How to Get a Work Permit in Slovenia?

Would you like to live and work in one of the most stunning European countries in its landscape, boasting cultural treasures and epicurean delights? This small country is highly advanced technologically. Besides, the warm hospitality of the people in this popular destination for travellers is unforgettable. We are speaking about Slovenia here. In this article, we give details on how to get a work permit in Slovenia for a foreign worker.

Listen To This Podcast: Is Slovenia the Emerging Logistics Goldmine in 2024? Insights from Natasa Pogacnik

Do You Need a Slovenia Work Visa?

If you want to work in Slovenia, you will most likely need to apply for a work visa prior to starting work, except for the following cases:

EU/EEA citizens, family members of Slovenian citizens, and non-EU/EEA citizens with permanent residency can work in Slovenia without a work visa or permit. Family members of Slovenian citizens and non-EU/EEA citizens with permanent residence permits also don't need a work visa. Non-EU/EEA nationals living in Slovenia for at least a year with a long-term residency permit from another EU nation and third-generation Slovenian origin nationals residing in a non-EU/EEA country are exempt from the requirement for a work visa.

Any other nationals of third countries who are not in the EEA or EU wish to relocate to Slovenia to pursue gainful employment must apply for a work visa.

Types of Work Visa

Several types of work permits and visas are available for foreign nationals in Slovenia. Let's explore them to find the correct visa type for you.

Single Permit: This type of permit combines permissions for both work and residence.

• It grants third-country nationals the right to enter, reside, and work in Slovenia.
• The "one-stop shop" concept streamlines the application process.
• The Single Permit replaces both the work permit (issued by the Employment Service of Slovenia) and the residence permit (issued by administrative units), eliminating the need for separate permits for foreign nationals.

EU Blue Card: This permit is still technically a single permit, specifically for highly skilled workers from non-EU nations. It allows workers to work in Slovenia contingent upon a job offer.

Internal Business Transfer Visa: This visa is for workers from international corporations who have been relocated to Slovenia for employment. It promotes internal company mobility within the European Union.

Self-Employed Work Permit: This permit enables you to work for yourself in Slovenia if you intend to work for yourself. A workable business plan and sound financial standing are prerequisites.

Seasonal Work Permit: Best suited for temporary employment (shorter period) during particular seasons, this permit is issued for a period of validity of 90 days for seasonal work in agriculture.

Keep in mind that there are particular requirements for eligibility and application processes for each kind of permit. Check official government sources or consult a legal professional to obtain accurate and current conditions.

Visa Requirement for Single Permit

Here's a brief overview of the Single Permit for work in Slovenia:

What Is a Single Permit?

Third-country nationals or non-EU/EEA citizens are permitted to enter, reside, and work in Slovenia under the Single Permit. It integrates residency and employment contracts into a single, expedited procedure.

Application Process

To apply for a Slovenian visa, you must first find a Slovenian job and submit your Single Permit Application at the Slovenian embassy or consulate in your home country.

Types of Consent

The Single Permit can be granted for various purposes, including:

• Regular employment.
• Self-employment.
• Change of jobs with the same employer.
• Seasonal work in agriculture.
• EU Blue Card (for highly skilled workers).
• Training or further training.
• Individual services provided by foreign nationals.

Validity and Renewal: The initial permit for employment is valid for the job's complete term, up to a year, and can be extended for an additional two years under certain circumstances. Make sure you renew on time to keep your legal standing.

Self-Employment: Foreign nationals who have legally resided in Slovenia for a year are eligible to work independently for the entire period. Remember to consult the correct office sources for detailed requirements and procedures.

You Might Be Interested In: A Dive into Slovenia’s Economy | Manufacturing Sector of Slovenia in 2024

Visa for Self-Employed Workers

Application Process

Where to Apply: You can apply for a single permit as a self-employed worker at a Republic of Slovenian diplomatic mission or consular post overseas. The local government in Slovenia, where you currently reside, is also applicable.

Application Form: To issue or renew a residence permit, use form no. 3/1 (Annex 1 of the Rules on Issuing Residence Permits). Slovenian administrative units can also provide the form.

Charges: If applying overseas, the first permit has an administrative fee of EUR 102. If applying from within Slovenia, there is a 70 EUR administrative fee. The cost of a residence permit card is EUR 12.

Required Documents: When a self-employed person applies for a single permit, they must submit the following paperwork:

• A personal photograph
• A valid travel document that will not expire before the three months after you plan to stay in Slovenia.
• Documentation of sufficient health insurance that covers Slovenian emergency medical services (if Slovenian insurance is not mandatory).
• Evidence of adequate means of subsistence, or at least Slovenia's minimum income.
• A certificate based on your national criminal record.

