the police department will send the applicant a written notice, stating the effective and expiry date. The time validity of a travel document is not regarded when deciding on the period granted to the temporary residence permit but it is taken into account when the residence document (a plastic card) is issued. In that case 60 days are deducted from the travel document’s expiry date.
Complete application consists of the following documents: filled-in application form “Application for the temporary residence” (available here www.minv.sk/swift_data/source/policia/hranicna_a_cudzinecka_policia/ocp/ziadosti/ pobyt/ziadost_prva.pdf; or www.minv.sk/?dokumenty-na-stiahnutie-1; the forms are also available at local foreign police departments it has to be filled in Slovak language), 2 recent full-face photographs 3 × 3.5 cm, valid passport (you just have to show it, they will not keep it), a document in Slovak language as a proof of purpose of your stay – confirmation of studies of a state authority (respective ministry) or the host university, or confirmation of an administrative organization managing a programme under contract with the competent state authority, or international agreement (letter of award of a scholarship), a document in Slovak language valid as a proof of sufficient financial resources for the stay (e.g. balance statement of a bank account in the name of the applicant, letter of award stating the amount of your scholarship, confirmation of the statutary body of a legal entity of the finanacial and material support of the applicant during his/her stay, etc.). 86 EURAXESS SLOVAKIA
extract from your criminal record with apostille or superlegalisation from your country of origin and every country where you have stayed for more than 90 days within the last 3 years during 6 consecutive months (if any). Then it has to be translated to Slovak language by an official sworn translator (the list of accepted sworn translators can be found at http://jaspi.justice.gov.sk – Prekladatelia, but the list is available in Slovak only), or by the Embassy/consulate of the Slovak Republic competent to accept your application for the temporary residence (such a translation must indicate the approval clause of the Embassy of the Slovak Republic proving the conformity with the original). If the extract is issued in Czech language there is no need for it to be translated into Slovak. Students of secondary schools are exempted from the duty to file extracts from criminal records. foreigners studying at a university in Slovakia do not have to enclose a confirmation of accommodation.
None of the documents proving the purpose of stay, financial resources and no criminal record can be older than 90 days on the day of filing the application for temporary residence.
The Embassy of the Slovak Republic, which receives the request, will carry out an interview with the applicant for the temporary residence for the purpose of the preliminary assessment of the application. The interview will be conducted in the state language or another language, understandable to both parties. The embassy will prepare a written record of the interview and attach it to the application for temporary residence. The record shall be made in the language in which the interview was held, and it must be signed by the applicant. (If the applicant does not speak the state language, he/she may turn to an interpreter at his/her own expenses, who must sign the record.) The embassy will send its position on the granting of temporary residence to the police department along with the record and its translation.
In case of applying for renewal of temporary residence it is not necessary to submit
Formalities – how to be ready for the national authorities a document proving no criminal record. A third country national files the application for renewal of temporary residence in person on an official form at a foreign police office on the last day when the temporary residence is valid at the latest.
Fees 14): 4.50 € for the residence card
Within 30 days from the delivery of the application and all required documents, the foreign police office shall either issue a decision on the received application for a temporary residence permit, or, if the foreign police office grants the application for temporary residence, the decision is not issued but a written notification of granting the temporary residence is sent to the foreigner. If applying for temporary residence directly at a foreign police office in Slovakia, officers will also ask you to provide a mobile phone number (you can write the number on your application form). In case the residence document (plastic card) is ready at the foreign police office, they will send you a text
14) Law of the National Council of the Slovak Republic no. 145/1995 Coll. on Administrative Fees, www.zakonypreludi.sk/zz/1995-145 (Slovak only). The International Researcher’s Guide to Slovakia 87 message in Slovak language informing you about this fact (typically within 30 days). The confirmation that they have received the application has to be kept. The residence permit is issued in a form of a residence card. You have to collect the residence permit at the foreign police office in person or you can entitle somebody else with an official Formalities – how to be ready for the national authorities letter of attorney to collect it for you. When applying for residence permit from abroad via a representative body, it is advised to consult with them the way of notification on granting the permit as well as the collection of the residence card.
If you apply for the residence permit longer in advance and the foreign police office makes a decision on your application for granting temporary residence earlier than 30 days prior to starting your planned activity (purpose of stay), the foreign police office sets the the starting date of the residence permit exactly 30 days before the staring date of your planned activity (purpose of stay). If the time between the decision of the foregin police office on granting the temporary residence and the commencement of your planned activity (purpose of stay) is shorter than 30 days, the date of the decision of the foreign police office is at the same time the day of commencement of the granted temporary residence.
When you get your residence permit, the foreign police office will ask you to submit within 30 days from collecting the residence card a medical certificate that you do not suffer from any exotic disease threatening the public health. The certificate cannot be older than 30 days. It can be obtained in some medical centres in Slovakia only (see page 110) and a fee will be charged.
The police department will issue the temporary residence for the purpose of study for the expected time of study, but at the longest for 6 years. With the view of allowing job seeking in the territory of the Slovak Republic, the temporary residence permit for the purpose of study remains valid for 30 days following the duly completion of study at a university or following the successful final examination. The proof of the completed studies is the university diploma and state examination certificate. Proceeding of the cancellation of the temporary residence permit will begin after expiration of the 30 days.
An application for the renewal of temporary residence permit has to be filed by the student from a third country in person on an official form to the foreign police department no later than the last day of the temporary stay validity. The temporary residence is deemed eligible on the territory of the Slovak Republic after its expiration until the decision on the application for renewal of the temporary residence.
Conditions, under which students and PhD students can work alongside with studying are briefly explained in chapter “Employment of third country nationals” on page 111.
B. Purpose of research and development for researchers with a Hosting Agreement Researchers with a Hosting Agreement signed with a research institution or a university can apply for the temporary residence permit for the purpose of research and development. We recommend to researchers and receiving organisations to apply this procedure in view of fewer administrative duties and the possibility of researchers’ employment without a work permit or a confirmation of a possibility of filling a vacancy, 88 EURAXESS SLOVAKIA
since January 1st, 2014. Except for an employment contract, they can perform their activities on the basis of agreements outside employment contract (e.g. agreement on work performance) or on the basis of a granted scholarship.
You have to apply in person abroad at the Slovak embassy/consulate competent for your country or at a respective foreign police office in Slovakia. You have to submit a complete application; otherwise it will not be accepted. If the embassy or the police department does not accept the application, they will notify the applicant in writing of the documents he/she needs to further enclose in order to accept the request. If the temporary residence permit is granted, the police department will send the applicant a written notice, stating the effective and expiry date. The time validity of a travel document is not regarded when deciding on the period granted to the temporary residence permit but it is taken into account when the residence document (a plastic card) is issued. In that case 60 days are deducted from the travel document’s expiry date.
Complete application consists of the following documents: filled-in application form “Application for the temporary residence” (available here www.minv.sk/swift_data/source/policia/hranicna_a_cudzinecka_policia/ocp/ziadosti/ pobyt/ziadost_prva.pdf; or www.minv.sk/?dokumenty-na-stiahnutie-1; the forms are also available at local foreign police departments; it has to be filled in Slovak language), 2 recent full-face photographs 3 × 3.5 cm, valid passport (you just have to show it, a police officer will make a photocopy), Hosting Agreement in Slovak language (as a proof of purpose of stay) a document in Slovak language valid as a proof of sufficient financial resources for the stay (e.g. Hosting Agreement, balance statement of a bank account in the name of the applicant), an extract from your criminal record with apostille or superlegalisation from your country of origin and every country where you have stayed for more than 90 days within the last 3 years during 6 consecutive months (if any). Then it has to be translated to Slovak language by an official sworn translator (the list of accepted sworn translators
Formalities – how to be ready for the national authorities can be found at http://jaspi.justice.gov.sk – Prekladatelia, but the list is available in Slovak only), or by the Embassy/consulate of the Slovak Republic competent to accept your application for the temporary residence (such a translation must indicate the approval clause of the Embassy of the Slovak Republic proving the conformity with the original). If the extract is issued in Czech language there is no need for it to be translated into Slovak. foreigners applying for a temporary residence permit for the purpose of research and development do not have to file a confirmation of accommodation. The Hosting Agreement should contain a provision regarding the accommodation.
None of the documents proving the purpose of stay, financial resources and no criminal record can be older than 90 days on the day of filing the application for temporary residence permit.
The Embassy of the Slovak Republic, which receives the request, will carry out an interview with the applicant for the temporary residence for the purpose of the preliminary assessment of the application. The interview will be conducted in the state language or another language, understandable to both parties. The embassy will prepare a written The International Researcher’s Guide to Slovakia 89 record of the interview and attach it to the application for temporary residence. The record shall be made in the language in which the interview was held, and it must be signed by the applicant. (If the applicant does not speak the state language, he/she may turn to an interpreter at his/her own expenses, who must sign the record.) The embassy will send its Formalities – how to be ready for the national authorities position on the granting of temporary residence to the police department along with the record and its translation.
In case of an application for renewal of the temporary residence permit, it is not necessary to submit the document proving no criminal record. It is however necessary to file a proof of health insurance on the territory of the Slovak Republic or of the insured reimbursement of the medical expenses in the territory of the Slovak Republic.
Fees 15): 4.50 € for the residence card
Within 30 days from the delivery of the application and all required documents, the foreign police office shall either issue a decision on the received application for a temporary residence permit, or, if the foreign police office grants the application for temporary residence, the decision is not issued but a written notification of granting the temporary residence is sent to the foreigner. If applying for temporary residence directly at a foreign police office in Slovakia, officers will also ask you to provide a mobile phone number (you can write the number on your application form). In case the residence document (plastic card) is ready at the foreign police office, they will send you a text message in Slovak language informing you about this fact (typically within 30 days). The confirmation that they have received the application has to be kept. The residence permit is issued in a form of a residence card. You have to collect the residence permit at the foreign police office in person or you can entitle somebody else with an official letter of attorney to collect it for you. When applying for residence permit from abroad via a representative body, it is advised to consult with them the way of notification on granting the permit as well as the collection of the residence card.
If you apply for the residence permit longer in advance and the foreign police office makes a decision on your application for granting temporary residence earlier than 30 days prior to starting your planned activity (purpose of stay), the foreign police office sets the the starting date of the residence permit exactly 30 days before the staring date of your planned activity (purpose of stay). If the time between the decision of the foregin police office on granting the temporary residence and the commencement of your planned activity (purpose of stay) is shorter than 30 days, the date of the decision of the foreign police office is at the same time the day of commencement of the granted temporary residence.
15) Law of the National Council of the Slovak Republic no. 145/1995 Coll. on Administrative Fees, www.zakonypreludi.sk/zz/1995-145 (Slovak only). 90 EURAXESS SLOVAKIA
When you get your residence permit, the foreign police office will ask you to provide within 30 days from collecting the residence card a proof of health insurance coverage in Slovakia for the whole length of stay. If you have it from other country than Slovakia, you have to get the contract officially translated to Slovak, with the exception of Czech contracts, where the translation is not required. In case you do not have health insurance, you have to obtain it within 3 working days after you are granted the residence permit. Moreover, within 30 days from collecting the residence permit you have to submit a medical certificate that you do not suffer from any exotic disease threatening the public health. The certificate cannot be older than 30 days. It can be obtained in some medical centres in Slovakia only (see page 110) and a fee will be charged.
The police department shall grant the temporary residence for the purpose of research and development for the time necessary to achieve its purpose, but not more than for two years. An application for a renewal of temporary residence is filed by a foreigner from a third country in person on an official form to the foreign police office no later than the last day when the previous temporary stay is valid. The temporary residence permit is considered to be eligible in the territory of the Slovak Republic after its expiration until a decision on the application for the renewal of temporary residence. Formalities – how to be ready for the national authorities The International Researcher’s Guide to Slovakia 91
What is a Hosting agreement? Hosting agreement is a tool facilitating faster and easier entry procedures related
to the legal stay of third country researchers who want to carry out research and Formalities – how to be ready for the national authorities development activities in the EU. Hosting agreement is the main supporting document representing a foundation for the temporary residence for the purpose of research and development, and its concept is built on the European legislation. The Hosting agreement is signed by the host research organisation in Slovakia (public or private) and by the third country researcher. Only research organisations approved by The Ministry of Education, Science, Research and Sport of the Slovak Republic to admit third country researchers are eligible to issue a Hosting agreement. List of approved research organisations is published at www.vedatechnika.sk (link to the list: www.vedatechnika.sk/SK/VedaATechnikaVSR/Stranky/Povolenie- pravnickym- osobam-vykonavajucim-vyskum-a-vyvoj-prijimat-cudzincov.aspx, then click at “Zoznam právnických osôb vykonávajúcich výskum, vývoj, ktorým bolo povolené prijímať cudzincov”; Slovak language only), or in the register of organisations In the new Information system for science and research SK CRIS www.skcris.sk (CRIS = Current Research Information System; in English and Slovak language), the list is available in English. It is recommended to check both resources because of independent data updating. If a research organisation is not listed among the approved institutions it can apply for the licence at The Ministry of Education, Science, Research and Sport. For the application procedure see www.euraxess.sk/sk/main/euraxess-pre-vyskumne- organizacie-a-priemysel/prijimanie-cudzincov/dohoda-o-hostovani/ (in Slovak language) or the Slovak version of this brochure.
Hosting agreement has to contain the following: name and contact details of the third country researcher name and contact details of the host research organisation specification of the research worker’s classification and working conditions the purpose, duration and professional focus of the research project, and the availability of the necessary financial resources for it to be carried out certified copy of the researcher‘s qualification declaration by the host research organisation that in case where a researcher remains illegally in the territory of the Slovak republic, the said organisation is responsible for reimbursing the costs related to his/her stay and return incurred by public funds declaration by the host research organisation that during his/her stay the researcher has sufficient monthly resources to meet his/her expenses and return travel costs in the minimum amount of the minimum salary. Typically, the financial resources can come from a granted scholarship, or from a concluded employment contract. For duties arising from the employment see the page 111. declaration by the host research organisation or by the researcher that during his/her stay the researcher has the health insurance More information and model Hosting agreements can be found at: www.euraxess.sk/en/main/services-practical-information/entry-conditions-and-legal- stay/third-countries-nationals/hosting-agreement. 92 EURAXESS SLOVAKIA
C. Purpose of special activity (e.g. in case of university teachers, lecturers without employment contract, participants in a scholarship/fellowship programme approved by the Government of the SR, European programme or a programme based on an international agreement) Teachers, lecturers and researchers from third countries coming to Slovakia within an official exchange or mobility programme approved by the Government of the Slovak Republic, a European programme or a commitment based on an international agreement binding for SR or upon invitation of a respective university/education institution to give lectures/teach, can apply for the residence permit for the purpose of special activity. However, these nationals cannot be employed in Slovakia under an employment contract. Conditions of employment are described in the chapter “Employment of third country nationals” on page 111.
You have to apply in person abroad at the Slovak embassy/consulate competent for your country or at a respective foreign police office in Slovakia. Your application may be accepted at the foreign police office in Slovakia only if you are staying in Slovakia legitimately. You have to submit a complete application; otherwise it will not be accepted. If the embassy or the police department does not accept the application, they will notify the applicant in writing of the documents he/she needs to further enclose in order to accept the request. If the temporary residence permit is granted, the police department will send the applicant a written notice, stating the effective and expiry date. The time validity of a travel document is not regarded when deciding on the period granted to the temporary residence permit but it is taken into account when the residence document (a plastic card) is issued. In that case 60 days are deducted from the travel document’s expiry date.
Complete application consists of the following documents: filled-in application form “Application for the temporary residence” (available here www.minv.sk/swift_data/source/policia/hranicna_a_cudzinecka_policia/ocp/ziadosti/ pobyt/ziadost_prva.pdf; or www.minv.sk/?dokumenty-na-stiahnutie-1; the forms are also available at local foreign police departments; it has to be filled in Slovak language), 2 recent full-face photographs 3 × 3.5 cm, Formalities – how to be ready for the national authorities valid passport (you just have to show it, a police officer will make a photocopy), a document in Slovak language as a proof of purpose of your stay, e. g.: – confirmation from your host university/education institution that you will carry out activities of a university teacher/lecturer (invitation letter for a lecture stay), or another document proving the purpose of stay: . letter of award of a scholarship/confirmation of participation in a programme approved by the Government of the SR, a European programme or a programme based on an international treaty binding for the SR – i. e. confirmation of a state authority (the respective ministry) in charge of programmes approved by the Government of the Slovak Republic or European programmes or confirmation of administrative organisation managing such a programme under contract with the competent state authority, . or international agreement, confirmation of a state authority (the respective ministry) in charge of programmes approved by the Government of the Slovak Republic or European programmes or confirmation of administrative organisation managing such a programme under contract with the competent state authority (letter of award of a scholarship, confirmation of activities of a lecturer or a researcher within the hosting university or research institution) The International Researcher’s Guide to Slovakia 93
a document in Slovak language valid as a proof of sufficient financial resources for the stay, e. g.: – balance statement of a bank account in the name of the applicant, or – letter of award stating the amount of your scholarship – i. e. confirmation Formalities – how to be ready for the national authorities of a state authority (the respective ministry) in charge of programmes approved by the Government of the Slovak Republic or European programmes or confirmation of administrative organization managing such a programme under contract with the competent state authority, if the confirmation contains an information of provided financial resources, an extract from your criminal record with apostille or superlegalisation from your country of origin and every country where you have stayed for more than 90 days within the last 3 years during 6 consecutive months (if any). Then it has to be translated to Slovak language by an official sworn translator (the list of accepted sworn translators can be found at http://jaspi.justice.gov.sk – Prekladatelia, but the list is available in Slovak only), or by the Embassy/consulate of the Slovak Republic competent to accept your application for the temporary residence (such a translation must indicate the approval clause of the Embassy of the Slovak Republic proving the conformity with the original). If the extract is issued in Czech language there is no need for it to be translated into Slovak. official document in Slovak language as a proof of accommodation for at least 6 months of the temporary residence; in case of a shorter stay it is necessary to provide a proof of accommodation for the whole stay; e. g. – confirmation from your accommodation provider, or – rental agreement and the letter of ownership, or – declaration by a natural or legal person that he/she will provide acommodation to the applicant and the letter of ownership. Proof of acommodation is not required in case of an application for a temporary residence permit for the purpose of special activity resulting from the programmes of the Slovak government or the EU, or the fulfilment of a commitment of the Slovak Republic under an international agreement, if the applicant will be engaged in teaching or research activities at the same time.
None of the documents proving the purpose of stay, financial resources, accommodation and no criminal record can be older than 90 days on the day of filing the application for temporary residence permit.
The Embassy of the Slovak Republic, which receives the request, will carry out an interview with the applicant for the temporary residence for the purpose of the preliminary assessment of the application. The interview will be conducted in the state language or another language, understandable to both parties. The embassy will prepare a written record of the interview and attach it to the application for temporary residence. The record shall be made in the language in which the interview was held, and it must be signed by the applicant. (If the applicant does not speak the state language, he/she may turn to an interpreter at his/her own expenses, who must sign the record.) The embassy will send its position on the granting of temporary residence to the police department along with the record and its translation.
In case of an application for renewal of the temporary residence permit, it is not necessary to submit the document proving no criminal record. It is however necessary to file a proof of health insurance on the territory of the Slovak Republic or of the insured reimbursement of the medical expenses in the territory of the Slovak Republic. 94 EURAXESS SLOVAKIA
Fees 16): 4.50 € for the residence card 99.50 € for residence permit application for the purpose of special activity (100 € in case of an application filed by an embassy/consulate of the Slovak Republic) 33 € for an application for a renewal of the temporary residence permit: the fee is not paid in case of an application for a residence permit for the purpose of special activity resulting from the programmes of the Slovak government or the EU, or the fulfilment of a commitment of the Slovak Republic under an international agreement, the fee is neither paid in case of trainees/interns, who receive a scholarship of the Ministry of education, science, research and sport of the Slovak Republic or a scholarship resulting from international agreements, as well as foreign language lecturers coming to the Slovak universities/schools on the basis of commitments under international agreements.
Within 30 days from the delivery of the application and all required documents, the foreign police office shall either issue a decision on the received application for a temporary residence permit, or, if the foreign police office grants the application for temporary residence, the decision is not issued but a written notification of granting the temporary residence is sent to the foreigner. If applying for temporary residence directly at a foreign police office in Slovakia, officers will also ask you to provide a mobile phone number (you can write the number on your application form). In case the residence document (plastic card) is ready at the foreign police office, they will send you a text message in Slovak language informing you about this fact (typically within 30 days). The confirmation that they have received the application has to be kept. The residence permit is issued in a form of a residence card. You have to collect the residence permit at the foreign police office in person or you can entitle somebody else with an official letter of attorney to collect it for you. When applying for residence permit from abroad via a representative body, it is advised to consult with them the way of notification on granting the permit as well as the collection of the residence card.
Formalities – how to be ready for the national authorities If you apply for the residence permit longer in advance and the foreign police office makes a decision on your application for granting temporary residence earlier than 30 days prior to starting your planned activity (purpose of stay), the foreign police office sets the the starting date of the residence permit exactly 30 days before the staring date of your planned activity (purpose of stay). If the time between the decision of the foregin police office on granting the temporary residence and the commencement of your planned activity (purpose of stay) is shorter than 30 days, the date of the decision of the foreign police office is at the same time the day of commencement of the granted temporary residence.
When you get your residence permit, the foreign police office will ask you to provide within 30 days from collecting the residence card a proof of health insurance coverage in Slovakia for the whole length of stay. If you have it from other country than Slovakia, you have to get the contract officially translated to Slovak, with the exception of Czech
16) Law of the National Council of the Slovak Republic no. 145/1995 Coll. on Administrative Fees, www.zakonypreludi.sk/zz/1995-145 (Slovak only). The International Researcher’s Guide to Slovakia 95 contracts, where the translation is not required. In case you do not have health insurance, you have to obtain it within 3 working days after you are granted the residence permit. Moreover, within 30 days from collecting the residence permit you have to submit a medical certificate that you do not suffer from any exotic disease threatening the public Formalities – how to be ready for the national authorities health. The certificate cannot be older than 30 days. It can be obtained in some medical centres only (see page 110) and a fee will be charged.
The police department shall grant the temporary residence for the purpose of special activities for the time necessary to achieve its purpose, but not more than for two years. An application for a renewal of temporary residence files a foreigner from a third country in person on an official form to the foreign police office no later than the last day of the previous temporary stay validity. The temporary residence permit is considered to be eligible in the territory of the Slovak Republic after its expiration until a decision on the application for the renewal of temporary residence.
D. Purpose of employment (e.g. in case of univerity teachers and researchers under employment contract if procedure using Hosting Agreement cannot be applied) If not regulated otherwise (as discussed above) and the activity in Slovakia cannot be performed on the basis of a Hosting agreement enabling an employment contract, or as a special activity, or the vacancy or the candidate does not meet the criteria for highly qualified employment, the teachers and researchers will have an employment contract with the hosting organization and they shall apply for the temporary residence permit for the purpose of employment. You have to apply in person abroad at the Slovak embassy/consulate competent for your country or at a respective foreign police office in Slovakia. Your application may be accepted at the foreign police office in Slovakia only if you are staying in Slovakia legitimately. You have to submit a complete application; otherwise it will not be accepted.
The temporary residence permit for the purpose of employment can be granted on the basis of confirmation of the possibility of filling a vacancy, within the so called single residence and work permit procedure (relevant for majority of cases – see part 4.2.1 B.), work permit (relevant for a few specialised cases – see part 4.2.1 D.), or if none of these two documents is required for the employment a third country citizen (see part 4.2.1 A. for specification).
To have an application for granting temporary residence which shall be issued on the basis of a confirmation of the possibility of filling a vacancy accepted, it is enough to submit a filled-in application form and a valid travel document.
Further information about reporting a vacancy is given in part 4.2.1 B.
Complete application consists of the following documents: filled-in application form “Application for the temporary residence” (available here www.minv.sk/swift_data/source/policia/hranicna_a_cudzinecka_policia/ocp/ziadosti/ pobyt/ziadost_prva.pdf; or www.minv.sk/?dokumenty-na-stiahnutie-1; the forms are also available at local foreign police departments; it has to be filled in Slovak language), 96 EURAXESS SLOVAKIA
2 recent full-face photographs 3 × 3.5 cm, valid passport (you just have to show it, a police officer will make a photocopy), a document proving purpose of stay: – in case of an application based on a confirmation of the possibility of filling a vacancy – a written promise of the employer to employ the third country national (www.upsvar.sk/buxus/docs/SSZ/OISS/CUDZINCI/Prislub_na_zamestnanie.rtf), or an employment contract and a decision on recognition of qualification or of the document of the highest level of education of the third country citizen, or – in case of other applications – a work permit (issued by the competent office of labour, social affairs and family according to the place of work), or – confirmation of the employer that the third country citizen shall perform an activity for which a work permit or the confirmation of the possibility of filling a vacancy is not required, or an international agreement binding for the Slovak republic and providing that the work permit or the confirmation of the possibility of filling a vacancy is not required, a document in Slovak language valid as a proof of sufficient financial resources for the stay (e.g. employment contract, employer’s confirmation of the agreed wage amount, or balance statement of a bank account in the name of the applicant), an extract from your criminal record with apostille or superlegalisation from your country of origin and every country where you have stayed for more than 90 days within last 3 years during 6 consecutive months (if any). Then it has to be translated to Slovak language by an official sworn translator (the list of accepted sworn translators can be found at http://jaspi.justice.gov.sk – Prekladatelia, but the list is available in Slovak only), or by the Embassy/consulate of the Slovak Republic competent to accept your application for the temporary residence (such a translation must indicate the approval clause of the Embassy of the Slovak Republic proving the conformity with the original). If the extract is issued in Czech language there is no need for it to be translated into Slovak. official document in Slovak language as a proof of accommodation for at least 6 months of the temporary residence; in case of a shorter stay it is necessary to provide a proof of accommodation for the whole stay; e. g.
Formalities – how to be ready for the national authorities – confirmation from your accommodation provider, or – rental agreement and the letter of ownership, or – declaration by a natural or legal person that he/she will provide acommodation to the applicant and the letter of ownership.
None of the documents proving the purpose of stay, financial resources, accommodation and no criminal record can be older than 90 days on the day of filing the application for temporary residence permit. These documents can be odler than 90 days: work permit or the confirmation of the employer that the third country citizen shall perform an activity for which a work permit is not required; international agreement; decision on recognition of qualification or of the document of the highest level of education of the third country citizen; proof of accommodation in case of a third-country foreigner representing or working for an important foreign investor.
In case of an application for renewal of the temporary residence permit, it is not necessary to file the document proving no criminal record. The International Researcher’s Guide to Slovakia 97
Fees 17): 4.50 € for the residence card 165.50 € for the residence permit application (170 € in case of an application filed by an embassy/consulate of the Slovak Republic) 99.50 € € for an application for a renewal of the temporary residence permit Formalities – how to be ready for the national authorities
Please note that the vacancy applied for has to be reported by the future employer at the respective labour office competent according to the future place of work at least 30 working days beforehand if it is based on the confirmation of the possibility of filling a vacancy or at least 15 working days before the application of the third country national for a residence permit if work permit procedure applies. For conditions of employment see also parts 4.2.1 B. or 4.2.1 D. respectively. A foreigner can apply for a residence permit for employment purposes only after this period has elapsed.
Attention: In case of educational or scientific activities of a pedagogic employee, university teacher, researcher or artist at a higher education institution, or research or development staff in research activities who will be employed without taking into account the situation on the labour market, the employer does not have the duty to report a vacancy and the foreigner can apply for the residence permit without delay.
Following the receipt of an “Application for the temporary residence” within the single residence and work permit procedure, the police department shall complete a form “Application for issuing the confirmation of the possibility of filling a vacancy for the purpose of granting a single residence and work permit” and send it together with documents proving the purpose of the stay and the position of the diplomatic mission of the Slovak Republic to the corresponding office of labour, social affairs and family. The office of labour, social affairs and family will consequently issue the “Confirmation of the possibility of filling a vacancy” and sends it to the police department. The third country citizen will be given a document “Additional data on employment” by the police department after the arrival to Slovakia.
If the embassy or the police department does not accept the application, they will notify the applicant in writing of the documents he/she needs to further enclose in order to accept the request. An application for the residence permit based on a confirmation of the possibility of filling a vacancy will not be accepted only if the applicant has not submitted a valild travel document. If the temporary residence permit is granted, the police department will send the applicant a written notice, stating the effective and expiry date. The time validity of a travel document is not regarded when deciding on the period granted to the temporary residence permit.
Within 90 days from the delivery of the application and all required documents, the foreign police office shall either issue a decision on the received application for a temporary residence permit, or, if the foreign police office grants the application for temporary residence, the decision is not issued but a written notification of granting the temporary residence is sent to the foreigner. If applying for temporary residence
17) Law of the National Council of the Slovak Republic no. 145/1995 Coll. on Administrative Fees, www.zakonypreludi.sk/zz/1995-145 (Slovak only). 98 EURAXESS SLOVAKIA
directly at a foreign police office in Slovakia, officers will also ask you to provide a mobile phone number (you can write the number on your application form). In case the residence document (plastic card) is ready at the foreign police office, they will send you a text message in Slovak language informing you about this fact (typically within 90 days). The confirmation that they have received the application has to be kept. The residence permit is issued in a form of a residence card. You have to collect the residence permit at the foreign police office in person or you can entitle somebody else with an official letter of attorney to collect it for you. When applying for residence permit from abroad via a representative body, it is advised to consult with them the way of notification on granting the permit as well as the collection of the residence card. In case of a third country national who represents or works for an important foreign investor, his/her spouse or a child under 18 years of age, the period for decision on an application for temporary residence is 30 days.
If you apply for the residence permit longer in advance and the foreign police office makes a decision on your application for granting temporary residence earlier than 30 days prior to starting your planned activity (purpose of stay), the foreign police office sets the the starting date of the residence permit exactly 30 days before the staring date of your planned activity (purpose of stay). If the time between the decision of the foregin police office on granting the temporary residence and the commencement of your planned activity (purpose of stay) is shorter than 30 days, the date of the decision of the foreign police office is at the same time the day of commencement of the granted temporary residence.
When you get your residence permit, the foreign police office will ask you to submit within 30 days from collecting the residence card a medical certificate that you do not suffer from any exotic disease threatening the public health. The certificate cannot be older than 30 days. It can be obtained in some medical centres in Slovakia only (see page 110) and a fee will be charged.
Formalities – how to be ready for the national authorities The police department shall grant the temporary residence for the purpose of employment for the expected time of employment, but not more than for two years. With the view of allowing job seeking in the territory of the Slovak Republic, remains the temporary residence permit for the purpose of employment valid for 30 days following the termination of an employment. The procedure of cancellation of the temporary residence permit begins only after 30 days of termination of the employment (in any way). An application for a renewal of temporary residence files a foreigner from a third country in person on an official form to the Foreign Police Office no later than the last day of the previous temporary stay validity. The temporary residence permit is considered to be eligible in the territory of the Slovak Republic after its expiration until a decision on the application for the renewal of temporary residence.
Specific regulations and procedures connected to employment are briefly explained in chapter “Employment of third country nationals” on page 111. The International Researcher’s Guide to Slovakia 99
E. Purpose of employment requiring higher qualification – Blue Card of the EU A third country citizen may be granted also a temporary residence permit in the territory of the Slovak Republic on the basis of the EU Blue Card 18). Nationals of third countries with higher professional qualification can thus more easily enter the labour market Formalities – how to be ready for the national authorities in the Slovak Republic and perform employment requiring higher qualification. Higher professional qualification means a qualification attested by a certificate of higher education (method of proof of which is given below). A person interested in the Blue Card must conclude an employment contract with a future employer in Slovakia, or to obtain from him a written promise of future employment (http://www.upsvar.sk/buxus/docs/ SSZ/OISS/CUDZINCI/Prislub_na_zamestnanie.rtf).
Such an employment contract shall be concluded for a period of at least one year from the date of the Blue Card issuance, while the agreed wage must be at least 1.5 times the average monthly salary in the economy of the Slovak Republic in the relevant sector published by the Statistical Office of the Slovak Republic for the calendar year, preceding the calendar year in which the application for a Blue card was filed 19).
Employer willing to employ a third country citizen for an employment requiring higher qualification, is obliged to report a vacancy at a labour office competent according to the place of work, at least 30 working days before the application of the third country citizen for a residence permit.
More information on the procedure related to employment requiring higher qualification can be found in the part 4.2.1 C.
You can submit an application for a Blue Card (i.e. application for a residence permit) in person abroad at the Slovak embassy/consulate respective for your country abroad, or at a respective foreign police office in Slovakia, at the earliest 30 working days after reporting a vacancy by an employer. Your application may be accepted at the foreign police office in Slovakia only if you are staying in Slovakia legitimately. A holder of a Blue Card issued by another EU Member State may apply for a Blue Card within 30 days of entry into the territory of the Slovak Republic. You have to submit a complete application; otherwise it will not be accepted.
