Expatriates Forums in Slovakia

French High Tech Firm looking for Country Managers

responsable pays — Wed Sep 30, 2009 10:11 am

Author: responsable pays

Posted: Wed Sep 30, 2009 10:11 am

Due to our rapid expansion in France, Switzerland, Czech Republic, and Morocco with our innovative product, we are looking for local country managers to develop their market.

We offer a once in a lifetime opportunity with a new technology that our clients are raving about.

If you are highly motivated, do not get discouraged easily, understand the value of customer appreciation and ready to explore new heights in your career. Contact us today!

Send us a resume at responsablepays hotmail com

work in the netherlands

dutchjobs — Sun Nov 30, 2008 7:11 pm

Author: dutchjobs

Posted: Sun Nov 30, 2008 7:11 pm

Polish or Slovak or Czech or Hungarian -German speaking Customer Service Representatives
Department Customer Service

For our contact center based in the Netherlands, we are looking for Customer Service Representatives for the Polish or Slovak or Czech or Hungarian -German department. The contact center serves as the central point of contact for customers and prospective customers of our high standard, worldwide-known brand. From our contact center, customers from across Europe are supported with technical problems, enquiries, complaints and promotional activities.

The contact center has approximately 600 employees consisting of 40 different nationalities. Our main goal is to exceed customer expectations.

Department description
Inquiries and complaints are handled by telephone, mail, fax or e-mail. The department is responsible for after-sales service issues, technical and product topics and general company related inquiries.

Requirements
• Higher vocational education
• Mother tongue Polish, with fluency in German (or German with fluency in Polish)
• Fluency in English (corporate language)
• Excellent written skills in German and Polish
• Advanced negotiation skills
• Computer literacy
• Experience in customer care
• Good understanding of customer satisfaction
• Team player
• Open-minded to a diversity of cultures
• Ability to prioritize, analyze, plan and coordinate on high volumes

Working hours
40 hrs a week, from Monday to Friday

Some of our working terms and conditions
• € 1773 minimum p.m. gross
• Extensive relocation package

Interested
email us or phone 0032 497545587

Doing Business in Slovakia

lukes — Thu Dec 06, 2007 9:27 pm

Author: lukes

Posted: Thu Dec 06, 2007 9:27 pm

businessinslovakia.sk or business-services.sk

Company Business In Slovakia is here to provide relocation management services with a continual focus on customer satisfaction, through a genuine commitment to quality and flexibility. We will help you to make the move to Slovakia as easy as possible.

We want to be closely involved and dedicated to the expatriate individuals and their families. Let us make Slovakia enjoyable place for you and your employees.

Let us introduce you to Slovakia and make it your new home. Let us be there for you with a client tailored service and personal touch.

Business In Slovakia is here to help you make your business successful. Our services are here for you and your HR departments.

Human Resources (HR) Support and Consulting for Companies

This support service is designed to provide as much support as required to assist with the complexities of employee mobility. Because we realize the importance of international assignments and the growing need of international assignees for short and long term periods, we are ready to provide our support and help to please your staff and relieve your HR department of some activities.

These include all services, processes, information flows, administration and management required to support businesses and their employees who are relocating abroad.

The aim is not just the usual relocation and mobility solutions, but also tax consulting, immigration, assignment administration and management, managing lease contracts for cars and apartments, phone and internet set-up, housekeeping, child care and much more.

Consulting

Help the new assignees to facilitate the expansion of knowledge about their host culture and to help them integrate into their new community more quickly and confidently

Tracking signed Leases for the staff in the name of company, tracking dates, early terminations or extensions

Providing HR with all information and necessities for your employees to work and reside in Slovakia legally

Finding the best solution how to bring your staff to Slovakia

Notifications about the need of renewals of Residence Permits or any of the contracts linked to your staff

Surveys

Finding the most suitable accommodation

Assistance with utility connections by informing about the current offers for phone and internet connections, arranging telephone installation, mobile and internet connection

Assisting with finding Education facilities, Baby-sitters, Housekeepers etc.

Car rentals

Management of Short Term Assignments

Short term assignees may require a different and more flexible approach, but we are ready to assist and adjust to their needs. Of course, this applies to Long term assignees as well.

Helping you to better manage their expectations

Reviews

In case of any complaints or challenges we will provide alternative solutions through regular reports

We are ready to notify you in case of any issues or the expatriate is facing cultural shock or other problems related to their life in Slovakia

Team Events

Facilitating team events, team building days and exercises – complete service including amusement activities, catering, finding a suitable location suited to exceed all your requirements

PR activities – organizing of seminars – sending out invitations, finding a place etc.

Leaving Slovakia

Our company is ready to assist you if or when you decide to leave Slovakia

We will help with contract termination, deposit returns, phone, mobile, internet disconnections and anything else you have subscribed to

You may find useful also a final cleaning service, hand-over and arrangements of a removal company

Immigration

We are more than happy to assist with issues regarding Work and Residence Permits, obtaining Citizenship or Expatriate Cards.

Assistance for EU citizens

Obtaining an Identity card
Permanent residency or extended stay permit
Health insurance

Non EU citizens Immigration Services

Obtaining an Identity card
Permanent residency or extended stay permit
Work Permits
Health insurance

Visas & Citizenship

General consultancy regarding visa

Assistance with preparation of visa application

Assistance in obtaining Slovak Citizenship

Promotion

Public relations

Organizing workshops, seminars, event marketing

Graphic processing

Contact - l.polacek@businessinslovakia.sk

BUSINESS IN SLOVAKIA s.r.o.

businessinslovakia.sk or business-services.sk

Quality English Publisher seeks reps

salmaccarrer — Mon Nov 12, 2007 11:06 am

Author: salmaccarrer

Posted: Mon Nov 12, 2007 11:06 am

Looking for a flexible job?
Sell USBORNE children’s books!
Sell to Schools,Pre-schools, or any other organisation with an interest in English books!
Finally a job that can move with you!(throughout Europe, UK and BFPO’s)
Ideal for mums with kids, or anyone with a love of books and children.
Let the job fit into your schedule!