Additional Requirements: Register your temporary residence at the address where you are staying within eight days of moving into temporary housing. A self-employed person's single permit is granted for as long as it takes to achieve their goal of residency, but no longer than a year.

Visa for Seasonal Work

If you're interested in seasonal work in Slovenia, here are the details regarding the Single Permit for Seasonal Work (limited duration):

Eligibility: Non-EU nationals from foreign countries are invited to apply for summer employment in Slovenia due to the significant increase in labour demand in industries like forestry and agriculture.

Application Process: To apply for a permit in Slovenia, either submit your application at a consular or diplomatic location overseas or your employer's application at the administrative unit in Slovenia. To issue or renew the permit, use form No. 10/1, which can be found at administrative offices, consular posts, and diplomatic missions.

Charges: The application fee for international applicants is EUR 102, with an administrative charge of 70 euros within Slovenia and a residency card cost of €12.

Required Documents: To apply for a visa to Slovenia, you must provide a valid travel document, sufficient health insurance covering Slovenian emergency medical services, evidence of adequate means of subsistence, a signed employment contract or civil law, and a criminal record certificate from your home country. The documents should not expire before the three-month stay in Slovenia. Please submit your photo along with the following documents.

Extra Requirements: Register your temporary residence at the address where you are staying within eight days of moving into temporary housing. This permit is required if you intend to work in forestry or agriculture for up to 90 days during the summer.

Remember to follow the correct procedures and consult competent authorities for precise information.

Visa for Job Seekers in Slovenia

If you're interested in working in Slovenia and want to explore job opportunities, the Slovenia Job Seeker Visa (Type D) is designed for you. Here are the key details:

Purpose

The Slovenia Job Seeker Visa allows up to 90-day stays for employment, education, or visiting relatives, making it ideal for those actively seeking work in Slovenia.

Characteristics

Year-Long Stay: This type of visa allows you to stay in Slovenia for a maximum of one year.

No Mandatory Job Offer Requirement: Unlike other work visas, this one does not require an offer of employment to be applied for.

Flexible Use: This visa offers flexibility, so you can use it for either work or study.

Application Procedure

Apply for a Slovenia Type D Visa, sometimes called a "national" or "long-stay" visa. To submit your application, go to the Slovenian government's nearest representative office in your nation.

Remember to gather the necessary documents, including your passport, employment contract (if available), and proof of sufficient means of subsistence bank statements).

Visa for Highly Qualified Work or EU Blue Card

To perform temporary employment as a highly qualified worker in Slovenia, you must have an employment contract and obtain an EU Blue Card, also known as a Single Permit for highly qualified employment.

Requirements for Highly Qualified Work

A contract is required for highly qualified work. Work completed by an individual with at least a university degree is considered highly qualified work. By signing the employment contract, the employer shall guarantee a salary of at least 1.5 times the average annual gross wage in the Republic of Slovenia. Your employer may move forward with your recruitment if no local candidate meets the necessary level of education and the job vacancy has been publicized.

The Application Procedure

Apply for the first EU Blue Card at an overseas Republic of Slovenian consulate or diplomatic location. If you already hold a valid identity card, passport, or other permits proving your residency, you may apply within 30 days of arriving in Slovenia. Your employer may apply for an EU Blue Card at the Slovenian administrative unit or a diplomatic or consular post overseas.

You can enter and remain in Slovenia for 30 days without a residence permit if you are an EU Blue Card holder who has resided in another EU nation for at least 18 months. You or your employer must apply for a Slovenian EU Blue Card within these 30 days.

Validity

The EU Blue Card is valid for a maximum of two years, three months longer than the duration of the employment contract. Adhere to the proper protocols and seek accurate information from official sources.

Read This Article On: All You Need to Know About Slovenian Dual Citizenship

How to Get a Work Permit in Slovenia as a US Citizen?

As a US citizen, obtaining a work visa in Slovenia involves specific steps and requirements. Here's what you need to know.

The Single Residence and Work Permit (Single Permit) allows third-country nationals, including US citizens, to enter, reside, and work in Slovenia. It simplifies procedures by combining residence and work permits. The application process involves submitting a single permit to a competent administrative unit or diplomatic/consular office in your home country. The Employment Service of Slovenia approves the permit if requirements are met. New employers must settle all tax liabilities before the Employment Service approves or renews the permit.

To obtain a Slovenia Work Visa, you need a valid passport, a recent photo with biometric data, an employment contract or invitation letter, proof of health insurance, and a police certificate from your home country showing a clean criminal record, not older than three months. To obtain a work permit, one must have a valid residence permit, possess the necessary qualifications and skills for the job, and the employer must show a shortage of skilled workers.