Complete application for a Blue Card in the Slovak Republic consists of the following documents: filled-in application form “Application for the temporary residence” (available here www.minv.sk/swift_data/source/policia/hranicna_a_cudzinecka_policia/ocp/ziadosti/ pobyt/ziadost_prva.pdf; or www.minv.sk/?dokumenty-na-stiahnutie-1; the forms are also available at local foreign police departments; it has to be filled in Slovak language;
18) Blue Card of the European Union, Employment of foreigers, central Office of Labour, Social Affairs and Family, http://www.upsvar.sk/sluzby-zamestnanosti/zamestnavanie-cudzincov/2.-zamestnanie- statneho-prislusnika-tretej-krajiny-s-potvrdenim-o-moznosti-obsadenia-vpm-zodpovedajuceho- vysokokvalifikovanemu-zamestnaniu-k-ziadosti-o-modru-kartu.html?page_id=363520 (Slovak only). 19) Statistical data on the amount of the average monthly salary is listed at the web site of the Statistical Office of the SR http://portal.statistics.sk/showdoc.do?docid=5703, average monthly earnings by sector are shown at http://portal.statistics.sk/showdoc.do?docid=67084. 100 EURAXESS SLOVAKIA
in the field no. 22 “Employment after arrival to the Slovak Republic, position, address of the company, organisation, school” it is necessary to fill in also the place of work and organisation’s identification number) 2 recent full-face photographs 3 × 3.5 cm valid passport (you just have to show it, a police officer will make a photocopy) documents in Slovak language valid as a proof of purpose of stay: – the employment contract for the performance of highly qualified employment, if the employment will last for at least one year and monthly wage is agreed in the amount of at least 1.5 times the average monthly salary in the national economy of the relevant sector published by the Statistical Office of the Slovak Republic for the preceding calendar year, or employer’s written promise to employ the third country citizen to such employment (standard form at www.upsvar.sk/buxus/docs//SSZ/ OISS/CUDZINCI/Prislub_na_zamestnanie.rtf), – evidence of higher professional qualification to perform employment requiring higher qualification stipulated in the employment contract or in the employer’s promise, translated into Slovak and officialy authentificated. A decision on the document’s recognition will be issued by the the Centre for Recognition of Diplomas of the Ministry of Education, Science, Research and Sport of the Slovak Republic; for unregulated professions a decision is accepted when issued by a Slovak university which carries out programme in the same or related field of study, as specified in the evidence of qualification submitted by the applicant for a Blue Card (www.minedu.sk/recognition-of-foreign-diplomas/), an extract from your criminal record with apostille or superlegalisation from your country of origin and every country where you have stayed for more than 90 days within last 3 years during 6 consecutive months (if any). Then it has to be translated to Slovak language by an official sworn translator (the list of accepted sworn translators can be found at http://jaspi.justice.gov.sk – Prekladatelia, but the list is available in Slovak only), or by the Embassy/consulate of the Slovak Republic competent to accept your application for the temporary residence (such a translation must indicate the approval clause of the Embassy of the Slovak Republic proving the conformity with the original).
Formalities – how to be ready for the national authorities If the extract is issued in Czech language there is no need for it to be translated into Slovak. official document in Slovak language as proof of accommodation for at least 6 months of the temporary residence; in case of a shorter stay it is necessary to provide a proof of accommodation for the whole stay; e. g. – confirmation from your accommodation provider, or – rental agreement and the letter of ownership, or – declaration by a natural or legal person that he/she will provide acommodation to the applicant and the letter of ownership.
None of the documents proving accommodation and no criminal record can be older than 90 days on the day of filing the application for the Blue Card. In case of an application for renewal of the Blue Card, it is not necessary to file the document proving no criminal record. The International Researcher’s Guide to Slovakia 101
Fees 20): 4.50 € for the residence card 165.50 € for the residence permit application (170 € in case of an application filed by an embassy/consulate of the Slovak Republic) 99.50 € for an application for a renewal of the Blue Card Formalities – how to be ready for the national authorities
The police department shall complete a form “Application for issuing the confirmation of the possibility of filling a vacancy requiring higher qualification” and send it to the Central office of labour, social affairs and family. The Central office will consequently issue and send back the “Confirmation of the possibility of filling a vacancy requiring higher qualification”.
If the embassy or the police department does not accept the application, they will notify the applicant in writing of the documents he/she needs to further enclose in order to accept the request. If the temporary residence permit is granted, the police department will send the applicant a written notice, stating the effective and expiry date. The time validity of a travel document is not regarded when deciding on the period granted to the temporary residence permit.
A decision on the application for a Blue Card is issued within 30 days from the delivery of the application and all requirements and is sent to the foreigner or an authorized representative. The residence permit is issued in a form of a residence card. You have to collect the residence permit at the foreign police office in person or you can entitle somebody else with an official letter of attorney to collect it for you. When applying for residence permit from abroad via a representative body, it is advised to consult with them the way of notification on granting the permit as well as the collection of the residence card.
When you get your residence permit, the foreign police office will ask you to submit within 30 days from collecting the residence card a medical certificate that you do not suffer from any exotic disease threatening the public health. The certificate cannot be older than 30 days. It can be obtained in some medical centres in Slovakia only (see page 110) and a fee will be charged.
If the foreigner filed only written employer’s promise to the application for the Blue Card, he is obliged to submit the employment contract in 30 days after obtaining the residence card.
The Blue Card is valid according to the duration of the employment. It is issued for 3 years at the longest or, if the employment contract period shall be shorter than 3 years, the police department will issue the Blue Card for the period of duration of the employment extended for 90 days. The foreigner from a third country files an application for a renewal of the Blue Card in person on an official form to the foreign police office no later than the last day of the Blue Card validity.
20) Law of the National Council of the Slovak Republic no. 145/1995 Coll. on Administrative Fees, www.zakonypreludi.sk/zz/1995-145 (Slovak only). 102 EURAXESS SLOVAKIA
Duties after arrival in Slovakia Besides duties connected with visa and residence permit (for details consult the “Navigation”, page 72), each third country national is obliged to report the stay to the foreign police office within 3 working days since arrival in Slovakia. This is usually done by the accommodation provider, if you are staying in a hotel, hostel or dormitory. If accommodated in private (e.g. in a private rented flat or at a friends’ place), you have to submit the Notice of stay in person directly at the respective foreign police office (the list of foreign police offices can be found on page 109).
What do you need for the report of stay? If accommodated in private, come in person to the foreign police office during the office hours and present the following: filled-in form “Notice of the stay” (available in 7 languages to download here www.minv.sk/?pobyt-cudzinca; the forms are also available at local foreign police departments; must be filled in Slovak language), passport
A third country national with a legitimate stay is obliged to report a change in the place of residence within five working days from the day when the change occured.
If you have ben granted a residence permit, you are also obliged to report to the police department that: you will be residing for more than 180 days continuously outside the territory of the SR (in writing) you will be staying for more than 30 days continuously away from the place of residence stated in the granted residence permit the purpose of stay, for which the residence permit was granted has ceased to exist.
4.1.4 Bringing family members with you
Formalities – how to be ready for the national authorities Procedures for family members of EU/EEA/Swiss nationals who come from third countries Special rules apply to family members of EU/EEA/Swiss nationals who come from third countries. Entry and stay rights differ according to whether they are travelling with/joining the EU/EEA/Swiss national or they are travelling alone. According to the current regulations, a family member of the EU/EEA/Swiss national is understood as the third country national that is: a) his/her spouse, b) his/her child younger than 21 years of age, his/her dependent child and dependent children of his/her spouse, c) his/her dependent direct relative in descending or ascending line and such a person of his/her spouse, d) any other family member to whom paragraphs (a) to (c) do not apply and she/he is a dependent person in the country of his/her origin, e) any other family member to whom paragraphs (a) to (c) do not apply and she/he is the member of his/her household, f) any other family member to whom paragraphs (a) to (c) do not apply and she/he depends on his/her care due to serious health reasons, The International Researcher’s Guide to Slovakia 103 g) his/her partner with whom the EU/EEA/Swiss national is in a permanent, duly certified relationship, h) third country national with the right of residence of the family member of the EU/EEA/ Swiss national in the member state, while the EU/EEA/Swiss national is the Slovak Formalities – how to be ready for the national authorities Republic national with whom the third country national returns or joins him/her to reside back in the Slovak Republic territory and fulfils any of the conditions specified in par. (a) to (g) in relation to the Slovak Republic national.
If entering the Schengen Area from a third country, a family member may have the obligation to obtain visa to enter the Schengen Area. In this case, a family member can apply for visa at a respective embassy or consulate (visa shall be issued within 15 days) or directly at the border, where the family member enters the Schengen Area. The basis for issuing the visa is a clear proof of the family relationship towards the EU/EEA/Swiss national. For details about visa procedures see chapter “Visa – Application for Schengen Visa”, page 80.
If coming from a member state of the Schengen Area, a family member accompanying/ joining an EU/EEA/Swiss national is not required to have a visa when entering the Slovak Republic. The existence of a family relationship and the fact of accompanying/ joining must be clearly manifest. If he/she comes alone the visa may be required.
A family member of the EU/EEA/Swiss national who is a holder of a valid travel document can stay (without any further obligations) in the Slovak Republic territory during 3 months from the date of entry into territory of the Slovak Republic, if she/he accompanies or joins the EU/EEA/Swiss national whose family member she/he is. The beginning of stay in the Slovak Republic territory shall be reported by the family member of the EU/EEA/Swiss national at the respective foreign police office within 10 working days from the date of entry into the territory of the Slovak Republic.
When a family member is staying in Slovakia longer than 3 months, he/she has to apply for the issuance of a document called “Residence Card of EU Citizen Family Member” at a foreign police office within 30 days after the 3-month period from the date of entry into the territory of the Slovak Republic.
Complete application consists of the following documents: filled-in form “Application for issue of document residence of the family member with right for residence” (the same as “Application for registration of right of residence of Union Citizen”; available to download at www.minv.sk/?pobyt-cudzinca; look for a document entitled “Žiadosť o obnovenie prechodného pobytu,…, o vydanie dokladu rodinného príslušníka s právom na pobyt, …”; the forms are also available at local foreign police departments; must be filled in Slovak language), valid travel document, 2 recent full-face photographs 3 × 3.5 cm, a document proving your relation to the EU national (marriage certificate, birth certificate, etc.). This document has to be apostilled or superlegalised and officially translated into Slovak by a sworn translator (the list of accepted sworn translators can be found at http://jaspi.justice.gov.sk – Prekladatelia, but the list is available in Slovak only), or by the Embassy/consulate of the Slovak Republic competent to accept your 104 EURAXESS SLOVAKIA
application for the temporary residence (such a translation must indicate the approval clause of the Embassy of the Slovak Republic proving the conformity with the original). confirmation about the registration of the residence of the warrantor.
Fees 21): 4.50 € for the residence card
Note: For family members of nationals of the Slovak Republic, who are third countries nationals, different procedures apply.
Residence permit for the purpose of family reunion in case of third country nationals’ families Family members of a third country national wishing to join him/her in Slovakia for the period longer than 90 days have to apply for temporary residence permit for the purpose of family reunion (family unification). In accordance with the current regulations, mainly following persons are seen as family members of a third country national: a) a spouse, if the spouses are at least 18 years old; b) a common single child of the third country national and his/her spouse younger than 18 years of age; c) his/her single child younger than 18 years of age; d) a single child of his/her spouse younger than 18 years of age; e) his/her dependent single child older than 18 years of age or dependent single child older than 18 years of age of his/her spouse who cannot take care of him/herself due to long term unfavourable health condition; f) his/her parent or a parent of his/her spouse who is dependent on his/her care and lacks appropriate family support in the country of origin.
Applicants have to apply in person at the Slovak embassy/consulate competent for their country or at a respective foreign police office in Slovakia. The application may be accepted at the foreign police office in Slovakia only if the applicant is staying in Slovakia
Formalities – how to be ready for the national authorities legitimately. They have to submit a complete application; otherwise it will not be accepted. If the embassy or the police department does not accept the application, they will notify the applicant in writing of the documents he needs to further enclose in order to accept the request. If the temporary residence permit is granted, the police department will send the applicant a written notice, stating the effective and expiry date.
Complete application consists of the following documents: filled-in application form “Application for the temporary residence” (available here www.minv.sk/swift_data/source/policia/hranicna_a_cudzinecka_policia/ ocp/ziadosti/pobyt/ziadost_prva.pdf; the forms are also available at local foreign police departments; it has to be filled in Slovak language), 2 recent full-face photographs 3 × 3.5 cm, valid passport (you just have to show it, a police officer will make a photocopy),
21) Law of the National Council of the Slovak Republic no. 145/1995 Coll. on Administrative Fees, www.zakonypreludi.sk/zz/1995-145 (Slovak only). The International Researcher’s Guide to Slovakia 105
a document proving the relation to the third country national (certified copy of a marriage certificate, birth certificate, etc.) as a proof of purpose of stay. This document has to be apostilled or superlegalised and officially translated into Slovak by a sworn translator (the list of accepted sworn translators can be found at Formalities – how to be ready for the national authorities http://jaspi.justice.gov.sk – Prekladatelia, but the list is available in Slovak only), or by the Embassy/consulate of the Slovak Republic competent to accept your application for the temporary residence), approval of the parent who does not have custody of a single dependent child under 18 years of age, statutory declaration of the third country national to be joined that he/she will support the applicant and a document in Slovak language valid as a proof of his/her financial resources to do so (e.g. employment contract, or balance statement of a bank account in the name of the warrantor), an extract from applicant’s criminal record with apostille or superlegalisation from the country of origin and every country where the applicant has stayed for more than 90 days within last 3 years (if any). Then it has to be translated by an official sworn translator (the list of accepted sworn translators can be found at http://jaspi.justice.gov.sk – Prekladatelia, but the list is available in Slovak only), or by the Embassy/consulate of the Slovak Republic competent to accept your application for the temporary residence (such a translation must indicate the approval clause of the Embassy of the Slovak Republic proving the conformity with the original), an official document in Slovak language on the provision of accommodation in common with the third country national to be joined at least for 6 months of the temporary residence; in case of a shorter stay it is necessary to prove the accommodation during the whole stay; e. g. – confirmation from your accommodation provider, or – rental agreement and the letter of ownership, or – declaration by a natural or legal person that he/she will provide acommodation to the applicant and the letter of ownership.
None of the documents proving the purpose of stay, financial resources, accommodation and blamelessness can be older than 90 days on the day of filing the application for temporary residence permit; except for the certified copy of marriage certificate or a birth certificate. In case of an application for renewal of the temporary residence permit, it is not necessary to file the document proving no criminal record. However it is necessary to file a proof of health insurance on the territory of the Slovak Republic or of the insured reimbursement of the medical expenses in the territory of the Slovak Republic.
Fees 22): 4.50 € for the residence card 132.50 € for the residence permit application (135 € in case of an application filed by an embassy/consulate of the Slovak Republic) 66 € for an application for a renewal of the residence permit
22) Law of the National Council of the Slovak Republic no. 145/1995 Coll. on Administrative Fees, www.zakonypreludi.sk/zz/1995-145 (Slovak only). 106 EURAXESS SLOVAKIA
Within 90 days from the delivery of the application and all required documents, the foreign police office shall either issue a decision on the received application for a temporary residence permit, or, if the foreign police office grants the application for temporary residence, the decision is not issued but a written notification of granting the temporary residence is sent to the foreigner. If applying for temporary residence directly at a foreign police office in Slovakia, officers will also ask you to provide a mobile phone number (you can write the number on your application form). In case the residence document (plastic card) is ready at the foreign police office, they will send you a text message in Slovak language informing you about this fact (typically within 90 days). The confirmation that they have received the application has to be kept. The residence permit is issued in a form of a residence card. In case of a third country national who represents or works for an important foreign investor, his/her spouse or a child under 18 years of age, the period for decision on an application for temporary residence is 30 days.
You have to collect the residence permit at the foreign police office in person or you can entitle somebody else with an official letter of attorney to collect it for you. When applying for residence permit from abroad via a representative body, it is advised to consult with them the way of notification on granting the permit as well as the collection of the residence card.
If you apply for the residence permit longer in advance and the foreign police office makes a decision on your application for granting temporary residence earlier than 30 days prior to starting your planned activity (purpose of stay), the foreign police office sets the the starting date of the residence permit exactly 30 days before the staring date of your planned activity (purpose of stay). If the time between the decision of the foregin police office on granting the temporary residence and the commencement of your planned activity (purpose of stay) is shorter than 30 days, the date of the decision of the foreign police office is at the same time the day of commencement of the granted temporary residence. Formalities – how to be ready for the national authorities When you get your residence permit, the foreign police office will ask you to provide within 30 days from collecting the residence card a proof of health insurance coverage in Slovakia for the whole length of stay. If you have it from other country than Slovakia, you have to get the contract officially translated to Slovak, with the exception of Czech contracts, where the translation is not required. In case you do not have health insurance, you have to obtain it within 3 working days after you are granted the residence permit. Moreover, within 30 days from collecting the residence permit you have to submit a medical certificate that you do not suffer from any exotic disease threatening the public health. The certificate cannot be older than 30 days. It can be obtained in some medical centres in Slovakia only (see page 110) and a fee will be charged.
The police department shall grant the temporary residence for the purpose of family reunion until the end of valid residence permit of the national whom the family member is to join, but not more than for five years. In general, the family member can undertake business activites in the Slovak territory. For employment conditions see the text Employment of family members in the chapter “Employment of foreigners”, 4.2.1. The International Researcher’s Guide to Slovakia 107
4.1.5 The graphical view of entry and stay procedures for nationals coming from EU/EEA/Switzerland and third countries Formalities – how to be ready for the national authorities STAY of a THIRD COUNTRY Up to 90 days NATIONAL IN SLOVAKIA Longer than 90 days
Stay regardless of the length
Temporary residence permit Temporary residence permit is - Temporary residence permit is is not needed for: needed for: needed for:
- Studies at a higher education - Employment – most cases - Study (page 85) institution (page 95) - Research and development - Research and development - Highly qualified employment - based on a hosting agreement activities based on a hosting Blue card of EU (page 99) (page 87) agreement - Special activity - activity within
- Activity within Slovak Slovak governmental governmental programme, EU programme, EU programme or programme or international international treaty (e.g. treaty (e.g. scholarship stay) scholarship stay), internship in - Internship in Slovakia within Slovakia within studies carried
studies carried out outside out outside Slovakia, lecturing Slovakia or artistic activity (page 92) - Lecturing or artistic activity
Visas/No Visas (page 73, 79, 110) Visas/No Visas (page 73, 79, 110) Visas/No Visas (page 73, 79, 110)
Notice of the stay (page 102) Notice of the stay (page 102) Notice of the stay (page 102)
STAY of a FAMILY MEMBER IN
SLOVAKIA
NATIONAL from THIRD COUNTRY EU/EEA/SWITZERLAND NATIONAL
(see the next graph) Up to 90 days Longer than 90 days
Residence permit for the purpose of family reunion (page 104)
Visas/No Visas (page 73, 79, 110) Visas/No Visas (page 73, 79, 110)
Notice of the stay (page 102) Notice of the stay (page 102) 108 EURAXESS SLOVAKIA
STAY of a NATIONAL from Up to 3 months Longer than 3 months EU/EEA/SWITZERLAND
Notice of the stay (page 78) Notice of the stay (page 78)
Registration of residence (page 78)
STAY of a FAMILY MEMBER IN SLOVAKIA
NATIONAL from THIRD COUNTRY EU/EEA/SWITZERLAND NATIONAL (see the graph above)
Up to 3 months Longer than 3 months
Formalities – how to be ready for the national authorities Visas/No Visas (page 73, 79, 110) Visas/No Visas (page 73, 79, 110)
Notice of the stay (page 78) Notice of the stay (page 78)
Residence permit for
a family member of the EU/EEA/Swiss national (page 102)
The International Researcher’s Guide to Slovakia 109
4.1.6 Other practical information Foreign Police Office contact Territory covered (districts): Nové Zámky Bitúnková 8, Foreign Police Offices in Slovakia and their Nové Zámky, Komárno, Levice,
Nové Zámky 949 36 Formalities – how to be ready for the national authorities territorial responsibility Šaľa +421–96133–3208 Note: The foreign police staff communicates +421–96133–3209 in Slovak only, so if you think that you will not Trenčín be able to communicate with them somehow, Trenčín, Bánovce, Ilava, Jilemnického 2, Trenčín 911 01 have somebody to go with you. Also, the Myjava, Nové Mesto nad +421–96120–3233 Váhom, Považská Bystrica, queuing time at the foreign police office can Prievidza, Púchov be very lengthy. People usually come early +421–96120–3209 in the morning to take an appointment number Banská Bystrica card, and it might happen later during the day Štefánikovo nábrežie 7, Banská Bystrica, Banská Bystrica 974 01 Banská Štiavnica, Brezno, that there will not be any more appointment Detva, Krupina, Zvolen, number cards available, so those without +421–96160–3203 Žarnovica, Žiar nad Hronom one will have to come back another day. +421–96160–3209 In Bratislava, it is strongly advised and agreed Rimavská Sobota with the foriegn police department to take Hviezdoslavova 35, advantage of Wednesday afternoon office Rimavská Sobota 979 01 Rimavská Sobota, Lučenec, Poltár, Revúca, Veľký Krtíš hours. +421–96168–3205 +421–96168–3209 Office hours of all foreign police offices Žilina Monday 7.30 – 12.00 12.30 – 15.00 Kysucké Nové Mesto, ul. Tuesday 7.30 – 12.00 (valid for Bratislava office only) Hviezdoslavova 436/6, PSČ 024 01 (personal Wednesday 7.30 – 12.00 12.30 – 17.30 Žilina, Bytča, Čadca, Dolný contact office for foreigners Kubín, Kysucké Nové Mesto, Friday 7.30 – 13.00 (valid for Bratislava office only) is in Žilina, Bánovská cesta Liptovský Mikuláš, Martin, 8 111/1 – in the building of Námestovo, Ružomberok, Žilina Fire Department) Turčianske Teplice, Tvrdošín Foreign Police Office contact Territory covered (districts): +421–96144–3205, Bratislava +421–96140–3217 Hrobákova 44, +421–96144–3209 Bratislava 851 02 Bratislava I. – V. Košice +421–9610–36855 Trieda SNP 35, Košice 040 01 Košice I., II., III., IV., Košice +421–9610–36859 – okolie, Gelnica, Rožňava, +421–9619–31208 Spišská Nová Ves Dunajská Streda +421–9619–31209 Adorská 34, Michalovce Dunajská Streda 929 01 Dunajská Streda, Galanta, Senec Štúrova 1, Michalovce 071 01 Michalovce, Humenné, +421–96111–3200 Medzilaborce, Snina, +421–96172–3220 +421–96111–3209 Sobrance, Trebišov +421–96172–3209 Trnava Prešov Športová 10, Trnava 917 01 Trnava, Malacky, Pezinok, Ľubochnianska 2, Prešov, Bardejov, Levoča, +421–96110–6152(6) Piešťany, Senica, Skalica Prešov 080 01 Ľubovňa, Poprad, Sabinov, +421–96110–6159 Stará Kežmarok, Stropkov, +421–96180–3205 Svidník, Vranov nad Topľou Nitra +421–96180–3209 Kalvárska 2, Nitra 949 01 Nitra, Hlohovec, Partizánske, +421–96130–3230 Topoľčany, Zlaté Moravce You can check for updates at +421–96130–3209 www.minv.sk/?ocp-1. 110 EURAXESS SLOVAKIA
Slovak embassies Žilina region and consulates abroad Klinika infektológie a cestovnej medicíny The list of Slovak embassies and consulates Univerzitnej nemocnice Martin, general abroad can be found at the website Kollárova 2, Martin, of the Ministry of Foreign and European tel.: +421 43 4 203 637, Affairs of the Slovak Republic: tel.: +421 43 4 203 386, www.mzv.sk/en/ministry/slovak_ [email protected], diplomatic_missions-diplomatic_missions. www.jfmed.uniba.sk; Inštitút očkovania a cestovnej medicíny s. r. o., ŽILPO, s. r. o., Medical Centres relevant Vysokoškolákov 31, Žilina, for residence permit mobil: +421 9 17 13 14 79, In connection with temporary residence [email protected], www.inocem.sk; permit a third country foreigner shall submit a medical certificate that he/she Banská Bystrica region does not suffer from any exotic disease Ambulancia cestovnej medicíny threatening the public health. The following pri Infekčnom oddelení Fakultnej medical centres can issue such certificate nemocnice s poliklinikou F. D. accepted by Slovak foreign police offices: Roosevelta v Banskej Bystrici, Cesta k nemocnici 1, Banská Bystrica, Bratislava region tel: 048/433 53 15, www.fnspbb.sk Poliklinika cudzokrajných chorôb, ZAMA s. r. o., Americké námestie 3, Košice region Bratislava, tel.: +421 2 52 92 56 88, fax: Klinika infektológie a cestovnej medicíny +421 2 52 96 27 32, [email protected], Univerzitnej nemocnice L. Pasteura, www.cudzokrajne.sk; Rastislavova 43, Košice, Inštitút očkovania a cestovnej tel.: +421 55 615 2 200, medicíny s. r. o., Teslova 33, Bratislava, tel.: +421 55 615 2 201, [email protected] tel.: +421 2 44 63 54 73, mobil: +421 9 15 88 90 54, You can check for updates at
Formalities – how to be ready for the national authorities [email protected], www.inocem.sk; www.minv.sk/?pobyt-cudzinca and www.minv.sk/?vizova-info-typy-viz-1. Nitra region Infekčná klinika, Ambulancia Note: The medical check and certificate for pre cudzokrajné choroby Fakultnej the purpose of residence permit is a paid nemocnice Nitra, Špitálska 6, Nitra, service. Prices for the medical certificate vary tel.: +421 37 6 545 955, www.fnnitra.sk. depending upon the medical centre. Contact the particular centre for precise information Trenčín region (count with 112 – 269 €). Also, many times the Ambulancia infektológie a tropickej staff at the ambulance communicates in Slovak medicíny Spoločnosti only, so if you think that you will not be able INF TROP-MED s. r. o., Nábrežná 5, to communicate with them somehow, have Prievidza, Tel: +421 46 5 113 311, somebody to go with you. [email protected] The International Researcher’s Guide to Slovakia 111
4.2 Employment práce občana EÚ“, in two copies (the form can be downloaded here: www.upsvar. In this section you will find basic sk/buxus/docs//SSZ/OISS/CUDZINCI/ information about employment rules IK_20.rtf). This obligation holds only Formalities – how to be ready for the national authorities and conditions in order to know the local for work carried out in the framework of situation, your basic rights, and to enable employment and results from par. 23b you to find your way in the process of of the Act No. 5/2004 On Employment considering a job in Slovakia or even during Services, the negotiation of the contract. This is not register the employee with a local health comprehensive and exhausting information insurance company within 8 working days. on employment law in Slovakia, it is just to cancel the employee’s registration a first step to help you to start asking in all institutions after the termination informed questions on your particular of employment situation. Further information is available at the website of Central Office of Labour, 4.2.1 Employment of foreigners Social affairs and Family (www.upsvar.sk/sluzby-zamestnanosti/ Employment of EU/EEA/SWISS nationals zamestnavanie-cudzincov/zamestnavanie- EU/EEA/Swiss nationals and their family obcanov-eu-ehp.html?page_id=272203), members can be employed on the territory websites of local Labour Offices, or the of the Slovak Republic on the same terms website of EURES (information network as Slovak nationals. In practice this to facilitate mobility of workers within means that EU/EEA/Swiss citizens are the countries of European Union and not required to apply for a work permit the European Free Trade Association) or confirmation of the possibility of www.eures.sk, filling a vacancy if they want to work http://ec.europa.eu/eures and legally in Slovakia. They can be employed www.eures.sk/clanok_detail.php?id=526. by means of an employment contract or by means of an agreement outside the Employment relations in Slovakia employment contract (irregular work). are regulated by the Labour Code (Act No 311/2001 Coll.) and the Act on Duties of an employer: Employment Services (Act No 5/2004 Coll.) to conclude an employment relationship which can be searched for in the online in accordance with the Labour Code, legislation database http://jaspi.justice. to register the employee with a local gov.sk/ (the website is in Slovak only). branch of the Social Insurance Company (Sociálna poisťovňa) before the Employment of third country nationals employment starts, when employing an EU national, Employment relations in Slovakia are to inform the local Labour Office regulated by the Labour Code (Act No (depending on the location of the place 311/2001 Coll.) and the Act on Employment of work) within 7 working days from Services (Act No. 5/2004 Coll.) which can entry into employment and after its be searched for in the online legislation termination using an information card database http://jaspi.justice.gov.sk form “Informačná karta o vzniku/skončení (the website is in Slovak only). The Act on pracovnoprávneho vzťahu alebo o vyslaní Employment Services brought significant na výkon práce/skončení vyslania na výkon changes in 2014. 112 EURAXESS SLOVAKIA
The above-mention Act regulates Third country nationals under the point conditions of employment of foreign a) to e) can only be employed in an nationals in the territory of the Slovak employment relation. Hence in case Republic. As a result, duties of an neither work permit nor the confirmation employer and employee described here of the possibility of filling a vacancy is (e.g. confirmation of the possibility of filling required under f), also work based on a vacancy or work permit) are only relevant agreements outside employment contract with regards to performance of work is possible (e.g. agreement on work in Slovakia, not abroad. performance, contract for services, contract for part-time work of students). Since January 2014 new forms of access to third country citizens’ employment in the A foreigner may be employed to some territory of Slovakia have been introduced: extent, in specific cases and under defined a) with a confirmation of the possibility of conditions not only if he/she has been filling a vacancy, granted the temporary residence for b) with a confirmation of the possibility employment purposes but also e. g. if of filling a vacancy corresponding he/she is granted temporary residence to an employment requiring higher for the purpose of study, research and qualification (associated with the development, family reunion, and in case application for an EU Blue Card), of Slovaks living abroad. Check details and c) with a work permit, more information in the part 4.2.1 A. to see d) employment for which a work permit or examples when no confirmation of the confirmation of the possibility of filling possibility of filling a vacancy or a work a vacancy is not required. permit is required.
