It’s no wonder, you may consider hiring or moving your talents to Central Europe: Slovakia offers a highly educated workforce, competitive labor costs, and a favorable business environment. While Poland is known for its strong economy, large domestic market, and access to EU funding, the Czech Republic boasts a skilled workforce, a well-developed infrastructure, plus a stable political environment.
Each country has unique benefits and opportunities for businesses. Our team can assist you in finding the perfect location for your company and provide support throughout the entire relocation process. Read on to learn more about each country’s specifics.
Slovakia EOR for Expats
Slovakia is an appealing destination for expats due to its low cost of living compared to other European nations, stable economy, and low unemployment rate. Work opportunities vary depending on the sector, with the Tech sector remaining a trendy option for expats. The ease of finding work in Slovakia will depend on whether or not the individual is an EU/EEA national. EU/EEA nationals have streamlined the job-seeking process. They can reside and work in the country with a Blue Card (residence permit for highly skilled workers with a university degree). However, third-party talents outside the EU/EEA will need a work permit. This will be issued based on an existing offer of employment, and employers are required to notify the Labour Office at least ten days before a vacancy opens, giving priority to Slovak nationals and other EU citizens. If approved, the employer will issue a Letter of Employment, which will be used as part of the work permit application and submitted to the Labour Office.
The COVID-19 situation has led to changes in the procedures and deadlines that fall under the scope of the Immigration Law. The most significant change is that permits that expire during the extraordinary situation or within one month after the problem is revoked will remain valid for two months after the crisis is over. Deadlines for temporary residence have also been extended during this time.
In response to the Ukraine situation, Law No. 92/2022 Coll. allows persons who have been granted temporary shelter to enter the labor market immediately after registration without needing to undergo the standard process of obtaining a residence permit for third-country nationals. Deadlines for foreign policy decision-making processes have also been altered.
Also, several recent measures addressed the lack of qualified personnel in the Slovak labor market, including a National visa for highly qualified third-country nationals, allowing for easier and quicker employment of specific categories of non-EU citizens.
Finally, some legislative proposals are given for an amendment to the Law on the Residence of Foreigners, aiming to simplify obtaining a residence permit for third-country nationals.
One of the most significant benefits of relocation to Slovakia is the cost of living. Compared to other Western European countries, Slovakia offers a much lower cost of living, which means you can stretch your budget further and enjoy a higher standard of living. Slovakia is a great destination for those looking to save money from affordable housing to low-cost groceries. Also, look at our EOR page specifically for Slovakia.
Poland Relocation Case
Relocating to Poland can be a great opportunity for those looking for a stable economy and abundant job opportunities. As the only European Union member nation that the recession hasn’t struck, Poland has seen a steady stream of foreign investment and increased employment opportunities for foreigners.
Finding employment in Poland is relatively straightforward for citizens of other EU and EEA countries. These individuals do not require a special permit to work legally in the country. However, non-EU nationals are required to have a documental permit for this. The applicant’s future employer must request this permit, which is valid only for the duration specified by the employer.
Employment law in Poland is mainly regulated by the Act of 26 June 1974 Labor Code, which governs all rights and obligations of both employees and employers. This Law ensures that the rights of employees are protected and that employers are held accountable for their actions.
One of the most significant growth areas in Poland is the BPO/SSC (business services) sector. This sector currently employs over 130,000 people, many of whom are expats. Companies such as Capgemini, Citi, Infosys, and Shell are searching for foreigners to fill open positions. There are opportunities for easier jobs, such as customer service, and more specialized roles, especially in the finance and IT sectors. Acvian has a material regarding benefits for IT hiring in Poland.
However, Szymon Ksiazkiewich from CareersinPoland.com notes that while it is easy to find a job in Poland as a foreigner, there can be some formal difficulties with legal documents. Specifically, Polish Law needs some adjustments regarding visa and work permit issues. Non-EU citizens may find it more challenging to secure a visa or appropriate work permit in Poland.
Poland offers a stable economy and a wide range of foreign job opportunities. Non-European citizens should plan accordingly to some possible obstacles that often are dealt with with the help of a Professional Employment Organization. With the right approach and some patience, relocating to Poland can be a great opportunity for those looking to advance their career and explore a new country. Please, see our EOR in Poland page for more information.
What to know more on moving to the Czech Republic?
Relocating to the Czech Republic can be an exciting opportunity for those seeking new experiences and opportunities. However, it is important to be aware of the visa requirements and processes for those who are not EU citizens or from one of the 40 states exempt from short-term visa requirements.
Before arriving in the Czech Republic, non-EU citizens and those from non-exempt states must apply for a Schengen visa. This visa allows the holder to stay within the Schengen area for 90 days over 180 days. To apply for a Schengen visa, individuals must submit a completed application form, their passport, a recent passport-sized photograph, documents detailing the nature of their stay in the Czech Republic (such as a work permit or contract), proof of travel medical insurance, and proof of their intention to leave the country once their visa expires.
For those planning to stay in the Czech Republic for more than 90 days, a long-term Schengen visa (type D) is required. In addition to the requirements for a Schengen visa, individuals must also provide proof of accommodation for the duration of their stay, a document outlining their financial means, and a document confirming their health insurance coverage.
Upon entering the Czech Republic, all foreigners must register at their local Foreigners’ Police Inspectorate within 30 working days. Freelancers who wish to work as self-employed must obtain a license called zivnostensky list.
While Prague is a popular destination for expats, the Czech Republic offers much more. Other cities such as Brno, Ostrava, and Plzen also offer a variety of opportunities and attractions.
Relocating to the Czech Republic requires planning and research to navigate the visa requirements and processes. It is vital to apply for the appropriate visa and register with the Foreigners’ Police Inspectorate within the required time frame. However, with proper preparation, the Czech Republic can be a fulfilling and exciting destination for expats. For example, you could easily estimate your payroll in Czechia using Acvian’s calculator.
How Employer of Record can assist an expat’s employment?
Relocating to a new country can be both exciting and daunting. It’s an opportunity to experience new cultures, learn new languages, and advance your career. However, navigating the legal and administrative aspects of relocating and finding a job in a foreign country can also be overwhelming. This is where an Employer of Record solution comes in.
An Employer of Record (EOR for expats) is a service that allows companies to employ foreign workers without the need to set up a legal entity in the country where the employee will be working. This means that the EOR takes on the hiring, payroll, and compliance responsibilities, making relocating much simpler for both the employer and the employee.
Acvian solution (for 110+ countries) is specifically useful for companies looking to expand into Poland, Slovakia, or the Czech Republic. Each country has its own unique set of laws and regulations regarding employment, and our EOR can help navigate these complexities. For example, in Poland, companies must register employees with the Social Insurance Institution (ZUS) within seven days of their start date. Slovakia has strict rules on the minimum wage and vacation days. An EOR can handle all these requirements, leaving the company to focus on its core business.
EOR for expats solution can make completing employment much easier. Acvian takes care of employment’s legal and administrative specifics, allowing the expat to focus on finding a job that matches their skills and experience. In addition, an EOR can provide support and advice to expats on everything from finding housing to navigating the local culture.
EOR for Expats from Acvian can be highly beneficial for companies relocating to Poland, Slovakia, or the Czech Republic.
It can help navigate the collateral complexities of employment in these countries and provide support with professional advice. Accepting such help, companies and expats can focus on what they do best – growing their businesses and advancing their careers.
