Working in Slovenia – types, contracts, rights, annual/sick leave, hours
The most current type of employment in Slovenia is to have an employment contract. All work contracts have to be made before the beginning of the employment relationship. Be careful not to lose your employment contracts and other documents that you receive from your employer.
There are two types of employment:
- Permanent employment, for an indefinite time of period
- Temporary employment, means that you are employed for a limited time and the end date must be stated in the employment contract.
All employees with the employment contract have the right to:
- regular payment of salary, usually monthly
- daily rest, usually 12 hours or minimally 8 hours for seasonal work
- weekly rest, minimum 24 hours
- paid annual holiday, legal minimum is 20 days per year. Every employee who has the right to annual holiday also receives a holiday allowance, the minimal amount of which is set by the state every year. Public holidays are also work free for most people.
- payed sick leave in case of illness. You are also entitled to sick leave when your child gets sick. You will still receive salary during the sick leave, but it will be lower. You cannot be fired while you are on sick leave.
- a safe and healthy work environment
Do I have the right to work?
Persons with international protection and their family members have free access to the labor market and do not need a work permit. If you do not have a job you can register with the Slovenian Employment Service and use the services and benefits offered to the unemployed.
What employment services are available to me?
The Employment Service is one of the key Slovenian labor market institutions that helps jobseekers to find a job. You can register personally at the local employment service, according to your place of residence, trough the PoisciDelo.si portal or by post by sending the application form. To remain registered, you have to be an active jobseeker and meet the requirements, apply for job offers and go to meetings with your counsellor. You can also register as a jobseeker at private employment services:
Earnings and Tax
As an employee, you will receive monthly net salary on your bank account. The average net salary in Slovenia is 1.108,10 EUR (February 2019). The minimum guaranteed salary is 886,63 EUR. Every month, you must receive a payment slip with all information about your salary. Gross salary includes social security contributions that are compulsory: pension and disability insurance, health insurance, contribution for unemployment insurance and parental protection. You are also insured in cases of work related disabilities and entitled to unemployment benefits (if your work contract is cancelled through no fault of your own) and paid parental leave (certain conditions apply).
Working for Yourself
You can also start your own business and be self-employed. Being self-employed means that you can do any kind of job in any kind of field that you register at AJPES – the Agency that regulates the registries of various legal entities. As a self-employed person you also have to pay contributions, but not in the same amount as if a company employed you. You will also have to pay taxes to the state and the local government. The easiest way to register your business via e-applications in e-VEM portal or in person at VEM points.
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