WTS:ACER FERRARI 5005 LAPTOP AT A CHEAP PRICE

luikam — Thu Jun 07, 2007 2:22 am

Author: luikam

Posted: Thu Jun 07, 2007 2:22 am

BAYUS TELECOM LTD

No. 2 Science Park West Avenue, Kowloon HONG KONG.

Date established 1990

Legal Form Limited Liability Company

Co.Registration No.: 281566
Phone
+85267129272

BAYUS TELECOM LTD well known in the area of TELECOMMUNICATION.we sell whole sale and retailer prices of the stated products.we are based in HONG KONG.We are ver know with out prudent recoreds.

MOBILE PHONES,LAPTOPS,PLASMA TV,GAMES E.G IPOD,XBOXS,PLAYSTATION,SIDEKICKS,IMATES JASJAM,PALM TREOS,QTECK,NINTENDO WII,DEGITAL CAMERALS.LGS,E.T.C

WE stock as much posible products you are willing to buy.here we displayed some of our price list.

(NOKIA PHONES)

Nokia N95...........$270

NOKIA N GAGE.........$120USD

NOKIA 9500.........(communication) us$120

Brand new Nokia n71 **** 140usd

Brand new Nokia n92 **** 150usd

Brand new Nokia n93i.......220usd

Brand new Nokia n93 **** 190usd

Brand new Nokia 6280**** 140USD

Brand new Nokia 6270 **** 140 USD

Brand new Nokia 6111 **** 150 USD

Brand new Nokia 6060 **** 105 USD

Brand new Nokia N91**** 155 USD

Brand new Nokia N90 **** 170 USD

Brand new Nokia N70 ****160 USD

Brand new Nokia 1600 **** 100 USD

O2 3G Datacard $120usd

Orange Blackberry $110usd

Orange 3GDatacard $110usd

Orange SPVC500 $110usd

Orange SPV M2000 $114usd

(PANASONIC)

Panasonic X60 $120usd

Panasonic X60 $120usd

PanasonicX70 $124usd

Panasonic X300 $114usd

Panasonic X700 $132usd

(SONY ERICSSON)

Sony ericsson T616 850/1900 --US$125

SONY ERICSSON R520m(UNLOCK)-- US$89

SONY CMD-Z5-- US$89

SONY ERICSSON R380 World-- US$89

SONY ERICSSON R380s-- US$69

SONY ERICSSON T68m-- ---US$79

SONY ERICSSON T610--------- US$109

SONY CMD-MZ5-- ---------------US$109

SONY ERICSSON P800(UNLOCK)-- US$105

SONY ERICSSON P900(UNLOCK)---US$108

SONY ERICSSON P980i(UNLOCK)---US$115

NEXTEL I860 AT JUST $100

NEXTEL I930 AT JUST $130

(PLAYSTATION)

Play Station 2...........$110usd

PlayStation 3 ...........$500usd

NINTENDO WII ...............$100USD

Apple i phone 4gb...........$250usd

Apple i phone 8gb..........$300usd

Eten glofish m700 ..........$300usd

Eten glofish m500..........$200usd

Eten g500 ..................$180usd

Eten m600..................$180usd

Eten m600 +................180usd

(samsung)

Brand new Samsung D600 140 USD

Brand new Samsung D500 130 USD

Brand new SamsungP860 130 USD

Brand new Samsung P850 145 USD

Brand new Samsung E730 130 USD

Brand new Samsung D550 **** 130 USD

Brand new Samsung D510 **** 135 USD

Brand new Samsung E850 **** 120 USD

Brand new Samsung D710 **** 135 USD

(Motorola)

Brand new Motorola A910 ****150 USD

Brand new Motorola A728 **** 140USD

Brand new Motorola A732 **** 135 USD

Brand new Motorola Q **** 120 USD

Brand new Motorola E895 **** 120 USD

Brand new Motorola V3x **** 130 USD

Brand new Motorola V8 **** 120 USD

Brand new Motorola V6 **** 120 USD

Brand new Motorola A1010 **** 100 USD

Brand new Motorola E1060 **** 90 USD

Brand new Motorola V1050 **** 90 USD

Motorola Motorola a388c....... 150usd

(IMATE JASJAR PHONES)

I-MATE Smartflip ....... $140

I-MATE JAMin ......... $240

I-MATE JASJAm ........ $280

I-MATE K-JAM ......... $180

I-MATE SP5 ......... $150

I-MATE SP5m ......... $155

I-MATE SP4m ......... $120

I-MATE JAM Black ........ $150

I-MATE JAM ......... $160

I-MATE PDA2 ......... $190

I-MATE PDA2k ......... $168

I-MATE SP3i ......... $130

I-MATE SP3 ......... $135

I-MATE Pocket PC ......... $140

I-MATE Smartphone2 ........ $110

I-MATESmartphone ........ $115

(LAPTOPS)

LAPTOPS:

IBM Thinkpad T42 1.7GHz 512MB 40GB CD-RW/DVD 15" XGA ;;$400

IBM ThinkPad X41 Tablet PC 1.5GHz 1.5GB 60GB Bluetooth;;;$500

IBM Thinkpad T43 1.86GHz 2GB 60GB DVD Burner 14.1" SXG...$450usd

SONY VAIO A217S-- 100GB-- 512MB RAM-- XPHOME-------------$500

SONY VAIO B1VP-- 40GB HD-- 512MB RAM-- XP PRO--------------$430

SONY VAIO T370P/L-- 60GB HD-- 512MB RAM-- XP----------------$400

SONY VAIO A215Z 60GB HD-- 512MB RAM-- XP------------------$320

Apple MacBook Pro (APPMA092LLA) Notebook 2.16 GHz, 17 in...$1000usd

Apple iBook G4 (M9564LLA) 1 GHz, 12.1 in. Display, 256 MB,..$280usd

Apple MacBook (MA699LL/A) 1.83 GHz, 13.3 in. Display, Apple MacOS X 10.4,..$650usd.

Apple MacBook Pro (MA610LL) 1.67 GHz, 17 in. Display, Apple MacOS X 10.4, 512 MB..$1100usd.

Apple PowerBook G4 (M9184LLA)1.33 GHz, 12.1 in. Display, Apple MacOS X 10.3, 256 MB..$300usd.

Apple MacBook (MA254LL/A) 1.83 GHz, 13.3 in. Display, Apple MacOS X 10.4,..$1250usd.

Apple MacBook Pro (MA611LL/A)2.33 GHz, 17 in. Display, Apple MacOS X 10.4, 2..$1450usd.

Apple MacBook (MA700LL/A) 2 GHz, 13.3 in. Display, Apple MacOS X 10.4, 1..$100usd

(QTEK PHONE)

Qtek 8500 ....... $100

Qtek S200 ....... $140

Qtek 9000 ....... $190

Qtek 8310 ....... $150

Qtek 8300 ....... $140

Qtek 9100 ....... $190

Qtek 8100 ....... $100

Qtek S110 ....... $120

Qtek S100 ....... $130

Qtek 9090 ....... $140

Qtek 8020 ....... $132

Qtek 8010 ....... $100

Qtek 2020i ...... $160

Qtek 2020 ....... $160

Qtek 1010.......$100

(sidekick)

sidekick 1.........$80usd

side kick 11........$100usd

SIDE-KICK T-Mobile Sidekick II Cell Phone........$100

T-Mobile Sidekick II....................$80

Sidekick II T-Mobile with Color Screen...$120

T-Mobile Sidekick II TMO to Go Prepaid Phone...$110

T-Mobile Sidekick II Phone (T-Mobile)......$100

T-Mobile Sidekick II T-Mobile Replacement Phone...$110

T-Mobile Sidekick - Data Only Product Features..$90

T-Mobile SideKick II.............$100

Mobile Sidekick II................$100

Mobile Sidekick III................$150

(These games are brandnew sealed in original Box.)

apple 80 gb ..................ipod.......$200

apple 4 gb ipod mini blue m9802ll/a-------$64

apple 4 gb ipod mini pinkm9804ll/a--------$64

apple 4 gb ipod mini green m9806ll/a--------$64

apple 6 gb ipod mini bluem9803ll/a---------$68

apple 6gb ipod mini silver m9801ll/a-------$68

apple 20 gb ipod m9282ll/a------------------$69

apple 4 gb ipod mini pink m9435ll/a---------$49

apple 40 gb ipod photo--------------------$59

apple 4 gb ipod nano--------------------$69

apple 2 gb ipod nano--------------------$62

apple 4 gb ipod mini silver m9160ll/a-----$49

apple 60 gb ipod photo m9830ll/a--------$86

apple 60 gb ipod photo--------------------$59

apple 30 gb ipod photo m9829ll/a---------$73

apple 4 gb ipod mini blue m9436ll/a'-----------$49

apple 20 gb ipod u2 special edition'----------$73

apple 6 gb ipod mini green m9807ll/a'-----------$64

new apple 60 gb video ipod-----------------$140

new apple 30 gb videoipod---------------$120

Pioneer AVIC-Z1 Car DVD Player-----$650usd

Pioneer AVIC-N3 Car DVD Player-----$450usd

Pioneer AVIC-N2 Car DVD Player---$400usd

(PLASMA TV AND LCD)

Panasonic TH-42PD50U 42 Plasma TV 852 x 480 = $420

HP PL4245N 42" HDTV-Ready Plasma TV --$400

Samsung SPR4232 42" Flat Panel EDTV Plasma TV = $400

Samsung HPR4252 42" High Definition Plasma TV = $400

Samsung PPM42S42" Inch HDTV Black Plasma TV = $400

Pioneer pdp-424mv plasma TV -$800

Pioneer pdp-42a3hd plasma TV -$720

Pioneer pdp-434cmx plasma tv-$880

Pioneer pdp-43a5hd plasma tv-$800

Pioneer pdp-4360hd plasma TV -$700

Pioneer pdp-504cmx plasma tv-$800

Pioneer pdp-505cmx plasma TV -$670

Pioneer pdp-5060hd plasma tv-$890

Retuen Policy:

You may return the item within ten (10) days of delivery of the order. Products with Manufacturer Warranties which exceed 30 days, may be returned directly to the manufacturer according to their instructions. Customer may request a replacement product otherwise company creditwill be issued. A restocking fee maybe applied to your return.

Wedeliver consignment within a stipulatted time of 48hours(2 working days) at your door steps.kindly place your order via our direct email below.

We have an affiliated office in the United Kingdom.
+447045701657
+444055701654

Thank you very much for your partronage.

