Are you a foreign worker in Slovenia? At the Association of Free Trade Unions of Slovenia (Zveza svobodnih sindikatov Slovenije – ZSSS), we want to help you understand your rights and responsibilities.

Single Permit

Nationals of third countries need a single permit to live and work in Slovenia. The permit is issued by the local administrative unit (Upravna enota), while the Employment Agency of Slovenia (Zavod za zaposlovanje) issues the required approval. Seasonal work permits (for up to 90 days per calendar year) are also available for short-term agricultural work. For citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) and Serbia, work permits are issued under bilateral agreements.

Work Permit under Bilateral Employment Agreements

Citizens of Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina may obtain a work permit under bilateral agreements. For them, this work permit is the first step toward a single permit. The first application is submitted by the employer; renewal is submitted by the worker at the Employment Agency.

Employment with a Residence Permit

Foreigners who hold a temporary residence permit issued for reasons other than employment or self-employment (e.g., family reunification, study, other personal reasons) may work based on an informative employment approval (informativni list). First you find an employer, they publish the job vacancy at the Employment Agency.

If no suitable candidates are found among registered unemployed persons, the Employment Agency issues the informative employment approval specifying all employment conditions. The administrative unit then issues a residence permit with access to the labour market and confirms the informative approval.

Labour Market Check

For most jobs, the Employment Service must verify that no suitable unemployed candidates are available—this is the labour market test. You may also check this before applying for a work permit or changing employers or job positions. Some professions are exempt from the labour market test.

These are currently: welder, heavy truck and tractor-trailer driver, toolmaker, lathe operator, electrical installer, bricklayer, carpenter, cook, electromechanic, ICT sales specialist, software and applications developer/analyst, and database/network specialist.

These occupations are defined by ministerial order (Ministry of Labour) every six months based on consultations with trade unions and employer organizations.

How can I change employer?

You can change employer at any administrative unit if your residence permit is still valid. You bring your new employment contract and the new employer’s statement on accommodation. Workers from Serbia and BiH with a bilateral work permit may freely change employers after one year of employment with the first employer.

Before one year, a change is possible only if the Employment Agency grants you the right to change employer or if the worker submits an extraordinary termination due to serious violations of his labour rights.

Before accepting a job with a new employer, you must always check whether the employer appears on the list of non-compliant or abusive employers. You can submit applications yourself—do not pay intermediaries. If someone submits the application on your behalf, always verify that it was filed. Also check whether you are properly registered for health insurance by entering your EMŠO number at E-storitve ZZZS.

If you need help with the procedure, contact the free Information Point for Foreigners at the Employment Agency (+386 1 330 81 20, info-tocka@ess.gov.si) or the ZSSS Info Office (+386 1 430 91 75, Marko.Tanasic@sindikat-zsss.si).

Ending an Employment Relationship

Employment can be terminated:

  • by regular termination with a notice period,
  • by extraordinary termination, or
  • by mutual agreement.

Notice periods for regular termination are defined in your employment contract. By law, they range from at least 15 days (for less than 1 year of employment) to 30 days (after 1 year of employment), up to a maximum of 60 days. During probation, the statutory notice period is 7 days.

What happens if I lose my job?

If you worked in Slovenia for at least 10 months in the past 2 years—or if you are under 30 and worked at least 6 months—you may register with the Employment Service within 30 days of losing your job and receive unemployment benefits. This applies only if you did not lose your job due to your own fault or by your own choice.

Unemployment benefits last:

  • at least 2 months (if employed at least 6 months), or
  • at least 3 months (if employed at least 10 months),

and amount to 70–130 % of your calculation base (average monthly wage received in the past 8 months; for persons under 30 with less than 10 months of work, the past 5 months are used). All compulsory social contributions are paid by the Employment Agency. Before your benefits expire, you must find a new employer and start the procedure for changing employment.

Equal Rights for Foreign Workers

As a foreign worker, you have the same labour rights as Slovenian workers, including:

  • fair pay (at least the minimum wage),
  • safe and healthy working conditions,
  • social and health insurance,
  • rest breaks and annual leave,
  • the right to join and be represented by a trade union.

Before Problems or Violations Occur

Protect yourself by keeping evidence of communication with your employer, employment contracts, payslips, records of working time, photos of your workplace, contact details of co-workers. If problems or violations begin, contact ZSSS or an Information office for foreigners, as soon as possible. You can also contact the Labour Inspectorate.

Where to get Help, Information, and Support?

 

 

  • Information Point for Foreigners (Employment Service of Slovenia)
    Information, counselling, and support regarding employment and work of foreigners
    Phone: +386 (0)1 330 81 20
    Opening hours:
    Mon, Tue, Thu: 8:00–15:00
    Wed: 8:00–17:00
    Fri: 8:00–13:00
    Email: info-tocka@ess.gov.si

 

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