📄

Zápočtový list

Certificate of employment period (upon dismissal)

What does “Zápočtový list” mean in Slovakia?

Zápočtový list (official name: potvrdenie o zamestnaní) is a certificate that an employer must give to an employee when their employment ends. It shows your period of work and other information important for the next employer and government institutions.

Why it is needed

for a new employer — to confirm your work experience;
for the Social Insurance Agency (Sociálna poisťovňa) and the Labor Office (úrad práce) — when applying for benefits;
to show if there are any deductions from your salary (for example, enforcement proceedings).

The employer must issue the document upon dismissal, together with the final payment — you don't have to ask for it specially, but if you don't get it, request it in writing. Keep all such certificates from previous jobs in one place: it can be very difficult to get them later if the company no longer exists. If the document has an error in dates or data — ask to correct it immediately while you still have contact with the employer.

Important. Do not confuse the employment record (zápočtový list) with the income statement (potvrdenie o príjme) — these are different documents. The first confirms the period and fact of employment, the second shows how much you earned.

Examples of use

When you leave, we will issue a work certificate.

When you leave, we will give you a certificate about your work period.

Without a work reference letter, your new employer will have difficulty registering you.

Without this certificate, your new employer will have a harder time hiring you.

Keep your employment certificate.

Save this information.

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to ask for this document?

The employer must give it to you when you finish working. If they do not give it to you, ask for it in writing. This is your right.

What to do if your employer does not give you a certificate?

Send a written demand. If there is no reaction, you can contact the Labor Inspectorate (Inšpektorát práce).

Why do I need it?

It confirms your work history and period of work for the next employer, Sociálna poisťovňa (Social Insurance Agency) and úrad práce (labor office). So, keep it.