Regards

Management( BAYUS TELECOM LTD)

WORK IN SLOVAKIA / SLOVAKIA EMPLOYMENT GUIDE

Slovakia Info — Mon May 28, 2007 5:10 am

Author: Slovakia Info

Posted: Mon May 28, 2007 5:10 am

WORK IN SLOVAKIA

Citizens of EU member states are not required to have a work permit to be employed in Slovakia. They are, however, required to have confirmation of permanent residency for tax purposes. This can be obtained from the Slovakian Foreign Police within Slovakia.

Foreigners from non-EU countries are required have both a residence permit and a work permit in order to be employed in Slovakia for a period of more than one month. If employment will be less than one month, they are required to have a work permit and the residence permit requirement may be waived.

Although unemployment has fluctuated in recent years, for the last five years figures have remained relatively high and are a constant source of concern for the Slovakian government.

The most likely employment for in Slovakia is teaching English in primary or secondary schools or possibly within a university. Most opportunities are in private schools in the large and medium-sized cities. State schools are more likely to require teaching qualifications and experience; they will arrange work visas and permits, but are less likely to pay as well.

For those with specific skill sets (e.g. in environmental management, media, etc) there may be occasional opportunities in non-governmental organisations (e.g. international foundations or the development arms of international governments) or in English language newspapers, such as the Slovak Spectator.

Some knowledge of Slovak is essential for most jobs in Slovakia. It is useful to have an understanding of German or Russian as these languages are spoken in business.

DOING BUSINESS IN SLOVAKIA / SLOVAKIA BUSINESS GUIDE

Slovakia Info — Fri May 25, 2007 7:06 am

Author: Slovakia Info

Posted: Fri May 25, 2007 7:06 am

DOING BUSINESS IN SLOVAKIA

STARTING A BUSINESS

STANDARDIZED COMPANY
Legal Form: Spolocnost s rucenim obmedzenym (s.r.o.) - Limited Liability Company
Minimum Capital Requirement: 200,000
City: Bratislava

Registration Requirements:

Procedure 1. Obtain certificate of clean criminal record

Time to complete: 1 day

Cost to complete: SKK 100 per representative

Comment: SKK 100/person for all members and representatives of the company, assume 5 persons. The certificate is obtained immediately for nationals. The certificate is no longer required for commercial registration, but is required for getting trade licence.

Procedure 2. Check the uniqueness of the proposed company name

Time to complete: 1 day

Cost to complete: SKK 100 in office, no charge if one does the search on the Internet ( www.orsr.sk )

Procedure 3. Notarise Articles of Association and related documents

Time to complete: 1 day

Cost to complete: Notary fees for verifying a signature: SKK 71/signature including VAT

Comment: Amendment of the Commercial Code effective from 01 February 2004 canceled the requirement to establish a company of one shareholder by Articles of Association executed in the form of a notary deed. The only formal requirement is verification of founders' signatures. Company establishment without professional help takes longer. The lawyer's fees are about SKK 30,000 - 50,000.

Procedure 4. Apply for trade licence at the state or local administrative body; obtain operating permit to run a business

Time to complete: 7 days for a standard licence; 30 days for a special licence for certain types of business

Cost to complete: SKK 1,000 for a standard licence; SKK 2,000 for a special licence

Comment: For certain types of business stipulated by the law (including for example catering), companies or individuals need to appoint a responsible representative for every location from which they operate, and advertise the name of this person in a public place (e.g. on the door of the premises). The responsible representative must have his permanent or temporary residence in the Slovak Republic.

Procedure 5. Open a bank account

Time to complete: 1 day

Cost to complete: SKK 500, varies from bank to bank

Comment: Prior to the registration of the company with the Slovak Commercial Register a certain amount of share capital must be paid into the bank account If there is one shareholder in s.r.o. the capital must be fully paid, otherwise, at least 30% of each shareholder's capital and in total at least SKK 100,000 must be paid.

Procedure 6. Apply for registration at the County Registry Court

Time to complete: 5 days

Cost to complete: SKK 10,000

Comment: A special registration form is required (it is enclosed with the regulation on application of the registration procedures effective on 1 February 2004 for entering and changing data in the Commercial Register). The registration process changed from a judicial to an administrative one, and court clerks became responsible for company registration. The forms are available for downloading at the Slovak Commercial Register's web site at: www.orsr.sk but these forms cannot yet be submitted on line. The Registry Court should make changes to a Commercial Register entry, as well as add or delete an entry, within five working days after receiving the complete registration form with the supporting documents. The proposal for the registration of the company needs to be signed by all executives and their signatures have to be certified. In case the executive is represented by an authorised person, his signature has to be certified in the granted power of attorney. Business identification number is assigned by the Registry Court.

Procedure 7. Register with the tax authorities for income tax and VAT

Time to complete: 7 days

Cost to complete: no charge

Comment: The registration form for VAT purposes should be submitted to the tax administrator on a special registration form, and can be signed with an electronic signature.

A company doing business in Slovakia must register for corporate income tax purposes (i.e. "profit tax") within 30 days from the date of its registration in the Slovak Commercial Register. The registration form must be filed with the local Tax Office, depending on the location/ registered office address of the company.

If the company has any employees, it must also register for personal income tax purposes. This must be done within 15 days from the date when its first employee receives the salary. Again, the registration form must be filed with the local Tax Office. However, as the same registration form is used for corporate and personal income tax purposes, it is also possible to file one registration form for corporate and personal income tax purposes at the same time.

