Slovakia is increasingly relying on foreign labor to support its national economy. As of March 2026, almost 150,000 foreigners are officially working in the country, which is more than 6% of the total workforce. Analysts emphasize that without attracting migrants, many sectors would be at risk due to the aging local population and the mass departure of young Slovaks abroad.
Ukraine has confidently held the leading position in the structure of labor migration since 2019. Today, Ukrainians make up 38% of all working foreigners and half of those who arrived from countries outside the European Union. Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, the number of Ukrainian workers in the Slovak market has increased 2.5 times.
However, statistics also record new trends:
India took second place with a share of 7%, ahead of Serbia.
The presence of people from Southeast Asia, especially Vietnam, Nepal, and the Philippines, is actively growing.
A significant group (12%) consists of representatives from post-Soviet countries, with Uzbekistan being the leader.
The influx of workers from EU countries has stopped, as they prefer countries with higher salary levels.
Labor migration brings tangible economic benefits to Slovakia. Attracting qualified personnel not only helps companies fill vacancies but also contributes to GDP growth, increased tax revenue, and ensures the stability of the social system amid a demographic crisis.
Despite this, Slovakia still has one of the lowest levels of foreigner integration in the EU. IFP experts warn: for people to not only work but also stay in the country long-term, it is necessary to urgently remove bureaucratic barriers, improve access to education, housing, and language courses, and guarantee fair working conditions.
