Work & Career
Moving to Slovenia and planning to (re)start your career? Whether you are relocating for work, joining a partner, studying, or working remotely, Slovenia offers growing opportunities for international professionals. With a high quality of life and rising demand for skilled workers, foreign employees now make up around 16% of the workforce, rising steadly. This page will help you understand the Slovenian job market and continue your career successfully.
Work - General info
Salary & Average income
Salaries in Slovenia vary depending on industry, experience, and region. In 2025–2026, the average gross monthly salary was approximately €2,500–€2,800, while the average net salary was around €1,500–€1,800 per month.
Note!
Minimum Wage
The statutory minimum wage in Slovenia for 2026 is €1,481.88 gross per month for full-time work. Employees working part-time are entitled to a proportional amount.
Holiday Allowance (“Regres”)
Employees (public sector, private companies, but not self-employed persons) who are entitled to annual leave also receive a mandatory holiday allowance (regres), usually paid before the summer holidays. By law, the minimum amount must be at least equal to the minimum wage, although many employers pay higher amounts depending on collective agreements and company policy.
Note!
Working Hours
- 40 hours per week
- Usually 8 hours per day
- Includes a paid 30-minute lunch break
Slovenian like to start their work early in the morning. The reason is, they would say, so that they can have something remaining from the day left.
Note!
Paid Annual Leave
Employees are legally entitled to a minimum of 20 working days for a standard 5-day work week or 4 weeks of paid annual leave. Additional leave days may apply for seniority, age, disability, or family responsibilities. Many private companies have different policy about annual leave, so check individual company policy.
Note!
Sick Leave
Employees in Slovenia are entitled to paid sick leave. The employer generally covers shorter absences, while longer-term sick leave may be covered by the national health insurance system, from ZZZS – governmental health insurance agency. A medical certificate from your GP and or specialised doctor is required.
Maternity & Parental leave
Slovenians are very proud to have great family policy and Slovenia is one of the world’s most family-friendly countries, offering generous support for new parents and flexible work-life balance:
of fully paid maternity leave
of fully paid paternity leave (for fathers and can be used anytime until the 3 year of a child’s birth)
of shared parental leave (60 days is compulsory for mother and father to use until the child’s age of 8)
Additional leave for twins, premature births, or children with special needs. Flexible work options and breastfeeding breaks to support working parents is also common and available.
Types of Employment in Slovenia
In Slovenia, employment can take several forms depending on the nature of the work, contract type, and legal status of the worker. Understanding these categories is important when entering the job market.
Permanent or fixed-term employment
- Most common form of work
- Full-time or part-time (part-time is less common)
- Includes standard employment contracts with social security and labour protections
Self-employed
In Slovenia 11% of working people are self-employed (2026), 15% EU in 2023)
- Full-time self-employed professionals (samostojni podjetnik or s.p.) , such as sole traders or entrepreneurs.
- Supplementary or “afternoon” (popoldanski s.p.) self-employment alongside regular employment.
Temporary and flexible work arrangements
- Contracts for work (Podnajemna pogodba)
- Copyright contracts (freelance/project-based work)
- Student work (via student employment services)
- Seasonal or occasional work (including for pensioners)
Work rights for Foreigners
EU & EFTA
If you are an EU citizen, you do not need a work permit. You have many opportunities, among them simplified access to the Slovenian labour market, EU financial support, free language courses, relocation package for you and your family.
- EURES – European Employment Services — EU-wide job mobility portal with vacancies, relocation support, and labour market information
- Employment Service of Slovenia (ZRSZ) — official national employment service, registration, and job matching support
EU citizens can freely live and work in Slovenia, but you are required to register temporary residence if staying longer-term. See more information in the Registration page.
Third Country Nationals
If you are a third-country national, you generally need a single residence and work permit to work legally in Slovenia. This permit combines both residence and employment rights and is typically linked to a specific employer or job position:
- A temporary residence permit is usually issued for up to 2 years at a time, even if the employment contract is longer or permanent
- After 5 years of continuous legal residence, you may become eligible to apply for a permanent residence permit
- The permit is tied to employment conditions, so changes in job or employer may require administrative updates or approval
Find a job in Slovenia
There is no right way or path to find work in a foreign country for any foreigner. Slovenia is a small market with nearly 1 million people working, of which which 16% of employed people are foreigners and of which 2,2% are foreigners from non – Balkan countries. International working mobility is low compare to some major countries and finding your way around might take some time, creative ways and flexibility.
Job Platforms, Networks & Employment Agencies
Most job advertisements and websites are in Slovene language, but many international companies and agencies are open to English-speaking candidates. Do not hesitate to contact agencies directly or arrange an appointment — personal communication and networking are often key to finding opportunities in Slovenia. Below are some links for you to explore from your computer.
important platform for international professionals and expats
one of the largest employment portals in Slovenia.
job search engine collecting opportunities from multiple websites.
popular Slovenian platform for local and international job opportunities.
widely used Slovenian employment portal.
independent employment and career portal.
an excellent resource for EU citizens looking for jobs across European Union countries.
recruitment agency offering temporary and permanent employment opportunities.
international staffing agency helping candidates find work in different sectors.
Personal tip for Spouses- How to find a job?
Starting a professional journey in Slovenia as the spouse of a working partner can be challenging and emotionally demanding. Many spouses experience a temporary pause in their careers while adapting to a new country, culture, and professional environment, but rebuilding your professional path is absolutely possible with patience, adaptability, persistence, and flexibility — something I have personally experienced several times over the past two decades.
Key tips
Most job advertisements and websites are in Slovene language, but many international companies and agencies are open to English-speaking candidates. Do not hesitate to contact agencies directly or arrange an appointment — personal communication and networking are often key to finding opportunities in Slovenia. Below are some links for you to explore from your computer.
Explore the first months
3- Ns (Networking. Networking. Networking.)
Learn Slovene
Even basic Slovene can improve daily life , increase your connections and help with job opportunities. Some professions, such as healthcare, as in many other countries, require advanced Slovene language skills.
Plan Your Strategy
Update your CV, LinkedIn profile, identify transferable skills, consider additional training, and stay open & flexible to new career paths or industries. Try temporary jobs, make it fun and explorative.
Volunteering
Volunteering can really help you build connections, practice language skills, build confidence and professional contacts in Slovenia.
Be kind to yourself
Be patient, persistent and flexible. It can take time. You have to build from scratch: connections, language, social networks, sometimes new skills. There may be setbacks, but dont give up.
Did you know?
Including health insurance, unlike in many western countries, health insurance is additional to net salary.
27% public sector.
Average age working is 44,3 years.
Of which 86% from ex-Yugoslav countries, and 2,2% from the rest of the world. (Stat 2025)
November 2024 unemployment rate was 3,5%
Useful links
- Labour Market Information & Statistics
- EURES – European Job Mobility Portal — jobs and mobility support across EU countries, including Slovenia.
- Employment Service of Slovenia (ZRSZ) — official state job portal and employment support services.
- Labour Inspectorate of the Republic of Slovenia— information on employment contracts, workers’ rights, and labour law compliance.
- For Job Seekers in the Cultural Sector : Motovila – Mobility Info Point (Residence & Work Permits for EU nationals)
Get in touch
Expat Support
consultancy, Urška Celner Gabrielse s.p.
Ljubljana, Slovenia
+386 51 673 373
info@liveinslovenia.si