Slovenia has significantly expanded its official list of shortage occupations for 2025. Only a few years ago this list was limited to a small number of professions, while today it covers more than 100 occupations across almost all sectors of the economy.
The expansion reflects broader labor market trends both in Slovenia and across the European Union. According to the latest data, unemployment in Slovenia is only 4 percent. Despite this low figure, employers face growing difficulties in filling critical positions.
The 2025 shortage list includes a wide range of professions:
Technical and engineering roles: electricians, welders, toolmakers, locksmiths, plumbers, refrigeration and heating equipment installers
Service sector roles: cooks, bakers, waiters, confectioners, hotel chefs
Traditional and craft professions: carpenters, butchers, glaziers, bricklayers, stonemasons
For employers, inclusion of a profession on the shortage list brings significant advantages:
Faster approval of work and residence permits for foreign workers
Simplified administrative procedures
In some cases, access to tax incentives and other benefits
These measures give companies effective tools to address staffing shortages and maintain competitiveness in key industries such as construction, hospitality, tourism, engineering, and manufacturing.
Slovenia’s updated list shows that demand for qualified workers spans almost every sector of the economy. Employers hiring in shortage occupations now have more options and support to fill essential roles.
At SIBIZ, we are among the leading service providers in this field. We support entrepreneurs, companies, business professionals, and corporations with employment, immigration, and compliance solutions.
If your company is seeking to hire in shortage occupations or to bring in foreign expertise, contact us to discuss how we can help.
IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER: The changes described below reflect a PROPOSED LEGISLATIVE DRAFT published by the Ministry of the Interior (MNZ) for the Foreigners Act (ZTuj-2J). The public consultation period has been extended to August 26, 2026. These provisions are not yet final law and remain subject to legislative debate and parliamentary approval. This legislative proposal introduces […]
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