If you’re looking to live and work in Europe, consider making a career move in Slovenia. The nation has a healthy economic condition and was even the first country to transition to a donor partner at the World Bank.
Proud of its mountain peaks and sustainable cities, Slovenia promises a refreshing working environment. Slovenians are known to be humble, adaptable, and skilled in athletics as well. If you reciprocate this friendliness, you’ll surely enjoy living and working in Slovenia.
This article outlines what you need in order to come and work in Slovenia, including the requirements and a step-by-step application for a Slovenia work visa.
Do I need a work visa in Slovenia?
Slovenia is a member of the European Union (EU) and European Economic Area (EEA). Hence, the following are not required of a work visa in Slovenia:
- citizens of other EU member states
- citizens of Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and the Swiss Federation
- immediate family members of Slovenians
- non-EU nationals but are immediate family members of workers of the two categories above
- non-EU nationals of Slovenian roots (up to the third generation)
If you’re a third-country national but a family member of an EU/EEA national, you must apply for family reunification. Other non-EU citizens who do not belong in any category above must apply for a work visa from a Slovenian diplomatic mission.
What are the requirements to apply for a work visa in Slovenia?
Slovenia issues a Single Work and Residence permit for foreign nationals who wish to work and live in the country. This authorization is often called the Single Permit and is a type of long-stay visa for over 90 days duration of stay.
This permit is just one of many ways to enter Slovenia, but it is the most reliable route for foreign professionals and skilled workers.
The single permit is granted for the following:
- Employment and self-employment
- Extending employment
- Transferring to a Slovenian branch of a UK-based company
- Posted workers
- EU Blue Card
- Training for foreign nationals
- Individual services of foreign nationals
- Work from an agent (over 90 days)
- Seasonal farming work (over 90 days)
To obtain the Single Permit, you need to provide these basic documents:
- Fully accomplished visa application form
- Passport with at least two blank pages and with validity extending three months after the end of your stay
- Recent passport-sized photographs
- Proof of accommodation in Slovenia (lease agreement)
- Proof of health insurance coverage (at least EUR 30,000)
- Proof of financial means (Bank statements or sponsorships)
- Proof of no criminal record (Police clearance)
- Proof of academic qualifications
- Proof of professional skills or work experience
For those who will work under a contract, the additional requirements include:
- Offer of employment or signed employment contract
- Proof of Slovenian payroll
- Job vacancy posting
- Employer’s statement if they will provide your accommodation
For self-employed workers, the additional requirements include:
For special professions (athletes, artists, media correspondents, or religious workers), the additional requirements include:
- Proof of your profession (sports certificate, press card, etc.)
For research or higher education work, the additional requirements include:
- Agreement with research or higher education organization
For the EU Blue card, the additional requirements include:
- Offer of employment
- Proof of salary offer (at least 1.5 times the average gross annual salary)
- Proof of higher specialist education
Check Also: Programs in Europe for International Students
Steps on Applying for a Work Visa in Slovenia
The Single Permit is advantageous to foreign employees since it combines authorization for paid employment and legal residence. The application process is simpler and more streamlined. Nonetheless, allocate one to three months for the whole application process.
You can follow the guide below to get this work visa for Slovenia:
1. Accomplish the visa application form
You can start your work visa petition in Slovenia by completing a work visa application form. It contains personal information and employment matters that will establish your purpose. You can find visa application forms listed on the Slovenian government website and are available at all diplomatic missions for free. If you complete your form electronically, have it printed and signed.
If you already have an employer, they can submit an application on your behalf to the Administrative Units Service within Slovenia. Upon evaluation of your documents in the Slovenian office, they will forward them to the diplomatic office abroad (in your country or area of residence) for you to proceed to the next step of getting your work visa for Slovenia.
2. Schedule an appointment
Once you’ve collected your visa application package, schedule an appointment with a Slovenian embassy or consular post in your country of residence. You can find a list of Slovenian diplomatic missions on their government website.
This time is also the opportunity to ask if there are any country-specific documents you haven’t yet prepared. Collect the rest of the documentary requirements listed above as well as additional requirements, if there are any.
If you don’t find an embaassy within your country, however, you may apply from another country as long as your stay there is legal.
3. Submit an application
You must submit your application in person at the designated diplomatic mission. A diplomatic officer will make an initial assessment of your documents and may conduct a short interview about the purpose of your visit.
For security and verification purposes, you will also submit a photograph and electronic scans of ten fingerprints.
Like most government services, you need to pay certain processing fees for a Slovenian work visa. For a single application, you will pay around EUR 13 (USD 15) for the application and EUR 102 (USD 119) for the permit issuance. You can review the schedule of fees on this page.
4. Collect your visa
Once approved, you can collect your work visa and travel to Slovenia. Within eight days of your arrival in Slovenia, you need to register your Slovenian address at the Administrative Units Service. This process will grant you a residence permit in the form of a card so you can travel freely within the country.
Your first successful application is valid for one year and extendable when certain conditions are met. Also note that for your permit to remain valid, you should stay in Slovenia for at least 180 days a year.
We hope that this article on getting a work visa in Slovenia was helpful! If you are interested in studying in Europe, make sure to check out Available Programs in Europe for International Students.
