Czechia-Slovakia

Bilateral in force

INTRODUCTION

In 1992, the Czech and Slovak Federative Republic (formerly Czechoslovakia) dissolved, resulting in two independent states: the Czech Republic and the Slovak Republic. Both countries signed several bilateral agreements to facilitate cross-border exchanges, ensuring the smooth flow of goods, services, capital, and people across their new borders. Two agreements specifically addressed the free movement of persons.

Firstly, the 1992 Agreement on the Abolition of Visa Requirements permits citizens of either state to enter and reside in the other indefinitely (Art. 1). Furthermore, they may cross the border at any convenient point, not solely designated crossings (Art. 3).

Secondly, the 1992 Treaty on Mutual Employment permits citizens of one state to work in the other without needing a work permit. However, employers must register them with local labour authorities (Art. 2). Once registered, the employee is entitled to a residence document.

Although these agreements facilitate movement, they leave certain gaps unaddressed. For instance, it is unclear whether self-employed individuals can benefit from the employment treaty. Moreover, there are no explicit provisions for family reunification.

On 1 May 2004, the Czech Republic and Slovakia joined the European Union, thereby gaining access to the EU’s free movement regime. However, the bilateral agreements remain in force, partly to safeguard the rights of those already benefiting from them.

STATE PARTIES

CZECH REPUBLIC
SLOVAK REPUBLIC

TIMELINE

1993	The visa abolition agreement and treaty on mutual employment between the Czech Republic and Slovakia come into effect on 1 January.
1995	The administrative agreement between the Czech Republic and Slovakia regarding the practical enforcement of the mutual employment treaty entered into force on 3 May.
2001	The administrative agreement was revised, and more stringent provisions regarding social security were introduced on 30 January.
2004	The Czech Republic and Slovakia became Member States of the European Union on 1 May, yet the bilateral free movement regime remains formally in force.

KEY LEGAL DOCUMENTS

Agreement between the Government of the Czech Republic and the Government of the Slovak Republic on the abolition of visa requirements of 29 October 1992 (in force 1 January 1993) (in Czech).

Treaty between the Czech Republic and the Slovak Republic on the mutual employment of citizens of 29 October 1992 (in force 1 January 1993) (in Czech).

Administrative Arrangement between the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs of the Czech Republic and the Ministry of Labour, Social Affairs and Family of the Slovak Republic on the Treaty between the Czech Republic and the Slovak Republic on Mutual Employment of Citizens of 29 October 1992 (in force 20 March 1995) (in Slovak).

Administrative Arrangement between the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs of the Czech Republic and the Ministry of Labour, Social Affairs and Family of the Slovak Republic on the Treaty between the Czech Republic and the Slovak Republic on Mutual Employment of Citizens of 30 January 2001, derogating the previous Arrangement of 1992 (in force 30 January 2001) (in Czech).