From 1 May 2004, when Slovakia enters the EU, new rules will apply for VAT registration. Under the VAT Act, the company has to register for VAT purposes if its turnover in 12 consecutive months reaches the registration threshold of SKK 1,500,000. A company can also request voluntary VAT registration before it meets the threshold. If a foreign company registered abroad carries out business activities in Slovakia, it must register for VAT when it starts doing business in Slovakia.

By 1 April 2004, documentation requirements for companies' voluntary VAT registration were simplified and standardized in accordance with the EU general principle calling for tax administrations to enable every taxable entity to became a VAT-payer. Invoices or other business documents demonstrating that the company has been exercising veritable economic activities in Slovakia is not required anymore. At the end of 2004, new tax identification numbers were introduced, uniform for income tax and VAT purposes (the code SKK has to be added in front of the VAT identification number).

A new amendment to the VAT Act has extended the period for registering a company for VAT from seven to 30 days.

Procedure 8. Register with pension, sickness & disability insurance and unemployment insurance at the local Social Insurance company (Socialna poistovna)

Time to complete: 1 day

Cost to complete: no charge

Comment: The company must register employees for pension, sickness & disability insurance and unemployment insurance at the local Social Insurance Company ("Socialna poistovna") before a first employee started or should have started working for the company.. Also, the company has to register for casualty and guarantee (for cases of employer's insolvency) insurance before a first employee started or should have started working for the company.

The forms for registering for social security purposes are available for downloading at the official website of the Social Security Office at: www.socpoist.sk but they cannot be submitted electronically. Based on the amendment to the Social Security Act, monthly reports to the Social Security Office must, from February 2005, be submitted electronically by any employer with more than twenty employees.

Procedure 9. Register for health and medical care insurance at any Zdravotna poistovna company that the employees choose

Time to complete: 1 day

Cost to complete: no charge

Comment: For health and medicare insurance purposes, the company must be registered with one or more Health Insurance Companies ("Zdravotna poistovna"), depending on the employees' choice of insurance company (the registration must be made within 8 days after employee started or should have started working for the company.

A statutory representative of a limited liability company has to register with the Health Insurance Company as an employee (change effective as of 1 September 2005; before the change a different regime of statutory representatives health insurance applied). The health insurance contribution is 14% of the assessment base, subject to a minimum and maximum cap.

FORMS OF BUSINESS ORGANISATION

1. Limited liability companies
2. Joint stock companies

The most common forms for conducting business in Slovakia are the limited liability company (s.r.o.) and the joint stock company (a.s.).

Bratislava, the capital, is the financial centre.

TAXATION

Corporate tax
Main rate: 19%

Resident companies are taxed on worldwide income; non-resident companies are taxed only on Slovakian-source income. A company is deemed to be resident in Slovakia if its legal seat or place of effective management is in Slovakia. Corporate tax is charged at a flat rate of 19%. Dividends paid from profits are not subject to tax in the hands of corporate or individual shareholders. Partnerships are transparent for tax purposes, and the partners are taxed on their share of partnership income.

Individual tax
Flat rate of 19%

Resident individuals are taxed on their worldwide income; non-residents pay tax only on Slovakian-source income. Individuals who have their permanent residence or habitual abode in Slovakia are considered to be resident for tax purposes. Presence for 183 days in a tax year implies habitual abode. Individual income tax is charged at a flat rate of 19%. Income from capital, including interest, is included in total income. Dividends received are not taxed.

Capital gains
Company gains on business assets are taxed as income

Capital gains of companies and individuals generally are included in taxable income. Certain gains of individuals are exempt, including gains on the sale of a dwelling that was used as the individual’s permanent address for at least two years and gains on other immovable property that was owned for at least five years before the sale.

Indirect tax
VAT standard rate: 19% ; VAT reduced rate: 10%

Value-added tax (VAT) applies to most transactions at the standard rate of 19%. A reduced rate of 10% applies to selected goods (for example, medications and medical equipment) listed in a special annex. Exports are zero-rated. Exemptions include certain services, for example financial, insurance, educational and broadcasting services. Non-residents from other EU countries who are registered for VAT abroad may be able to recover input tax paid in Slovakia. Slovakia also refunds VAT to non-residents established outside the EU. However, this applies only for residents from several selected countries.

Registration is compulsory for businesses with a turnover exceeding SKK 1.5m in a 12-month period. Voluntary registration is possible.

Tax administration and compliance
Tax year: Corporations: accounting year ; Individuals: calendar year

Companies make monthly or quarterly advance payments of corporate income tax, calculated on the basis of tax paid in the previous year. Companies must file a self-assessment tax return within three months of the end of the year, but this limit may be extended by an additional three months upon request. Final tax is payable based on information in the return.

Employment income of individuals is taxed by withholding, and monthly or quarterly advance payments may be required in respect of other income. Where required, individuals must file a self-assessment tax return by March 31st following the tax year-end, but this period may be extended by up to three months.

Additional tax information

Withholding taxes: Dividends 0%, Interest on loans and bonds 19%, Royalties 19%. Rates may be reduced by tax treaty or EU directives.

Tax treaties: Slovakia has concluded more than 55 tax treaties.

Dividends: Dividends are excluded from taxation.

Revenue protection: There is transfer-pricing legislation, but no thin-capitalisation rules.

Groups: There is no provision for group taxation.

Incentives: Investment incentives in the form of tax credits subject to government approval procedures, limited by state aid rules.

Other taxes: Excise duties, Import duties, Tax on real estate, Road tax.

