Slovakia Jan unemployment rate 5.74%

Slovakia Jan unemployment rate 5.74%

Slovakia’s Unemployment Rate Rises Slightly in January 2026

Slovakia’s unemployment rate increased to 5.70% in January 2026, up from 5.30% in December 2025, according to data from the Ministry of Labour, Social Affairs and Family of the Slovak Republic. This marks a modest rise in the rate of job seekers as a percentage of the labor force, though it remains significantly below the long-term average of 10.95%recorded between 1994 and 2026.

The latest figures follow a historical trend of declining unemployment, with the rate hitting a record low of 4.80% in March 2025. Analysts note that while the January increase suggests short-term labor market volatility, the overall trajectory remains positive compared to past decades. Eurostat data, which reports a seasonally adjusted unemployment rate of 5.80% in December 2025, aligns with the broader pattern of gradual improvement.

Projections indicate continued stabilization in the coming months. Trading Economics models forecast the unemployment rate to fall to 4.70% by the end of Q1 2026, with a longer-term expectation of 5.10% in 2027according to their models. These projections contrast with recent economic challenges, including declining retail sales, subdued consumer and business morale, and a slowdown in real wage growth.

The unemployment rate is a critical indicator for policymakers, reflecting both economic health and labor market dynamics. While the January rise may signal temporary imbalances, the data underscores Slovakia’s progress from the peak unemployment rate of 19.79% in January 2001as reported. Investors monitoring the region should consider these trends alongside broader macroeconomic factors, such as industrial output and trade balances, to assess long-term risks and opportunities.

Ministry of Labour, Social Affairs and Family of the Slovak Republic via Trading Economics.
Eurostat via yCharts.