Pay and working conditions in European countries

Thinking about working in another European country? For each of 32 countries – all 27 EU countries plus Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland and the United Kingdom – you will find the key labour market figures, where the jobs are, how to apply, pay and working conditions, student jobs and what to do in your first weeks. General advice on job search, your CV and your rights: How to find a job abroad – 10 practical guides »

Found: 1

Slovakia

Minimum wage: €915 a month, or €5.269 for each hour worked if you are not paid monthly (from 1 January 2026). Depending on how demanding the job is, there are six minimum wage levels, from €915 to €1,495 a month.
Contract: employment is based on a written employment contract. A fixed-term contract may last at most 2 years and be renewed twice; further renewals need an objective reason. A probation period of at most 3 months (6 months for managers) must be agreed in writing.
Working time: at most 40 hours a week, usually 37.5–40 hours over five days. The 30-minute break is generally not counted as working time.
Overtime: including overtime, you may work on average no more than 48 hours a week. Overtime is paid with extra money on top of your normal wage, or with time off if you agree.
Holidays: at least 4 weeks of paid leave a year; 5 weeks if you are 33 or older or permanently care for a child.

Common questions about job applications and interviews

Key figures: Eurostat (population on 1 January 2026; unemployment and employment rates 2025; minimum wages July 2026); for the United Kingdom – Office for National Statistics; for Liechtenstein – national statistics. Country information: EURES – Living and working conditions, public employment services and the official government websites listed under each country. Rules, thresholds and amounts can change – check the official sources before you move. Updated: October 2026.

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