Coming to work in Slovakia?

Every year, Slovakia welcomes tens of thousands of workers from abroad - from Ukraine, Serbia and Romania, but also from countries much further away. The first thing you need to sort out after signing your employment contract is accommodation. And it's not just a matter of comfort - you also need proof of accommodation when applying for your residence permit.

In this guide we'll cover how to find a hostel as a foreign worker, which documents you'll need, and what to watch out for.

How to arrange accommodation before you arrive

Ideally, you should have accommodation arranged before you travel to Slovakia:

  • Through your employer or agency - most companies employing foreign workers have hostels under contract and will arrange accommodation for you. Always ask in advance how much of the price you pay and how much the company covers.
  • Through a specialised portal - on our directory of workers' hostels you can browse photos and prices and message accommodation providers directly, all from home.
  • Through people you know - a recommendation from compatriots already working in Slovakia is valuable. Even so, view the hostel yourself before paying anything.
Beware of scams: never send a deposit to a stranger via anonymous payment services. A reputable accommodation provider communicates openly, has a verifiable address and gives you a written contract.

Documents and residence registration

Proof of accommodation

When applying for temporary residence for the purpose of employment (citizens of non-EU countries), you need to prove where you will be living - usually with an affidavit from the accommodation provider or an accommodation contract. Hostels used to hosting foreign workers issue this kind of confirmation routinely; ask for it as soon as you book.

Registering your stay with the Foreigners' Police

  • Citizens of non-EU countries - the start of your stay must be reported to the Foreigners' Police within 3 working days of entering the country. If you live in a hostel, the accommodation provider usually handles this reporting duty for you.
  • EU citizens - must report the start of their stay within 10 working days.

The exact rules can change, so verify the current requirements on the website of the Ministry of Interior of the Slovak Republic or with your employer. What matters is that a solid hostel will help you with the paperwork - they do it for their guests all the time.

What to expect from a workers' hostel

A standard workers' hostel in Slovakia offers:

  • ✓ A furnished room for 2 - 6 people with bed linen
  • ✓ A shared kitchen where you can cook your own meals
  • ✓ A washing machine, WiFi and a lockable wardrobe
  • ✓ A price of 130 - 300 € per month, depending on the city and room type

Prices are lowest in eastern and central Slovakia and highest in Bratislava and its surroundings. You'll find a price overview by region in our complete guide to workers' hostels.

What to watch out for

1. A contract you understand

Never sign anything you don't understand. Ask for time to have the contract translated, or for help from a colleague who understands Slovak. Look for these things in the contract: the price and what it includes, the deposit amount and the conditions for getting it back, and the notice period.

2. Accommodation deducted from your wages

If an agency arranges your accommodation and deducts the payment from your wages, ask for a written breakdown - exactly how much you pay for accommodation. Compare the amount with typical prices; if you're paying significantly more, ask why.

3. Accommodation tied to your job

With employer-provided accommodation, keep in mind that when the job ends, the accommodation usually ends too. Find out in advance how long you'd have to move out in that case, and keep a reserve set aside for the first month in a new hostel.

Practical tips to finish

  • Photograph your room when you move in - it prevents disputes over damage when you leave
  • Keep all payment receipts
  • Respect the house rules - especially night-time quiet hours; guests working shifts will appreciate it as much as you do
  • Communicate with the manager - problems (a broken washing machine, noise) are best dealt with right away

Conclusion

Finding accommodation in Slovakia as a foreign worker isn't complicated once you know where to look and what to watch out for. Choose hostels experienced with foreign guests, insist on a written contract, and take care of the formalities right after you arrive.

Start by browsing verified hostels across Slovakia - contacting the accommodation provider is direct and free of charge.