Slovakia Extends National Visas for Bus and HGV Drivers

Slovakia has introduced a significant change to its national visa policy, extending the stay period for eligible third-country professional bus and international heavy goods vehicle (HGV) drivers. This update, effective from the start of 2026, replaces the previous 180-day limit with a visa that covers the entire period of employment, up to a maximum of one year. The Central Office of Labour, Social Affairs and Family has indicated that up to 5,000 visas could be issued in this category throughout 2026, though this number serves as a ceiling rather than a guarantee.

This visa extension aims to provide employers with more time to train and retain drivers, addressing some of the persistent labor shortages within the logistics sector. Previously, a six-month stay was often insufficient for employers to fully integrate and train new drivers, leading to higher turnover rates. The new policy is intended to allow employees more time to adapt to their roles and complete necessary professional training, while also giving companies a better opportunity to stabilize their staffing levels.

Longer Stays Support Driver Training and Retention

The updated visa regulations specifically benefit eligible workers from countries such as Ukraine, Serbia, Georgia, India, the Philippines, Nepal, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan. It is important to note that this rule applies to a defined group of bus and international freight drivers, not to all vacant positions within the broader logistics industry. Representatives from the Association of Logistics and Freight Forwarding (ZLZ SR) have observed a modest increase in the number of third-country drivers joining some transport companies since the amendment took effect. These drivers are reportedly performing their duties as expected.

The extended visa duration offers a more practical timeframe for recruitment and training initiatives. Companies that invest in training new drivers often require more than just a few months to see the full benefit of that investment. A one-year visa aligns better with these training cycles, proving beneficial for both the drivers and the logistics companies that are investing in their development. This policy change is seen as a positive step towards easing one aspect of the hiring challenges faced by the industry.

Broader Hiring Challenges Persist Beyond Driver Shortages

Despite the positive impact of the visa extension on driver recruitment and retention, it is crucial to recognize that the logistics sector faces a wider array of staffing difficulties. Companies are not only struggling to find qualified drivers but also experiencing shortages in other essential roles, including warehouse workers, dispatchers, and forklift operators. The extended visa for a specific group of drivers does not directly address these other critical staffing gaps.

Furthermore, the logistics profession is contending with demographic shifts. A significant number of experienced drivers are reaching retirement age, while fewer young individuals are entering the field. The costs associated with obtaining the necessary training and qualifications for driving roles can be substantial, often running into thousands of euros. This financial burden adds another layer of difficulty for companies attempting to recruit and prepare new personnel. Consequently, while the visa extension helps alleviate one bottleneck, it does not resolve the full scope of the labor market challenges. The industry’s concerns extend to driver turnover and preparation, but also encompass the need for staffing across the entire transport sector. The longer visa period provides companies with additional time, but it does not independently increase the overall supply of available workers.

Residence and Travel Rules Continue to Complicate Planning

Beyond the visa duration itself, other regulations continue to present complexities for longer-term planning and cross-border operations. A separate rule, which came into effect in July 2026, governs the transition for some workers from a national visa to temporary residence for employment. This rule requires individuals to remain in the same job, introducing a condition that employers must carefully consider when developing strategies for staff retention.

Additionally, the Schengen 90/180-day rule remains a complicating factor for the mobility of many foreign drivers, even when their national work authorization permits a longer stay. This rule restricts the amount of time individuals can spend within the Schengen Area over a 180-day period. The recent visa extension for drivers does not alter or remove this existing travel constraint, meaning that drivers may still face limitations on their cross-border movements despite having a longer national visa. Hauliers are actively seeking more consistent channels for foreign drivers, simplified residence procedures, and sustainable, long-term labor solutions to address the ongoing shortages across the logistics and transport sectors.

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