How to Live in Slovakia

When looking at moving to Slovakia, one of the first questions a new resident will ask is, are there any jobs.  This is because, though industrialized since the early 1900’s, Slovakia is mostly known for the agricultural bent of its original settlers.   While many of the people are descended from farmers, there has been a large number of industries opened in the country in the past fifty years.

One of the biggest employers in Bratislava is Slovnaft.  This oil refinery was established in 1957 and showcases the economic stability of the region.  While importing large amounts of oil, the company still maintains a positive balance on their ledgers.

There are also two other major companies who have manufacturing and offices in Slovakia, Whirlpool and Volkswagen.  Whirlpool started a manufacturing center for their appliances in the Poprad region of the Tatras Mountains.  Volkswagen has had a manufacturing facility in Slovakia since 1990.

If you are planning to move to Slovakia, one of the other subject many new residents have is how do I get a visa or is one even needed.  The answer to that question is fairly simple; you do not need a visa when visiting from the United States for a time period of less than thirty days.  If you wish to stay longer, then you need to contact the department of ministry for the Slovak Republic before your arrive into the country.  The application cost varies based on the reason for the move, business being around 225 Euros and person costing approximately 160 Euros.

The rent in Slovakia is another reason many people who are working abroad may want to have a permanent residence in the country.  Slovakia rent is comparable with many parts of Eastern Europe, with most apartments costing about 499 Euros per month, equivalent to about $800 US dollars.

The embassy of Slovakia is the first step for any new resident or visitor to the country.  If you register at the embassy, then they know, should an emergency arise from your home, how to contact you during your visit.  The embassy also likes to keep a record of anyone entering the country so that, in case of a natural disaster, such as a blizzard or rock cave in, the rescue workers will know who to find and approximately where you are located.  Overall, registering at the embassy Slovakia is a good idea, both for your safety and the peace of mind for your relatives back home.