Financial Advisors services, Offshore Fund - Know More

admin — Mon Feb 05, 2007 4:42 am

Author: admin

Posted: Mon Feb 05, 2007 4:42 am

Financial Advisors services, Offshore Fund - Know More

Dear members & guests

Due to the continuous marketing approach of our expatriate community by multiple financial planners services company, Allo' Expat has decided to provided you with some usefull imformation on the Expat Offshore Banking issue. Hope you'll invest wisely..... in the future

Financial Advisors - who are they?

Q1 - How do I get the best offshore financial advice?

The best offshore financial advice is probably given by Independent Financial Advisors. Independent financial advisors (or IFA's, as they are sometimes called) advise their clients on savings, investments and pensions. They may also provide Savings Plans for offshore investing to their clients.

When counselling a client, the best offshore financial advisors should complete the following steps:

* Step 1 - collect detailed information about a client's financial circumstances and requirements ? be they for retirement planning, retirement income, expat investment, or another purpose.

* Step 2 - check all the offshore tax havens for the best offshore plans.

* Step 3 - provide impartial advice as to which plan(s) best meet their client's needs (in the form of a written report).

* Step 4 - arrange for a client to buy the chosen offshore plan(s) on the best terms available.

You may want to complete your own research to ensure you know the right questions to ask your advisor.

When all these stages are completed, you can be confident you have received the best offshore financial advice.

Q2 - What is a Certified Financial Advisor?

Financial advisors may need a license to practice, issued by the Financial Services Regulator in their Country. Only these advisors may be called 'Certified Financial Advisors'.

It may be a condition that prospective certified financial advisors show their Regulator that they are:

* competent to advise

* impartial in their advice

* independent of Providers

* covered by professional indemnity insurance.

So it is important to check that your financial advisor is listed under:

* Certified Financial Advisors, licensed to advise in the Country where you live and

* Independent Financial Advisors - advising on a wide range of offshore plans from a full list of providers.

Now you should feel confident you are receiving the best offshore financial advice.

Q3 - How are offshore financial advisors paid?

Independent financial advisors (IFA's) earn their living from commissions they receive from plan providers. This is their income for the offshore financial advice they give.

The commission that advisors (IFAs) receive from offshore financial advice cases may range from hundreds to thousands of dollars.

Good offshore financial advisors should not be influenced by the amount of commission they receive.

Some clients prefer to pay fees to their financial advisors for advice to ensure impartiality. When this occurs offshore financial advisors refund commission received from a plan provider either in cash or as an increased allocation of contributions invested.

Q4 -How do I find a list of Independent Financial Advisors (IFAs)?

Search the web! Try searching using the search words independent financial advisors or certified financial advisors PLUS the name of the Country in which you live.

Personal recommendations are always helpful - ask your friends if they would recommend their offshore financial advisors. Always check that a recommended advisor is both certified and independent.

Offshore Investing - What do that mean

Q1 - What is Offshore Investing or Offshore Investment?

When we talk about Offshore investing plan opportunities it is like the savings plans available in many countries, except these plans:

* Are registered in tax havens and are regulated by their Financial Services Authorities.

* Can be used for investing by non-residents of the tax havens.

* Are sometimes more tax efficient than or have other advantages over domestic savings plans.

Q2 - Why would expatriates choose offshore investing?

Expatriate investment in the savings plans catalogued here and offering offshore investing opprotunities might be appropriate when:

* No local or Home Country tax free regular savings plans are available.

* No local or Home Country tax free lump sum investment plans are available.

* An expatriate is planning to retire to a third country.

If you fit any of these categories of expatriates you should investigate the offshore plans researched by Offshore Boffin and consult your Financial Advisor.

Q3 - Are there other people who might benefit from Offshore Invesment?

Yes. People who are not living abroad might find offshore investment attractive in the following circumstances:

* They have more cash available for savings than can be invested tax free in their resident countries' investment plans (perhaps because the amount they can invest each year is capped).

* They may live in countries which do not have domestic tax free savings plans.

* They live in countries which are not suitable long-term investment environments for political or economic reasons.

* They wish to limit the effects of inheritance tac on their estates.

Q4 - Is there safe offshore investing?

The answer is that All investors should remember that the value of ALL their investments can go down as well as up!

Safe offshore investing is more likely by choosing plans:

* From politically stable tax havens - the quality of tax havens varies.

* From well-regulated tax havens - the tax havens whose savings plans are catalogued here all regulate their financial services companies to avoid 'fly-by-night' companies.

* From reputable investment management and life assurance companies - whilst past performance is not always a guide to the future, the companies whose savings plans are listed here are all well-known names.

* Investing in 'mutual' or 'collective' funds. these funds are based on a simple idea. If a large number of investors pool their savings in - for example - an equity fund, the larger fund can be invested in shares in many companies, spreading each individual's risk.

For expat investment - and others - to be successful the best offshore investment opportunities must be found. For that you'll need a good Financial Advisors.

FX Currency Trading / FX Forex Trading Online - Know More

admin — Mon Feb 05, 2007 4:40 am

Author: admin

Posted: Mon Feb 05, 2007 4:40 am

Forex Trading / FX Trading

Foreign Exchange
This short introduction explains the basics of trading Forex online, a brief explanation of the markets and the major benefits of trading Forex online. There are also two scenarios describing the implications of trading in a bear as well as bull market to better acquaint you with some of the risks and opportunities in the largest and most liquid market in the world.

As an additional aid for those who are new to Forex, there is also a glossary at the bottom of this text which explains some of the terms used in connection with currency trading.

Overview
Foreign exchange , forex or just Forex are all terms used to describe the trading of the world's many currencies. The forex market is the largest market in the world, with trades amounting to more than $1.5 trillion every day. This is more than one hundred times the daily trading on the NYSE (New York Stock Exchange) . Most forex trading is speculative , with only a few percent of market activity representing governments' and companies' fundamental currency conversion needs.