An employer may only employ a third A foreigner who will be on the territory country national who: of Slovakia performing continuous a) is a holder of an EU Blue Card, educational or scientific activities as b) has been granted temporary residence a pedagogic employee, university for employment purposes upon teacher, researcher or artist at a higher
Formalities – how to be ready for the national authorities confirmation of the possibility of filling education institution, or research or a vacancy, development staff engaged in research c) has been granted work permit and activities in Slovakia shall in general apply temporary residence for employment for temporary residence for employment purposes, purposes based on confirmation of the d) has been granted work permit and possibility of filling a vacancy (if other temporary residence for family reunion relevant purposes of residence cannot be (during the first 12 months since used – e. g. research and development the granted residence permit), based on a Hosting Agreement, special e) has been granted work permit (during activities, family reunion). He/she can be the first 12 months since the granted employed without taking into account the residence permit) and temporary situation on the labour market. residence as a third country citizen having status of a person with long-term More information on employment of residence in an EU Member State, the above categories can be found at f) for the employment of whom www.upsvar.sk/sluzby-zamestnanosti/ a confirmation of the possibility of filling zamestnavanie-cudzincov.html?page_ a vacancy or a work permit are not required. id=272197 (in Slovak only). The International Researcher’s Guide to Slovakia 113
Under the Act No. 404/2011 Coll. on the The employer has a duty to register the Residence of Foreigners par. 126 section 1 employee in a local health insurance a foreigner may enter into an employment company within 8 working days. relation in the extent and under the After the employemnt has ended, the Formalities – how to be ready for the national authorities conditions stipulated in the Act No. 5/2004 employer must cancel the registration of Coll. on Employment Services. the employee in all the institutions. Within 3 working days the employer After a foreigner’s start of employment has to notify the police department of the employer has the following obligations: termination of the employment of a third Before starting a job, the employer is country national. obliged to request the residence permit In case of employment of a third country certificate from the third country citizen national on the basis of a hosting and then keep a copy of the certificate at agreement, the employer needs to notify least during the time of employment. the Ministry of Education, Science, The employer has a duty to inform the Research and Sport of the SR within labour office in writing within seven 2 months of the following facts: working days at the latest from the day – early termination of a hosting set as the day of starting the job if the agreement third country national who was granted – facts that indicate the end a work permit did not start the job or if of participation of the foreigner his/her employment ended before the in a research and development time specified in the work permit. project within 2 months The employer is obliged to enter into an – termination of the research and employment relation in accordance with development project the Labour Code. – termination of the hosting agreement Before the start of work, the employer – facts that prevent solving the has a duty to register the employee research and development project in the local branch of the Social Security Insurance Company (Sociálna poisťovňa). The list of local labour offices can be found at In case of employing a third country www.upsvar.sk/urady-psvr.html?page_id=215. national who does not need a work permit or confirmation of the possibility Furhter information is available at the of filling a vacancy, or a family member websites of individual labour offices of an EU national, the employer has to (e.g. http://www.upsvar.sk/zamestnavatel-1/ notify the local labour office, depending cudzinci.html?page_id=260432&urad=239644) on the place of work, of the beginning as well as at the EURES website and the end of his/her employment (www.eures.sk/clanok_detail.php?id=531). within 7 working days using the form “Informačná karta o vzniku/skončení A. When is a work permit or pracovnoprávneho vzťahu alebo o vyslaní a confirmation of the possibility na výkon práce/skončení vyslania na výkon of filling a vacancy not required? práce štátneho príslušníka tretej krajiny uvedeného v § 23a ods. 1 zákona o službách With regard to the purpose of this booklet zamestnanosti a rodinného príslušníka we select only the most important občana EU“in two copies together with provisions from the complete list. A work a copy of the employment contract permit or the confirmation of the possibility (www.upsvar.sk/buxus/docs//SSZ/ of filling a vacancy for a third country OISS/CUDZINCI/IK_21.rtf). national is not required in case 114 EURAXESS SLOVAKIA
you have successfuly graduated residence permit for the purpose of from high school or university family reunion, right after granting (higher education institution) in the ofsuch residence permit, territory of the SR, you are a family member of an EU you will be employed for a certain national, and you have the right to period in order to increase skills in an reside in the territory of the SR employment for a maximum of one year, other family members, after 12 months you are younger than 26 years and you from the start of continual stay will be employed in occasional and time in Slovakia after granting of the limited jobs within exchanges between residence permit, schools or within youth and education you have permanent residence permit programmes, in which the SR participates, on the territory of the SR, you have been granted the temporary you have been granted residence permit residence permit for the purpose of a third country national who has of study and your employment as a recognised status of a Slovak living a university student will not exceed abroad, 20 hours per week, you are to be employed on the basis of you have been granted a temporary the commitment of the Slovak Republic residence permit for the purpose of to an international treaty (published research and development, and carries in the Law Code of SR) defining that for out research or development on the the employment under this treaty the basis of a Hosting agreement, work permit is not required (e.g. working you have been granted a temporary holidays with Canada, New Zealand, residence permit for the purpose of under preparation with ROC – Taiwan, research and development and your Australia). employment related to lecturing will not exceed 50 days in a calendar year, Employer’s obligations: your employment in the territory of the In case of employing a third country SR will not exceed 30 days in a calendar national who does not need a work permit year, and you are a pedagogic or a confirmation of the possibility of filling
Formalities – how to be ready for the national authorities employee, academic employee a vacancy, or a family member of an EU at a higher education institution, national, the employer has an obligation scientific, research or development to inform the local labour office, depending worker, participating in a professional on the place of work, about the beginning scientific event or an artist participating and the end of his/her employment using in an artistic event, the form “Informačná karta o vzniku/skončení you have been granted a temporary pracovnoprávneho vzťahu alebo o vyslaní na residence permit with a status of výkon práce/skončení vyslania na výkon práce a person having long-term residence štátneho príslušníka tretej krajiny uvedeného in an EU Member State, after 12 months v § 23a ods. 1 zákona o službách zamestnanosti from the start of the stay in Slovakia, a rodinného príslušníka občana EU“ – see the you are a family member of a researcher part 4.2.1, page 113. with a Hosting Agreement, and you have been granted residence permit for the purpose of family reunion, right after Other important provisions: granting of such residence permit, In case a work permit or a confirmation you are a family member of an EU Blue of the possibility of filling a vacancy Card holder, and you have been granted are not required, the employees can The International Researcher’s Guide to Slovakia 115
be employed, besides an employment A foreigner who will be performing relation, also on the basis of continuous educational or scientific agreements outside employment activities as a pedagogic employee, contract (e.g. agreement on work university teacher, researcher or artist at Formalities – how to be ready for the national authorities performance, contract for services, a higher education institution, or research contract for part-time work of students). or development staff engaged in research The procedure of getting a temporary activities (without a hosting agreement) residence permit for the purpose of in Slovakia can be employed without taking employment has been simplified for into account the situation on the labour a majority of the foreigners by the fact market. that the foreigner/employer will not apply for a work permit at the labour Employer’s obligations: office but it is enough to file only one An employer planning to employ application containing documents a third‑country national has to report necessary to consider it at a Slovak a vacancy to the office of labour, social embassy abroad or at a local foreign affairs and family either in person, police office. As a part of the review in writing, by phone, by e-mail or via process the foreign police will request www.istp.sk website. The job vacancy the confirmation of the possibility of shall be reported at least 30 days prior to filling a vacancy from the labour office. filing the application for residence permit The employer has an option to fill for the purpose of employment. In case the vacancy with a foreigner without the job vacancy cannot be filled by an taking into account the situation at appropriate candidate (from Slovakia or EU the labour market in case of employing Member State), the employer can conclude a third country national who performs an employment contract with the third a continuous educational or scientific countriy citizen or issue a written promise activity in Slovakia as a pedagogic to employ the third country citizen, which employee, university lecturer, member are to be enclosed to the application for of research or artistic university staff, residence permit. Cosequently, 30 days after or a research or development employee the reporting of the vacancy at the earliest, in a development activity. a foreigner can apply for a residence permit for employment purposes – abroad at the B. Confirmation of the possibility Slovak embassy/consulate corresponding of filling a vacancy for your country or at a respective foreign police office in Slovakia. The job vacancy In case a third country national does shall be cancelled only after the third not fall into the categories with easier country national has been granted the employment conditions without a work residence permit. permit or a confirmation of the possibility of filling a vacancy, the situation at the Attention: In case of educational labour market will be taken into account or scientific activities of a pedagogic and the residence permit for employment employee, university teacher, researcher purposes together with a confirmation of or artist at a higher education institution, the possibility of filling a vacancy by this or research or development staff engaged applicant is required. Temporary residence in research activities who can be employed for the purpose of employment is granted without taking into account the situation for the maximum of two years with on the labour market, the employer does a possibility of renewal. not have the duty to report a vacancy 116 EURAXESS SLOVAKIA
and the foreigner can apply for residence work, at least 30 working days before the permit without delay. The labour office application of the third country national based on the request from the police for a residence permit. A vacancy can be department issues the confirmation of reported in person, in writing, by email the possibility of filling a vacancy without or via www.istp.sk website. without taking into account the situation on the labour market Third country national’s obligations: An application for a Blue Card More information regarding the procedure (i.e. application for a residence permit) must related to the residence permit for the be submitted in person abroad at the Slovak employment purposes can be found in the embassy/consulate respective for your part 4.1.3, Temporary residence permit, D., country abroad, or at a respective foreign page 95. police office in Slovakia, at the earliest 30 working days after reporting a vacancy by C. Confirmation of the possibility of filling an employer. A holder of a Blue Card issued a vacancy in case of an employment by another EU Member State may apply for requiring higher qualification a Blue Card within 30 days of entry into the (EU Blue Card) territory of the Slovak Republic. You have to submit a complete application; otherwise it In case of a third country citizen will not be accepted. employment for which a higher qualification is required, the foreigner More information on the procedure related can apply for a temporary residence – EU to the Blue Card residence permit can be Blue Card, while the qualification needs found in the part 4.1.3, Temporary residence to be attested by an evidence of higher permit, E., page 99. education. D. Work permit Such an employment contract (or an employer’s written promise to employ the A work permit is required for the third country citizen to such employment) employment of a third country citizen in case
Formalities – how to be ready for the national authorities shall be concluded for a period of at least a) the employment is for the purpose of one year from the date of the Blue Card seasonal employment for a maximum issuance, while the agreed wage must be at of 180 days in 12 consecutive months, least 1.5 times the average monthly salary b) the foreigner has been granted in the economy of the Slovak Republic a residence permit for the purpose of in the relevant sector published by the family reunion, in the period up to Statistical Office of the Slovak Republic for 12 months since the granting of the the calendar year, preceding the calendar residence permit (except for cases when year in which the application for a Blue no work permit is needed and family card was filed. The employee must fulfil the members can start working right after condition of higher specialist qualification. obtaining their residence permit – see part 4.2.1 A.), Employer’s obligations: c) the foreigner has been granted Employer willing to employ a third country a temporary residence permit with national for an employment requiring a status of a person having long-term higher qualification, is obliged to report residence in an EU Member State, a vacancy at a correspding labour office in the period up to 12 months since the competent according to the place of granting of the residence permit, The International Researcher’s Guide to Slovakia 117 d) the foreigner being employed with an will be reported to the labour office (if the employer having a seat outside the SR law stipulates that) and the work will be has been sent to perform a work in the carried out for the same employer. It is territory of the SR on the basis of an necessary to file a written application for Formalities – how to be ready for the national authorities agreement concluded with a legal or renewal of the work permit at the local natural person, labour office 30 days before the end of e) it is stipulated by an international treaty validity of the granted work permit at the binding the SR. latest.
Employer’s obligations: In connection with the employment of Employment of family members a third country national, an employer If your spouse accompanies you during is obliged to report a vacancy at your study or research stay in Slovakia a corresponding labour office competent and he/she wants to work in Slovakia, according to the place of work, at least the process of employment is different 15 working days before the application for EU/EEA/Swiss nationals and nationals of the third country national for a work from third countries. permit. The report can be made in person, in writing, by phone, by email or via Nationals of EU/EEA Member States www.istp.sk website. Reporting of and Switzerland are employed under the a vacancy is not required in case of persons same conditions as Slovak nationals. stated under d) and e). They must fulfil the employer’s requirements, e.g. required education, Third country national’s obligations: language skills or required working An application for a work permit can experience in an appropriate professional be submitted at a corresponding labour area, etc. office competent according to the place of work, at the earliest 15 working days Third country nationals who have been after reporting a vacancy by an employer. granted a residence permit for the purpose You may apply for the work permit yourself of family reunion can be employed (in person or via mail) or you can authorize in Slovakia without obtaining a work permit. your future employer by the letter of attorney to apply on your behalf (the letter A work permit or confirmation of the of attorney has to be officially verified by possibility of filling a vacancy, or a Slovak notary). confirmation of the possibility of filling a vacancy in case of an employment Statutory period for considering the requiring higher qualification (EU Blue application for a work permit is 30 days Card) is not required in case of from the delivery of the application. a) a family member of a researcher with Validity of the work permit is 2 years a Hosting Agreement, who has been maximum, with a possibility of renewal. granted residence permit for the purpose Administrative fees for filing the application of family reunion, right after granting of for the work permit are not charged in the the residence permit; SR. The work permit may be extended by b) a family member of an EU Blue Card the labour office on request of the third holder, who has been granted residence country national, even repeatedly bud for permit for the purpose of family reunion, a period of two years at maximum. The right after granting of the residence condition for renewal is that the vacancy permit; 118 EURAXESS SLOVAKIA
c) other family members, after 12 In case the family member does not months from the start of continual fall under the categories with easier stay in Slovakia after granting of the employment conditions and a work permit residence permit. is required, this third country national can be employed only under employment In case a work permit or a confirmation of contract. The labour office can grant the possibility of filling a vacancy are not a work permit to a person with a temporary required, the employees can be employed, residence permit for the purpose of besides an employment contract, also family reunion, until the expiration of on the basis of agreements outside a 12-month-period after granting of the employment contract (e.g. agreement on residence permit. After this period has work performance, contract for services, passed, the foreigner does not need a work contract for part-time work of students). permit anymore and he/she can also be More details can be found in part 4.2.1 A. employed on the basis of agreements outside employment contract. The process of applying for a work permit is described in part 4.2.1 D.
FORMS of EMPLOYMENT
NATIONAL and FAMILY THIRD COUNTRY MEMBER from NATIONAL and FAMILY EU/EEA/SWITZERLAND MEMBER
yes Is it necessary to report no a vacancy to a Slovak Informing the Slovak Labour Office?
Formalities – how to be ready for the national authorities Labour Office with the document called With a confirmation of the With a confirmation of the „Information card“ possibility of filling a vacancy possibility of filling a vacancy (page 111) (page 115) (page 115)
With a confirmation of the Neither a work permit nor a possibility of filling a confirmation of the vacancy corresponding to an possibility of filling a employment requiring vacancy is required higher qualification (page 95, 115) Informing the Slovak Labour Office with the document With a work permit called „Information card“ (page 111) (page 111) The International Researcher’s Guide to Slovakia 119
4.2.2 Employment conditions www.greenpages.spectator.sme.sk – and job seeking Slovak business directory – Green pages; see the section “Education, Careers & Job seeking Human Capital”, subsection “Job portals Formalities – how to be ready for the national authorities Information on job vacancies is available in Slovakia”; on the internet, in daily newspapers, advertisement newspapers, regional www.eures.sk – Slovak network of and local newspapers. European Employment Service – EURES; information on the labour market, When seeking a job you can also use the living and working conditions and freedom services of other legal or physical entities of movement is available at (e.g. agencies) which would arrange a job http://ec.europa.eu/eures in all official for a certain fee on the basis of the permit languages of the EU. issued by the Central Office of Labour, Social Affairs and Family. A list of job The law stipulating all the rights and intermediaries is available at the website duties regarding employment in Slovakia of the Office: www.upsvar.sk. is the Labour Code – Act 311/2001 Coll. as amended by later Acts. Job counselling is provided for third country nationals with legal residence The Labour Code in English and other in the Slovak Republic by the Migration uptodate information are available at the Information Centre – http://mic.iom.sk/ website of the Ministry of Labour, Social en/our-services/job-counselling.html. They Affairs and Family of the Slovak Republic: offer also allowances for and education www.employment.gov.sk/en/labour- and requalification courses. For details and employment/labour-relations/. You can updates see the web site above. also consult the national EURAXESS website and its section dedicated to Useful links: employment: www.euraxess.sk/en/ When looking for a job as a researcher or main/services-practical-information/ a university teacher, it is advisable to have employment/. a look at: http://ec.europa.eu/euraxess/ index.cfm/jobs – EURAXESS Jobs portal The information provided in this publication where also job opportunities in Slovakia are follows the current legislation in force displayed; (as of January 2014). www.minedu.sk/volne-pracovne-miesta- The basic forms of employment in Slovakia na-vysokych-skolach/ – job offers at Slovak include: higher education institutions (in Slovak only); employment for an indefinite period, employment for a temporary – defined www.sav.sk/?lang=sk&doc=ann-offers-job period, – offers at the Slovak Academy of Sciences part-time employment or shared job (in Slovak only) and available registration position of job seekers; working from home and teleworking, and employment of a student of a vocational www.profesia.sk – search database of job school or institute. vacancies (also in English and German), contact phone numbers and addresses Employment is for an indefinite period if the of personnel agencies/recruitment agencies; employment contract does not expressly 120 EURAXESS SLOVAKIA
specify the duration of the employment or In the framework of and Agreement on where the legal requirements for signing the work performance a person can work an employment contract for a temporary maximum 350 hours per year for one period cannot be complied with. employer (within a single agreement or several agreements). The work is usually An employment contract for a temporary remunerated only after the outcome has period may only be signed for a maximum been delivered, however, parties can agree period of two years (and renewed that part of wage is already paid after maximum twice within this period of a partial outcome has been achieved. The time). The exception to this regulation Agreement can be concluded for 12 months are university teachers or scientists, at maximum. researchers (see the part below). The maximum workload within the Part-time employment contract – an Contract for services is 10 hours per week. employer may specify a shorter working This contract is concluded for maximum time than the statutory maximum 12 months. working week (working time may not be allocated for each working day), and the In case of a Contract for part-time work employee is paid a wage corresponding to of students (up to 26 years old), the this shorter working time arrangement. workload must not exceed 20 hours a week Employment starts on the day specified on average. This restriction is considered in the employment contract. Probationary with respect to the whole duration of the period: an employment contract may contract, at maximum during 12 months. specify a probationary period which should not be more than 3 months (some senior managerial positions can have 6 months Period of employment of academic probationary period); the probationary personnel period may not be extended. The notice Specific conditions of employment of period is from 1 – to 3 months depending on academic personnel arise from the Act different circumstances, however typically No. 131/2002 Coll. on Higher education
Formalities – how to be ready for the national authorities 2 months. institutions and the Act No. 133/2002 Coll on Slovak Academy of Sciences.
Work carried out occasionally In general a contract for university teachers If the work is carried out occasionally or for (who are not professors or associated a limited scope and extent, an agreement professors) is concluded for maximum of on work performance outside work contract 5 years based on one selection procedure can be applied. (job posting). However, also a professor or associated professor can be contracted An employer may exceptionally conclude for maximum of 5 years on the basis of agreements on work performance outside one selection procedure (job posting). work contract: If a university teacher has been granted in case the work will be defined by an the position of an associtaed professor outcome – Agreement on the work or a professor for the third time, has the performance, or respective academic titles and the total if the work is carried out occasionally job duration in these positions has been – Contract for services or Contract at least nine years, he/she is entitled to for part-time work of students. be granted a work contract for the limited The International Researcher’s Guide to Slovakia 121 period of time up to 70 years of age. After Average income reaching 70 years of age, the contract can An employee receives a wage in return for be extended by maximum of 1 year, however his/her work. The amount of an employee’s also repeatedly. wage and its constituents (basic wage Formalities – how to be ready for the national authorities plus bonuses, etc.) must be stipulated A job vacancy for a university teacher can in advance within an employment contract be filled without a selection procedure with the employee. (public job posting) for maximum of 1 year for part-time employment or agreements Net wage is the wage without contributions on work performance outside work contract. into compulsory insurance funds and income tax. (See also chapters: Social Security, A rector or a dean can release a university Taxation, Health and Medical Care.) teacher from the pedagogic duties and grant him/her time for research or artistic The socalled “labour cost” includes also work for the period of appropriate duration. the contributions to social and health insurance fund an employer pays on behalf At scientific organisations of the Slovak of an employee. Academy of Sciences a work contract can be concluded for the defined period, at Example: in the first half of 2014 the maximum for 5 years. Employees having average nominal monthly wage in Slovakia a high qualification level (qualification was 839 €. After being reduced by degree I on the specific national scale) contributions to compulsory insurance a work contract is offered for indefinite funds (social insurance, health insurance), period (if not agreed otherwise). the rest of the income is taxed at 19 % for private individuals (provided the tax base does not exceed 176.8 times the current Special status of PhD students amount of subsistence minimum including. Fulltime PhD students are considered to be The monthly net wage then amounts to students, not employees; hence a university 588.52. € (not applyining yet the annual is not in the position of their employer non-taxable amount). in connection with the social and health insurance. Fulltime PhD students at Slovak universities or external education institution Working time (institutes of the Slovak Academy of Sciences) The standard maximum weekly working receive a scholarship provided from the week for employees in the Slovak Republic state budget. PhD scholarships provided is 40 hours. If a person works more than by the state are exempt from income tax. 6 hours in a day, he/she is entitled to have Only students with permanent residence a break for 30 minutes for relax and meals. permit in an EU Member State are entitled to receive a PhD scholarship from the state budget unless they have already been Annual paid holiday awarded a PhD degree (Act No. 131/2002 The basic entitlement of paid holiday is Coll. on Higher education institutions). at least four weeks (20 days) in a calendar year; it can be longer (usually one more For information on social security and week) provided it is set in the collective health insurance for PhD students read agreement, or on the basis of age – after the chapter 4.4 Social security and health reaching the age of 33. insurance. 122 EURAXESS SLOVAKIA
Board Maternity leave, family care, absence After 4 hours of work per day an employee from work for family issues is entitled to contribution to his/her board In connection with the childbirth and care (in the form of meal tickets redeemable for a new born child, women are entitled for a restaurant or canteen meal). to maternity leave lasting 34 weeks. If a woman is a single parent, she is entitled to the maternity leave of 37 weeks. Business trips – travel costs and per diem If a woman gives birth to two or more In case of business trips an employee children at the same time, she is entitled to is entitled to reimbursement of travel the maternity leave of 43 weeks. The date expenses and travel per diems according of commencing the maternity leave is set to the valid regulations (the amount differs by the attended physician, usually 6 weeks according to the length and the country before the expected date of childbirth of a business trip). (at earliest 8 weeks prior to the childbirth). This period is calculated to the total In case a worker executes some tasks duration of 34 weeks. In connection with for a natural or legal entity, to which there the care for a newborn child, men are also exists no employment/labour relation entitled to the paternity leave of the same he/she can obtain travel allowances scope from the date of birth of the child of and travel per diem on condition it has been whom they take care. agreed upon (e.g. there can be concluded an agreement between the incoming For the purposes of extended care foreigner and the hosting organisation) or of children, employers are obliged to grant if the mobility of a foreign national is based women and men who so request, parental on an agreement on mutual exchange leave until the day the child turns three years of staff concluded between a Slovak and old (it can be requested at any time up to the a foreign employer. Such foreigner coming age of 3, even if the mother/father has been to Slovakia can receive a travel per diem to working after the maternity/paternity leave). an amount triple the per diem rate set for journeys in the territory of Slovakia longer In case of children with longterm poor
Formalities – how to be ready for the national authorities than 18 hours from the hosting employer health requiring special care, employers in Slovakia, under the condition that this are obliged to grant women and men, who duty is not fulfilled by the sending foreign so request, parental leave until the day employer. It can be applied, for example, the child turns six years old. Such leave is to a shortterm mobility within a research granted for the duration requested by the project. parent, but generally for at least one month.
Example: in 2014 the daily travel per diem Maternity leave granted in connection with rate for journeys within Slovakia is 9.30 €, the birth must not be shorter than 14 weeks i.e. daily travel per diems for the foreigner and may not be terminated or interrupted could be 27.90 €. before the lapse of 6 weeks from the date of the birth. These regulations arise from the Act No. 283/2002 on Travel compensation An employer must excuse the employee’s (available at www.employment.gov.sk/sk/ absence from work on the grounds of praca-zamestnanost/vztah-zamestnanca- temporary incapacity to work due to illness zamestnavatela/cestovne-nahrady, or injury, periods of maternity and parental in Slovak only). leave, quarantine, attending to a sick family The International Researcher’s Guide to Slovakia 123 member or caring for a child younger than convention or the Apostille treaty is an 10 years of age who for important reasons, international treaty drafted by the Hague cannot be left in the care of a childcare Conference on Private International establishment or school that the child Law. It specifies the modalities through Formalities – how to be ready for the national authorities normally attends, or in case of medical which a document issued in one of the examination or quarantine of the person signatory states can be certified for who otherwise takes care of the child. legal purposes in all the other signatory states. Such a certification is called an An employer shall provide an employee apostille (in French: certification). It is an with time-off from work for the purposes of international certification comparable to his/her medical examination in the extent a notarisation in domestic law. of 7 days per calendar year as well as for the puposes of accompanying his/her family If a State signatory to the Hague member to the medical examination also Convention certifies the document with in the extent of 7 days. Such days-off are an apostille, no further certification remunerated. Extra remunerated time-off of that document is necessary (find more is provided to a pregnant woman in relation information on apostille at www.hcch.net); to the preventive medical examination the document is submitted to a sworn related to her pregnancy. Special family translator (in Slovakia) in order to be circumstances such as attending funeral of translated into Slovak and is ready to be defined family members or attending his/her presented to Slovak authorities. marriage or marriage of his/her children or parents, or the birth of a child consitute Updated list of countries that are reasons for awarding time-off from work signatories to the Hague Convention (which might or might not be remunerated is at www.hcch.net/index_ based on exact stipulations of the law). en.php?act=conventions.status&cid=41.
4.3 How to get your Find your national authority with competence to issue an apostille with documents sufficiently contact details and price information at authenticated www.hcch.net/index_en.php? act=conventions.authorities&cid=41. Documents issued by foreign courts and other foreign authorities, which have the validity of public documents Legalisation in the country of their issue, are deemed In case that the apostille is not applicable, to have status of public documents foreign documents, which will be used in the in the Slovak Republic provided that the Slovak Republic, are subject to legalisation prescribed certificates have been attached. by a Slovak foreign mission in the respective Exemptions are laid down in multilateral state. Legalisation of public documents and bilateral agreements binding upon means certification of the authenticity of the Slovak Republic. signatures and official seals or stamps, which they bear against their specimens that are available to the foreign mission. Slovak Apostille foreign missions verify the authenticity of The Hague Convention Abolishing a previous certificate issued by the Foreign the Requirement for Legalisation for Affairs Ministry of the country of origin of the Foreign Public Documents, the Apostille respective document. 124 EURAXESS SLOVAKIA
In addition to legalisation of documents, Post address: Slovak foreign missions also certify the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs authenticity of signatures appearing on the of the Slovak Republic documents, photocopies of documents and Consular Section – legalisation their translations into Slovak; if a translator is Hlboká cesta 2, 833 36 Bratislava, available at the foreign mission, the mission Slovak Republic may also provide translations of certain documents. Honorary consulates have no Telephone: authority to legalise documents – i.e. to Foreign and European Affairs Ministry verify the authenticity of the stamp and switchboard operator: signature of a Foreign Affairs Ministry +421/2/59 78 59 78, +421/2/59 78 11 11 consular department official. Slovak +421 906 07 59 78 honorary consulates verify the authenticity of signatures duplicates and photocopies, which Office hours of the Ministry are then deemed valid in the Slovak Republic of Foreign and European Affairs of the with no further authentication needed. Slovak Republic Monday 8:00. – 12:00 13:00 – 15:00 If no Slovak foreign mission exists in the Tuesday closed country, which has issued the document, Wednesday 8:00 – 12:00 13:00 – 15:00 further procedures may be as follows Thursday 8:00 – 12:00 – the document must be certified in the Friday closed country of its origin, with the last stamp affixed to it being that of the Foreign Website: http://www.mzv.sk/sk/ Affairs Ministry of the respective country. cestovanie_a_konzularne_info/overovanie_ The authenticity of the stamp is then dokladov-pracovisko_overovania_dokladov certified by a competent foreign mission (in Slovak) of that country, accredited for the Slovak Republic, and, subsequently, by the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of Where to find an official translator the Slovak Republic. Documents in Arabic, Slovak embassies may provide
Formalities – how to be ready for the national authorities Indian, Chinese or Russian languages are for translations, or translate a document translated into English before they are intended for use in the Slovak Republic. submitted to the Ministry of Foreign and No further verification is required in the European Affairs of the Slovak Republic. case of documents translated by a Slovak embassy consular department. The administrative fee for legalisation by the Ministry of Foreign and European A list of sworn translators in Slovakia Affairs of the Slovak Republic is paid in the is available at websites of the Ministry form of a 20 € duty stamp (only until the of Justice of the Slovak Republic, end of December 2014) or an electronic Slovak regional courts and at http://jaspi. duty stamp (confirmation of paying 20 €). justice.gov.sk – “Prekladatelia”, but the list Clients are required to obtain duty stamps is available in Slovak only. in advance (e.g. at the post office). Once authenticated properly Contact details: (legalisation or Apostille certification), Document authentication department public documents translated into the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs Slovak language by a sworn translator may of the Slovak Republic, Pražská 1, Bratislava be presented to institutions in the Slovak The International Researcher’s Guide to Slovakia 125
Republic. Documents translated by a sworn responsible for the healthcare depends on translator in the Slovak Republic do not the employment situation or the place of require any further verification. residence, not nationality. Formalities – how to be ready for the national authorities 4.4 Social security Major applicable legislation: Act No 580/2004 Coll. on Health and health insurance insurance, Act No 577/2004 Coll. on the Scope In Slovakia, the social security coverage of health care provided on the basis is primarily based on occupational of public health insurance. activity, not residence. The social security system falls under the competence of There are two types of health insurance the Ministry of Employment, Social in Slovakia: Affairs and Family of the Slovak Republic (www.employment.gov.sk). The Social A. Mandatory public health insurance Insurance Agency (www.socpoist.sk) and Central Office of Labour, Social Holders of mandatory public health Affairs and Family of the Slovak Republic insurance are entitled to health care (www.upsvar.sk) are the executive bodies. provision and all related services in compliance with the Act on Health Health insurance in Slovakia is not Insurance. Public health insurance covers included in the scope of social insurance. benefits in full or to a partial extent, The healthcare system in Slovakia falls under depending on specific conditions. the competence of the Ministry of Health of the Slovak Republic (www.health.gov.sk). According to the Act on Health Insurance No. 580/2004 Coll., compulsory public health insurance applies to every person 4.4.1 Health insurance in Slovakia having permanent residence in the territory Having health insurance is obligatory and of the Slovak Republic. a proof of health insurance is required also as a part of residence permit granting Mandatory public health insurance does procedure. Before leaving their countries not apply to an individual with permanent of origin, foreigners must make sure to be residence in Slovakia, if he/she: covered by their current health insurance is employed abroad and is covered also on the territory of Slovakia, or take by health insurance in the country out new insurance before or after arrival of employment; in Slovakia. Particular procedures apply performs a selfemployment activity depending on their personal situation, the abroad and is covered by health length of stay and the terms of their current insurance abroad; health insurance. They will either continue is staying abroad longterm (more than to be covered by the health insurance of the 6 months) and is covered by health home country, or fall under the regime of insurance in this country. the Slovak Republic. In both cases, it will be necessary to make specific arrangements Mandatory public health insurance also for the continued health coverage. applies to a person who does not have permanent residence in the territory of the It is not possible to choose which country Slovak Republic, unless medically insured a person will be covered by. The country in another EU Member State or in a State 126 EURAXESS SLOVAKIA
Party to the European Economic Area foreigners who cannot have the public Agreement and in the Swiss Confederation health insurance; or supplementary (further only as Member State), and insurance (above standard health care) or he/she is employed by an employer combination of both previously mentioned. established or with a fixed establishment within the territory of Commercial health insurance is compulsory the Slovak Republic; (this does not for everyone, who does not fall into the apply if he/she is employed in the scope of the public health insurance. Slovak Republic on the basis of the Commercial health insurance can be agreement on work performed outside obtained from any provider, not necessarily employment), or a Slovak one. In case it is obtained from he/she is a student from another a foreign insurance provider, the contract Member State (EU/EEA/Switzerland) must stipulate its coverage on the territory or a foreign student studying at school of the Slovak Republic and it must be in the Slovak Republic on the basis of an translated into Slovak language by an international treaty by which the Slovak official sworn translator. Republic is bound. Information about commercial insurance The compulsory public health insurance companies in Slovakia is available on the begins on the date of the facts set out following websites (on these websites you above, or the date of obtaining permanent can find a list of insurance companies with residence in the Slovak Republic. Within their contact data): eight days of this date, the insured person Slovak Insurance Association: is required to submit an application www.slaspo.sk/en for public health insurance in a health Slovak Insurers’ Bureau: www.skp.sk/en insurance company. Insurance agencies portal: www.poistovne.sk (in Slovak only). Currently there are 3 health insurance companies providing public health insurance in Slovakia: 4.4.2 Other regulations regarding health insurance Formalities – how to be ready for the national authorities state health insurance company: “Všeobecná zdravotná poisťovňa”, of EU/EEA/Swiss nationals www.vszp.sk, private health insurance company: European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) “Dôvera”, www.dovera.sk, in Slovak only, European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) private health insurance company: can be used in any of the 28 EU countries, “Union”, www.union.sk. Iceland, Lichtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. It gives an access to medically B. Individual (commercial) health insurance necessary, state-provided healthcare during a temporary stay (e.g. scholarship Individual health insurance holders are stay of students, researchers, business entitled to health care services stipulated trips of employees…), under the same in the agreement with the Health Insurance conditions and at the same cost as people Authority. Commercial health insurance insured in that country (in some countries is provided in compliance with special the healthcare may be provided free of legislation (Civil Code). The scope of the charges). EHIC will be issued at request by health services is stipulated individually a national health insurance provider to which either as basic health care available to a person pays health insurance premiums. The International Researcher’s Guide to Slovakia 127
