1. What needs to be prepared by an EU citizen before they ‘start dealing with authorities’ (tools, documents, documentation, certificates, etc.) and where can they find/obtain this?

Before arriving in Slovakia for the purposes of research or research mobility, you need to:

If you are a Union citizen:

• find, select and apply for a grant or fellowship for research;
• find a job for research purposes;
• after being selected or accepted by the receiving institution, specify the terms and conditions and period of stay;
• we recommend you the EURAXESS information and assistance services relating to your research stay in Slovakia, providing relevant information on entry, residence, social and health care, and taxation;
• prepare documentation required for entry to the country and residence, have your evidence of education recognised and authenticated, find accommodation, fulfil de-registration duties (if applicable) in the sending country.

If you are not a Union citizen, you will need to:

• find, select and apply for a grant or fellowship for research;
• find a job for research purposes;
• after being selected or accepted by the receiving institution, specify the terms and conditions and period of stay;
• we recommend you the EURAXESS information and assistance services relating to your research stay in Slovakia, providing relevant information on entry, residence, social and health care, and taxation;
• prepare documentation required for entry to the country and residence, have your evidence of education recognised and authenticated, find accommodation, fulfil de-registration duties (if applicable) in the sending country;
• get a visa in time (if the sending country does not have a visa-free travel regime with the Slovak Republic).

2. What should citizens expect?

The following tasks need to be carried out in connection with a research stay in Slovakia (interconnection with other situations in life):

• visa and entry, residence permit, resp. registration of the residence of an EU citizen in case of a stay longer than 3 months, employment, document authentication, social and health insurance, taxation, recognition of evidence of education, this information is compiled and available at EURAXESS.

3. Who can citizens consult when they do not know what to do?

Information and assistance service on researcher mobility is provided by the network of Euraxess Centres Slovakia.

4. What sanctions are applicable for non-compliance with obligations?

Non-compliance with the rules and obligations of foreigners related to the stay in the territory of the Slovak Republic can result in sanctions under the applicable national legislation, or even expulsion.

5. Frequently asked questions and answers

Frequently asked questions under several categories, associated with research in Slovakia

6. Erasmus+ – study and traineeship abroad

If you are a student, you have an opportunity to participate in an Erasmus+ exchange programme or complete a traineeship in a company abroad.

7. Vocational education and training

If you are in vocational education and training, or are just completing it, and want to improve your job skills and employability through a traineeship abroad, you can apply for financial support from Erasmus+.

8. EU financial support for researchers

Horizon 2020 is the largest global grant scheme to provide support for research and innovation. Through its calls, it supports transnational cooperation between research institutions and industry representatives in technology transfer. The structure of the program is focused not only on support for basic research in all scientific fields, but also applied research within individual societal challenges.

EU financing could support your training and career development as a researcher:

Training and career development helps produce leading researchers. This is the focus of the Horizon 2020 Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (only in Slovak) programme area. Support is offered to young and experienced researchers to reinforce their career and skills through training, or periods of placement in another country or in the private sector. This gives them new knowledge and experience to allow them to reach their full potential. More information…

Funding for research fellowship

An overview of funding opportunities for research fellowship with information on financial support of student, doctoral candidate, teacher and researcher mobility in more than 50 countries is available at the website of the network of Euraxess Slovakia centres, SAIA, n. o.

Funding for young researchers (networks that hire and train young researchers)

The Horizon 2020 Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions (only in Slovak) programme area under the EU Framework Programme for Research and Innovation provides funding for young researchers. Support is offered to young and experienced researchers to reinforce their career and skills through training, or periods of placement in another country or in the private sector. This gives them new knowledge and experience to allow them to reach their full potential. More information…