Unlike trading on the stock market, the forex market is not carried out by a central exchange, but on the "interbank" market , which is thought of as an OTC (over the counter ) market. Trading takes place directly between the two counterparts necessary to make a trade, whether over the telephone or on electronic networks all over the world. The main centres for trading are Sydney, Tokyo, London, Frankfurt and New York. This worldwide distribution of trading centres means that the forex market is a 24-hour market.

Trading Forex
A currency trade is the simultaneous buying of one currency and selling of another one. The currency combination used in the trade is called a cross (for example, the Euro/US Dollar, or the GB Pound/Japanese Yen.). The most commonly traded currencies are the so-called "majors" - EURUSD, USDJPY, USDCHF and GBPUSD.

The most important forex market is the spot market as it has the largest volume. The market is called the spot market because trades are settled "immediately" or on the spot. In practice this means within two banking days.

Trading on Margin
Trading on margin means that you can buy and sell assets that represent more value than the capital in your account. Forex trading is usually done with relatively little margin since currency exchange rate fluctuations tend to be less than one or two percent on any given day. To take an example, a margin of 2.0% means you can trade up to $500,000 even though you only have $10,000 in your account. In terms of leverage this corresponds to 50:1, because 50 times $10,000 is $500,000, or put another way, $10,000 is 2.0% of $500.000. Using this much leverage gives you the possibility to make profits very quickly, but there is also a greater risk of incurring large losses and even being completely wiped out. Therefore, it is inadvisable to maximise your leveraging as the risks can be very high. For more information on the trading conditions at Saxo Bank, go to the Account Summary on your Client Station and open the section entitled "Trading Conditions" found in the top right-hand corner of the Account Summary.

Why trade Forex?

24 hour trading
One of the major advantages of trading forex is the opportunity to trade 24 hours a day from Sunday evening (20:00 GMT) to Friday evening (22:00 GMT). This gives you a unique opportunity to react instantly to breaking news that is affecting the markets.
Superior liquidity
The forex market is so liquid that there are always buyers and sellers to trade with. The liquidity of this market, especially that of the major currencies, helps ensure price stability and low spreads . The liquidity comes mainly from large and smaller banks that provide liquidity to investors, companies, institutions and other currency market players.
No commissions
The fact that forex is often traded without commissions makes it very attractive as an investment opportunity for investors who want to deal on a frequent basis. Trading the "majors" is also cheaper than trading other crosss because of the high level of liquidity. For more information on the trading conditions at Saxo Bank, go to the Account Summary on your Client Station and open the section entitled "Trading Conditions" found in the top right-hand corner of the Account Summary.
50:1 Leverage
With a minimum account of USD 10,000, for example, you can trade up to USD 500,000. The USD 10,000 is posted on margin as a guarantee for the future performance of your position.
Profit potential in falling markets
Since the market is constantly moving, there are always trading opportunities, whether a currency is strengthening or weakening in relation to another currency. When you trade currencies, they literally work against each other. If the EURUSD declines, for example, it is because the U.S. dollar gets stronger against the Euro and vice versa. So, if you think the EURUSD will decline (that is, that the Euro will weaken versus the dollar), you would sell EUR now and then later you buy Euro back at a lower price and take your profits. The opposite trading scenario would occur if the EURUSD appreciates .

Important Forex Trading Terms

Spread
The spread is the difference between the price that you can sell currency at ( Bid ) and the price you can buy currency at ( Ask ). The spread on majors is usually 5 pips under normal market conditions. For more information on the trading conditions at Saxo Bank, go to the Account Summary on your Client Station and open the section entitled "Trading Conditions" found in the top right-hand corner of the Account Summary.
Pips
A pip is the smallest unit by which a cross price quote changes. When trading forex you will often hear that there is a 5-pip spread when you trade the majors. This spread is revealed when you compare the bid and the ask price, for example EURUSD is quoted at a bid price of 0.9875 and an ask price of 0.9880. The difference is USD 0.0005, which is equal to 5 "pips". On a contract or position, the value of a pip can easily be calculated. You know that the EURUSD is quoted with four decimals, so all you have to do is the cancel-out the four zeros on the amount you trade and you will have one pip. Thus, on a EURUSD 100,000 contract, one pip is USD 10. On a USDJPY 100,000 contract, one pip is equal to 1000 yen, because USDJPY is quoted with only two decimals.

Trading Scenario - Trading Rising Prices
If you believe that the Euro will strengthen against the dollar you'll want to buy Euro now and sell it back later at a higher price.

You buy Euro	We quote EURUSD at Bid 0.9875 and Ask 0.9880, which means that you can sell 1 Euro for 0.9875 USD or buy 1 Euro for 0.9880 USD. In this example you buy Euro 100,000, at the quote price of 0.9880 (ask price) per Euro.
The market turns	Later the market turns in favour of the Euro and the EURUSD is now quoted at Bid 0.9894 and Ask 0.9899.
Now you want to sell your Euro and get the profit	You sell Euro at a Bid price of 0.9894.
The profit is calculated as follows:	Sell price-buy price x size of trade (0.9894 minus 0.9880) multiplied by 100.000 = $140 Profit (Note that the profit or loss is always expressed in the secondary currency )

Trading Scenario - Trading Falling Prices
If, on the other hand, you believe that the Euro will weaken against the dollar, you'll want to sell EURUSD.