When using EHIC, the treatment of EU/EEA/Swiss nationals working in the a person insured by the state social Slovak Republic whose dependant family security system in any Member State of the members live in another Member State European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein, must apply to a selected Slovak health Formalities – how to be ready for the national authorities Norway or Switzerland, will be covered by insurance company in order to draw a S1 a Slovak health insurance company to the form (former E109 form). This document same amount as a Slovak national. The must be submitted to a health insurance chosen physician must have concluded company at the place of residence of a contract with at least one health the dependent family members. On the insurance company. The European Health basis of the S1 form the dependant family Insurance Card ensures necessary medical members will be registered for health treatment within the system of public insurance in their home country and they health care, including treatment related will be entitled to comprehensive health to chronic diseases, if such need arises, care in that country while all expenses will to enable the holder to continue his/her be covered by the selected Slovak health stay without having to return home for insurance company. Their home health treatment. It covers all age groups, with insurance company is in charge of issuing a maximum unlimited financial amount. a European Health Insurance Card. The On the other hand it does not cover the EHIC entitles them to obtain necessary individual contribution of the insured medical treatment also in EU/EEA Member person to treatment, transport to the States and Switzerland different from the country of origin or repatriation. state of their residence, i.e. in the Slovak Republic too (see information on EHIC). Special cases related to health insurance Dependants of EU/EEA/Swiss nationals EU/EEA/Swiss nationals employed in the coming to stay in the Slovak Republic Slovak Republic who reside in another should also register in a Slovak health Member State are entitled (together insurance company and have the Slovak with their dependant family members) to health insurance card. However, each case comprehensive health care (full coverage is treated individually because the terms on the contrary to EHIC) in the country of vary from case to case. For details it is residence as well as in the Slovak Republic. highly recommended to contact your home The entitlement is applied by means of health insurance company before arrival the portable document S1 (former E106 to the Slovak Republic. form), which can be obtained from health insurance companies in the Slovak Republic after submission of the home country 4.4.3 System of social security residence certificate and copies of the in Slovakia labour contract in the Slovak Republic. (excluding health insurance) After obtaining the S1 form, EU/EEA/Swiss national shall submit it to a health insurer The social security system in Slovakia at the place of residence and register. is made of three main components: If his/her family members live together with the employee, their entitlement to A. Social insurance health care will be reviewed according to The basic role of the social insurance the regulations of the health insurance system in Slovakia is the protection company at the place of residence. of the economically active population in the event of life contingencies. 128 EURAXESS SLOVAKIA
Mandatorily insured are employed of 14 % of the basis of the assessment and self-employed persons meeting of the employer. The total of 18 % of conditions regarding the income out of old‑age insurance is distributed to the business. Social insurance is financed by both pillars (since 01. 01. 2013 : 14 % contributions; it is administered by the 1st pillar: 4 % 2nd pillar). Social Insurance Agency (SIA). a) sickness insurance B. Social assistance – sickness benefit, The system of social assistance – maternity benefit, allows citizens below the statutory – benefit for nursing a sick relative, subsistence minimum to receive – equalisation benefit, substitute resources from the state b) pension insurance in the form of benefits. – the old-age insurance (old-age pension, early old-age pension, If you are in a difficult social situation, survivors’ pensions – i.e. widow’s you may be eligible to use so-called pension, widower’s pension, social services. Social services are orphan’s pension), governed by a new Act 448/2008 Coll. – the disability insurance (disability on Social Services that has replaced pension, survivors’ pensions – i.e. the former system of so-called social widow’s pension, widower’s assistance. pension, orphan’s pension), c) accident insurance The aim of provision of social services d) unemployment insuranec is prevention, solution, or mitigation e) guarantee insurance of unwanted social situations of individuals; to support an individual to There are two forms of pension lead self-sufficient life and prevent social insurance scheme: 1st pillar exclusion, and to secure the conditions (contributions to the state Social for the satisfaction of an individuals’ Insurance Agency, concurrent regime), basic life needs. which is mandatory and 2nd pillar
Formalities – how to be ready for the national authorities (old-age pension saving in pension Social services can be used by Slovak management companies, capitalising citizens, foreign nationals – EU/EEA/ regime). Participation in the 2nd pillar is Swiss nationals, and foreign nationals subject to one’s own choice up to the with permanent or temporary residence age of 35, afterwards it is not possible permit. to enter the the 2nd pillar. There exists also a 3rd pillar pension regime, which is C. State social support completely voluntary and is meant as The system of state social support an additional old-age pension saving. is devised to address particular life Some employers might opt to partly contingencies, including the birth of contribute to these savings on behalf of a child, child care, death of a family an employee. member and others. These benefits are financed directly from the state budget. An employee pays old-age insurance Usually benefits from state social in the amount of 4 % of the basis of support are based on the condition assessment (usually equal to the gross of permanent or temporary residence wage). The employer on behalf of the in Slovakia, and not the income of the employee pays the old-age insurance family or economic activity of a person The International Researcher’s Guide to Slovakia 129
and his/her family members. For each Selected types of benefits in more detail particular benefit of state social support there exist special conditions for Sickness benefit – income during sick leave entitlement, which have to be fulfilled. During the sick leave an employee/insured Formalities – how to be ready for the national authorities person does not receive any salary, but s/he, These include: after being certified as temporarily unfit child allowance (recurrent) to work due to illness or injury, or due to child allowance supplement (recurrent) quarantine by an authorised doctor, is parental allowance (recurrent) entitled to a sick pay. It is at the rate of 25 % child birth grant (one-off) of the employee’s basis of assessment for child birth grant bonus (one-off) the first 3 days, then at the rate of 55 % of allowance to parents to whom multiple the employee’s basis of assessment. During children were born (recurrent – once the period of first 10 days of the sick leave a year) the benefits are paid by his/her employer; child care benefit (recurrent) from the 11th day the sick pay is paid by the alimony substitution (recurrent) Social Insurance Agency (at the rate of 55 % allowances supporting alternative child of the employee’s basis of assessment). care (various one-off and recurrent allowances (The daily assessment base for the funeral grant (one-off) determination of sickness benefits is the quotient of the sum of the assessment Major applicable legislation of the Slovak bases, based on which the insured person Republic: paid sickness insurance in the relevant Act No. 461/2003 Coll. on Social period, and the number of days in the insurance relevant period.) Act No. 43/2004 Coll. on Oldage pension saving The benefit is payable up to one year of the Act No. 280/2002 Coll. on Parental temporary incapacity, after this period the allowance health condition must be re-examined. Act No. 600/2003 Coll. on Child benefit Conditions of entitlement: Major applicable legislation for EU/EEA valid sickness insurance; Member States and Switzerland: after termination of sickness insurance Regulation (EC) No 883/2004 of the – being in the period of entitlement to European Parliament and of the Council sickness benefits or within the duration of 29 April 2004 on the coordination of the protective period. The duration of social security systems of the protective period is 7 days. Regulation (EC) No 987/2009 of the If the period of sickness insurance was European Parliament and of the Council shorter than 7 days, the duration of of 16 September 2009 laying down the the protective period is equal to the procedure for implementing Regulation duration of sickness insurance. The (EC) No 883/2004 on the coordination duration of the protective period for of social security systems a female insured person, whose sickness insurance terminated at the time of her More information: pregnancy, is 8 months; www.socpoist.sk persons with voluntary sickness www.employment.gov.sk insurance are entitled to sickness www.euraxess.sk benefits if, during the last 2 years 130 EURAXESS SLOVAKIA
preceding temporary incapacity to work, Maternity benefit they were covered by sickness insurance Women having sickness insurance for for not less than 270 days; at least 270 days in the last 2 years entitlement to sickness benefits ceases before expected childbirth are entitled to on the day following the last day of maternity benefit from the beginning of temporary incapacity to work, not later the 6th week preceding the expected date than with the lapse of the 52nd week from of delivery (childbirth) as determined by the beginning of temporary incapacity an attending practitioner, but not before to work (support period); the beginning of the 8th week preceding the employees are entitled to sickness expected delivery date, or from the date of benefits if they do not receive birth if it comes earlier than the aforesaid income that may be considered dates. as an assessment base. Generally the benefit is provided during Filing the claim: 34 weeks from the commencement using a form of the Social Insurance of entitlement. In case that a woman Agency – Certificate of Temporary is a single mother, her entitlement to Work Incapacity issued by the medical maternity benefits terminates at the end practitioner of a health establishment, of the 37th week from the commencement submitted by means of the employer. of entitlement to the maternity benefit. If a woman gives birth to 2 or more children Obligations of the recipients of benefits: at the same time, and takes care of at least to present proof of the facts that are 2 of these children, her entitlement to relevant for granting or terminating the maternity benefits terminates at the end entitlement to sickness benefits, their of the 43rd week from the commencement payments, or their amount; of entitlement to the maternity benefit. to comply with the treatment regime prescribed by the attending physician The period of entitlement to maternity at the time of the temporary incapacity benefit for an insured person who has to work; given birth to a child may not be shorter Formalities – how to be ready for the national authorities to stay at the address reported in the than 14 weeks from the commencement of certificate at the time of temporary entitlement to maternity benefits and may incapacity to work; not be terminated earlier than 6 weeks from to state the birth identification number the date of birth. in the application (or the social security identification number); If another insured person is taking to notify the Social Insurance Agency of care of a child, such a person shall the termination of temporary incapacity be entitled to maternity benefit to work within 3 days of its termination, as from the date of assuming the care if temporary incapacity for work lasted of the child for a period of 28 weeks more than 10 days (by means of the from the commencement of entitlement employer). to maternity benefit (or, if is a single person, until the end of the 31st week from Commercial insurance companies the commencement of the entitlement offer the possibility of additional to maternity benefits, or if assuming health insurance during sickness leave care of 2 or more children, until the end as the income of an employee is being of the 31st week from the commencement reduced. of the entitlement to maternity benefits) The International Researcher’s Guide to Slovakia 131
The maternity benefit is at the rate of 65 % benefit can be paid also when the preschool of the daily assessment base, or of the or school establishment, that the child probable daily assessment base, and it is normally attends, are dissolved or placed provided from the 1st day of entitlement under quarantine, or in case of sickness or Formalities – how to be ready for the national authorities only to 1 insured person. quarantine of the person who otherwise takes care of the child or in the case of Conditions of entitlement: hospitalisation of that person due to pregnancy or the care for a new-born expected delivery. child; valid sickness insurance; Benefits for nursing a sick relative are being covered by sickness insurance at the rate of 55 % of the daily assessment for not less than 270 days during base, or of the probable daily assessment the last 2 years preceding childbirth base, they are provided from the 1st day (delivery); of the care to the end of the care, at after termination of sickness insurance maximum for 10 days. It is provided for the – being in the period of entitlement to same case only once and only to 1 insured sickness benefits or within the duration person. of the protective period. The duration of the protective period for a female Filing the claim: insured person, whose sickness using the form of the Social Insurance insurance terminated at the time of her Agency – Application for benefit for pregnancy, is 8 months. nursing a sick relative, certified/issued by a medical practitioner of a health Filing the claim: establishment, submitted by means using the form of the Social Insurance of the employer. Agency – Maternity Benefit Application, certified by a medical practitioner Old-age pension of a health establishment. An insured person is entitled to an old-age pension if he/she has been insured for an Obligations of a recipient of benefits: old-age pension for at least 15 years and to present, the proof of the facts relevant has reached the minimum age required for the awarding or withdrawing of for entitlement to an old-age pension the entitlement to maternity benefit, (the so‑called retirement age). The entitlement to its payments, and its retirement age in the Slovak Republic is at amount; present 62 years both for men and women. to state his/her birth identification In case of women, the retirement age is number in the application, to notify also dependent on the number of children the Social Insurance Agency of the birth a woman has brought up. identification number of the child. If a mobile worker has contributed to Nursing benefit insurance schemes of various Member Sickness insurance entitles an insured States (EU, EEA, Switzerland) during person for a nursing benefit – an income to his/her period of occupation all records be paid during the nursing of a sick child, of his/her contributions are held in each sick husband/wife, sick parent or sick separate Member State. Upon reaching husband’s/wife’s parent or taking care of retirement age, the periods of insurance a child under 10 years of age that is placed in individual Member States are under quarantine. In addition, the nursing aggregated and he/she is entitled to draw 132 EURAXESS SLOVAKIA
the appropriate proportion of old-age Accident insurance and benefits pension from each Member State in which If an employee has suffered health damage he/she has worked for a period of more or died during the performance of work or than 12 months. The proportion is given by in direct connection therewith as a result the ratio of years of insurance in the given of an accident (industrial accident), the state to the total insurance period of the liability for damage thus incurred lies with worker before reaching the retirement age. the employer with whom the employee had An insurance period of less than 12 months an employment relationship at the time will be taken over by his/her final country of of the industrial accident. The employer is employment. obliged to compensate an employee who suffers harm at least to the extent to which Different legal framework applies he/she is liable for the harm. to workers who have contributed to pension schemes of states with which An employee who, as a result of an there exists a bilateral agreement on industrial accident or occupational disease social security. (Slovak Republic has is acknowledged as being temporarily concluded international agreement with unfit for work, is entitled to an accident the following states outside the EU/EEA/ supplement (as a salary compensation) Switzerland: Australia, Canada, Israel, from the first day of temporary incapacity Quebec, the Republic of Korea, Serbia, for work, if he/she receives sickness Turkey, The Union of Soviet Socialist Republics benefits under a sickness insurance (as of 1960; succession to Belarus, Armenia, scheme. The accident supplement is paid Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, in respect of individual days. Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan), Ukraine, former Federal People’s Republic of The employee who sustains an injury Yugoslavia (as of 1957; succession to Bosnia is entitled to injury annuity payments and Herzegovina, Macedonia, Montenegro), if, as a result of industrial accident or the USA. The principle of territoriality occupational disease, his/her capacity is exercised here, i.e. the old-age pension to perform the work that he/she had is paid off by the state, on the territory performed before the injury has been
Formalities – how to be ready for the national authorities of which the insured person permanently diminished by more than 40 %. resides. List of bilateral treaties can be found at www.socpoist.sk/index/index. The injured employee is entitled to php?ids=1550, in Slovak only). a lump sum compensation if, as a result of an industrial accident or occupational The application for drawing the old- disease, his/her capacity to work has age pension is submitted through the been reduced by not more than 40 %, but authorised social insurance body based more than 10 %, even if the entitlement to on the permanent residence. (If having injury annuity has lapsed, provided that permanent residence in the Slovak the reduction of capacity for work is at Republic, the application shall be submitted least 10 %. to the appropriate office of Social Insurance Agency to draw benefits also from other The entitlement to start drawing states of the EU/EEA and Switzerland compensation for occupational accidents and from those with which there exists and diseases shall be applied within 3 years a bilateral treaty). Hence, usually, only one of such entitlement or the entitlement application is required. will lapse. The International Researcher’s Guide to Slovakia 133
Employers must take out compulsory injury depends on the amount of unemployment insurance (as from the date on which they insurance contributions completed by start employing at least 1 employee), but the person in past 2 years. insurance benefits go to the employee Formalities – how to be ready for the national authorities concerned or an authorised person. The insured person is not entitled to unemployment benefit disbursement Unemployment insurance and benefits in the period when being granted: sickness The system of social insurance also benefit, nursing benefit, maternity benefit includes the system of unemployment or parental allowance. insurance. The insured person is entitled to unemployment benefit under the condition The unemployment insurance is mandatory that he/she had unemployment insurance for an employee having compulsory for at least 2 years (i.e. 730 days) within the sickness insurance. past 3 years before being included into the registry of unemployed job seekers. An employee for the purpose of sickness, pension and unemployment insurance, Those entitled to the unemployment shall be an individual in a legal relationship benefit are those insured persons who with a right to a regular or irregular within the past 4 years before being monthly income and also a person included into the registry of unemployment performing activities on the basis of job seekers achieved at least 2 years agreements on work performance outside work of insurance related to the labour relation contract with a regular monthly income, concluded for a definite period, or 2 years except for a person: of the voluntary insurance. performing activities on the basis of a Contract for part-time work of students and The entitlement ceases after a 6-month performing activities on the basis of an period has elapsed (in certain cases agreement on the performance of work a 4-month elapsed period) from the or contract for services, if the person commencement of the benefit entitlement, is granted the old-age, disability, or as of the day of granting the old-age retirement pension and has reached the pension, the early old-age pension and old-age, disability, retirement age. the invalidity pension due to incapacity to perform gainful activity by more than Voluntary unemployment insurance 70 % or after being excluded out of the may choose a person after reaching 16 registry of unemployment job seekers. The years of age, having permanent residence unemployment insurance does not relate to on the territory of the SR, temporary the natural person who had been granted residence permit or permanent residence the old-age pension, the early old‑age permit (EU/EEA/Swiss citizens fulfil this pension or the invalidity pension due to condition if they have residence in EU/EEA/ a decrease in performing gainful activities Switzerland), and not being granted early by more than 70 %. old-age pension (i.e. students, researchers and other persons not falling into the scope The unemployment benefit is assessed on of the above groups). a daily basis. The amount of unemployment benefit equals 50 % of the daily assessment Voluntary unemployment insurance may basis multiplied by the number of days only choose a person, having voluntary in the month. The daily assessment basis health and pension insurance (packages to determine the unemployment benefit of voluntary insurance). 134 EURAXESS SLOVAKIA
Guarantee insurance Eligible persons may claim a parental Guarantee insurance is applicable in the allowance by filing a written application case of an employer’s insolvency. Entitled with the Office of Labour, Social Affairs to this type of benefit is the employee and Family having the competence for that whose employer has become insolvent person’s place of permanent or temporary and as a result cannot provide employees’ residence. Application form can be entitlements. The benefit is provided for downloaded at www.employment.gov. a 3-month period under the condition that sk/sk/rodina-socialna-pomoc/podpora- the labour relationship duration for the rodinam-detmi/penazna-pomoc/rodicovsky- past 18 months preceding the employer’s prispevok/ resp. www.employment.gov.sk/ insolvency. The benefit is paid as a lump files/slovensky/uvod/formulare-ziadosti/ sum. z_o_rp_pdf.pdf (in Slovak only) or is available at the respective Office of Labour, Social Parental allowance Affairs and Family. Parental allowance is a state social benefit whereby the state makes a contribution A sworn translation of the birth certificate towards enabling the parent to take proper of the child into Slovak language is required care of a child of up to 3 years of age, or to submit together with the application, up to 6 years of age in case of a child with if the child was born outside the Slovak long-term poor health, or up to 6 years of Republic. a child placed in substitute parental care, not longer than 3 years from the date on Child allowance which the decision of the court to place the Child allowance is a state social child in substitute care became final. Those benefit whereby the state contributes eligible to claim parental allowances are to the upbringing and maintenance the parents of the child (i.e. his/her father of dependent children by eligible persons or mother) or persons providing substitute (e.g. parents, foster parents). parental care. In general, a dependent child is defined Entitlement criteria: as a child receiving compulsory education, Formalities – how to be ready for the national authorities Proper care by the parent of at least at maximum up to the age of 25, on 1 child; condition s/he is in continuous education Permanent or temporary residence for the future profession and until s/he of the eligible person in the Slovak has graduated from the 2nd level of higher Republic; education. Permanent or temporary residence of the child in the Slovak Republic. Only 1 adult person is entitled to the allowance for the same child. If the parent is entitled to maternity/equivalent benefit, the amount Entitlement to child allowance arises upon is decreased by the amount of this benefit. the fulfilment of the following conditions: The amount of the parental allowance care of the child by the eligible person, has been 203.20 €/month since 2014. permanent or temporary residence of In case the person takes care for two or the eligible person in the Slovak Republic, more children born together, the parental permanent or temporary residence of the allowance is increased by 25 % per each of dependent child in the Slovak Republic. those children. As of January 2014, the amount of allowance is 23.52 €/month. The International Researcher’s Guide to Slovakia 135
Eligible persons may claim child allowance Stateless persons or refugees residing by filing a written application with the in the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Office of Labour, Social Affairs and Family Norway or Switzerland, who are or have having competence for the eligible person’s been insured in one of these countries, Formalities – how to be ready for the national authorities place of permanent or temporary residence. and their family members, Application form can be downloaded Nationals of non-EU countries, legally at www.employment.gov.sk/sk/rodina- residing in the territory of the EU, who socialna-pomoc/podpora-rodinam-detmi/ have moved between these countries, penazna-pomoc/pridavok-dieta/ resp. and their family members. www.employment.gov.sk/files/slovensky/ uvod/formulare-ziadosti/ziadost_o_pnd_ The main principles: pdf.pdf (in Slovak only). or is available 1. A person is covered by the legislation at the respective Office of Labour, Social of one country at a time so he/she only Affairs and Family. pays contributions in one country. The decision on which country’s legislation applies will be made by the social 4.4.4 Other regulations regarding security institutions. You cannot choose. social security 2. A mobile person has the same rights Social security of EU/EEA/Swiss nationals and obligations as the nationals of the country where he/she is covered. Social security coordination within This is known as the principle of equal the EU/EEA/Switzerland treatment or nondiscrimination. Although there is no single European social 3. When somebody claims a benefit, security system, the EU has set common previous periods of insurance, work or provisions in the field of social protection. residence in other countries are taken This includes the coordination of national into account, if necessary. social security schemes without seeking to 4. If a person is entitled to a cash benefit harmonise national regulations. EU law has from one country, he/she may generally laid down common rules and principles to receive it even if he/she is living be observed by national local authorities in a different country. This is known as and social security institutions that do not the principle of exportability. replace, but complement the social security provisions of Member States. Cross-border exchange of information One of the main innovations introduced All countries are free to decide who is to by the regulations is the obligation for be insured under their legislation, which countries to only exchange social security benefits are granted and under what information by electronic means (Art. 4 conditions. The EU provides common rules Regulation 987/2009). A system providing to protect your social security rights when a common secure framework is being set moving within Europe (EU 28 + Iceland, up: the EESSI system (Electronic Exchange Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland). of Social Security Information). It is expected to play a major role in facilitating These rules apply to: co‑operation between institutions and Nationals of the EU, Iceland, leading to a better enforcement of the Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland rights of the citizens, e.g. benefits being who are or have been insured in one granted in a speedier way. of these countries, and their family members, 136 EURAXESS SLOVAKIA
Cross-border exchange of information Social security for migrant workers, between responsible institutions is employee’s posting and several jobs crucial for executing social security rights in EU/EEA/Switzerland of a migrant worker. Slovak Republic Migrant worker may present his/her participates in the Electronic Exchange of claims, letters and certificates in his/her Social Security Information (EESSI) and mother-tongue, if it is amongst the official supplied this database with the relevant languages of the EU, whenever he/she Slovak institutions and branches. Three considers it necessary or appropriate. This national Access Points for the exchange might delay the decision on his/her claim, of social security information in their but it may help him/her express him/herself respective fields of competence were clearly and avoid misunderstandings. appointed: Social Insurance Agency in Slovakia (www.socpoist.sk); Central When moving, especially for short or Office of Labour, Social Affairs and medium term periods, mobile workers Family (www.upsvar.sk); and Healthcare often prefer keeping their home country Surveillance Authority (www.udzs-sk.sk). pension regimes. Hence, there exists an exception when an undertaking university, The so-called Structured Electronic research organisation or company posts Documents (SED) will make the a worker to a different Member State, i.e. communication of data between sends him/her to another Member State institutions more efficient and easier to perform work. In such case, the worker within the EESSI. Most data will be can/shall continue to be subject to the exchanged directly between social security legislation of the Member State of origin, institutions. Paper Eforms will no longer be provided that the anticipated duration of necessary, but in certain cases a migrant the work does not exceed two years. An worker will need a“portable document example of posting could be a research (PD)” A1 to certify his/her situation when stay longer than 1 month but not exceeding moving. A portable document is usually 2 years at a hosting research organisation issued by his/her social security institution in another Member State, while the upon his/her/employer’s request. It is researcher remains officially employed by
Formalities – how to be ready for the national authorities recommended to request it before leaving. the organisation in the country of origin. However, if the migrant worker has not the institution in the country where he/she is To be officially certified of the applicability of moving, the necessary data can be obtained home social insurance scheme, a portable directly from the institution where the document A1 should be issued before the person is insured. Relevant documents posting by the respective social insurance can be downloaded from the website company of home country upon request of of Social Insurance Agency in Slovakia the employer. In exceptional cases, period of www.socpoist.sk, or from the website of the posting can be extended by another year. European Commission, DG Employment, Social Affairs & Inclusion http://ec.europa. In case of a worker carrying out work eu/social/main.jsp?catId=868&langId=en. in more than one Member State, he/she shall remain subject to single legislation More information: only, i.e. it is necessary to determine the Website of DG Employment, Social Affairs applicable legislation among several and Inclusion of the European Commission: states of occupation by A1 form. The http://ec.europa.eu/social/main. A1 form shall be issued by the social jsp?catId=869. insurance company lying in a state The International Researcher’s Guide to Slovakia 137 which legislation will be determined as Other students/PhD students (both from applicable. Consequently, contributions to EU/EEA/Switzerland not medicaly insured social insurance from all states where the in their home country and students/ occupational activity is performed will go PhD students from third countries), who Formalities – how to be ready for the national authorities only to one of the states. are coming to study in Slovakia within a programme arising from an international For more information on common EU/EEA/ treaty that is binding for the Slovak Republic Switzerland provisions safeguarding social are subject to public health insurance, the security when being mobile throughout the Slovak Republic being the payer of such Member States see: insurance. The student shall submit the http://ec.europa.eu/social/main. necessary documents certifying his/her jsp?catId=26&langId=en study at a higher education institution in the http://ec.europa.eu/social/main. Slovak Republic, its international status jsp?catId=25&langId=en – proved by the Ministry of Education, http://ec.europa.eu/social Science, Research and Sport of the Slovak Republic – to the chosen health insurance provider within 8 days from the beginning of 4.4.5 Information on social the study in Slovakia. security and health coverage for students In other cases, students/PhD students without permanent residence in the Slovak A. Health coverage Republic from third countries and EU/EEA/ Foreign students are obliged to have Swiss nationals, who do not fall into the health insurance (public or commercial) above mentioned cases, do not fall into the during their stay in the Slovak Republic scope of the public health insurance and in compliance with the provisions of the must arrange their health insurance with Act on the Act No. 404/2011 Coll. on the a commercial provider. A third country Residence of Foreigners. national is also obliged to provide a proof of concluded health insurance to the foreign Public health insurance of students/ police in Slovakia in compliance with the PhD students following regular full‑time duties related to the temporary residence studies in Slovakia is paid by the state permit granting procedure. (if the PhD study is at maximum of standard duration in a full-time PhD degree B. Social Security programme, the PhD student has not Fulltime PhD students are considered to be previously received PhD degree and is less students, not employees; hence a university than 30 years old). is not in the position of an employer in connection with the social and health Students/PhD students from EU/EEA insurance of the PhD students. Members States or Switzerland, who are insured in their home country, Levies into social insurance funds are for entitlement to medical treatment not compulsory for doctoral students, in Slovakia shall present the European although they may opt for voluntary Health Insurance Card (EHIC) to the insurance of defined percentage rates health care provider. See more information from the assessment basis of their choice. on EHIC in the chapter “Other regulations Then if needed and upon fulfilling stated regarding health insurance of EU/EEA/Swiss conditions, they may receive social security nationals”, page 126. benefits. 138 EURAXESS SLOVAKIA
In case a labour relationship exists as per below table by the employer with a student, the work is carried out as a percentage of the assessment occasionally and is typically based on basis, which is usually the gross wage. the concluded Contract for part-time work Students have right for a waiver of the of students. An employer is obliged to social insurance premiums (pension and register an employee, i.e. student, at the disability insurance), however they need appropriate office of the Social Insurance to inform the employer in writing about Agency. The social contributions are paid exercising this right and file a statement both by the employee and the employer of exercising this right with one employer and are deducted automatically only.
Contract for part-time work of students: Students Contract for part-time work of students: Students earning less than 200 €/month and using earning more than 200 €/month or students not the right for a waiver * using the right for a waiver with the employer ** Employee Employer Employee Employer Public health insurance No (paid by the state) No No (paid by the state) No Sickness insurance No No No No Unemployment insurance No No No No Disability insurance No No 3% 3 % Pension insurance No No 4% 14 % Other: Guarantee insurance No 0,25 % No 0,25 % Other: Accident insurance No 0,8 % No 0,8 % Other: Solidarity reserve No No No 4,75 % Total 0% 1,05 % 7 % 22,8 %
* In case the students used their right for a waiver of the social insurance premiums, however they need to inform the employer in writing about exercising this right and file a statement of exercising this right with one employer only. ** In case the students didn’t use their right for a waiver of the social insurance premiums with the employer, the social insurance
Formalities – how to be ready for the national authorities levies are calculated from total monthly gross wage. In case the students used their right for a waiver of the social insurance premiums, however, their monthly income exceeds 200 € with that employer, the basis of assessment is decreased by 200 €, i.e. the social insurance levies are calculated from the difference of the total monthly gross wage and 200 €.
4.4.6 Information on social Benefits from state social support – one security and health coverage component of the social security system for employees with regular in Slovakia, may be used by foreign or irregular employment nationals with permanent or temporary residence permit on the territory of the contract Slovak Republic upon meeting specific conditions for entitlement (see texts A. Health coverage State social support, Parental allowance, When a foreign national takes up Child allowance in the chapter “System of employment with an employer who has social security in Slovakia (excluding health permanent residence in the Slovak Republic insurance)“, 4.4.3). or commences to perform self-employment The International Researcher’s Guide to Slovakia 139 activities in the Slovak Republic, he/she is compulsory. A third country national becomes subject to mandatory public (outside EU/EEA/Switzerland) is obliged to health insurance in the Slovak Republic, provide the foreign police in Slovakia with while the contributions will be paid a proof of concluded health insurance with Formalities – how to be ready for the national authorities both by the employee and the employer regard to the duties related to the granting (or self-employed person) and deducted of temporary residence permit in Slovakia automatically by the employer (for instance in the period between entry (or self‑employed person). For premiums into Slovakia and employment contract). see the chart below. B. Social security In case of regular and irregular Any foreign person employed on the basis employment contract an employee pays the of a work contract on the territory of the contributions to the public health insurance Slovak Republic for the period appointed fund in the amount of 4 % of the basis by the employer or a self-employed person of assessment (usually equal to the gross performing activities on the territory of the wage) and the employer the amount SR, is subject to the Slovak social security of 10 % of the basis of assessment. system and must pay contributions to the compulsory insurance funds as if he/she To be more specific: an individual, who does was a national of the Slovak Republic not have permanent residence in Slovakia (for self-employed person it is mandatory and is not covered by health insurance insured only if fulfils conditions regarding in another EU/EEA Member State or the income out of business). in Switzerland, must also have concluded mandatory public health insurance, if such The contributions are paid both by the person is: employee and the employer and are employed by an employer established deducted automatically as per below or with a fixed establishment within the table by the employer as a percentage of territory of the Slovak Republic; the assessment basis, which is usually the – this does not apply if the person is gross wage. The employer has also the employed in the Slovak Republic on duty to register the foreigner with the the basis of the agreement on work Social Insurance Agency (SIA) at least performed outside employment, or a day before commencing the employment a selfemployed person in Slovakia. relationship (regardless of whether the relationship is in the form of a regular or If a person is insured in another irregular employment contract – full or EU/EEA Member State or Switzerland for part-time, temporary or indefinite), and to entitlement to medical treatment on the inform SIA about changes of foreigner’s basis of this health insurance in Slovakia, situation. Self-employed persons are (s)he must present the European Health obliged to contribute to sickness and Insurance Card (EHIC) to the health care pension fund depending on their gain of provider. See more information on EHIC income in the particular year. in the chapter “Other regulations regarding health insurance of EU/EEA/Swiss nationals”, For nationals of EU/EEA/Switzerland page 126. the EU coordination rules with respect to social security apply at the same time. If the person does not fall into the When living and working as an employee or scope of the public health insurance, a self-employed person in different Member commercial health insurance States of the EU/EEA or Switzerland, each 140 EURAXESS SLOVAKIA
person is subject to the legislation of only will go only to one of the states. See more one state at a time, which is usually the information including coordination of the country where he/she exercises his/her social security schemes in the chapter occupational activity. In case of a worker “Other regulations regarding social security”> carrying out work in more than one EU/ “Social security of EU/EEA/Swiss nationals”, EEA Member State or Switzerland, he/she page 135. shall remain subject to single legislation only, i.e. it is necessary to determine the Provisions on social security for third applicable legislation among several country citizens in the Slovak Republic are states of occupation using the portable based on bilateral agreements on social document A1. Consequently, contributions security. Therefore the rules applied depend to social insurance from all states where on the country of origin of the citizen. the occupational activity is performed For more details see page 132.
