New Rules Now in Force for Employing Foreign Workers in Slovenia

Slovenia has completed important reforms of the Aliens Act and the Act on Employment and Work of Aliens. Both laws were passed in May 2025. Several key provisions came into effect on November 20, 2025. Below is an overview of the most important changes, including measures already in force and the additional reforms that took effect on November 20, 2025. These changes create a clearer and faster system for employers and foreign workers. The goal is simple: improve processes and support international talent.

What changes

  • Longer validity of employment permits. Up to three years, based on the employment contract.
  • Faster entry into work for selected professions once the application is filed.
  • Clearer documentation rules for employers and workers.
  • Broader rights for EU Blue Card holders including simplified mobility and quicker family reunification.
  • More flexibility for highly skilled professionals.
  • Stronger compliance checks on employers during the approval process.

Single Work and Residence Permit: what is new

  • Employment contracts now support a stay of up to three years.
  • In defined professions, confirmation of filed application is enough to allow residence and work until the permit is issued.
  • Applications may be filed by the foreigner abroad or inside Slovenia with lawful stay.
  • Fingerprints and permit delivery can be completed directly in Slovenia for faster activation.

EU Blue Card Residence Permit: upgraded system

  • Applies also to persons with international protection.
  • Short term mobility in other EU Member States up to 90 days in 180 days.
  • Employment contract for six months or longer.
  • Family applications can be handled at the same time as the main applicant.
  • Salary requirement aligned with the average annual gross salary in Slovenia.
  • High professional skills can be proven through education or relevant experience in certain professions.
  • Holders of EU Blue Cards issued in another Member State benefit from a simplified procedure.

Employer obligations
The Employment Service checks several points before issuing approval:

  • Compliance with REK forms and tax obligations.
  • Business activity aligned with the job offered.
  • No suitable unemployed candidates for the position when the labour market test applies.
  • For specific roles, no labour market test is required.

After receiving the permit

  • Start work within ten days if the permit is delivered in Slovenia.
  • Register social insurance with the M1 form.
  • Register temporary residence within eight days of moving to the address.

Extensions and changes

  • Renewal must be filed before the permit expires.
  • No labour market test for the same role with the same employer.
  • Labour market test required when changing job or employer.
  • After one month of employment, a highly educated foreign worker can work for more employers, subject to conditions.

Why it matters

  • Easier onboarding of foreign workers.
  • Greater clarity for employers.
  • Faster access to high skilled talent.
  • More predictable workflows for HR teams and international companies.

How Customers of SIBIZ Benefit
With our cross border mobility and compliance services at SIBIZ, we support clients with:

  • Full preparation of Single Permit and EU Blue Card applications.
  • Coordination with administrative units, embassies and the Goverment Employment Office.
  • Assessment of employer obligations.
  • Support for family members and relocation steps.
  • Ongoing advisory for HR teams building international staff.

About SIBIZ
SIBIZ Business Services Ltd, based in Ljubljana, Slovenia, provides integrated legal, tax, accounting and business advisory services for foreign entrepreneurs, investors, digital nomads, business professionals and corporate clients. We help clients navigate Slovenian regulations with clarity and confidence while offering practical day to day support from company formation and relocation to compliance and HR support.