You sell Euro	We quote EURUSD at a Bid price of 0.9875 and Ask price of 0.9880 and you decide to sellEuro 100,000 at a Bid price of 0.9875.
The market moves in your favour	The Euro weakens against the dollar and the EURUSD is now quoted at bid 0.9744 and ask 0.9749.
Now you buy back your Euro	You buy EUR at an ask price of 0.9749.
Your Profit/loss is then	Sell price-buy price x size of trade (0.9875 minus 0.9749) multiplied by 100.000 = $ 1260 Profit

Remember that trading EUR 100,000 as we have done in our examples, does not mean that you have to put up Euro 100,000 yourself. It means that you have to deposit 2.0% of Euro 100,000, which is Euro 2,000 on margin as a guarantee for the future performance of your position.

Further Reading
To see how you can trade the forex market and benefit from our toolbox of information and live quotes, please proceed to our Forex Quick Start found under the Trading menu on the toolbar, under Forex.

Glossary

Appreciation	Anincrease in the value of a currency.
Ask	Theprice at which you can buy. Traders also speak of an ask price,the price requested. This usually indicates the lowest price aseller will accept.
Basecurrency	Thecurrency that the investor buys or sells (i.e. EUR in EURUSD).
Bear	Someonewho believes prices are heading down. A bear market is one inwhich there is a sustained fall in prices and which does not looklike it will recover quickly.
Bid	Theprice at which you can sell. Traders also speak of a bid price,the price offered. This usually indicates the top price apurchaser will pay.
Bid/Ask	TheBid rate is the rate at which you sell. The Ask (or offer) rate isthe rate at which you can buy.
Bull	Someonewho is optimistic about the market. A bull market is characterisedby enthusiastic and sustained buying.
cross	Whentrading currencies, the investor buys one currency againstanother. These two currencies form the cross: for example, EURUSD.
Crossrate	Anexchange rate that is calculated from two other exchange rates.
Depreciation/decline	Afall in the value of a currency.
Exchangerate	Whatone currency is worth in terms of another, for example the $Amight be worth 58 US cents or 70 yen. Currencies traded freely onforeign-exchange markets have a spot rate (applying to tradessettled 'spot', ie, two working days hence) and a forward rate.Countries can determine their exchange rates in a variety of ways:a floating exchange rate system where the currency finds its ownlevel in the market; a crawling or flexible peg system which is acombination of an officially fixed rate and frequent smalladjustments which in theory work against a build-up of speculationabout a revaluation or devaluation; a fixed exchange-rate systemwhere the value of the currency is set by the government and/orthe central bank.
EURUSD	Meansthat you trade EUR against dollars. If you buy Euro you pay indollars and if you sell Euro you receive dollars.
FX,Forex, Foreign Exchange	Allnames for the transaction of one currency for another, e.g. youbuy �100.00 with $150.25 or sell $150.25 for �100.00.
Interbank	Short-term(often overnight) borrowing and lending between banks, as distinctfrom banks' business with their corporate clients or otherfinancial institutions.
Interestrate differential	Theyield spread between two otherwise comparable debt instrumentsdenominated in different currencies.
Leverage(gearing)	Inthis case leverage means that the investor only funds part of theamount traded.
Long	Tobuy.
Longposition	Aposition that increases its value if market prices increase.
Liquid(-ity)	Thecapacity to be converted easily and with minimum loss into cash.Ultra-short-dated treasury notes are an example of a liquidinvestment. A liquid market is one in which there is enoughactivity to satisfy both buyers and sellers.
Margin	Theinitial amount or deposit required when entering into a position.Margin is a guarantee for future performance.
NYSE	Acomputerised system providing brokers with the prices of sharesand securities traded on the New York stock exchange and over thecounter. The quotes are published in real-time.
Openposition	Aposition in a currency that has not yet been offset. For example,if you have bought 100,000 USDJPY, you have an open position inUSDJPY until you offset it by selling 100,000 USDJPY.
"Overthe counter"	Whentrading takes place directly between two parties, rather than onan exchange.
Pips	Apip is the smallest unit by which a cross price quote changes. Soif EURUSD bid is now quoted at 0.9767 and it moves up 2 pips, itwill now be quoted at 0.9769.
Position	Money-market,futures, foreign-exchange and sharemarket traders talk of 'takinga position' which simply means buying or selling one currencycross. 'Position' can also refer to a trader'scash/securities/currencies balance, whether he or she is short ofcash, has money to lend, is overbought or oversold in a currency,etc.
Risk	Tryingto control outcomes to a known or predictable range of gains orlosses. Risk management involves a set of steps which begin with asound understanding of one's business and the exposures or risksthat have to be covered to protect the value of that business.Then an assessment should be made of the types of variables thatcan affect the business and how best to protect against unwelcomeoutcomes. Consideration must also be given to the preferred riskprofile - whether one is risk- averse or fairly aggressive inapproach. This also involves deciding which instruments to use tomanage risk, and whether a natural hedge exists that can be used.Once undertaken, a risk-management strategy should be continuallyassessed for effectiveness and cost.
Secondarycurrency (variable currency or counter currency)	Thecurrency that the investor trades the base currency against (i.e.USD in EURUSD).
Shortposition	Aposition that benefits from a decline in market prices.
Short	Tosell.
Speculative	Buyingand selling in the hope of making a profit, rather than doing sofor some fundamental business-related need.
Spot	ASpot rate is the current market price of an asset.
Spotmarket	Thepart of the market calling for spot settlement of transactions.The precise meaning of 'spot' will depend on local custom for acommodity, security or currency. In the UK, US and Australianforeign-exchange markets, 'spot' means delivery two working dayshence.
Spread	Thedifference between the bid and the ask rate.

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