Contributions in case of regular Contributions Contributions in case of irregular employment contract (also in case in case employment contract of regular employment for Agreement of a voluntarily (for Agreement on the performance on the performance of work insured person of work and Contract for services) and Contract for services) (or self-employed) Employee Employer Individual Employee Employer Public health insurance 4% 10% 14% 4% 10% Sickness insurance 1,4% 1,4% 4,4% No No 2% Unemployment insurance 1% 1% (for self-employed No No voluntary) Disability insurance 3% 3% 6% 3% 3% Pension insurance 4% 14% 18% 4% 14% Other: Guarantee insurance No 0,25% No No 0,25%
Formalities – how to be ready for the national authorities Other: Accident insurance No 0,8% No No 0,8% Other: Solidarity reserve No 4,75% 4,75% No 4,75% Total 13,4% 35,2% 35,15% 11% 32,8%
4.4.7 Information on social security Benefits from state social support – one and health coverage for component of the social security system researchers and university in Slovakia, may be used by foreign teachers without employment nationals with permanent or temporary contract residence permit on the territory of the Slovak Republic upon meeting specific Researchers and university teachers conditions for entitlement (see texts without employment in Slovakia are State social support, Parental allowance, usually not considered to be unemployed, Child allowance in the chapter “System of but as individuals having an employment social security in Slovakia (excluding health contract or self-employment activities insurance)“, 4.4.3). in another state. At the same time they The International Researcher’s Guide to Slovakia 141 may move to Slovakia on the basis of an the compulsory contributions and shall invitation from a hosting organisation be subject to the legislation of the state, (e. g. per diems are paid) or external funding in which they are employed/self-employed, (e. g. granted scholarship) of their activities. or their state of residence. Researchers Formalities – how to be ready for the national authorities without having an employment contract A. Health coverage in Slovakia but having permanent Health insurance is mandatory when residence on the territory of the SR, staying in Slovakia. Before leaving the temporary or permanent residence permit country of origin, foreigners must make may opt for voluntary sickness, pension and sure to be covered by their current health unemployment insurance. insurance also on the territory of Slovakia, or take out new insurance before or after Researchers and university teachers arrival in Slovakia. A third country national employed or self-employed in another (outside EU/EEA/Switzerland) is obliged to EU/EEA Member State or Switzerland provide the foreign police in Slovakia with are subject to the social security a proof of concluded health insurance with legislation of this member state and regard to the duties related to the temporary continue paying contributions to social residence permit granting procedure. security system of that state. They might perform their activities on the territory of Nationals of EU/EEA Members States Slovakia on the basis of invitation from or Switzerland who are insured in their a hosting organisation (e.g. per diems are home country for entitlement to medical paid) or external funding (e.g. granted treatment in Slovakia shall present the scholarship) of their activities; they also European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) can be performing their activities as posted to the health care provider. See more workers sent temporarily by their employer information on EHIC in the chapter “Other to work in Slovakia. In case a person regulations regarding health insurance of does not work in any state (employed or EU/EEA/Swiss nationals”, page 126. self‑employed), he/she is subject to the social security legislation of the state of Commercial health insurance is residence. compulsory for everyone, who does not fall into the scope of the public health Provisions on social security for third insurance. This concerns researchers who country citizens in the Slovak Republic are are not employed/self-employed (they based on bilateral agreements on social perform activities e.g. on the basis of security. Therefore the rules applied depend awarded scholarship) in the territory of the on the country of origin of the citizen. Slovak Republic, do not have permanent For more details see page 132. residence in the Slovak Republic, and do not study on the basis of international Benefits from state social support – one agreement binding for the Slovak Republic. component of the social security system in Slovakia, may be used by foreign nationals B. Social security with permanent or temporary residence In Slovakia, the social security coverage permit on the territory of the Slovak Republic is based on occupational activity, not upon meeting specific conditions for residence. entitlement (see texts State social support, Parental allowance, Child allowance in the Researchers without having an employment chapter “System of social security in Slovakia contract in Slovakia do not have to pay (excluding health insurance)“, 4.4.3). 142 EURAXESS SLOVAKIA
Usually, the income is taxed in the 4.5 Taxation country of employment, unless otherwise The tax authority in Slovakia is the Finance provided. Hence, if you are employed Directorate of the Slovak Republic and it in the Slovak Republic, the income tax has a network of 8 regional and 81 local Tax is deducted from the wage according to Offices (www.financnasprava.sk – in Slovak the Slovak legislation, unless a bilateral only). agreement for avoiding double taxation states otherwise. Researchers and teachers Tax system in Slovakia as of 2013: with a work contract or working upon Direct taxes agreements on work performance outside – Income tax work contract in Slovakia are considered as private individuals: 19 % of the tax base employees and their income is taxed. not exceeding 176.8 times the current amount of subsistence minimum The tax period is one calendar year. including; 25 % of the tax base Income tax is paid monthly in the form exceeding 176.8 times the current of a tax advance – 19 % (of the tax base amount of subsistence minimum not exceeding 176.8 times the current legal entities: 22 % of the tax base net amount of subsistence minimum including) of tax loss or 25 % from the tax base (of the tax – Local tax (paid directly to municipal base exceeding 176.8 times the current authorities) amount of subsistence minimum – equal Indirect taxes to 35,022.31 € in 2014 with the subsistence – Value added tax (VAT): 20 % minimum equal to 198.09 €/month since – Excise tax (e.g. on alcohol, tobacco, January 1, 2014), which is the gross wage mineral oil) minus all the contributions to compulsory insurance funds and a nontaxable sum The tax system faced a fundamental (exempt from taxation). redesign with having a progress tax system introduced as of 2013. For uptodate The nontaxable sum is applicable also to information visit the website of the foreigners. In general, the nontaxable sum
Formalities – how to be ready for the national authorities Finance administration of the Slovak is based on the amount of subsistence Republic www.financnasprava.sk, web site minimum applicable for the particular year of the Ministry of Finance of the Slovak and its amount depends on the total annual Republic www.finance.gov.sk/en/Default. income arising both from work carried out aspx?CatID=52 or consult the National in Slovakia and abroad. A person (taxpayer) EURAXESS portal and its section dedicated who worked in the territory of the Slovak to taxation www.euraxess.sk/en/main/ Republic only a part of the year and another services-practical-information/taxation- part of the year abroad, is eligible for the slovakia/ application of the non-taxable sum of the tax base appertaining to the taxpayer for the entire year when filing declaration of 4.5.1 Direct taxes taxes in Slovakia. Income tax The tax base can be also reduced by The major Slovak legislation is the applying a special nontaxable amount on Act No. 595/2003 Coll. on income tax, a spouse (if he/she is without own income as amended by later regulations. or the income is lower than the set limit and lives in the same household). The International Researcher’s Guide to Slovakia 143
The resulting tax can be reduced by a child restricted tax liability (for the definition taxation bonus (dependent child, i.e. see the next paragraph) from employer attending school or up to 25 years old), if with the seat abroad (not in the SR) if the employee’s taxable income has reached the period related to performance of Formalities – how to be ready for the national authorities at least 6times the level of minimum salary. such work does not exceed 183 days These conditions refer to foreigners with in any 12 month-period. unrestricted tax liability or foreigners with restricted tax liability (see below) if their Tax residence taxable income from Slovakia represents at least 90 % of total taxpayer’s income both It is of great importance to determine from Slovakia and from abroad. the tax residence of the person in order to clarify the tax liability to the state Example: Full nontaxable sum of occupation and/or residence. in 2014 – 3,803.33 €. Annual child taxation bonus for 2014 – 256.92 €. Unrestricted tax liability applies in case of a person with permanent residence See especially Art. 11, 15 and 33 of the Act in the Slovak Republic or when the person No. 595/2003 Coll. for details to the latter usually stays in the territory of the Slovak paragraphs. Republic for at least 183 days (6 months) in a calendar year. Such a taxpayer pays Tax exceptions tax from the income received in the Slovak Republic as well as from his/her income The following incomes are exempt from from abroad. taxation or are not subject to taxation e.g.: (for exact wording see Art. 5 and 9 of the On the other hand, a taxpayer with Act No. 595/2003 Coll. on income tax restricted tax liability is a person who is not scholarships provided from the state a taxpayer with an unrestricted tax liability, budget (including PhD scholarships), or who often stays in the Slovak Republic or by higher education institutions or only for the purpose of studies or enters similar benefits provided from abroad, Slovakia daily (or occasionally) only for financial support of foundations, the purpose of employment in the Slovak nonprofit organisations, etc., except Republic. The taxpayer with a restricted tax for remuneration for carrying out liability pays tax only from income received employment or business activities, in the Slovak Republic for his/her period of financial resources from grants provided employment in Slovakia. As stated before, on the basis of international treaties, by tax residence may be further specified which is the Slovak Republic bound in bilateral double taxation agreements. benefits from health and social insurance, including old-age savings, The decisive points for determining tax per diems up to the amount set by law, residence are: residence, personal home, financial amount spent by the employer centre of vital interest – closer personal for training of an employee related to or economic relations, habitual abode, the employment, being a national of one of the states financial contribution of the employer (usually this is set out in Art. 4 of bilateral to the board of an employee up to the double taxation agreements) amount set by the law, income from employment in the territory of the Slovak Republic of a taxpayer with 144 EURAXESS SLOVAKIA
Double taxation agreements The taxation conditions therefore vary upon the country of “origin” of a person – if In order to make the taxing of migrant there is a bilateral agreement, and what its persons easier and to avoid double provisions are. taxation, the Slovak Republic has concluded bilateral agreements with other countries. Double taxation agreements also state the The Slovak Republic continuously extends method of elimination of double taxation, the geographical area covered by taxation in case the income was taxed in the country agreements, in time of preparation of this of occupation and must be declared in the publication there were signed taxation country of tax residence, where he/she is agreements with 65 countries. The list of a taxpayer with unrestricted tax liability. countries with double taxation agreements In case of states, where no double taxation with Slovakia is available on the website agreement exists, income from abroad, of the Ministry of Finance of the Slovak which has been taxed in the country Republic (www.finance.gov.sk/en/Default. of occupation other than the Slovak aspx?CatID=285). Republic, is exempted from taxation in the Slovak Republic. (An authentic certificate Countries, to which the double taxation of taxation of income must be submitted.) agreements apply: Naturally, this is relevant only to tax payers with unrestricted tax liability in the Slovak Australia Greece Malta Spain Republic. Austria Georgia Mexico Sri Lanka Belarus Hungary Moldova Sweden Legislation, official documents and forms to download are available in Slovak Belgium Iceland Mongolia Switzerland www.mfsr.sk/Default.aspx?CatID=4414, Bosnia India Montenegro Syria and some of the documents also -Herzegovina in English http://www.mfsr.sk/en/Default. Taiwan aspx?CatID=280 at the web site of the Brazil Indonesia Netherlands (Republic Ministry of Finance of the Slovak Republic. of China) Bulgaria Ireland Nigeria Tunisia Formalities – how to be ready for the national authorities Tax return (declaration of taxes) Canada Israel Norway Turkey After the taxation period (that is one China Italy Poland Turkmenistan calendar year) the annual clearing of taxes Croatia Japan Portugal Ukraine is made by filing the tax return (declaration Republic United of taxes), and only then the final level Cyprus Kazakhstan of Korea Kingdom of nontaxable amount is calculated Czech Republic Kuwait Romania United States dependent on the whole-year wage. Russian Denmark Latvia Uzbekistan Federation The deadline for submission of the tax return is 31 March every year (with the Estonia Libya Serbia Vietnam possibility of prolonging this period Finland Lithuania Singapore for 3 – 6 months upon sending the France Luxembourg Slovenia notification to the respective Tax Office until 31 March). Only afterwards the Macedonia Germany South Africa (FYROM) tax overpayment or tax in arrears can be determined. The taxpayer must pay the tax within the deadline for filing the The International Researcher’s Guide to Slovakia 145 declaration of taxes. An employee, who dog tax; taxes for using public spaces; worked throughout the year in Slovakia accommodation tax; vending machines tax; and received during the calendar year non-gambling slot machines tax; taxes to taxable income only from employment, drive into and/or park a motor vehicle in the Formalities – how to be ready for the national authorities may request from the last employer the historical centre of a city; nuclear devices annual settlement of income tax from all tax; local payments for communal waste employers. It is necessary to write the and small quantities of construction waste; request not later than the 15 February of and motor vehicle tax. the following year. The annual settlement will be done by the employer on behalf of the employee. In case he/she will not ask 4.5.2 Indirect taxes the employer for the settlement until the Value added tax (VAT) given deadline, fails to deliver all required documents to this date, or received income Standard VAT in Slovakia is 20 %. Only from abroad within the tax period, he/she a very special category of products like must submit the tax return on one’s own. medicaments, pharmaceutical products, medical and diagnostics aids and also In case of tax residents with unlimited books, brochures and similar printing liability who have income also from products (music printing works) are abroad, it is necessary to state all the subject to reduced tax rate of 10 % incomes in the tax return form and provide (complete list is available in the wording documents proving the payment of the tax of Act No. 222/2004 Coll. as amended abroad. Authentic certificate(s) of taxation by later legislation at www.finance.gov. of income(s) must be submitted. When the sk/en/Default.aspx?CatID=436). Other taxpayer cannot obtain these documents documents and forms to download are within the deadline (31 March), he/she shall available in Slovak only (www.mfsr.sk/ notify the Tax Office about prolonging the Default.aspx?CatID=4783). period to file the tax return (up to 6 months in case of income from abroad). Excise tax
The tax return form and other tax Special terms apply to excise tax on beer, related documents can be downloaded wine, alcohol, tobacco and tobacco from the website of the Slovak Finance products, and mineral oils. Legislation administration (www.financnasprava.sk), about excise taxes is available in English although in Slovak only. on the websites of the Ministry of Finance of the Slovak Republic (www.finance. It is recommended to consult the gov.sk/en/Default.aspx?CatID=356), appropriate tax authority with any tax other documents and forms are available issues arising from a researcher’s state of in Slovak only (www.mfsr.sk/Default. permanent residence prior to commencing aspx?CatID=3837). work in the Slovak Republic.
Local tax 4.6 Recognition of education Local taxes are within the competence of municipal assemblies and are therefore The Slovak Republic is bound by the different in every village and town. Directive 2005/36/EC on recognition of Local taxes include: real estate tax; professional qualifications. The Directive 146 EURAXESS SLOVAKIA
divided the recognition of documents Contact: on previous education according to the Ministry of Education, Science, purpose of recognition on: Research and Sport of the Slovak Republic recognition of previous education for Centre on Recognition of Diplomas academic purposes (i.e. recognition of Stromová 1, 813 30 Bratislava, Slovak Republic previous education in order to continue E-mail: [email protected] in education in the Slovak Republic) or Tel.: +421–2–59 37–46 23, +421–2–59 37 46 12 for pursuing a so-called non-regulated profession; Office hours: Monday, Wednesday recognition of previous education for and Thursday from 9:00 to 11:30 pursuing a so-called regulated profession and 12:30 to 14:00 in the Slovak Republic (e.g. dentist, vet, university teacher, psychologist, More information is available at the policeman, carpenter, etc.). website of the Centre on Recognition of Diplomas www.minedu.sk. Centre on Recognition of Diplomas: recognises final documents on education obtained abroad for pursuing selected 4.6.1 Recognition of primary regulated professions in the Slovak and secondary education Republic; According to the legislation in force, the automatically recognises documents foreign qualifications giving access to on 3rd level of higher education higher education in Slovakia are recognised obtained in another Member state of by the respective District Office seated the European Union, the European in the respective region of the Slovak Economic Area or Switzerland; Republic. At present, there are more recognises level of completed education than 4 dozens District Offices seated obtained abroad for academic in 8 regions in Slovakia. Each District Office purposes, for pursuing non-regulated has the competence to make the decision professions and for obtaining a so-called on the recognition of education and one “Blue Card” in the Slovak Republic; must choose the respective District Office Formalities – how to be ready for the national authorities recognises completed education and according to the place of his/her residence part of education obtained abroad for in the Slovak Republic. relevant authorities and institution in the Slovak Republic; The subject of nostrification is a document is responsible for equivalence and on education issued by a foreign school, conversion of grades obtained at which is comparable by its objectives and primary or secondary schools abroad to content of teaching to a primary school Slovak classification scale. or corresponds to the study of an equal or similar subject in a secondary school. Centre on Recognition of Diplomas (CRD) is part of ENIC (European Network of At first, filled-in application form for Information Centres) and NARIC (National recognition of education is submitted to Academic Recognition Information Centre) the Centre on Recognition of Diplomas in the European Union, and acts as national at the Ministry of Education, Science, contact point for recognition in the EU Research and Sport of the Slovak Republic and National Centre for Europass. CRD is in Bratislava (application form to download a part of the Ministry of Education, Science, at www.minedu.sk/ equivalence-of-study- Research and Sport of the Slovak Republic. on-primary-and- secondary-schools-abroad/) together with the following documents: The International Researcher’s Guide to Slovakia 147
verified copy of a certificate of education which the Slovak Republic is bound (the obtained abroad (notary-certified copy Slovak Republic has sign agreements with and translation into Slovak by an official Croatia, the Czech Republic, Germany, sworn translator); Hungary, Poland and Romania). In this Formalities – how to be ready for the national authorities last term’s certificate of education from case, the recognition is necessary for applicant’s home school (copy). academic purposes (continuing in higher education in the Slovak Republic); The Centre on Recognition of Diplomas the credentials are considered as equal issues a recommendation to the applicant without nostrification. The respective within 30 days since the application was District Office shall issue a statement filed. within 15 days since the submission of a complete application, in which it indicates The applicant then delivers the the document on education with which the recommendation of the Centre together with submitted document is equivalent. the required documents (please, contact the respective District Office) to the respective Contact: District Office according to the applicant’s Ministry of Education, Science, Research place of residence in the Slovak Republic. and Sport of the Slovak Republic Centre on Recognition of Diplomas In case that the study in a foreign school Stromová 1, 813 30 Bratislava, Slovak Republic only partially corresponds to the curricula E-mail: [email protected] of secondary schools in Slovakia, or the Tel.: +421–2–59 37–46 23, +421–2–59 37 46 12 applicant did not attach all the required documents, the respective District Office hours: Monday, Wednesday Office could lay down the obligation to and Thursday from 9:00 to 11:30 take a supplementary examination. The and 12:30 to 14:00 supplementary examination is meant to verify the knowledge and skills of the More information is available at the applicant in subjects, or in their parts, website of the Centre on Recognition which were not studied by the applicant of Diplomas www.minedu.sk. in a foreign school and which have a direct relation to the applicant’s profile or the field of study pursued. A graduate, who is 4.6.2 Recognition of diplomas not a Slovak national, does not have to take (tertiary education) a supplementary examination in Slovak The Slovak Republic is bound by the Language and Literature. Directive 2005/36/EC on recognition of professional qualifications. The Directive The respective District Office determines divided the recognition of documents the content, the exact date of examination on previous education according to the and the respective secondary school, where purpose of recognition on: the graduate shall take the supplementary recognition of previous education for examination. academic purposes (i.e. recognition of previous education in order to continue A different procedure could apply, if the in education in the Slovak Republic) credentials were issued by a foreign or for pursuing a so-called non-regulated school situated in a state, with which an profession; agreement has been concluded on mutual recognition of previous education for recognition of documents on education by pursuing a so-called regulated profession 148 EURAXESS SLOVAKIA
in the Slovak Republic (e.g. dentist, For the recognition procedures, the vet, university teacher, psychologist, applicants shall officially apply (usually policeman, carpenter, etc.). the respective institution has a prescribed application form) and attach the following Recognition of previous education for documents to their application for academic purposes or for pursuing recognising the education certificate: a so‑called non-regulated profession verified copy of a certificate of education obtained abroad (notary-certified copy In case of the recognition of previous and translation into Slovak by an official education for academic purposes or sworn translator); for pursuing a so-called non-regulated verified copy of a transcript of records profession, there are 2 different approaches, or diploma supplement (transcript of depending on the field of study, in which the the curricula, notary-certified copy and diploma shall be recognised. translation into Slovak by an official sworn translator); Recognition by a Slovak higher document on position of the Ministry education institution of Education, Science, Research and Sport of the Slovak Republic, Centre on If the applicant would like to recognise Recognition of Diplomas, on the level of his/her previous education of the 1st or foreign education for academic purposes 2nd level of higher education of a study (for information about procedures programme in the same or related field to obtain the document, consult the as offered by one of the higher education website of the Centre www.minedu. institutions in the Slovak Republic, the sk/position-on- the-level-of-foreign- decision about recognition for academic education- for-academic-purposes-or- purposes lies upon the respective higher for-pursuit-of- non-regulated- education institution in the Slovak Republic. profession-in-sr/).
The best is to check the website of the same Apart from the above mentioned higher education institution in Slovakia documents, the applicant may be required
Formalities – how to be ready for the national authorities (or to contact it), where the applicant wants to submit other documents or information, to pursue his/her further study, to find out, provided these are necessary for assessing whether it is offering study in the same or the content and extent of the education related field at the higher education level acquired abroad. that needs to be recognised and thus is able to recognise the diploma from the previous The decision of the higher education institution university education. If this is not the shall be issued within 2 months since case, the applicant can find another higher the submission of a complete application. education institution in Slovakia offering the respective field of study and apply for In case that the study at the foreign recognition – to find out the possibilities, institution only partially corresponds to the applicant can check the website “Portal the curricula of the respective HEI, or the of HEIs”, where a list of institutions is applicant did not attach all the required published, divided according to the fields documents, the respective HEI could lay of study offered (www.portalvs.sk/en/ down the obligation for the applicant studijne-odbory). to take a supplementary examination. The supplementary examination is meant to verify the knowledge and skills of the The International Researcher’s Guide to Slovakia 149 applicant in subjects, or in their parts, eu-member-states-eea- countries-and- which were not studied by the applicant switzerland/) together with the following in a foreign school and which have a direct documents: relation to the applicant’s profile or the verified copy of a certificate of Formalities – how to be ready for the national authorities field of study pursued. completion of the 3rd level of higher education (notary-certified copy and Recognition by the Centre on Recognition translation into Slovak by an official of Diplomas sworn translator); state examination certificate, i.e. proof If the applicant would like to recognise of dissertation examination, its parts and his/her previous education of the 1st or result (copy and translation into Slovak); 2nd level of higher education of a study certificate of completion of the programme in a field that is not offered 2nd level of higher education (copy and by any higher education institution in the translation into Slovak). Slovak Republic, the decision lies upon the Centre on Recognition of Diplomas. The decision of the Ministry shall be issued within 30 days since the submission of The same procedures apply as when a complete application. obtaining the document on position of the Ministry on the level of foreign education Recognition of previous education for academic purposes or for pursuing for pursuing a so-called regulated a so-called non-regulated profession profession in the Slovak Republic (see www.minedu.sk/ position-on-the- level-of-foreign- education-for- academic- A so-called“regulated profession” purposes-or-for-pursuit- of-non-regulated- is a profession, professional activity profession-in-sr/). or group of professional activities, on pursuit of which is necessary to meet the The decision of the Ministry shall be issued qualifications prescribed by the relevant within 30 days since the submission of legislation of the Slovak Republic. A list a complete application. of regulated professions can be found at www.minedu.sk/recognition-of-completed- The Slovak Republic has signed bilateral foreign-education-on-pursuit-of-regulated- agreements on the mutual recognition of profession-in-sr/. documents on education with Croatia, the Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, Poland In case of selected regulated professions, and Romania providing that the recognition the Member States (EU, EEA, Switzerland) by the HEI is done automatically (without harmonised minimum requirements on any additional examinations). education and training, therefore, mutual recognition is automatic for so-called Recognition of PhD degree from another “sectoral” professions (architects, dentists, EU/EEA state or from Switzerland doctors, midwives, nurses, pharmacists, A PhD degree from an EU/EEA/Swiss HEI veterinary surgeons), which meet the is recognised automatically for academic following criteria: purposes. Filled-in application form is 1. the Member States should agree on submitted to the Centre on Recognition of the content of education of individual Diplomas (application form to download professions; www.minedu.sk/automatic- recognition-of- 2. commit that education and training higher-education-of-3rd-degree- from-the- for selected professions will be realised 150 EURAXESS SLOVAKIA
within the scope and content defined (the decision should be issued within in the first point; 2 months since the application was filed); 3. education and training carried out 2. a competent authority in case of other according points 1 and 2 are automatically professions (the decision should be valid in the Member States. issued within 3 months since the application was filed). General system of recognition is based on the fact that each citizen of a Member Filled-in application form for pursuing State can apply her/his education to pursue a so‑called regulated profession is profession in the state, where her/his submitted to the Centre on Recognition education was obtained and it should be of Diplomas at the Ministry of Education, possible also in other Member States. Science, Research and Sport of the The main principle of general recognition Slovak Republic in Bratislava (application system therefore lies in the Member States’ form to download at www.minedu.sk/ trust in other national educational systems. recognition-of- completed-foreign- education-on- pursuit-of-regulated- When a Member State finds out that profession-in-sr/) together with the between the migrant’s ability measured following documents: according qualification and experience copy of ID or passport; obtained in another Member State and the verified copy of a certificate of education requirements posed by the host country obtained abroad (notary-certified copy to grant authorisation to pursue the same and translation into Slovak by an official profession in its territory is a significant sworn translator); difference, it can review recognition verified copy of a transcript of records of given qualification and may apply or diploma supplement (transcript of compensatory mechanisms determined by the curricula, notary-certified copy and the host Member State. translation into Slovak by an official sworn translator); Issuing of decisions copy of certificate of the previous Competent authority for taking decisions highest completed education; Formalities – how to be ready for the national authorities on recognition of diplomas is the Centre duty stamp of 99.50 € or 33 € (if the on Recognition of Diplomas of the Ministry document has already been recognised of Education, Science, Research and Sport by another Member State of the EU, EEA of the Slovak Republic. or Switzerland different from the State of origin of the document); If the application lacks required documents certificate of pedagogic work experience, or some insufficiencies are discovered, if exists – only in case of pedagogic the Ministry will interrupt the process on professions, recognition of education and will ask the other documents, if required. applicant to submit the required documents or to remove insufficiencies within 30 days Contact: since informing the applicant. Ministry of Education, Science, Research and Sport of the Slovak Republic The decision on recognition of professional Centre on Recognition of Diplomas qualification shall be issued to the Stromová 1, 813 30 Bratislava, Slovak Republic applicant by: E-mail: [email protected] 1. the Centre on Recognition of Diplomas Tel.: +421–2–59 37–46 23, +421–2–59 37 46 12 in case of pedagogical professions The International Researcher’s Guide to Slovakia 151
Office hours: Monday, Wednesday State to another through Switzerland and Thursday from 9:00 to 11:30 (or another non-EU country), it is possible and 12:30 to 14:00 to carry goods for personal use without border formalities as long as the thresholds Formalities – how to be ready for the national authorities More information is available at the set out for the entry into Switzerland/ website of the Centre on Recognition reentry into the EU are not exceeded. of Diplomas www.minedu.sk. If entering the EU from a non-EU country it is possible to import goods free 4.7 Import of goods of customs duties, VAT and excise duties in the following quantities: Within the EU/EEA/Switzerland import 200 cigarettes or 100 cigarillos and export of goods is not limited in any or 50 cigars or 250 grams of tobacco way, which also applies to goods for private (each amount represents 100 % of the purposes. It is therefore possible to import total allowance for tobacco products an unlimited amount of goods for private and any combination of those products purposes from other EU Member States must not exceed 100 %. Example: to Slovakia. There is no obligation to pay 100 cigarettes + 50 cigarillos = total tax in Slovakia, as the VAT and excise tax allowance); on goods (where applicable) purchased for 1 litre of spirit/alcohol and alcoholic private purposes has already been included beverages of an alcoholic strength over in the purchasing price in the respective 22 % vol. or country. 2 litres of alcoholic beverages of an alcoholic strength not exceeding 22 % When certain goods, that are subject vol., 4 litres of still wine and 16 litres of to excise tax, are purchased (alcohol, beer (only for VAT and excise duty); alcoholic beverages and tobacco products), in any means of motor transport, the it is the purchaser who has the obligation fuel contained in the standard tank; and to transport the products purchased a quantity of fuel not exceeding 10 litres in another EU Member State. It is not contained in a portable container; allowed to have the goods shipped, and other goods (including perfume, coffee, no other person is allowed to transport tea, electronic devices, etc.) up to the goods. It is also forbidden to provide a value of 430 € for air and sea travellers the goods for further sale. To determine and up to value of 300 € for other whether tobacco and alcohol are for travellers. (The value on an individual personal use, each country can set guide item may not be split up; the limits may levels. In other words, if a person carries be reduced to 150 € for travellers under a larger quantity of these goods, he/she 15 years in a Member State.) may be asked to prove that they are intended for personal use and to justify Transport of pets is allowed only with their purchase. Informative defined levels the respective veterinary certificate. for the import of goods in the EU are following: 800 cigarettes, 400 cigarillos, Weapons can be exported only with 200 cigars, 1 kg of tobacco, 10 litres of firearms certificate. spirits, 20 litres of intermediate products, 90 litres of wine (of which, a maximum When leaving the EU (and certain areas of 60 litres of sparkling wine), 110 litres within the EU, such as the Canary Islands), of beer. If travelling from one EU Member it is possible to buy goods free of duty and 152 EURAXESS SLOVAKIA
tax in socalled “taxfree shops” in airports exported, imported money or other and ports. There are no limits as to the financial resources (bonds, cheques, quantity or value of the goods that can be trade drafts; precious metals and stones) purchased duty and tax free. Art objects above the equivalent of 10,000 € must be and objects of historical value underlie/are declared on an official form (Annex 1 of Act liable to licence and custom duty. No. 199/2004 Coll. – Customs Act) at the corresponding customs office. Amounts More information: in other currencies follow exchange rates Taxation and Customs Union, European given by the National Bank of Slovakia for Commission http://ec.europa.eu/taxation_ the particular day. customs/common/travellers/enter_eu/ index_en.htm, Financial resources sent by mail to http://ec.europa.eu/ecip/model_ or from a third country (outside the EU) transactions/import/import_scenario/ in the amount exceeding 1,000 € should index_en.htm also be declared.
Currency restrictions More information: Financial Directorate of the Slovak Republic The import and export of local and foreign www.financnasprava.sk currency is permitted. When entering Slovakia (EU) from third countries or departing Slovakia (EU) to third countries, Formalities – how to be ready for the national authorities The International Researcher’s Guide to Slovakia 153
5. Daily life in Slovakia
In this chapter you can find useful Rental prices depend on several factors: information regarding your daily life city/town (in the capital city and university Daily life in Slovakia in Slovakia. The topics are various and listed towns rents are usually higher), according to the alphabet. Information locality within a city/town (centre/outskirts), covers topics that may arise upon your type of flat/house (tower block, brick arrival or during your stay in Slovakia, and it house, new building, flat/house that has should help you find your way through these or has not been renovated, etc.), situations – be it finding a flat or finding furnishings, your way from the airport. Also approximate size of flat (number of bedrooms, surface prices of different services are mentioned, area, etc.). so you can calculate the costs of your stay in advance. This chapter gives a picture Useful links of what life in Slovakia may be. For more Longterm accommodation information follow the links that are posted www.reality.sk – a nationwide search by each section or do not hesitate to contact database (also in English), provides local EURAXESS Service Centres. regularly updated rental offers from more than 400 real estate agencies, 5.1 Accommodation a list of real estate agencies with contact phone numbers, websites and emails; and housing http://reality.server.sk – search Ask your future employer or your host database; offers from real estate organisation, if it is possible to provide you agencies and private advertisements with accommodation. Some universities (in Slovak only); and research organisations have their www.greenpages.spectator.sme.sk own accommodation facilities for their – information and contact phone employees. If your future employer/host numbers, websites and emails of cannot provide you with accommodation, several companies and organisations ask them for other possibilities in Slovakia, including sections like: “Real or recommendations. Estate, Construction & Architecture” (subsection “Real Estate Agencies”); You can find an accommodation yourself, “Tourism, Travel & Souvenirs” too – properties for rent are advertised (subsections “Hotels in Bratislava”, in specialised advertising publications, “Hotels outside Bratislava”); daily newspapers, regional press and on www.roommates.sk – search engines the internet. You can rent a flat directly for finding roommates and listing from an owner or through a real estate available rooms to rent (in Slovak only); agency. www.spolubyvanie.sk – private advertising website for accommodation When renting a flat, enquire whether rentals (craigslist style, in Slovak only). the price covers just the rent or if it also includes utility costs (electricity, gas, Shortterm accommodation heating, water, phone bills, etc.). Rents are www.reality.sk – a nationwide search usually paid monthly and deposits for a few database (also in English), regularly months’ rent are common. It is, of course, updated rental offers by more than necessary to sign a lease. 400 real estate agencies, a list of real 154 EURAXESS SLOVAKIA
estate agencies with contact phone conditions and provide information, which numbers, websites and emails; vary across banks. You need to provide one http://reality.server.sk – search or two identification documents, while one of database; offers from real estate them must include a photo and the residence agencies and private advertisements address. You may be asked for information (in Slovak only) about the correspondence address and www.greenpages.spectator.sme.sk in some banks for your residence permit. An – information and contact phone application form may be requested to be filled numbers, websites and emails of several in. Deposit of a minimum balance might be companies and organisations in Slovakia, required. Opening of the account is for free. including sections like: “Real Estate, The fee per month for the maintenance of Construction & Architecture” (subsection the account varies from bank to bank, and “Real Estate Agencies”); “Tourism, depends on whether it is in euro or in foreign
Daily life in Slovakia Travel & Souvenirs” (subsections “Hotels currency. Closing of the bank account is for in Bratislava”, “Hotels outside Bratislava”); free, but the bank can set a fixed amount www.ambiente-apartments.com account balance up to 7 €. – apartment rentals in Bratislava; www.ubytovanievmeste.sk – search Credit & debit cards database (in Slovak only). If you have a current account in euro, 5.2 Banks and currency a debit card is mostly issued within a service package. A credit card is issued independently There are many banks in Slovakia, usually of an account. Major credit cards (American members of international corporations Express, Diners’ Club, Visa, Eurocard/ offering ordinary banking services such MasterCard) and debit cards (Maestro, as current accounts and subaccounts, Cirrus, Eurocheque cards and Visa Electron, domestic and foreign payments, electronic Eurocard/MasterCard) may be used for cash banking, debit and credit cards, cheques, withdrawal from cash dispensers (ATM), as deposit products, securities, private well as for payments in hotels, restaurants, banking, unit trusts, mortgage financing, shops and petrol stations. Credit cards can loans, exchange and even insurance also be used to obtain currency. For further services. List of banks in Slovakia is information on commercial acceptability and available at the website of the Slovak other services consult your card issuer. Banking Association www.sbaonline.sk/en/ banking-sector/banks-in-slovakia. Travellers’ cheques
Banks are usually open from Monday Thomas Cook, American Express, Visa to Friday from 8:00 to 17:00/18:00. Some International, Swiss Bankers, Citycorp branches remain open even longer, and travellers’ cheques are accepted in banks and some are open on Saturdays and in some at exchange offices. Exchange rate charges cases on Sundays (only in shopping are at least 1 % of the nominal cheque value. centres). For more details, you should To avoid additional charges, travellers are consult the website of the respective bank. recommended to take travellers’ cheques in Euros, US Dollars or Pounds Sterling. How to open a bank account You can also use the services of Western To open a bank account in Slovakia, Union, operating in the Slovak Post Office a non‑Slovak citizen will need to meet several throughout the Slovak Republic. The International Researcher’s Guide to Slovakia 155
Currency and exchange rate How to make phone calls Currency in Slovakia is the euro International country code of the Slovak (since January 1, 2009). Denominations: Republic: 00421 1 euro (1 €) = 100 cents (100 c), banknotes issued in 500 €, 200 €, 100 €, 50 €, 20 €, General Phone Numbers Daily life in Slovakia 10 € and 5 € denominations; coins in 2 € Emergency calls: and 1 € and 50 c, 20 c, 10 c, 5 c, 2 c and 1 c denominations. General Emergency 112 Ambulance 155 The website of the National Bank Firemen 150 of Slovakia “Národná banka Slovenska” Police 158 (www.nbs.sk) offers updated information Town police 159 on exchange and interest rates, and other financial data. Note that the exchange rate Enquiry services (usually paid): of a commercial bank may vary slightly. Directory enquiries – information about telephone 1181 numbers in Slovakia 5.3 Communications Info Assistant – Practical information for everyday use 12 111 and post offices City codes in Slovakia: Internet connection Banská Bystrica 048 Slovakia currently has a large number of Bardejov 054 full-area ISP’s that offer wired broadband Bratislava 02 Internet connections, for example: Dunajská Streda 031 Slovak Telecom (www.telekom.sk) – Humenné 057 the major telecommunication company Košice 055 in Slovakia, Levice 036 Orange Slovensko (www.orange.sk), UPC (www.upc.sk), Liptovský Mikuláš 044 Swan (www.swan.sk), Lučenec 047 Slovanet (www.slovanet.net, in Slovak only), Martin 043 Satro (www.satro.sk, in Slovak only), Michalovce 056 and others. Nitra 037 Nové Zámky 035 They offer a range of connections, Poprad 052 from ADSL/ADSL2+ to “Fibernet”. Považská Bystrica 042 ADSL or ADSL2+ is available in almost Prešov 051 every town in Slovakia. It is advisable to check with the accommodation provider/ Prievidza 046 owner or neighbours what possibilities Rožňava 058 for internet connection there are in the Senica 034 particular place. Spišská Nová Ves 053 Topoľčany 038 Internet Cafes (“internetová kaviareň”) are Trenčín 032 widespread and not confined to large towns. Trnava 033 For more information you can either browse Zvolen 045 the internet or check the Yellow Pages Žilina 041 (www.zlatestranky.sk, in Slovak only). 156 EURAXESS SLOVAKIA
Mobile operators smaller prices of charging. However, Mobile operators on the area of the be careful with the charges of your bank Slovak Republic: Orange, Slovak Telekom, for these operations abroad. Telefónica O2. There are also prepaid services provided by three branded Credit can be charged also in selling places operators Swan mobile, Tesco mobile and – in stores of mobile operators. You can pay Funfón, whose services are sold under their by cash or a credit card. It is also possible own brands. Mobile 2G networks operate to charge the credit also in POS terminals at frequencies of 900 and 1,800 MHz. The in different chain-stores, for example, Networks 3G use 1,900/2,100 MHz and 4G at petrol stations, in grocery shop Coop networks use 800 MHz and 2,600 MHz. Jednota, at the Slovak post and many Slovakia is well covered by mobile phone others. Charging of credit is supported also networks, which enable calls also from by branch offices of national lottery Tipos.