Always remember to get the most recent and accurate information by speaking with legal professionals or official sources that will land you the correct category of visa.

Documents Required for the Work Visa

If you're a USA citizen seeking a work visa for employment in Slovenia, you'll need to provide specific documents to support your application. Here are the key documents required:

Valid Passport: Ensure your passport remains valid for at least three months after you depart from Slovenia, as it serves as your primary identification during the visa application process.

One Passport-Sized Photo: Please submit a passport-sized photo with biometric information, adhering to guidelines for a 2 by 2-inch image on a white background.

Employment Contract and/or Invitation Letter: Please provide a copy of your valid work contract or invitation letter from your Slovenian employer outlining the terms of your employment, including job duties, pay, and duration.

Proof of Health Insurance: During your visit to Slovenia, ensure you have adequate health insurance and provide relevant information about your employer's health insurance coverage.

Police Certificate: A police certificate verifying your criminal history from your home country is required, with a maximum age of three months.

Contact the official Slovenian embassy or consulate for exact information and adhere to the correct protocols.

Processing Time for the Slovenian Work Visa

The processing time for a Slovenian work visa can vary based on several factors. Here are some estimates:

Single Work Permit: The processing time for a work visa to Slovenia is approximately six months, but this estimate may be influenced by factors such as the number of applications, submission timing, and application completeness.

Seasonal Work Visa: The Slovenian seasonal Work Visa Process typically takes one to two months to complete, including the time it takes the Slovenian embassy to process visa applications.

Keep in mind that actual processing times may differ from these estimates. To ensure a seamless process, planning ahead and submitting your application as soon as possible is advisable.

Required Applicable Visa Fees

The visa fees for a Slovenian work visa can vary based on the applicant's nationality and the type of work permit. Here are some details:

Single Work Permit: The cost of a single work permit application within Slovenia is approximately EUR 102, but the fee may vary if applied from outside Slovenia, such as at a Slovenian embassy or consulate, so it's crucial to confirm the specific fees.

Seasonal Work Visa: Fees for seasonal work visas for agriculture may vary based on the applicant's nationality and permit duration and can be obtained from the embassy or Slovenian authorities.

Prices are subject to change, so consult the Slovenian government or consular services for the latest information. Different nationalities may pay varying fees, so confirm the exact amount based on your unique situation.

Duration of Validity of Work Permit

The duration of validity for a work permit in Slovenia can vary based on the type of work permit and the employment situation. Here are some general guidelines:

Single Permit for Work: A work permit typically has a one-year initial validity, which can be extended for an additional two years if requirements are met, with the total validity determining the employment contract and other factors.

Seasonal Work Visa: Seasonal work permits, especially for agricultural work, are typically granted for a set duration, with the validity potentially being shortened for seasonal work (by, say, 90 days).

Permanent Residency: After a continuous period of lawful residence, foreign nationals can legally reside in Slovenia permanently for an unlimited period.

Variability by Country: The duration of a work permit may vary based on the type of permit and the applicant's nationality. For more information, contact the embassy or Slovenian authorities.

A Guide for Job Hunting in Slovenia

If you want to work in Slovenia, here's a guide to help you navigate the process:

Locate an Employer: To find a Slovenian employer, tailor your job search to your profession, desired work area, and education degree.

Single Work Permit: To work in Slovenia, foreign nationals need a single work permit and residence issued by an administrative unit and approved by the Employment Service.

Application Procedure: To apply for a single permit, you can visit a Slovenian embassy or consulate in your country of origin or have your Slovenian employer apply on your behalf.

Necessary Documents: To enter Slovenia, you must provide a valid passport, a single passport-style photo with biometric information, a valid contract letter or employment contract from your Slovenian employer, verification of health insurance status, and a police certificate with a criminal history of no older than three months.

Contact the official Slovenian embassy or consulate for exact information and adhere to the correct protocols.

Check Out This Article On: Advantages of Registering Your Company in Slovenia | 2024

Conclusion

The answer to the question 'How to get a work permit in Slovenia?' is to follow these steps: find an employer, understand the Single Permit process, and gather the necessary documents. Consult official sources and follow the correct procedures.

A work permit in Slovenia is crucial for foreigners to reside and work there. This single permit allows temporary residence and work in Slovenia for the duration of the employment agreement, with the possibility of renewal for up to two years. It is obtained through a suitable employment contract with a Slovenian company and is regulated under the Employment, Self-employment, and Work of Foreigners Act. The permit is necessary for most third-country nationals but not for the European Union citizens. Acquiring the permit can be complex, and it is advisable to seek legal advice to ensure compliance with Slovenian immigration rules.

Best of luck with your work permit application, and may your journey in Slovenia be successful!

FAQs