If you’re not a citizen of a member-state of the European Union and you are planning to work or be employed in Slovenia in 2025, obtaining a Single Permit for Residence and Work may be your key to entering the country, residing, and working legally. Here’s a structured guide drafted by an immigration lawyer in Slovenia to help you understand the process in 2025.

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What is the Single Residence and Work Permit?

The single permit allows non-EU citizens to legally enter Slovenia, reside there, and take up employment. It streamlines the process by combining residence and work authorization into a single document.

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Who Can Apply?

Both the prospective employee, and the employer can initiate the application process. They can also collaborate to apply for an extension when the permit nears its expiration.

• First-Time Applications:
  The application can be filed by the employee from abroad, while the employer can submit it in Slovenia.
  In certain special cases, the employee may also apply from within Slovenia.
• Extensions:
  Applications for extensions can be submitted from within Slovenia by either the employee or the employer.

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How Long is the Permit Valid?

The initial permit is issued for the duration of your employment contract, up to a maximum of one year. After meeting the necessary conditions, the permit can be extended for:

• Up to two years, even if the contract is valid for a longer period.
• Indefinitely, in certain circumstances.

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Where is the Permit Issued?

• The first permit is usually issued by a Slovenian diplomatic or consular office abroad.
• If the employee is already lawfully residing in Slovenia and have previously provided fingerprints, the permit may be issued by the local administrative unit where the employee lives.

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Flexibility During the Permit’s Validity

Once the employee has the permit, they are allowed to:

• Change jobs with the same employer.
• Switch to a new employer.
• Work for multiple employers simultaneously, provided that labor law regulations allow such employment.

However, the employee or the employer must notify the administrative unit of these changes by submitting the appropriate application. The permit itself normally does not need to be replaced in those cases.

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Temporary Certificates

When applying for a permit or an extension, the employee may in certain cases receive a certificate that serves as a temporary residence permit until the formal residence permit is issued. Keep in mind:

• First-Time Certificate:
  The employee cannot work or be employed yet based on this certificate (applicants from 2024 may enjoy this privilege based on ZUOPUE, more on that below).
• Renewal or Subsequent Certificate:
  If the employee has previously worked or was employed, the certificate allows them to continue working in Slovenia.

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To ensure a smooth application process for the Single Residence and Work Permit, the following documentation is needed:

1. Identification Documents

• 1 photograph: Must meet passport photo standards.
• Certified copy of the valid passport:
  • If certified abroad, the passport copy must also include an apostille or other appropriate certification for international use.
  • If submitted in Slovenia, the passport must have an entry stamp, and the page with the stamp must also be certified by a notary or administrative unit (UE).

2. Proof of Health Insurance

• Evidence of valid health insurance covering at least emergency medical services in Slovenia.
• Not required if the applicant is insured under Slovenia’s public health system.

3. Proof of Sufficient Means of Support

• Typically bank statements for the last six months: Not required if the applicant is (or will be) employed in Slovenia.
• Declaration of the source of funds in the bank account.

4. No-conviction Certificate

• Original criminal record (no-conviction) certificate issued by the applicant’s home country, including an apostille.
  • Note: A certified copy is not sufficient. The document must be the original with the apostille added to the original.
  • The certificate must not be older than 90 days.

5. Employment Documentation

• Employment contract: Signed only by the employer. The employee signs the contract after the permit is issued.
• Employer’s Declaration on Accommodation: Whether the employer will provide the employee housing or not.

• The employer may need to complete and submit the appropriate PDM form.
• The employee may need to provide evidence of compliance with the requirements for the job position, as stated in the PDM form.

6. Other Requirements

• The appropriate signature form must be signed by the employee.
• Include evidence of payment for the administrative tax.
• First permit applicants need to provide fingerprints at the place or institution where the permit will be picked-up (either administrative unit in Slovenia or consulate/embassy abroad, depending on the case).

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Key Takeaways

• Plan ahead for your first application and gather the required documents early.
• Understand the duration of your permit and the renewal process to avoid interruptions.
• Take advantage of the flexibility to change employers or roles, provided you follow the required procedures.
• Make sure all documents are properly completed and submitted according to the specified requirements. Missing or improperly certified documents may delay the application process.

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By securing a single permit for residence and work, you’re one step closer to beginning your professional journey in Slovenia. For detailed information and assistance, consult your local administrative unit, the nearest Slovenian consulate or a slovenian immigration lawyer or law firm.

Please note that the Act on Measures for Optimizing Certain Procedures at Administrative Units (ZUOPUE) which has introduced key provisions to facilitate the issuance of single permits for residence and work, including a general possibility of applying for single permits from within Slovenia, rather than from a consulate or embassy, has as of January 9th not been extended past December 31st 2024.

* Finding yourself in need of legal services in Slovenia and looking for a Ljubljana law firm or (more specifically) a Slovenian immigration lawyer, consider contacting us using our contact details as published on our web page. A qualified law firm in Ljubljana, Slovenia can provide you with legal advice and representation – helping you navigate the complexities of Slovenian law and ensuring that your rights are protected. You can find more information on legal acts in Slovenia on the official pages of the Slovenian government. More legal topics can be found on our Ljubljana law firm publications page.