Daily life in Slovakia some peaks of Tatras. Only very distant areas are without signal. In case of charging the credit online all operators accept only payment tools Prepaid mobile cards (Easy free, O2 Fér, of Slovak banks or credit cards issued Funfón Štart, Tesco mobile, Prima Orange, in Slovakia. You will probably not be Swan mobile). successful with foreign credit cards.
If you intend to call more in Slovakia and Post offices want to avoid roaming charges, the easiest solution is to buy a prepaid SIM card. Post offices are at your service in all towns For its purchase Slovak legislation requires and villages and provide bank services verification of personal data. Therefore (Poštová banka), too. The post offices are cards are not sold as freely as in some other open from Monday to Friday from 8:00 to countries. 18:00 and on Saturday until 13:00. The main post offices in larger towns or shopping Sellers will ask buyers for their passport centres are open daily until 20:00. It is or identity card if from European Union, or possible to buy post stamps for post cards residence permit in Slovakia, on the basis of and letters directly in the post offices or which they will verify the buyer‘s identity. in some newspaper stands. The minimum age limit for buying a SIM card is 15. A 50 g letter sent within Slovakia by 2nd class costs 0.45 €, sent by 1st class costs Credit charging 0.65 € and registered mail costs 1.35 €. The It is possible to buy scratch prepaid mobile postage for sending a 50 g letter by 2nd class coupons in newspaper stands, in post from Slovakia to the Czech Republic costs offices, petrol stations and many other 0.80 €, while sending a 50 g letter by the places. The credit is charged according same class to the rest of the European to given instructions. The places where countries costs 0.90 €. Sending a 50 g letter the coupons are sold tend to be marked to the rest of the world costs 1 €. by a flag with logo of the operator. It is necessary to ask the seller for “kredit” At the website of the Slovak Post Office (credit) and say the name of the operator, www.posta.sk/en you can find ZIP codes from which you want to buy a card. For of all the towns in Slovakia and information foreigners it is also available to charge (including pricelists) on other services credit at the ATMs, which support also provided at the post office, e.g. you can pay The International Researcher’s Guide to Slovakia 157 your utility bills, receive cash on delivery service. Waiters usually give the customer consignments, buy lottery tickets, receive the total of the bill and the customer, payments, make phone calls, buy phone as he/she hands over the money, says how and mobile phone cards, and, of course, much he/she is paying including the tip. send telegrams, faxes and mail. In restaurants and bars it is usual to round Daily life in Slovakia up the price, the tip being roughly 10 %. 5.4 Cuisine More information and lists of catering Food places can be found at Slovak food is made using a variety www.menu.atlas.sk (in Slovak only), of traditional and European products www.zomato.com/sk (in Slovak only), and ingredients. In shops, supermarkets www.restauracie.sme.sk (in Slovak only), or hypermarkets you can buy all kinds www.greenpages.spectator.sme.sk section of vegetables and fruit in season, meat, Food, Food Products & Beverages. milk products, pastry, bread, mineral and spring water, and sweets. You can also buy Traditional cuisine fresh homegrown fruit and vegetables and some other products at openair markets. The main ingredients that have shaped traditional Slovak cuisine are potatoes, Cuisine sauerkraut, pork, poultry, “bryndza” (cheese made from sheep’s milk) and There are many restaurants in Slovakia pulses. The number one national soup is ranging from cheap to expensive. sauerkraut soup (hearty cabbage soup with For a drink it is more usual to go to a pub, smoked pork sausage that often contains where you can also have a meal. Larger mushrooms, and sometimes plums, cities usually have restaurants with especially at Christmastime). Another national and international cuisine, the most typical Slovak soup is made of beans common being Italian, Chinese, Balkan, and root vegetables such as carrot and Czech and Hungarian. Beer and wine parsley. Sometimes, smoked pork is added. (domestic and foreign) are good and usually The most traditional national dish served consumed with both lunch and dinner. as main course is “bryndzové halušky”, i.e. gnocchi/dumplings topped with “bryndza” Lunch is the main meal and Slovaks are and fried bacon. Another traditional dish more used to eating out for lunch than for is “strapačky s kapustou”, dumplings with dinner. Most restaurants in town centres cabbage and sometimes with fried bacon. have special lunch offers (“denné menu”, As the most common dessert one can usually consisting of a bowl of soup and always have sweet pancakes. Traditionally, a main course), which are cheaper than other meals served there.
Restaurants are open from Monday to Sunday from morning till night. Stores and restaurants which open 24 hours a day have a sign reading “nonstop”.
Unless the menu states that service is included, tipping is expected. 5 – 10 % is a standard tip in a restaurant with waiter 158 EURAXESS SLOVAKIA
we serve them with either jam, or cottage cheese and raisins topped with whipped 5.5 Culture and media cream and chocolate. From the Slovak Music region of Záhorie comes an interesting pastry called Skalický trdelník in shape of Classical music a roll with a hole inside. In the first half of the 19th century, a national musical tradition began to Cheese and cheese products are develop around Slovakia’s impressive folk other typical Slovak specialties. Besides heritage. Romantic, as well as modern already mentioned “bryndza”, the most Slovak music has drawn from both classical popular are the “korbáčik” – sheep’s and traditional folk styles. Among romantic cheese strings interwoven into fine braids, composers, the most important are the “parenica” – steamed sheep’s cheese strips compositions of Ján Levoslav Bella, Viliam
Daily life in Slovakia woven into snail-like curls, “oštiepok” FigušBystrý who laid the foundations – smoked sheep’s cheese shaped of the first Slovak opera, and those in wooden moulds. of Mikuláš SchneiderTrnavský and Mikuláš Moyzes who had merit in lyric songs and The most popular wines are ballads creation. Wellknown works from those from the Tokaj, Small the 20th century include the symphonic Carpathians, Nitra, compositions of Alexander Moyzes, Topoľčany and Záhorie and the operas of Eugen Suchoň (1st Slovak regions. In winter, try national opera “Krútňava” (The Whirlpool)) the mulled wine. Young and Ján Cikker. wine (“burčiak”) is available in the first half Today, music is one of the most significant of September, and is usually aspects of the Slovak culture. Some of the the subject of harvest festivals. Hubert, most renowned orchestras are the Slovak the Slovak sparkling wine and “Karpatské Philharmonic Orchestra (“Slovenská Brandy Špeciál” (the Carpathian Brandy filharmónia”, www.filharmonia.sk/) and Special) are also highly rated. Typical the Slovak State Philharmonic, Košice Slovak liqueurs are Demänovka, Horec (Štátna filharmónia, Košice) (www.sfk.sk), and Tatranský čaj from the region of the the Symphonic Orchestra of Slovak Radio High Tatras. “Slivovica” (plum brandy) (“Symfonický orchester Slovenského and “borovička” (the juniper berry brandy, rozhlasu”, www.rtvs.sk), and the Bohdan gin) are popular Slovak aperitifs. To the Warchal Slovak Chamber Orchestra uninitiated, these drinks will appear quite (“Slovenský komorný orchester Bohdana strong. Let us not forget that Slovakia Warchala”, www.filharmonia.sk/). also produces excellent beer. The popular brands are Zlatý Bažant, Corgoň, Smädný Musical performances usually begin mních, Šariš, Martiner, Topvar, Urpiner. at 7 p.m. and whilst tickets can be bought an hour before the beginning, More information: it is advisable to reserve tickets several www.panorama.sk/bonappetit, days before at the ticket office of the http://slovakia.travel/en/slovak- respective orchestra. Tickets can be also gastronomy reserved online at www.ticketportal.sk or www.navstevnik.sk. The International Researcher’s Guide to Slovakia 159
Traditional folk music centres (www.cinemacity.sk). Cheaper The most impressive ensembles performing options are film clubs like cinema Lumiére, traditional dance and music are the Slovak Mladosť, Nostalgia or Kino Film Europa Folk Ensemble (“Slovenský ľudový in Bratislava. In shopping centres in Banská umelecký kolektív” – SĽUK, www.sluk.sk, Bystrica, Dunajská Streda, Košice, Nitra, Daily life in Slovakia in Slovak only) and Lúčnica – the Slovak Poprad, Prešov, Skalica, Trenčín, Trnava National Folklore Ballet (www.lucnica.sk). and Žilina you can find multiplex cinema, Most towns have their own folk festivals too (www.cine-max.sk, in Slovak only). with dances, local costumes and food. Most films bear the original soundtrack These tend to be held throughout the with subtitles; some films have Slovak summer until the end of September. The dubbing (mostly films for children). biggest one takes place in Východná in July Cinema programmes are published at every year (www.festivalvychodna.sk, www.port.sk (in Slovak only) and on www.nocka.sk/en, updated information towns’ websites (www.kamdomesta.sk, in Slovak only). www.citylife.sk, both websites in Slovak only), and in newspapers.
Slovak newspaper in English
The Slovak Spectator (www.spectator.sme.sk), an independent English language newspaper, is published every week. It includes information on politics, the economy, business, daily life and cultural events, as well as advertisements.
A news portal THE DAILY.sk (www.thedaily.sk) offers daily news for Slovakia in English for Modern Music all foreigners living, working or just visiting The Music Centre Slovakia (“Hudobné Slovakia. centrum”, www.hc.sk) provides information on classical and modern music. A list of There are many varieties of local newspapers various events all around Slovakia can be and journals. You can also buy or subscribe found at the website www.podujatia.sk to foreign newspapers and journals, or buy (in Slovak only). At www.ticketportal.sk you them at newsstands. can find information on concerts and buy tickets. If you prefer the club scene with Theatre, opera, ballet live performances there are many options within different genres. The theatre network consists of 4 state funded professional theatres, 22 theatres Cinema under the competence of selfgoverning regions and municipalities, more than Cinemas (“kino”) can be found in every 40 independent theatres established by town. Film clubs are popular and can be private owners/legal entities and 4 minority found in all university towns. In Bratislava, language theatres in Bratislava, Banská multiplex cinemas can be found in the Bystrica, Trnava, Nitra, Komárno, Zvolen, Aupark, Eurovea and Polus shopping Martin, Žilina, Košice, Prešov, Spišská Nová 160 EURAXESS SLOVAKIA
Theatre performances usually begin at 7 p.m. (at 6 p.m. on Sundays) and whilst tickets can be bought an hour before the beginning, it is advisable to reserve them several days before the performance at the ticket office of the respective theatre or online at www.ticketportal.sk. There is also the possibility to buy a season ticket. For the theatre programmes you can see also www.port.sk (in Slovak only).
Traditional folk art Ves and Rožňava. The list of theatres with
Daily life in Slovakia addresses can be found at www.theatre.sk Folk art and crafts, which include (website of the Theatre Institute). woodcarving, fabric weaving, glass blowing and painting, pottery, ceramics production, The oldest professional theatre is blacksmithing, have a long tradition. the Slovak National Theatre (“Slovenské The tradition of folk art and crafts has been národné divadlo” – SND) in Bratislava handed down through the generations (www.snd.sk). It comprises drama, opera and is nowadays supported mainly by and ballet sections, each with a permanent ÚĽUV – Centre for Folk Art Production professional company, with a central (www.uluv.sk). The Centre sells traditional theatrical stockist providing sets for products but also organises exhibitions, all productions. The SND is a repertory artistic workshops “The ÚĽUV Craft company with a season running from the School”, both for youth and adults, some beginning of September to the end of June. of which are officially accredited by the Performances are staged every day except Ministry of Education, Science, Research Sunday (opera and ballet) and Monday and Sport of the Slovak Republic. (drama). In April 2007, a new building on the bank of the Danube River became Slovakia became famous for the home of the SND in addition to the Majolic pottery (“majolika”) historic building. already in the 14th century (especially in the town of Other state institutions are the State Modra). Modra’s ceramic Theatre (“Štátne divadlo”) in Košice tradition was heavily (www.sdke.sk, in Slovak only), the State influenced by the influx of Opera and Ballet (“Štátna opera a balet”) Haban craftsman in the in Banská Bystrica (www.stateopera.sk) 16th century. The Habans, also known as and Nová scéna (New Stage) in Bratislava Anabaptists, were a religious sect that specialising in musical repertory arose during the Reformation. The pottery (www.nova-scena.sk, in Slovak only). is characterised by gentle curves and bright colours, particularly blue and yellow. Private theatre offering different types Contemporary Modra’s Majolic factory is of performances is the Aréna Theatre a direct descendant of this tradition. You in Bratislava (www.divadloarena.sk, can also order Majolic through the website in Slovak only). www.majolika.sk (in Slovak only). The International Researcher’s Guide to Slovakia 161
in this city. You will find here a database and information about activities and cultural events happening in English, which bring together internationally minded people, to share ideas, helpful advice, Daily life in Slovakia find new friends and contacts and feel more at home altogether in their city.
5.6 Day care for children Examples of folk architecture, such as In the Slovak Republic, preschool wooden churches and brightly painted education is provided until the beginning of houses, are to be found throughout the compulsory school attendance. Preschool country. Interesting openair museums education in the Slovak Republic is both presenting folk architecture can be found non-institutional and institutional. Non- in Martin (Museum of the Slovak Village – institutional form of preschool education “Múzeum slovenskej dediny”), Bardejov takes places in the family. Institutional Spa, Zuberec, Vychylovka in Nová Bystrica form of preschool education is carried out and Pribylina. If you are interested in“living in preschool establishments represented by museums” (folk architecture reservations), kindergartens and special kindergartens. you should visit villages like Čičmany, Preschool establishments admit children Vlkolínec, Špania dolina, Ždiar, Podbiel between the age of 3 and 6 years. or Sebechleby. Exceptionally, it is possible to admit children from the age of 2 years. (Preschool Wooden church architecture is unique, education in preschool establishments especially by its construction and interior is also provided to children over 6 years design. All parts had to be made of wood of age, whose start of compulsory school and no nails were allowed. In the northeast attendance was postponed or whose of the country you may find mostly fulfilment of compulsory schooling churches of Greek Catholic or Orthodox was additionally postponed.) Babies denomination. Most of them date back from 6 months to 3 years can be placed to the 17th and 18th centuries. One of the in a daycare centre or nursery (“jasle” oldest churches at the territory of Slovakia in Slovak) according to the decision of is the Roman-Catholic wooden church parents. A list of kindergartens in Slovakia in Hervartovo near Bardejov dating back can be found at www.azet.sk/katalog/jasle/ to the 15th century. Wooden churches and slovensko (in Slovak only). Kindergartens towers in the centre of the country were are set up with varied lengths of operation mostly of Roman-Catholic and Evangelical such as half-day, full day, weekly and denominations. continuous operation. A prevailing number of kindergartens are operating full day, More information: usually from 7:00 to 17:00, according www.museum.sk, www.remesla.lawit.sk the parents’ needs.
Foreigners currently located in Bratislava State kindergartens are the norm; however, can take a look at the page called church and private kindergartens are International Events Bratislava – becoming quite common, too. In most www.inevents.org/bratislava – an initiative kindergartens education is provided fostering the Englishspeaking community in Slovak, though there are several 162 EURAXESS SLOVAKIA
Happy-Time (English) (www.happy-time.sk, in Slovak only) Little Angel Playschool (English) (www.littleangel.sk) QSI International School of Bratislava (English) (www.qsi.org/slovakia/svk) Škôlka Vilka (English – Spanish) (www.skolkavilka.sk, in Slovak only) Unity House Montessori Kindergarten (English) (www.unity-house.sk) Wonderschool (English, German) kindergartens (mostly state ones) with (www.skola.wonderland.sk) Hungarian and Ukrainian as communication
Daily life in Slovakia languages aimed predominantly at children In Nitra: of those nationalities. Over in the Meadow (English (www.meadow.sk) There exist private kindergartens providing education in foreign languages. Some of In Trnava: these establishments also provide primary BESST (English) (www.besst.sk) and even secondary education. In Trenčín: In Bratislava there are, for example: Slimáčik (English) (www.slimacik.eu) Babyland (English) (www.babyland-centrum.sk) In Žilina: BlueBerry Hill (English) (www.bbhill.sk/en) Tiny Green Schoolhouse (English) Brilliant Stars Intl. Kindergarten (www.zelenaskolka.sk) (English) (www.brilliantstars.sk) English Kids Club (English) (located also in Stupava) (www.english-kids-club.sk) British International School Bratislava (English) (www.nordangliaeducation. In Banská Bystrica: com/our-schools//bratislava) Speak Star (English) (www.speakstar.sk) Cambridge International School (English) (www.cambridgeschool.eu) In Košice: Children’s House (English) Bubbly (English) (www.bubbly.sk, (www.montessori-bratislava.sk) in Slovak only) Deutsche schule Bratislava (German) QSI InternationalSchool of Košice (www.deutscheschule.sk) (English) (www.qsi.org/slovakia/ksc) Ecole française (French) (www.ecolefrancaise.sk) A list of kindergartens in Slovakia is English International School of available at the website of the Institute Bratislava (English) for Educational Information and Prognosis (www.eisbratislava.com) (www.uips.sk/prehlady-skol/prehlad- Fairyland (English) (www.fairyland.sk) materskych-skol, in Slovak only). Fantasy Kindergarten (English) (www.skolka-fantasy.sk, in Slovak only) Contact phone numbers of kindergartens, Galileo School (English) primary, secondary schools and universities (www.galileoschool.sk) can be found at www.zlatestranky.sk (in Slovak only). Many schools have their The International Researcher’s Guide to Slovakia 163 own websites. Contact details and phone A general grading scale in the schools: numbers of private schools with instruction 1 – excellent in a foreign language are also available 2 – very good at www.greenpages.spectator.sme.sk 3 – good (subsection “Education, Careers & Human 4 – satisfactory Daily life in Slovakia Capital”). 5 – unsatisfactory (fail)
For au-pair services, see page 169. In the majority of schools, Slovak language is the language of instruction. However, there are also schools with instruction 5.7 Education system in other language than Slovak – Hungarian 5.7.1 School education mostly, but also Ukrainian, Bulgarian, German and English. There are also about There are public, private and church 30 bilingual schools – certain subjects are schools. Public primary and secondary taught in Slovak, others in a particular schools are established by selfgoverning foreign language. In Slovakia, there are bodies (municipalities, cities and bilingual secondary schools in which selfgoverning regions) and education selected subjects are taught in English, is provided free of charge. In private and German, French, Spanish, Italian or some church schools a school fee is paid. Russian language. (See the list of schools Special schools and special educational at the website of the Institute for establishments (attended by children Educational Information and Prognosis, with physical and mental disabilities, http://mapaskol.iedu.sk and www.uips. talented and very talented children) are sk/prehlady-skol, find here below the set up under the authority of the state guidelines for search: (regional authorities). Základná škola = primary schools; Gymnázium, lýceum = secondary There are some schools, which aim to grammar school; develop specific pupils’ talents, such as Obchodná akadémia = secondary school sports schools, schools for mathematics, of economics and administration; foreign languages, etc. Spojená škola = merged school with two organisational units, e.g. secondary Tuition takes place 5 days a week, from grammar school and primary school or Monday to Friday. School year lasts from merged different types of schools at the September 1 to June 30, July and August same educational level. being summer holiday. The tuition usually begins at 8:00 and contains from 4 to 8 Primary education lessons per day. A standard lesson takes 45 minutes and is mostly followed by Lasts for 9 years and is compulsory. a 10 minute break; lunch break being longer. It usually starts in the age of 6. It is divided into two stages of 4 and 5 years The number of pupils in primary-school respectively: classes is around 23 pupils per class; however this number rises over 30 in upper First stage of primary education: grades. age 6 to 10 Primary education is provided by the first stage of primary school (Grades 1 to 4). Enrolling in primary education enables 164 EURAXESS SLOVAKIA
pupils to continue to the second stage passing the secondary school-leaving of primary school or to the initial four years examination taken upon completing 13, of the 8year secondary school. exceptionally, 12 years of study. The school‑leaving certificates are Second stage of primary education: issued by most of the mentioned types age 10 to 15 of secondary schools. Higher education Second stage of primary education is institutions organise as a rule the provided by the second stage of primary admission examination. school (Grades 5 to 9) or by the initial four years of the 8year secondary schools. Foreigners coming to Slovakia with a child In most cases, it is necessary to pass an entrance test to be accepted to the Children of foreigners with residence secondary education institution. (temporary, permanent or tolerated)
Daily life in Slovakia in Slovakia can attend kindergartens, elementary or secondary school in their Secondary education place of residence or according to their age 15 to 19 parents’ choice. Registration for a particular Secondary education is provided by school is carried out after an arrangement the following types of schools: with the headmaster of a selected school. 1. Gymnasium (secondary grammar school): Provides general secondary In the majority of schools, Slovak language education and prepares for further is the language of instruction. However, study at universities and other higher there are also schools with instruction education institutions. in other language than Slovak – Hungarian 2. Specialised secondary school: Prepares mostly, but also Ukrainian, Bulgarian, students for vocational education German, and English. There are also about and for study at higher education 30 bilingual schools – certain subjects are institutions. taught in Slovak, others in a particular 3. Conservatories: Conservatories are foreign language. In Slovakia, there are a special type of professional school bilingual secondary schools in which that provides courses in such fields as selected subjects are taught in English, Singing, Music, Dancing and Dramatic German, French, Spanish, Italian or Russian Arts. language. See the list of schools at the 4. Vocational secondary school: Prepares website of the Institute for Educational students for occupations requiring Information and Prognosis – www.uips.sk higher level vocational education and – guidelines for the search are here below: a School Leaving Certificate. Students Základná škola = primary school; may continue their studies at higher Gymnázium, lýceum = secondary education institutions. grammar school; 5. Apprentice training centres: Obchodná akadémia = secondary school Prepare schoolleavers for professional of economics and administration; activities. Spojená škola = merged school with two organisational units e.g. secondary Secondary school-leaving certificate grammar school and primary school The general prerequisite for admission or merged different types of schools to higher education study is a secondary at the same educational level. school-leaving certificate issued after The International Researcher’s Guide to Slovakia 165
A list of schools and education institutions Contact phone numbers of in Slovakia is available at the website of the kindergartens, primary, secondary Institute for Educational Information and schools, and universities can be found Prognosis (www.uips.sk, in Slovak only) – at www.zlatestranky.sk (in Slovak only). “PUBLIKÁCIE, ČASOPISY” (publications, Many schools have their own websites. Daily life in Slovakia magazines) > “Siete škôl, adresáre, Contact details and phone numbers prehľady” (School networks, databases, of private schools with instruction overviews) > “Prehľady škôl” (Schools in a foreign language are also available overviews). It is possible to search for at www.greenpages.spectator.sme.sk information according to different criteria (subsection “Education, Careers & Human (kindergarten, primary school, secondary Capital”). school, university).
Bilingual secondary schools – Bratislava region Name Town Address URL Type English Cambridge International School Bratislava – Straré Mesto Úprkova 3 www.cambridgeschool.eu Private www.nordangliaeducation.com/ The British International School Bratislava – Dúbravka J. V. Dolinského 1 Private our-schools/bratislava www.tilgnerka.edupage.org Spojená škola Bratislava – Karlova Ves Tilgnerova 14 Public (in Slovak only) QSI International School Bratislava – Karlova Ves Karloveská 64 www.qsi.org/slovakia/svk Private of Bratislava Súkromné bilingválne gymnázium Bratislava – Nové Mesto Česká 10 www.gymnaziumceska.sk Private Bilingválne gymnázium C. S. Lewisa Bratislava – Petržalka Beňadická 38 www.bilgym.sk Public Gymnázium Bratislava – Petržalka Panchúchova 6 www.gympaba.sk (in Slovak only) Public Evanjelické lýceum Bratislava – Petržalka Vranovská 2 www.evlyceum.sk (in Slovak only) Public Súkromné gymnasium Mercuty Bratislava – Petržalka Zadunajská 27 www.sgm.sk (in Slovak only) Private Bratislava – Galileo School Dudvažská 6 www.galileoschool.sk Private Podunajské Biskupice Gymnázium Juraja Hronca Bratislava – Ružinov Novohradská 3 www.gjh.sk (in Slovak only) Public French http://gmet.edupage.org Gymnázium Bratislava – Ružinov Metodova 2 Public (in Slovak only) German Deutche Schule Bratislava Bratislava – Straré Mesto Palisády 51 www.deutcheschule.sk Private http://bs.gymbilba.sk Gymnázium Bilíkova Bratislava – Dúbravka Bilíkova 24 Public (in German only) Obchodná akadémia Imricha Karvaša Bratislava – Petržalka Hrobákova 11 http://new.oaikba.sk (in Slovak only) Public Italian Gymnázium Bratislava – Karlova Ves Ul. Ladislava Sáru 1 www.gymls.edu.sk Public Russian Gymnázium Alberta Einsteina Bratislava – Petržalka Einsteinova 35 www.einsteinova.sk (in Slovak only) Public Spanish Bratislava – Gymnázium Federica Garcíu Lorcu Hronská 3 www.gymhron.sk (in Slovak only) Public Podunajské Biskupice 166 EURAXESS SLOVAKIA
Bilingual secondary schools – Trnava region Name Town Address URL Type English www.privatgymnasium.sk Súkromné gymnázium Galanta Hodská 10 Public (in Slovak only) www.oakuktt.edupage.org Obchodná akadémia Trnava Kukučínova 2 Public (in Slovak only) Súkromné bilingválne gymnázium Trnava Limbová 3 www.besst.sk Private BESST Gymnázium J. B. Magina Vrbové Beňovského 358/100 www.gvrbove.sk (in Slovak only) Public German www.oakuktt.edupage.org Obchodná akadémia Trnava Kukučínova 2 Public (in Slovak only) Daily life in Slovakia
Bilingual secondary schools – Trenčín region Name Town Address URL Type English Stredná odborná škola Handlová Lipová 8 www.zssha.edu.sk (in Slovak only) Public www.gymy.edupage.org Gymnázium Myjava Jablonská 5 Public (in Slovak only) Súkromné gymnázium FUTURUM Trenčín Kožušnícka 2 www.sgfuturum.sk (in Slovak only) Private French Gymnázium Ľudovíta Štúra Trenčín 1. mája 2 www.gymnaziumtrencin.sk Public Spanish Bilingválne slovensko-španielske www.bilgymnmv.edu.sk Nové Mesto nad Váhom Športová 41 Public gymnázium (in Slovak only)
Bilingual secondary schools – Nitra region Name Town Address URL Type English Súkromné gymnázium T. Smaragd Levice Ul. SNP 26 www.tsmaragd.sk (in Slovak only) Private Gymnázium Nitra Golianova 68 www.gymgolnr.sk (in Slovak only) Public www.oasurany.edupage.org Obchodná akadémia Šurany Námestie hrdinov 7 Public (in Slovak only) www.oazm.edupage.org Obchodná akadémia Zlaté Moravce Bernolákova 26 Public (in Slovak only) German Súkromné gymnázium Topoľčany Gagarinova 1 www.sjgymto.eu (in Slovak only) Private Spanish Gymnázium Nitra Párovská 1 www.gymparnr.edu.sk Public The International Researcher’s Guide to Slovakia 167
Bilingual secondary schools – Žilina region Name Town Address URL Type English
Gymnázium Jozefa Miloslava Daily life in Slovakia Čadca 17. novembra 1296 www.gymcadca.eu (in Slovak only) Public Hurbana Obchodná akadémia Dušana Čadca 17. novembra 1296 www.oaca.sk (in Slovak only) Public Metoda Janotu Súkromné gymnázium Dolný Kubín Nemocničná 2 www.hudak.tym.sk Private Evanjelická spojená škola Liptovský Mikuláš Komenského 10 www.esslm.sk (in Slovak only) Public Evanjelická spojená škola Martin M. R. Štefánika 17 www.essmt.sk (in Slovak only) Public Bilingválne gymnázium Milana www.gbas.edupage.org Sučany Komenského 215 Public Hodžu (in Slovak only) Súkromné gymnázium Žilina Oravská cesta 11 www.ssag.sk Private French Bilingválne gymnázium Žilina T. Ružičku 3 www.gbza.eu (in Slovak only) Public Spanish Gymnázium Martina Hattalu Trstená Železničiarov 278 www.gmhtrstena.sk (in Slovak only) Public Bilingválne gymnázium Žilina T. Ružičku 3 www.gbza.eu (in Slovak only) Public
Bilingual secondary schools – Banská Bystrica region Name Town Address URL Type English Evanjelické gymnázium Banská Bystrica Skuteckého 5 www.gymbb.sk (in Slovak only) Public A. Gwerkovej – www.gymbs.edupage.org Gymnázium Andreja Kmeťa Banská Štiavnica Public Göllnerovej 6 (in Slovak only) Evanjelické gymnázium Tisovec Jesenského 836 www.egt.sk Public French Gymnázium Jozefa Gregora Banská Bystrica J. G. Tajovského 25 www.gjgt.sk (in Slovak only) Public Tajovského German Evanjelické gymnázium Banská Bystrica Skuteckého 5 www.gymbb.sk (in Slovak only) Public Spanish Gymnázium Mikuláša Kováča Banská Bystrica Mládežnícka 51 www.gmkbb.sk (in Slovak only) Public
Bilingual secondary schools – Prešov region Name Town Address URL Type English www.epocha.edupage.org, Súkromné gymnázium Poprad Rovná 597/15 Private http://lifeacademy.sk/ (in Slovak only) Gymnázium Prešov Konštantínova 2 www.gk2-po.sk (in Slovak only) Public Gymnázium sv. Moniky Prešov Tarasa Ševčenka 1 www.gymonika.sk (in Slovak only) Public Súkromné bilingválne gymnázium Prešov Solivarská 28 www.sukromnaskola.sk/sgpo Private German Spojená škola Dominika Tatarku Poprad D. Tatarku 4666/7 www.ssdtpp.sk (in Slovak only) Public Gymnázium Prešov Konštantínova 2 www.gk2-po.sk (in Slovak only) Public 168 EURAXESS SLOVAKIA
Bilingual secondary schools – Košice region Name Town Address URL Type English www.sgfuturumke.edupage.sk Súkromné gymnázium FUTURUM Košice Grešákova 1 Private (in Slovak only) Košice – Dargovských www.gymes.edupage.org Gymnázium sv. Edity Steinovej Charkovská 1 Public hrdinov (in Slovak only) Košice – Dargovských Súkromná stredná odborná škola Postupimská 37 www.ssoske.sk (in Slovak only) Private hrdinov Obchodná akadémia Košice – Sever Watsonova 61 www.oake.sk (in Slovak only) Public QSI International School of Košice Košice – Sídlisko KVP Drabova 3 www.qsi.org/slovakia/ksc Private www.schoolhuman.eu Súkromné gymnázium HUMAN Košice – Sídlisko KVP Starozagorská 8 Private (in Slovak only) Daily life in Slovakia Evanjelické gymnázium Jana Amosa Košice – Staré mesto Škultétyho 10 www.gjak.sk Public Komenského www.gymopatke.edupage.org Gymnázium Košice – Vyšné Opátske Opatovská cesta 7 Public (in Slovak only) Gymnázium Košice – Západ Trebišovská 12 www.gt12.sk (in Slovak only) Public Súkromné gymnázium Košice – Západ Katkin park 2 www.sgcr.sk (in Slovak only) Private www.gymrv.edupage.org Gymnázium Pavla Jozefa Šafárika Rožňava Akademika Hronca 1 Public (in Slovak only) Obchodná akadémia Rožňava Akademika Hronca 8 www.oarv.edu.sk (in Slovak only) Public www.gjavsnv.edu.sk Gymnázium Spišská Nová Ves Javorová 16 Public (in Slovak only) www.gymtv.edupage.org Gymnázium Trebišov Komenského 32 Public (in Slovak only) French Gymnázium Milana Rastislava Nám. L. Košice – Staré Mesto www.gmrske.sk (in Slovak only) Public Štefánika Novomeského 4 German www.gymopatke.edupage.org Gymnázium Košice – Vyšné Opátske Opatovská cesta 7 Public (in Slovak only) Spanish http://gpm.edupage.org Gymnázium Košice – Sever Park mládeže 5 Public (in Slovak only)
Information on studies in Spanish in Slovakia can be found at www.mecd.gob.es/eslovaquia (in Spanish only). The International Researcher’s Guide to Slovakia 169
After-school activity or accompanied to children’s clubs, Primary or secondary school classes are after‑school activities, babysitting usually held from 8:00 to 13:30. There are in the evenings and at weekends, etc.) usually educational establishments where pupils of the first stage of primary schools A babysitting charge depends on a type Daily life in Slovakia can spend their free time after classes. of babysitting (regular, occasional, in a school Attendance is voluntary. Their activities facility or in the household), on a length are aimed at developing pupils’ talents, of babysitting (short-time or longtime preparing for lessons on the next day and babysitting), as well as on a number organising sports activities in general. of children. The price is 6 – 10 € per hour.
Students can attend afterschool clubs run For further information contact directly by schools themselves, devoted to various particular agencies or consult their fields of interest, e.g. science, ecology, websites. A majority of agencies can drama classes, music, sport, photography, also provide a babysitter who can speak etc. Main enrolment/registration days for a foreign language (usually English, a particular after school activity/programme German or French). are usually held in September. For further information contact the respective school. For a few examples of these see www.greenpages.spectator.sme.sk Apart from that, students can also attend (section “Domestic Supplies & Personal language classes specially designed Services”, subsection “Babysitting Services for their age and interests, leisure and & Care Providers”). hobby centres, or primary schools of art. (When looking for primary schools of art 5.7.2 Higher education search for the term “základná umelecká škola” in a standard search engine). Oldest Slovak Universities There are socalled centres of free time The first university in the territory (“Centrá voľného času” – CVČ) in all the of presentday Slovakia, Academia regions of Slovakia. The list of them can be Istropolitana (1465 – 1491), was established found on the webpage of Iuventa – Slovak in Bratislava during the rule of Matthias Youth Institute (www.iuventa.sk), or use Corvinus (1458 – 1490). In 1635, Peter again the standard search engine. Pazmany established Trnava University (which was relocated to Budapest in 1777). Many children and youth organisations providing after-school activities are associated with the Youth Council of Slovakia (www.mladez.sk, in Slovak only).
Au-pair service
If you need to babysit your child, you can use the services of one of the many agencies which arrange babysitting for a fee (for both healthy or sick children, whole‑day or just afternoon babysitting – with the possibility of being prepared for classes 170 EURAXESS SLOVAKIA
The Jesuits founded Košice University selfgoverning institutions. At present, in 1657. In 1770, the enlightened, absolutist there are 20 public institutions of ruler, Maria Theresa, established the first higher education, comprising 9 school of mining in the world – Mining more or less traditional universities, Academy in Banská Štiavnica. 5 universities of technology, 3 higher education institutions of art and Higher Education Institutions music, 1 university of economics, 1 university of veterinary medicine Higher education institutions (HEIs) and pharmacy, and 1 university of are third-level educational, scientific and agriculture. art institutions. The major task of HEIs is state higher education institutions, to provide higher education and creative – state institutions of higher education scientific research or creative artistic (3 HEIs) are military, police and
Daily life in Slovakia activity. medical schools. They are established by law and governed by the state Higher education institutions are through the respective ministries of classified by the nature and scope of their the government. The state HEIs are activities into university type of HEIs fully financed from the state budget. and non‑university type of HEIs. private higher education institutions. a) The university type of higher education – private institutions of higher institutions provides education in study education (13 HEIs) need a state programmes of all 3 levels of higher approval issued by the Government education (Bachelor, Master, Doctoral of the Slovak Republic. They level) with a significant portion of study are established and financed by programmes of the second level non‑governmental institutions or and study programmes of the third founders. Most of the private higher level. Study programmes are carried education institutions provide out in connection with activities of education in the field of economics, higher education institutions in the business, management, public field of science, technology or art, administration, law, international and in compliance with the current relations, regional development, state and development of such fields. medical and social work. The term “university” may only be used in the name of a university type of higher Also foreign higher education education institution. institutions established and situated b) The non-university type of higher in the territory of another EU/EEA education institutions provides Member State or Switzerland may higher education mostly in the study provide higher education in accordance programmes of the first level of higher with the law of their country of origin in the education. territory of Slovakia once they have been granted official approval by the Ministry Based on founding and funding there are of Education, Science, Research and Sport 3 types of HEIs: of Slovak Republic. public higher education institutions – public institutions of higher You can find a comprehensive list of HEIs education are established by law. in Slovakia with their websites under the They are financed mostly by the section Research in Slovakia (chapter 3). Government. They are statutory and The International Researcher’s Guide to Slovakia 171
Higher education institutions provide Every higher education institution higher education within the framework determines the total number of credits of accredited study programmes. The study required for the due completion of the programmes are offered at 3 levels. It is study in its respective stages. possible that an HEI will join the first two Daily life in Slovakia levels of higher education into a single Grading is based on the ECTS grading scale: whole. A – excellent = 1 B – very good (above-average The first level is the Bachelor study achievements) = 1.5 programme. C – good (average achievements) = 2 D – laudable (acceptable achievements) = 2.5 Study programmes of the second level and E – satisfactory (achievements fulfil only those of the first two levels of higher the minimum criteria) = 3 education joined into a single whole are: FX – unsatisfactory – fail (achievements do Master study programmes, not fulfil even the minimum criteria) = 4 Engineer study programmes, Doctor study programmes. Degrees awarded in the Slovak Republic In accordance with the level of study, Study programmes of the third level are higher education institutions award the doctoral (PhD) study programmes following academic degrees: and specialised trainings in medicine. 1st level – Bachelor All study programmes must be accredited (comprising app. 180 credits) by the Ministry of Education, Science, “bakalár“ (abbr. “Bc.”). Research and Sport of the Slovak Republic. 2nd level – Master The academic year begins on September 1 (comprising app. 120 credits) of the current year and ends on August 31 “magister” (abbr. “Mgr.”), of the following year. It is composed of in the field of art “magister umenia” 2 semesters (the winter semester lasts (abbr. “Mgr. art.”), from September to January and the summer “inžinier” (abbr. “Ing.”) in technical, semester lasts from February to June). agricultural and economic fields of The organisation of academic year is set by Engineer’s programmes, and in the the statute of the faculty or statute of the field of architecture and town-planning higher education institution. the academic degree of “inžinier architekt” (abbr. “Ing. arch.”), Teaching process includes lectures, “doktor medicíny” (abbr. “MUDr.”) seminars, exercises, laboratory work, in the field of human medicine, projects, practical training, consultations, “doktor stomatológie” (abbr. “MDDr.”) etc. For the assessment of students’ – dentists, achievements the credit system following “doktor veterinárskej medicíny” the rules of the European Credit Transfer (abbr. “MVDr.”) and Accumulation System (ECTS) is used; in the field of veterinary medicine. it was introduced in 2002 for all levels and forms of higher education study. The 3rd level – PhD (doctoral) student’s standard work load is expressed “philosophiae doctor” (abbr.“ PhD.”), by the number of credits: 60 credits per “artis doctor“ (abbr. “ArtD.”) academic year and 30 credits per semester. in the field of art. 172 EURAXESS SLOVAKIA
Examina rigorosa Holders of the academic degree 5.9 Hiking and tourism of“magister” may take examina rigorosa, With its varied terrain, the Slovak Republic which includes also the defence of a rigorosa is a hiker’s paradise. It is crisscrossed with thesis. After its successful completion valleys, basins, lowlands and hills. It is the higher education institutions award a country full of natural beauty. The biggest the following academic degrees: and bestknown mountains are Tatras “doktor prírodných vied” (abbr. “RNDr.”) (“Tatry”) – a national symbol. in natural science study programmes, “doktor farmácie” (abbr. “PharmDr.”) Mountains in pharmacy study programmes, “doktor filozofie” (abbr. “PhDr.”) The Tatra Mountains are divided into in social science and art science study “Západné” (Western), “Vysoké” (High),
Daily life in Slovakia programmes, “Belianske” and “Nízke” (Low). High Tatras “doktor práv” (abbr. “JUDr.”) (“Vysoké Tatry”) mountains are situated in law study programmes, in the northern part of Slovakia, on the “doktor pedagogiky” (abbr. “PaedDr.”) border with Poland. In 1949, it was declared in teacher training and sports study to be the first Slovak national park (Tatra programmes, National Park – TANAP) and in 1993 it was, “doktor teológie” (abbr. “ThDr.”) together with the Polish part of the Tatras in theological study programmes except mountains, declared by the UNESCO to be for the study programmes in the field the “Biospheric reservation of the Tatras”. of Catholic Theology. High Tatras include 25 peaks reaching the height of over 2,000 m. Some of the highest and most beautiful peaks in the range are 5.8 Electrical appliances “Kriváň” (2,494 m), “Gerlachovský štít” and computers (2,655 m), “Slavkovský štít” (2,452 m) and “Lomnický štít” (2,632 m). In Slovakia, 230 V/50 Hz electrical system is used and appliances are designed for The Tatra National Park (TANAP) contains a round pin plug and receptacle (socket) protected flora and fauna. The beauty with male grounding pin. For safety and to of the National Park is enhanced by natural avoid damage to electrical appliances, it mountain lakes (“pleso”) that formed is important to bring equipment designed during the ice age. The largest of these for the abovementioned frequency and is “Veľké Hincovo pleso”, while “Štrbské voltage, and use dual voltage equipment or voltage converters/transformers. Moreover, plug adapter will also be needed, if your device is constructed for other standards.
For those bringing US standard equipment, an earthed (grounded) stepdown transformer is necessary for US computers, monitors and printers. Even with the most expensive transformers, one should always monitor the electrical supply. Most printers will need an adapter, but not all adapters are recommended for printers. The International Researcher’s Guide to Slovakia 173 pleso”, “Modré pleso”, “Zamrznuté pleso” “Slovenský kras” – the largest karst and “Zelené pleso” are amongst the most region in Central Europe, picturesque. Many waterfalls can also be “Malá” and “Veľká Fatra” – mountains, found here, of which the most celebrated “Súľovské skaly” – rocky massif are “Obrovský” and “Kmeťov” waterfalls. formed into shapes of towers, cones, Daily life in Slovakia 350 km of marked tourist paths are needles, gates, a unique phenomenon available for hikers. Different ski resorts in the territory of Western Carpathian with ski lifts, chair lifts, cableways and Mountains, cable railway are on offer for downhill “Muránska planina” – plateau with skiing. There are also several crosscountry a unique flora and fauna, including wild skiing centres and official mountaineering horses. skiing trails available. Hiking signs and mountain rescue service If you are more interested in shorter strolls, we recommend you to visit the Pieniny In Slovakia, National Park (PIENAP), situated to the there are east of “Vysoké Tatry”. The most popular numerous hiking attraction is a fork in the River Dunajec, routes, which are where rafting in 9 km long Dunajec Canyon easy to follow (Dunajec gorge) from the Red Monastery thanks to colour to Lesnica is on offer. symbols along the way. The More information: hiking (trekking) website of the Tatra National Park routes are (TANAP) – www.tanap.org mostly marked website of the municipality Vysoké Tatry by 3 horizontal – www.vysoketatry.sk (in Slovak only) stripes forming website of the Slovak Tourist Board – a square, 2 white stripes at borders to draw www.slovakia.travel attention and a coloured one (red, blue, green or yellow) in the middle to indicate Low Tatras (“Nízke Tatry”) is the second the route. If necessary the striped square highest mountain range in Slovakia and lies takes the form of a striped arrow to between the Váh and Hron (rivers) valleys. indicate a change in the direction of the The highest peaks are “Ďumbier” (2,043 m) route. The lengths of the routes are given and “Chopok” (2,024 m), from which there as average hiking times or as a distance is an unmatched view of the surrounding in kilometres at frequent signposts. To see landscape. The National park of Low Tatras the used hiking symbols, please, visit the has also been established there (NAPANT). website of the Club of Slovak Tourists at www.kst.sk (in Slovak only, section More information: “Značenie”, subsection “O značkovaní”). website of the National park of Low Tatras (NAPANT) – www.napant.sk To find out about the current situation website of the Slovak Tourist Board and seasonal closings of the hiking – www.slovakia.travel routes better watch the warnings by the Mountain rescue service: www.hzs.sk or Other natural attractions are: www.holidayinfo.sk. A person who goes Slovak Paradise (“Slovenský raj”) – to mountains is obliged to have a special national park situated in the eastern mountain insurance in order to cover costs part of Slovakia, 174 EURAXESS SLOVAKIA
of emergency by the mountain rescue Archangel in Drážovce from 12th century), services. Several insurance companies visit nearby thermal spas in Diakovce. provide such insurance and often it is In Trenčín region (www.trencin.sk), use possible to get the insurance online or by your stay for a walk around the town phone and even 1 day prior to the hiking (Trenčín Castle, Roman inscription tour. See the list of insurance companies: from 2nd century) or a trip to such hills www.hzs.sk/poistenie/ (in Slovak). as the “Biele Karpaty”, as well as the“Strážovské vrchy” and“Považský Walks Inovec”. If you like spa resorts, you should definitely pay a visit to In Bratislava region (official Trenčianske Teplice. In Trenčín region, website of the city of Bratislava near the town of Prievdza, lies an – www.bratislava.sk, Bratislava Guide – enchanting neogothic castle of Bojnice
Daily life in Slovakia www.bratislavaguide.com), you can use (www.bojnicecastle.sk). your free time for walks in the historical In Banská Bystrica region centre of the capital, its cobbled (www.banskabystrica.sk), you can enjoy streets and squares, visit Bratislava or the town’s beauty (town castle complex, Devín Castle, St. Martin’s Cathedral, Square of the Slovak National Uprising, Church and Convent of the Order of Monument of the Slovak National St. Clare, Trinity Church, St. Elizabeth’s Uprising), trips to hills and such ranges as Church (socalled Blue Church) or other “Starohorské vrchy”, Low Tatras (“Nízke churches, Michael’s Gate or Primatial Tatry”) and “Veľká Fatra” or “Kremnické Palace, Old Town Hall, Grassalkovich vrchy”. Do not miss the historical mining Palace – the seat of the president. towns of Banská Štiavnica and Kremnica. You can visit also surrounding towns Near Banská Štiavniaca lies the town of and villages, make a trip to hills like Saint Anton dominated by a baroque- “Malé Karpaty”, cycling expeditions classicist manor house. along the Small Carpathian Wine In Zvolen area (www.zvolen.sk), you Route (“Malokarpatská vínna cesta”, can admire a stunning landscape of www.mvc.sk) or you can go cycling hills like “Kremnické vrchy”, “Štiavnické along the Morava and Danube Rivers. vrchy” and “Vtáčnik”. The spa resorts of Do not forget to visit thermal spas and Kováčová and Sliač offer relaxation after museums in this area. a long hike. Directly in town Zvolen you In Trnava region (www.trnava.sk), can visit also Zvolen Castle and Castle visit the historic town of Trnava and Pustý hrad, which belongs to the largest make a trip to the hills of the “Malé castles in Central Europe. Karpaty” and the Driny cave – the only In Žilina region (www.zilina.sk), you can cave open to the public in the western seize the day by walking in the town part of the country. You can also visit (long pedestrian zone, Square of Virgin nearby castles of “Červený kameň” Mary, church of St. Stephen in Rudiny (Red Stone), “Smolenice” or castle ruins from 13th century, Budatin Castle), of “Dechtice”. In Trnava region, there is visiting small villages, or hike in the hills also a popular spa resort of Piešťany. as “Malá Fatra”, “Súľovské vrchy” or In Nitra region (www.nitra.sk), relax in the spa resort of Rajecké Teplice. in addition to Nitra’s historic treasures In Ružomberok area (www.ruzomberok.sk, (Nitra castle, Franciscan Church and in Slovak only), there are beautiful Monastery, Small and Grand Seminary, villages near Ružomberok offering hikes Romanesque Church of St. Michael up the hills and the “Veľká Fatra”, Low The International Researcher’s Guide to Slovakia 175
Tatras (“Nízke Tatry”) and “Chočské vrchy” ranges. The mineral springs of Kúpele Lúčky and Korytnica provide refreshment to everyone; an open thermal pool in Bešeňová offers Daily life in Slovakia possibility of yearround swimming. In Prešov region (www.presov.sk, in Slovak only), you can walk in the town (Uniate Bishop’s Palace, Uniate Cathedral Temple of St. John the Baptist, Klobusiczky Palace, Church of St. Nicholas), visit nearby villages was used also to guard the most important or towns or take a trip to the areas of roads. A protecting system of castles Sigord, Haniska and Cemjata, as well in the Považie region protected crossings as to the hills (“Slanské vrchy”) or relax over the Váh River. The most extensive at the Domaša reservoir. Be sure not construction of stone castles in Slovakia to overlook Dubník with its opal mines started immediately after the Tartars – a real European rarity. The town of invasion in the middle of the 13th century Levoča (www.levoca.sk) is famous for its and lasted till the half of the 14th century. gothic art (wooden altars and statues) New stone forts were built in the place of by the workshop of Master Pavol, original wooden castles or near them, but the sculptor. new castles were built as well. Most of the In Košice region (www.kosice.sk), Slovak castles were built before the half of visit the Košice town (St. Elizabeth’s the 15th century. The nobility got the royal Cathedral, St. Michael’s Chapel, Saint property step by step either as advance Urban’s Tower), the second largest payment for a loan given to a monarch town in Slovakia. The village of Herľany or for extraordinary and loyal services to offers a unique cold geyser and mineral the king. In the period of humanism and springs to relax by. Excursions to renaissance, the system of the castles the surrounding countryside are not gradually lost its military and strategic complete without seeing the Zemplínska importance and aristocratic families started šírava region, while wine lovers should to move from castles to manor houses certainly pay a visit to the wine cellars and to the towns. In this period, a lot of of the Tokay region, such as those castles were demolished, burned and in Malá Tŕňa or Veľká Trňa. others fell into disrepair after inhabitants moved out. At present, many of the castles Castles are reconstructed and are open to the public. See e.g. www.hrady-zamky.org, The country’s historic and architecturally www.castles.sk precious buildings are also great tourist attractions. The first castles were built Caves at the territory of the Slovak Republic in the 10th century at the strategically There are many karst regions in the Slovak important locations. In those times, it Republic. There are more than 6,200 caves was necessary to protect the border areas in Slovakia, including ten stalactite caves, against attacks of invaders and to prevent two ice caves and one aragonite cave their entering into the country. In addition that are open to the public (Slovak Caves to guarding services, a system of castles Administration – www.ssj.sk). 176 EURAXESS SLOVAKIA
Historic Town of Banská Štiavnica and the Technical Monuments in its Vicinity (www.banskastiavnica.sk, http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/618), Levoča, Spišský Hrad and the Associated Cultural Monuments (www.spisskyhrad.sk) – the most extensive fortress in Central Europe and monuments in its surroundings, and historic town-centre of Levoča (www.levoca.sk, http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/620), Vlkolínec – a Monument Reserve of
Daily life in Slovakia In different mountain areas you can Folk Architecture (www.vlkolinec.sk, find beautiful caves: in Nízke Tatry http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/622) – Demänovská jaskyňa slobody, – a remarkably intact settlement Demänovská ľadová jaskyňa, Bystrianska of 45 traditional log houses, jaskyňa and Važecká jaskyňa; in Belianske Wooden Churches of the Slovak part Tatry – Belianska jaskyňa; in Slovenský of the Carpathian Mountain Area – kras – Domica, Jasovská jaskyňa and two Roman Catholic, three Protestant Gombasecká jaskyňa; in Malé Karpaty and three Greek Orthodox churches – Driny; in Slovenský raj – Dobšinská built between the 16th and 18th centuries ľadová jaskyňa; in Veľká Fatra (http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1273). – Harmanecká jaskyňa; in Slovenské rudohorie – Ochtinská aragonitová jaskyňa. Natural Monuments Caves of Aggtelek Karst and Slovak Spas Karst – the greatest karst region in Central Europe. Caves open to the Spa treatment has a long history thanks public: Dobšinská Ice Cave, Domica to the country’s large number of mineral Cave, Gombasecká Cave, Jasovská springs. Some of them are mentioned under Cave, Krásnohorská Cave, Ochtinská “Walks“. See e.g. www.slovakia.com/spas/, Aragonite Cave (www.ssj.sk/jaskyne, www.kupele.org (in Slovak) http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/725). Primeval Beech Forests of the More information: website of the Slovak Carpathians and the Ancient Beech Tourist Board – www.slovakia.travel Forest of Germany (http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1133) Slovakia and UNESCO World Heritage Intangible Heritage Places included on the UNESCO List Fujara and its music – musical of the World Heritage and the UNESCO instrument that can be found only List of the Masterpieces of the Oral and in Slovakia. It is an extremely long flute Intangible Heritage of Humanity: with three finger holes that can be up to 2 m long (www.fujara.sk, in Slovak only; Cultural Monuments www.unesco.org/culture/ich/index. Bardejov Town Conservation Reserve php?lg=en&pg=00011&RL=00099). (www.bardejov.sk, in Slovak only; Music of Terchová – traditional http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/973), musical culture in the village of The International Researcher’s Guide to Slovakia 177
The most widely spoken foreign languages are English, German, Russian, Hungarian and French. The young urban population is generally considered to be the most linguistically proficient. Foreign languages Daily life in Slovakia are sometimes taught at kindergarten, usually at primary school in lower grades and always in the upper ones (5th till 9th) and at secondary schools. There are some primary and secondary schools that conduct classes in foreign languages such as Hungarian, Ukrainian, Bulgarian, English, German, French, Italian and Spanish. Private language schools offer many possibilities for children, young people and adults to learn foreign languages.
Slovak language courses
To familiarise yourself with the Slovak language, you can use a free online portal www.slovake.eu, which offers Slovak language courses at different levels (A1 and Terchová in northwest Slovakia A2), grammar, exercises or games. (www.terchova.sk, in Slovak only; www.unesco.org/culture/ich/index. To foreign students, scholarship php?lg=en&pg=00011&RL=00877). holders, host students and others, who are interested, courses of Slovak as More information: a foreign language are offered by Studia Website of the UNESCO – Academica Slovaca (SAS) – Centre for http://whc.unesco.org/en/statesparties/sk Slovak as a Foreign Language. In 2006, Website of the Slovak Tourist Board – the SAS Centre acquired accreditation www.slovakia.travel of the Ministry of Education of the Slovak Republic for providing education in the field “Slovak as a Foreign Language – Language 5.10 Language Course in Contact and Distance Form” for all levels of language development, Slovak is the official language and i.e. beginners (A1, A2), intermediate and belongs to the West Slavic subgroup upper-intermediate (B1, B2), and advanced of the IndoEuropean language family, (C1, C2). and uses the Roman script. It does not differ significantly from Czech, and Bilateral agreements often offer comprehension in both languages is rather scholarships for participation in summer common. The majority of the population of courses of the Slovak language and the Slovak Republic (86 %) speaks Slovak culture organised by the SAS. This as their mother tongue. The second most intensive programme is suitable especially widely spoken mother tongue is Hungarian. for university teachers, researchers 178 EURAXESS SLOVAKIA
and students of Slovak and Slavonic speaking, listening, reading and writing. studies, writers, translators and others The courses are usually held twice a week, interested in Slovak language and culture. 2 standard lessons (90 min. in total) per day. This summer course lasts 3 weeks and takes place in August. Private language schools offering courses of Slovak are, for example, Academy of More information: Education (www.akademiavzdelavania.sk, www.fphil.uniba.sk/sas in Slovak only), Eurolingua (www.eurolingua.sk), Berlitz The Institute for Language and Academic (www.berlitz.sk) or other smaller private Preparation for Foreigners and Compatriots language schools. of the Comenius University in Bratislava, offers preparation of international students
Daily life in Slovakia for study at all levels of university studies 5.11 Libraries in the Slovak Republic. There is 1 National Library, 8 scientific More information: libraries, 33 academic libraries, www.cdvuk.sk/blade/index. 2,598 public libraries, 357 special libraries php?c=1820&our-programmes- and-courses and 4,554 school libraries in Slovakia. The University Library in Bratislava, founded Third-country nationals can attend a free in 1919, contains more than 2 million volumes of charge Open Course of Slovak Language and is the country’s most important library. organised in Bratislava and Košice by IOM The Slovak National Library (1863), located Migration Information Centre. in Martin, includes a collection of materials relating to Slovak culture. More information: www.mic.iom.sk A portal to catalogues and collections of Slovak libraries can be found at Some universities and research institutions www.kis3g.sk/en/index.html. organise Slovak language courses for their international students/researchers, e.g. A database of the Slovak libraries can the Institute for Language and Academic be found at www.infolib.sk/sk/kniznice/ Preparation for Foreigners and Compatriots adresare/zoznam-kniznic-sr/ (in Slovak of the Comenius University in Bratislava only); some of them (national and scientific (www.cdvuk.sk), and the Methodical Centre libraries) can be consulted through their of Matej Bel University in Banská Bystrica websites: (www.umb.sk). For more information contact Central Library of the Slovak Academy the International Relations Office of the of Sciences in Bratislava www.uk.sav.sk respective higher education institution. (in Slovak only) National Library of Slovakia, Martin Foreigners can attend courses of the Slovak www.snk.sk language at several private language State scientific library, Banská Bystrica schools that provide education at all www.svkbb.eu (in Slovak only) levels of language proficiency: beginner, State scientific library, Košice www.svkk.sk intermediate, advanced. They offer group State scientific library, tuition or individual courses tailored to the Prešov www.svkpo.sk clients’ individual needs. The courses are Slovak Medical Library, Bratislava aimed at mastering all four language skills: www.sllk.sk The International Researcher’s Guide to Slovakia 179
Slovak Pedagogic Library, Bratislava on the item(s). After the third renewal, the www.spgk.sk (in Slovak only) item must be returned to the library. Slovak Centre of Scientific and Technical Information, Bratislava (Specialised Libraries in Slovakia usually have public Scientific Library) www.cvtisr.sk Internet points. The terms of their Daily life in Slovakia Slovak Library of Economics of the usage may vary from library to library, University of Economics in Bratislava but generally using a computer is free of www.sek.euba.sk (in Slovak only) charge, in some cases a fee may be asked. Slovak Library of Forestry and Wood Sometimes the usage terms limit the Sciences of the Technical University amount of time that a computer may be in Zvolen www.sldk.tuzvo.sk used per day or week by one person. Slovak Agricultural Library of the Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra Scientific Library at the Slovak Centre of www.slpk.sk Scientific and Technical Information is University Library in Bratislava a specialised scientific public library www.ulib.sk (www.cvtisr.sk/en/scientific-library/ about-the-library.html?page_id=722) In general, users of the library’s research and provides access to both paper and areas, including Computer Catalogue electronic collections of documents within Centres and Copyright Office public the technical category and some categories service areas, are each required to have of natural sciences, social sciences and a Reader Identification Card issued by humanities from Slovakia and abroad. the library. You need to have a reader’s Electronic resources can be accessed card also to borrow books. It can be remotely for holders of a valid library card obtained by presenting a valid state-issued (after registration). identification card or passport. 5.12 Living costs Usually, there are annual charges for using library services (around 6 €). New Prices provided below give an idea of how researchers should register in person at much it costs to live in Slovakia. These Central Registration Station Desks. costs are only approximate and they are Libraries do not accept registrations via a subject of change. mail, email or telephone. Rent Almost all media available at the libraries Guest room at a students’ dormitory: can be found in the on-line catalogues from 11.80 € per night (LIBRIS, BIBLIS or WebOPAC system) that 1 bedroom flat: from 300 € per month allow you to search according to various including utilities (in larger towns factors. You can see where the publication the prices are higher, especially in town is located and whether it can be borrowed, centres) viewed in the reading room, or is already 2 bedroom flat: from 400 € per month signed out. It is also possible to access including utilities electronic journals through university servers. Food Lunch at a canteen: from 1.60 € The loan period is normally four weeks. Restaurant meal: from 5 € Renewal may be usually made up to three Pizza in a pizzeria: from 4 € times, provided no one has placed a hold 1 litre of milk: 0.80 € 180 EURAXESS SLOVAKIA
1 litre of mineral water: 0.40 € health care and can refer a patient to an Loaf of bread: 0.70 € appropriate specialist for further medical 400 g spaghetti: 0.70 € examination or treatment. Beer: 1 € In general, you do not need an Transportation appointment to see a general practitioner. Local transport, basic ticket (single It is advised to arrive early in the morning/ journey): from 0.40 € beginning, before the doctor’s office Local transport, monthly ticket/travel hours, in order to join a waiting list for pass: from 20 € the particular day (sometimes there are Taxi within Bratislava: app. 0.60 € per numbered cards available in the waiting km (minimum fare from 3.20 €) room and their number per day is limited). Petrol per litre: from 1.50 € If you need to see a specialist, you have
Daily life in Slovakia Diesel per litre: from 1.40 € to ask your general practitioner for a referral card first, unless the specialist Coaches is a dentist, gynaecologist, psychiatrist, Bratislava – Košice, 445 km, from 20 € dermatologist or an ophtalmologist (only Bratislava – Žilina, 203 km, from 10 € in case of glasses prescription); otherwise, Bratislava – Banská Bystrica, 230 km, the specialist will not admit you. The from 11 € referral card is only necessary for the first consultation of the specialist. Usually, Trains it is possible to make an appointment Bratislava – Košice: from 18 € for a specific time (for a fee) or get Bratislava – Žilina: from 10 € a preferential entry (for a higher fee). Bratislava – Banská Bystrica: from 10 € This means, you do not have to wait, but you may have your medical examination Having fun immediately or within a very short time, Cinema ticket: 3 – 8 € ahead of other patients waiting. Museum ticket: from 1 € Theatre ticket: 2.50 – 20 € for drama, If a foreign national wants to use the 4 – 35 € for opera and ballet services of Slovak healthcare system, these Fitness centre ticket: from 3 € may be covered either by direct payment Swimming pool ticket: from 1.50 € (usually cash, or using a card, if available) Rent a bike: from 8.80 € per day or by health insurance. There may be various types of health insurance – public or commercial, Slovak or foreign. More 5.13 Healthcare information is available in the chapter 4.4 Social security and Health insurance. The healthcare system in Slovakia falls If a foreign national has health insurance under the competence of the Ministry (which has to be demonstrated by showing of Health of the Slovak Republic a health insurance company ID card or (www.health.gov.sk). In Slovakia, there other relevant document to a nurse/doctor), are state and private health care providers. the health care provided is paid for by the An initial medical examination in case insurance company. Depending on the type of an illness is provided by state or of service provided, the health insurance private general practitioners (“všeobecný company will pay for this service either lekár”). Everybody can choose a general in full or partially. If the health insurance practitioner who usually provides basic company pays for the service only partially, The International Researcher’s Guide to Slovakia 181 the rest is paid by the foreigner directly Hospitals to the health care provider. If a foreign In every university town there is a hospital national does not have health insurance, (“nemocnica”). Normally you are referred he/she must pay the full amount for there by your general practitioner, healthcare provided. specialist, or an emergency service, who Daily life in Slovakia will explain what you need to do and where to go. Doctors General practitioners and specialists List of hospitals can be found at have their consulting rooms in hospitals www.zzz.sk/?page=zoznam-nemocnic- (“nemocnica”) or in health centres liecebni (in Slovak only). (“poliklinika”). You do not necessarily have to register with a local doctor when you first Emergency arrive but it may be useful to get information and contacts before you need one. If you need emergency services (“záchranná služba”), dial telephone A list of general practitioners in Slovakia number “112”, which is an integrated can be found at www.zzz.sk/?page number for all services. The dispatchers =hladaj&typ=praktickylekardospeli should be able to speak English. You may (in Slovak only, but the contact details are also call telephone number “155”, which is comprehensible). used exclusively for medical emergencies, or local emergency ambulance services that The list of other ambulances according to you can see below. Ambulances are well the specialization can be found at staffed and equipped with life‑sustaining www.zzz.sk/?page=zoznam_ambulancii. apparatus needed to safely transport patients to hospital. Hospitals provide The list of health care providers according 24hour emergency services. If your to the specialization may be found condition is not apparently life-threatening also in the web catalogue at but you still need medical services after www.azet.sk/katalog/zdravotnicke- working hours of your physician, you zariadenia/ (in Slovak only). can go to “pohotovosť”, an Accident and Emergency department, which can be found in a local hospital or a specialised clinic. Dentists It usually opens in the afternoon hours In every town there is either a private and closes in the evening or remains open or state dental practice (“zubár”, overnight (depending on the particular city “stomatológ”). Upon arrival you should or hospital). You will be charged a small fee ask for details of the chosen dentist. to use this service. However, even if you have insurance, part of the treatment is usually not covered and Some emergency health care providers it is charged directly to the patient after can be found at www.visit.bratislava. the care has been provided. It is usually sk/en/vismo/dokumenty2.asp?id_ essential to book an appointment with org=700014&id=1183&p1=3134 (list of a dentist in advance. emergency medical care providers in Bratislava); or www.zlatestranky.sk/ Find a dentist in a list at www.zzz. hladanie/emergency/ (list of emergency sk/?page=hladaj&typ=zubna and medical care providers in Slovakia). http://zoznamzubarov.sk/ (in Slovak only). 182 EURAXESS SLOVAKIA
Important telephone numbers: medical products. Certain medicine can Integrated emergency rescue system: be obtained only with a prescription from 112 (communication in foreign languages a physician. For a list of pharmacies, please, possible) visit this page: www.zzz.sk/?page=lekarne Emergency ambulance service: 155 (in Slovak only). Rescue line (Reťaz Života Foundation): +421/850111 313. A doctor will advise you how to provide the first 5.14 Other services aid prior to the arrival of the medical Car rental rescue team. In Slovakia, there are many car rental Emergency ambulance telephone companies. Prices depend on the period numbers: over which the car is rented and the type
Daily life in Slovakia Emergency ambulance service of the car. Contact phone numbers are in Banská Bystrica: +421–48–414–66 66 available on the website of the Yellow Emergency ambulance service Pages www.zlatestranky.sk (in Slovak only) in Bratislava region: +421–2–6 3 83–3 1 30 and the Green Pages www.greenpages. (street Strečnianska), spectator.sme.sk (section “Automotive”, +421–2–48 27–92 57 (clinic Ružinov) subsection “Car Rental Companies”). Emergency ambulance service in Nitra: +421–37–654–52 88, +421–37–651–42 59 Laundry and dry cleaning service Emergency ambulance service in Košice: +421–55–16–183 At present, there are several launderettes Emergency ambulance service in Prešov: in Slovakia (“práčovňa”) – e.g. www.cent.sk 051–77 32–220, 051–77 33–444 (in Slovak only); Emergency ambulance service www.pramako.sk/samoobsluzne-pracovne/ in Trenčín: +421–32–65 66–711, (in Slovak only); www.flipperwash.sk. +421–32–64 91–919 You can also use home laundry facilities Emergency ambulance service in Trnava: or commercial laundries that wash and iron +421–33–553–61 03 clothing and linen for their clients. There Emergency ambulance service in Žilina are many dry cleaning services (“čistiareň”) region: +421–41–511–04 38, or even fast dry cleaners (nearly in every +421–41–723–33 83 (street V. Spanyola), shopping centre). Some of them also +421–41–569–36 66 (street Osloboditeľov). provide leather/suede/fur cleaning and dyeing. Pharmacies Beauty salons and hairdressers’ You can buy medicine only in pharmacies (“lekáreň”), located in every town There are many beauty salons and in some villages (they are marked providing high quality service at a good with a green cross). Every town has to price using modern techniques of have at least one emergency pharmacy cosmetology and skin care. Most of them (“pohotovostná lekáreň”) open 24 hours provide also nail design. There is also a lot a day, 7 days a week – for further details of hairdressers’ providing hair expert advice consult the information posted on the door upon request. of every pharmacy. If you require treatment at night, look for the sign “nočná služba”. Pharmacies sell domestic and foreign The International Researcher’s Guide to Slovakia 183
their own elected officials, distributed duties 5.15 Public holidays and liabilities. Some duties are divided between the state and self‑administration. The following days are official public holidays: Regional Administration Daily life in Slovakia January 1 (Day of the Establishment Banská Bystrica higher territorial unit of the Slovak Republic) www.vucbb.sk (in Slovak only) January 6 (Epiphany) Bratislava higher territorial unit March/April (Good Friday, Easter www.region-bsk.sk Monday, set according to the Christian Košice higher territorial unit Calendar, check the concrete dates http://web.vucke.sk of the respective year after arrival) Nitra higher territorial unit www.unsk.sk May 1 (Labour Day) Prešov higher territorial May 8 (Day of victory over fascism – End unit www.po-kraj.sk of World War II in Europe) Trenčín higher territorial unit July 5 (St. Cyril and St. Methodius Day) www.tsk.sk August 29 (Slovak National Uprising Trnava higher territorial unit Anniversary) www.trnava-vuc.sk September 1 (Day of the Constitution Žilina higher territorial unit www.zask.sk of the Slovak Republic) September 15 (Day of the Virgin Mary Local Administration of the Seven Sorrows, patron saint of Slovakia – the Blessed Virgin Mary) Local administration in the Slovak Republic November 1 (All Saints’ Day) is directed by municipalities. Every town November 17 (Struggle for Freedom has its own town hall and administration and Democracy Day) headed by a city mayor. Every village has December 24 (Christmas Eve) a community office headed by a mayor. December 25 (Christmas Day) Many towns and villages have their own December 26 (St. Stephen’s Day) websites, where you can find useful information about local sightseeing, seats People usually do not work on these days; of public bodies, accommodation, current banks, post offices, shops, ambulances weather, etc. Here is a sample list of the are closed; some public transport offers biggest towns and their websites: a reduced service (esp. buses and trains). Banská Bystrica www.banskabystrica.sk Bratislava www.bratislava.sk Komárno www.komarno.sk 5.16 Regional and local Košice www.kosice.sk administration Liptovský Mikuláš www.mikulas.sk Martin www.martin.sk (in Slovak only) Within the launch of decentralisation Nitra www.nitra.sk as of January 1, 2002 a regional level Poprad www.poprad.sk of self‑administration was established. Prešov www.presov.sk (in Slovak only) Slovak Republic territory is divided into Ružomberok www.ruzomberok.sk 8 higher territorial units/selfgoverning (in Slovak only) regions, 79 districts and 2927 communes. Trnava www.trnava.sk There is no hierarchy between both levels Trenčín www.trencin.sk of local self‑administration (selfgoverning Zvolen www.zvolen.sk regions and municipalities). Both levels have Žilina www.zilina.sk 184 EURAXESS SLOVAKIA
5.17 Religion 5.18 Shopping The Slovak Republic is by tradition Souvenirs include pottery, porcelain, a religious country; the first Christian wooden carvings, hand-embroidered bishopric was established in the 9th clothing and straw figures and food items. century in Nitra. At present, several legal There is a number of excellent shops norms regulate the freedom of conscience specialising in glass and crystal goods, and religion, and provide a guarantee for while various associations of regional artists general respect of these fundamental and craftsmen run their own boutiques. human rights and freedoms. According to the Slovak Constitution, “Freedom of Most shops are open from Monday to thought, conscience, religion and belief will Friday from 9:00 to 18:00, till noon on be guaranteed. This right will include the Saturdays and are closed on Sundays.
Daily life in Slovakia right to change religion or belief”. However, there are no strict regulations and many shops are open longer and some Religious Services for 7 days a week, esp. supermarkets, There are services available in foreign hypermarkets and shopping centres. There languages (mainly in English, German and is a possibility of online shopping, too. Hungarian) all over the country (for more information, please, consult your church; 5.19 Sport for Bratislava, some information on worships in English is available at: Summer Sports www.bratislavaguide.com/english- religious-services-bratislava). In Slovakia, there is a wide range of facilities for summer sports. The most List of registered Churches in the Slovak popular are cycling, water sports and Republic: hiking. Large reservoirs such as Zemplínska Apostolic Church šírava, Oravská priehrada, Liptovská Bahá’í Community Mara, Sĺňava near Piešťany, Ružín at Baptist Union the River Hornád, and Domaša at the Brethren Church River Ondava along with artificial lakes Central Union of Jewish Religious like Slnečné jazerá near Senec and Zlaté Communities piesky in Bratislava offer visitors a chance Christian Corps to enjoy water sports. Many Slovak Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day rivers are navigable and canoeing is very Saints popular amongst young people. Horse Czechoslovak Hussite Church riding is becoming more popular, with Evangelical Church of Augsburg stables for public existing in many towns. Confession Mountaineering, hill-walking, white water Greek (Byzantine) Catholic Church rafting, adrenaline sports and paragliding New Apostolic Church are only some of the ways to spend Old Catholic Church a weekend in the mountains. Another Orthodox Church very popular activity is camping or renting Reformed Christian Church cottages, and hiking (trekking) in the Religious Society of Jehovah’s Witnesses mountains. For those who prefer green Roman Catholic Church lawns and white sport dress there are many Seventh-day Adventists Church possibilities to play tennis at tennis clubs, United Methodist Church at public courts or golf in clubs. The International Researcher’s Guide to Slovakia 185
More information: These centres are often equipped with www.holidayinfo.sk, saunas, solaria and masseurs, and many http://rivers.raft.cz/slovensko, also offer body care services, such as www.panorama.sk/index.asp?kam=/go/ cosmetic and pedicure facilities. Some clanky/430.asp&lang=en&sv=2 towns also have indoor swimming pools Daily life in Slovakia that provide opportunities for swimming, Winter Sports saunas and massages.
Thanks to its mountainous nature, You can also rent a gym-hall to play squash, Slovakia offers great opportunities for indoor football, volleyball, basketball, downhill and crosscountry skiing, as well handball, etc. These gyms are mostly as snowboarding. The mountains enjoy associated with a primary or secondary over 80 days of snow per year which often school, or a university faculty. reaches a level of 2 m in the “Nízke” and “Vysoké Tatry” (Low and High Tatras). More information: In these high mountain regions, there is www.sportslovakia.sk snow on the ground for 130 days each year. Ice hockey and iceskating are very popular sports that can be practised in closed 5.20 Transport stadiums, as well as outdoors. Travel by train
Mountain Rescue Service Insurance Trains in the Slovak Republic are safe and comfortable way of travel. There are 7 As of July 1, 2006 tourists bear the cost different types of trains: of search and rescue operations they Os Passenger train (“osobný vlak”) require the Mountain Rescue Service (“Horská záchranná služba” – HZS) Zr Semi-fast train (“zrýchlený vlak”) to conduct, excluding the costs covered by R Fast train (“rýchlik”) health insurance. Insurance companies offer Ex Express products that cover the potential risk. IC InterCity You can conduct the insurance online or via SMS. For more information, EC EuroCity (international) please, consult a commercial insurance SC SuperCity (international) company (e.g. Allianz – Slovenská poisťovňa www.allianzsp.sk, in Slovak How to find a connection and buy a ticket only; Union www.union.sk; Kooperativa The websites of the Slovak Railways www.kooperativa.sk, in Slovak only). www.slovakrail.sk or www.zsr.sk provide information on time schedule, prices, More information: duration and whether you have to switch www.hzs.sk – Mountain Rescue Service the trains at any point. The websites (in Slovak only), Emergency number: 18 300 www.cp.sk and www.vlak-bus.sk provide www.onthesnow.sk (in Slovak only) a complex travel itinerary. Here you can www.holidayinfo.sk choose the means of public transport (bus, train, airplane, town public transport), Indoor Sports but also search for optimal combination of them to find the shortest journey. Sports centres offer opportunities for fitness, aerobics and sometimes squash. 186 EURAXESS SLOVAKIA
Travel by plane Tickets can be bought at the train station ticket offices or at some train stations Travel by plane within the country is in ticket machines. If applicable, the teller rather comfortable. There are airlines may ask what type of train you would prefer that provide connections within Slovakia (see the table above). To guarantee a seat, and to foreign countries, such as Ryanair it is possible to buy a seat reservation (www.ryanair.com), Czech Airlines (“miestenka”), since the trains may be (www.csa.cz) and Austrian Airlines crowded, especially on Fridays and Sundays, (www.austrian.com). when students travel to and from schools. There are 3 international airports in Slovakia. International trains run several times a day The airports are in Bratislava (“Letisko from several train stations in the country. M. R. Štefánika”, www.airportbratislava.sk), in Košice (“Medzinárodné letisko
Daily life in Slovakia For some trains it is also possible v Košiciach” www.airportkosice.sk) to buy a ticket online at the website and in Poprad (“Medzinárodné letisko www.slovakrail.sk and www.regiojet.sk. PopradTatry”, www.letiskopoprad.sk, in Slovak only). Travel by coach
While the trains are more comfortable, Transportation between international coaches are sometimes more direct; airports and principal Slovak towns they connect most of the towns and Vienna International Airport (Austria) villages in Slovakia, and are reliable and Thanks to the short distance between satisfactory. The first thing is to check out Vienna and Bratislava (60 kilometres), the website www.cp.sk or www.vlak-bus.sk. it is also possible to use the Schwechat International Airport in Vienna For international bus travel you can buy (www.viennaairport.com), which is larger tickets at the ticket office or travel agency. than the M. R. Štefánik International Airport Eurolines is the biggest provider operating in Bratislava and then take a bus or a taxi to 8 regular international lines together Bratislava. Just in front of the arrival gate with its domestic branch Slovak Lines at Vienna airport you will find the platform (www.slovaklines.sk). For international lines for departure of buses leaving to Bratislava, operated by Eurolines it is possible to buy/ where you can change to bus/train to other book a ticket online at www.eurolines.sk. Slovak principal towns, e.g. Košice, Banská Bystrica, Trnava, Žilina, Trenčín, Piešťany, Student Agency also provides several etc. Most of the buses terminate at the international lines with special prices Main Bus Station in Bratislava (Hlavná for students (tickets can be bought online autobusová stanica) called Mlynské Nivy. at www.studentagency.sk). Standard oneway ticket from the Vienna How to buy a ticket Airport to Bratislava bus station costs When travelling by coach within 7.70 €, return ticket costs 14.30 €, plus 1 € Slovakia, tickets can be bought when per a piece of luggage. For the bus schedule boarding. It is possible to buy a ticket browse www.cp.sk or www.vlak-bus.sk. with a seat reservation (“miestenka”) for longdistance coaches at the ticket office Moreover, there is another bus connection of any bus station or online, in some cases between the M. R. Štefánik International (www.cp.sk). Airport in Bratislava, Bratislava city centre The International Researcher’s Guide to Slovakia 187
Local transport (Most SNP – Bridge of the Slovak National Uprising) and the Schwechat International The public transport system in towns Airport in Vienna, Vienna city operated is quite reliable. A network of public by Blaguss Slovakia. Standard oneway transport – usually buses or trolleybuses ticket from the Vienna Airport to Bratislava (in Bratislava and Košice also a network of Daily life in Slovakia bus station costs 7.20 € and return ticket trams) covers most of the towns. Operating costs 12 €. For the bus schedule and hours are from 5:00 to 23:00. After 23:00 uptodate prices, please, visit the website there are a few night-bus lines. Every town www.blaguss.sk. is responsible for running its own public transport (“mestská hromadná doprava”, Bratislava International Airport abbr. MHD). M. R. Štefánik International Airport is located 15 km from the Bratislava Old Town. Common features A taxi into the town costs about 6 – 9 €, Public transport is the most widely depending on where in the centre you want used means of transportation in towns. to go. By bus, take the line No. 61 to Hlavná Schedules can be found at every bus/tram železničná stanica (Main Railway Station). stop and in Public transport stands.
Tickets are usually not sold on buses. In such cases, they can be bought at newsstands, ticket machines, some bus stations or public transport kiosks. In several cities electronic SMS tickets are also available to postpaid and pre-paid clients of Slovak mobile operators. However, the possibilities depend on the respective towns. Check this upon arrival.
Košice International Airport Tickets vary from town to town. Košice international airport is located There are time-tickets (you can change approximately 6 km to the south of the means of transport within a given period) town. The airport is situated between the or single-use tickets (every time you suburbs KošiceBarca and KošicePereš. change means of transport, you use a new The airport is located less than 2 km from ticket). Fare depends also on tariff zones the expressway from Košice to Rožňava. given by the town area. There are usually You can reach it by car in 10 minutes from also tickets valid for several days upon the town of Košice, in 30 minutes from validation after entering the vehicle. You the town of Prešov and in 20 minutes from must also have a ticket for large pieces the Slovak-Hungarian border. of luggage and animals.
Košice town public transport company If you stay longer in a certain town and operates regular bus line No.23 which you are sure to use public transport more connects the airport of Košice with the often than once a day, it is advisable to buy downtown and at the same time offers travel pass, for example, 30, 90 or 365day a possibility of transport to/from the airport. pass. The bus leaves the airport once every hour. To get a pass (30, 60 or 365day pass), you Taxi to the city centre costs about 7 €. need an uptodate photograph (3 × 3.5 cm), 188 EURAXESS SLOVAKIA
Travel by car your ID card and a completed application form. It is always helpful to consult with Driving licence local people. A driving licence issued in another EU/EEA country authorises the holder to drive Children, students and pensioners travel for motor vehicles of the categories indicated reduced fares (ask for details as conditions in it when in the Slovak Republic, regardless may vary from town to town). of the type of stay in the country. In case the person will be granted temporary or Useful glossary permanent residence permit in Slovakia, Autobus – bus he/she can apply for replacement of the Električka – tram driving licence after 185 days from being Trolejbus – trolleybus granted permanent residence permit, Zastávka – stop or after being granted temporary residence
Daily life in Slovakia Cestovný poriadok – schedule permit. Cestovný lístok – single (one-time) ticket In case a foreign national is residing Mesačník, predplatný cestovný lístok, permanently in another country that has električenka – a monthly travel pass signed the Geneva or Vienna Convention Zastávka na znamenie – request stop on Road Traffic (done in 1968 and in 1949), he/she may only drive a motor vehicle Information on the routes, schedules in Slovakia, if being holder of a driving and tickets in Bratislava can be found at licence issued by the country of residence www.dpb.sk or www.imhd.sk. Information on together with a valid international driving public transport in Banská Bystrica, Košice, licence. Nitra, Prešov, Trnava, Žilina and other towns is available at www.imhd.sk. Connection If the person will be granted temporary search for public transport of a larger number or permanent residence permit in Slovakia, of principal towns is available at www.cp.sk he/she can use both documents only up (under MHD), it is necessary to be familiar to further 185 days. Within 60 days after with the names of stops though. this period, it is necessary to apply for replacement of the former driving licence Taxi at the respective Police authority.
There are many taxi companies, although Everyone riding a moped must be at least cruising taxis are seldom available. Taxi 15 years old and must hold a driving licence, stands are located throughout the towns. even if such a licence is not required in his/her Taxis ordered by phone have cheaper fares country of permanent residence. Everyone (usually 50 % cheaper). The fare is flexible riding a car or lorry and a motorcycle and varies from company to company. in general must be at least 18 years old. When taking a taxi, look for one with the company’s name on the car. After being granted a permanent residence permit in Slovakia and if using a motor To find out contact numbers on taxi vehicle, it is also necessary to register your services in the respective town search motor vehicle in use, if registered in another the Yellow Pages at www.zlatestranky.sk country. Technical control of the car must (in Slovak only) or the Green Pages at be executed before the registration, www.greenpages.spectator.sme.sk (section and be followed by a mandatory “Automotive”, subsection “Taxi Companies”). contractual insurance against the liability The International Researcher’s Guide to Slovakia 189 for damage caused by operation of the jack, spanner and reflective emergency motor vehicle and an optional accident vest (the vest must be within the reach of insurance. the driver – in the main vehicle cabin since everybody must wear it when getting out For any questions related to driving licences of a car in case of an emergency). Other Daily life in Slovakia you may visit the website of the Ministry recommended car equipment is: spare of Interior of the Slovak Republic, section bulbs, spare fuses, tow rope or tow bar. driving licences www.minv.sk/?vodicske- It is also necessary to have all required preukazy (in Slovak only) or in person at documents including compulsory third the District transport inspectorate of the party insurance document. Police forces in the place of your residence (addresses and office hours to be found at Speed limits www.minv.sk/?strankove-dni-a-hodiny- On a motorway: max. 130 km/h na-pracoviskach, in Slovak only). For more (80 mph), min. 80 km/h (50 mph) information and required documents On a motorway in builtup area: max. for the registration of your car please 90 km/h (55 mph), min. 65 km/h (40 mph) contact the Police Vehicle Registration On an open road: max. 90 km/h (55 mph) Department in the place of your residence In builtup area: max. 50 km/h (30 mph) and its website www.minv.sk/?informacie-6 (in Slovak only). Motorway stickers For the motorways, your automobile must Traffic regulations have a motorway sticker valid in the given The current traffic regulations are the calendar year. They are available at border same as in other European countries. Seat crossings, petrol stations and post offices belts are compulsory. The use of a mobile or on-line at: www.dialnicnenalepky.sk/ phone is forbidden while driving. It is en/types-of-vignettes. The sticker must be prohibited to drink any amount of alcohol placed on the righthand side of windscreen before or while driving. No level of alcohol and you must always have the second in blood is tolerated. A car must have the part of the sticker with you and show it to appropriate lights on during the whole a police officer upon request. Any sticker year. Motor vehicles in Slovakia have not fixed is not valid. It is possible to buy a duty to have winter tires if continuous a motorway stickers for one calendar year layer of snow or ice is on the roads. An or valid for 30 or 10 days. Motor-bikers do accident with presumed loss over 3,990 € not need toll stickers on motorways. must be reported to the police; otherwise, the participants of an accident clarify the Petrol/Charging stations circumstances themselves and report it to Petrol stations are located throughout the insurance company according to their the whole territory of Slovakia. They are agreement. usually open 24 hours a day, and easy to find. Most of these are operated by You can get a brief list of road regualtions Europe’s largest petroleum companies in English here: http://slovakia.travel/en/ and are well-stocked. They sell diesel car-transport or www.slovakia-rentacar. and nonleaded petrol, Super 95 Natural, com/traffic-info.php Natural 98, Normal 21, V-Power, V-power Racing, EVO Benzin, etc. For Essential car equipment older vehicles the nonleaded petrol Among the compulsory car equipment is: with special additives replacing lead warning triangle, first-aid kit, spare wheel, are available. There is a network 190 EURAXESS SLOVAKIA
of petrol stations providing also LPG phone to pay for parking. For detailed (www.doauta.sk/index.php?option=com_ information, please, consult the website fabrik&Itemid=42&lang=sk, in Slovak www.m-parking.sk (in Slovak only). only). Almost all petrol stations sell drinks and snacks. Toilet facilities tend to be Breakdown service quite acceptable and larger stations offer ASA – Autoklub Slovakia Assistance, s. r. o., www.asaauto.sk showers. In all big petrol stations you can 18 112, +421/2/49 20 59 49 pay with credit cards. AC Autoclub, www.acautoclub.sk 18 007, +421/2/20 92 00 07 You can find charging stations for electric SATC – Slovak Automotive Tourist Club, www.satc.sk vehicles e. g. here: http://kdenabijat.sk/ 18 124, +421/2/68 24 92 11 or www.vse.sk/wps/portal/zb/domov/e- mobility/kde-najdete-nabijacie-stanice.
Daily life in Slovakia The services are commercial and operate Parking 24 hours a day. Parking in cities is well marked by international traffic signs. Parking in forbidden places can result in being 5.21 Veterinary care fined, towed or wheel-clamped. In bigger cities, some parking places are specified A list of veterinarians in Slovakia for parking with a parking card, which can be found at www.zoznamveterinarov.sk can be bought from newspaper kiosks. or at www.zzz.sk/?page=veterinari Other parking places require the use of (both websites in Slovak only). The services automatic parking meters. In several cities of a veterinarian must be paid for in full of Slovakia, it is possible to use your mobile at the point of use. The International Researcher’s Guide to Slovakia 191
6. Glossary
A diaľničná známka motorway sticker Glossary ambulancia outpatient room dieťa child auto car diéty per diem autobus bus, coach divadlo theatre autopožičovňa car rental dohoda agreement dohoda agreement on the B o vykonaní práce performance of work balík parcel doktorandské doctoral (PhD.) štúdium study benzín petrol domáci domestic byt flat, apartment doplnkové poistenie additional insurance C doprava transportation cena price dovolenka annual leave cestovná kancelária travel agency dovoz import cestovné náhrady travel allowances dôchodkové poistene old-age insurance cestovný poriadok schedule dôchodok old-age pension clo, colnica duty, customs DPH VAT standpoint druh type, kind cudzinec foreigner, alien čaj tea E čas time električka tram čerpacia stanica petrol station, električenka a monthly pass fuel station čistiareň dry cleaning F člen, členský štát member, financovanie funding member state finančný financial D G daň z príjmu income tax gymnázium secondary grammar daň, daňovník tax, taxpayer school daňové priznanie tax return, declaration of taxes 192 EURAXESS SLOVAKIA
H M hory mountains manželka spouse, wife hrad castle materská škôlka kindergarten hraničný priechod border crossing medzinárodný international medzivládny intergovernmental
Glossary I mena currency internát dormitory, student hostel mesačník, a monthly pass predplatný izba room cestovný lístok mestská hromadná local public J doprava (MHD) transport jaskyňa cave miestenka seat reservation jazyk language mimoškolská činnosť after-school activity jazykový kurz language course mimovládne neziskové non-governmental jedáleň canteen organizácie non-profit organisations jedlo food, meal mzda income, wage, K salary kaderníctvo hairdresser N kaviareň coffee bar, café nájomné rent kino cinema náklady costs kniha book nápoj drink knižnica library národný national kostol church nárok entitlement kúpele spa nemocenské poistenie sickness insurance L nemocnica hospital lekár doctor, general O practitioner, physician občan citizen, national lekáreň pharmacy obchod shop letisko airport oblečenie clothes list letter odborný lekár specialist lístok ticket odchod departure lyžovanie skiing osobný vlak passenger train The International Researcher’s Guide to Slovakia 193
P priemysel industry personálna agentúra personnel príchod arrival recruitment agency príjem income Glossary pivo beer plat wage, salary R rámcový framework počasie, weather reštaurácia restaurant predpoveď počasia weather forecast rezervácia booking počítač computer rodina family podpis signature rodné číslo birth registration podpora support number pohotovosť emergency rodný list birth certificate poistenie, insurance rozvoj development poistenie unemployment rýchlik fast train v nezamestsnanosti insurance rýchlosť speed pokladňa ticket office poplatok fee S poschodie floor samospráva self-administration postihnutie disability sanitka ambulance pošta post office služba service povinná školská compulsory sobášny list marriage certificate dochádzka education spolupráca co‑operation povinné odvody levies into do fondov poistenia compulsory funds stredná škola secondary school povolenie na pobyt residence permit súkromný private práca work sviatok holiday pracovný čas working time škola school práceneschopnosť sick leave štátny state pracovná zmluva employment štipendium stipend, scholarship contract pracovné povolenie work permit T tretia krajina third country praktický lekár general practitioner trolejbus trolleybus prechodný pobyt temporary stay trvalý pobyt permanent priemerná mzda average income residence 194 EURAXESS SLOVAKIA
U vyučovanie teaching-learning process ubytovanie accommodation vzdelávanie education účet bill úrad office Z úrazové poistenie injury insurance zahraničný, foreign, abroad
Glossary v zahraničí ústav institute základná škola primary school uzávierka deadline zákon act, law územie territory zamestnanie employment uznávanie diplomov recognition of diplomas zamestnanec employee zastávka bus/tram stop V zbraň firearm veda science zdravie health vedec scientist zdravotná health care veľvyslanectvo embassy starostlivosť vchod entrance zdravotná poisťovňa health insurance vláda government company vlak train zdravotné poistenie health insurance vodičský preukaz driving licence zdroj source vstupné admission fee zmenáreň exchange office výdavky costs zriaďovateľ founder východ exit zubár dentist výmenný kurz exchange rate železničná stanica railway station výnimka exception žiadosť application výpis z registra criminal record trestov výskum research výskumník researcher vysokoškolské higher education vzdelávanie výťah lift vyučovací jazyk language of instruction The International Researcher’s Guide to Slovakia 195 196 EURAXESS SLOVAKIA
Ultimate desision about the move ARRIVAL IN SLOVAKIA Leaving the country
Leisure time
Networking with other internationals/locals in the country
Language courses and cultural orientation
Health care - finding doctors
Using of EURAXESS services and portal
Daily life issues - bank account, All incoming researchers /teachers mobile phone, internet, driving Daily life issues - termination/resuming/change licence, pets, ...
Researcher / Teachers from countries outside the EU/EEA/Switzerland Taxation Declaration of tax
Pension and social security entitlements Researchers / Teachers from EU/EEA/Switzerland Social insurance and security Social contributions termination/resuming/change
Health insurance Health insurance - termination/resuming/change
Termination of Researchers / Teachers with a work contract irrespective of the country of origin Registration of residence registration of residence
Notice of Voluntary activities stay Deregistration duties in Deregistration duties in Slovakia Researchers / Teachers coming with their family members home country
Renting contract termination, finding accommodation and Accommodation and relocation relocation
Entry and stay - visa, residence permit, special medical check Renewal of Criminal records from all relevant residence countries including authentication permit Work permit within the residence permit application
Recognition of diplomas including authentication
Communication with the hosting and sending institution Communication with the hosting and sending institution
Confirmation of the scholarship Selection Work contract/project/ scholarship Application, selection process, grant award, or resuming former emplozment Seeking and applying for job/grant/scholarship award/Employer's promise to procedure/decision contract signature contract employ the international
4 months 3 months 2 months 1 month 1 month 2 months 3 months 4 months 5 months > 6 months
Entry and stay of family members - visa, residence permit, special medical Res. permit check renewal
Notice of Deregistration duties in stay Slovakia
Termination of Registration of residence of family members registration of residence
Health insurance Health insurance - termination/resuming/change
Job termination and application, declaration of tax, Job for a spouse social security entitlements, social contributions termination/resuming/change Authentication of documents on education, Authentication of documents on education including translation, recognition recognition Child care and education - schools, School attendance termination/resuming/change kindergartens ...
Childcare benefits Deregistration in Slovakia
Health care - finding doctors The International Researcher’s Guide to Slovakia 197
Ultimate desision about the move ARRIVAL IN SLOVAKIA Leaving the country Graphical overview of the duties
Leisure time regarding the mobility to Slovakia Networking with other internationals/locals in the (timeline checklist) country
Language courses and cultural orientation
Health care - finding doctors
Using of EURAXESS services and portal
Daily life issues - bank account, All incoming researchers /teachers mobile phone, internet, driving Daily life issues - termination/resuming/change licence, pets, ...
Researcher / Teachers from countries outside the EU/EEA/Switzerland Taxation Declaration of tax
Pension and social security entitlements Researchers / Teachers from EU/EEA/Switzerland Social insurance and security Social contributions termination/resuming/change
Health insurance Health insurance - termination/resuming/change
Termination of Researchers / Teachers with a work contract irrespective of the country of origin Registration of residence registration of residence
Notice of Voluntary activities stay Deregistration duties in Deregistration duties in Slovakia Researchers / Teachers coming with their family members home country
Renting contract termination, finding accommodation and Accommodation and relocation relocation
Entry and stay - visa, residence permit, special medical check Renewal of Criminal records from all relevant residence countries including authentication permit Work permit within the residence permit application
Recognition of diplomas including authentication
Communication with the hosting and sending institution Communication with the hosting and sending institution
Confirmation of the scholarship Selection Work contract/project/ scholarship Application, selection process, grant award, or resuming former emplozment Seeking and applying for job/grant/scholarship award/Employer's promise to procedure/decision contract signature contract employ the international
4 months 3 months 2 months 1 month 1 month 2 months 3 months 4 months 5 months > 6 months
Entry and stay of family members - visa, residence permit, special medical Res. permit check renewal
Notice of Deregistration duties in stay Slovakia
Termination of Registration of residence of family members registration of residence
Health insurance Health insurance - termination/resuming/change
Job termination and application, declaration of tax, Job for a spouse social security entitlements, social contributions termination/resuming/change Authentication of documents on education, Authentication of documents on education including translation, recognition recognition Child care and education - schools, School attendance termination/resuming/change kindergartens ...
Childcare benefits Deregistration in Slovakia
Health care - finding doctors www.euraxess.sk [email protected] 198 EURAXESS SLOVAKIA SAIA, n. o. (Slovak Academic Information Agency) is a non-governmental non-profit organisation implementing programmes and providing services aimed at enhancement of civil society, and assisting in internationalisation of education and research in Slovakia since 1990. SAIA came to existence in 1990’s at the Ministry of Education of the Slovak Republic. New conditions in the society naturally called for an independent information agency to guarantee access to information and provide advisory service on opportunities for study abroad. Such agency would also develop an open and transparent application system for distribution of scholarships offered to Slovakia by foreign governments and various non‑profit organisations after the regime change.
SAIA registered as a civic association on January 1, 1992 and later transformed itself into a non-profit organisation providing public-benefit services. Initially, the agency carried out its activities only in Bratislava and later started to open its regional offices in university towns. In 1993, SAIA was authorised by the Ministry of Education of SR to administer two new intergovernmental programs: Action Austria – Slovakia, Co-operation in Science and Education and CEEPUS. After expanding its services to a new target group – non‑governmental organisations – it became a service centre for the third sector. SAIA ceased its wide spectrum of activities in this area at the end of 2003.
In 2004, it worked not only in the field of student and teacher mobility but it started to concentrate also on mobility of researchers from both public and private research organisations. It became a part of the European network of EURAXESS Service Centres, with funding from the European Commission. From 2011, the national EURAXESS network is funded by the Ministry of Education, Science, Research and Sport of the Slovak Republic. NŠP Since 2006, SAIA started to implement two new programmes adopted by the Slovak Národný Government and financed by the Ministry of Education – Milan Rastislav Štefánik Fellowship štipendijný Programme and National Scholarship Programme for the Support of Mobility of Students, PhD program Students, University Teachers and Researchers. Financing of Štefánik Fellowship Programme ended in 2009. In 2011, the National Scholarship Programme has entered the 2nd phase of its implementation and SAIA continues in its administration.
The Programme NIL Fund Supporting Co-operation in the Field of Education with funding from the EEA/Norwegian Financial Mechanisms and co-funding from the Slovak state budget was managed by SAIA from 2007 to April 2011. Since 2013, in the framework of the 2nd programme period of EEA Grants, SAIA has become the programme operator of the EEA Scholarship Programme Slovakia aimed at upper-secondary schools and higher education institutions. The programme is to be implemented mainly by the end of 2016.
At the beginning of 2010, the Sciex‑NMSch – Scientific Exchange Programme was launched in Slovakia, funded from the Swiss contribution to the enlarged European Union. SAIA became the coordination body for the programme. The last call for proposals was closed in April 2014.
As of 2015, SAIA will run offices in five university towns (Bratislava, Banská Bystrica, Košice, Nitra and Žilina) with approximately 20 employees.
SAIA, n. o. Programmes: 1. Academic Mobility 2. Action Austria – Slovakia, Co-operation in Science and Education 3. CEEPUS – Central European Exchange Programme for University Studies 4. National Scholarship Programme of the Slovak Republic 5. EEA Scholarship Programme Slovakia 6. Sciex‑NMSch – Scientific Exchange Programme 7. EURAXESS Service Centres