So, you've decided to move to Slovenia for work—an excellent choice! But before you can start your new job, you need to navigate the most important part of your journey: securing the Single Work and Residence Permit (known in Slovenian as enotno dovoljenje za prebivanje in delo).

This single permit is your legal key to both living and working in Slovenia. The process involves multiple government bodies, including the Administrative Unit (Upravna enota) and the Employment Service of Slovenia (ZRSZ). It can be complex, and any small mistake—like a missing document or a non-certified translation—can lead to long delays or even a rejection.

This guide will break down the entire process, step-by-step, so you know exactly what to expect.

Step 1: Prepare Yourself for the Job Market Before any company can hire you, you must be a qualified candidate. Slovenian employers look for two key things: skills and verifiable experience. You must prepare:

• Your Certificates: Gather all your professional training or trade certificates (e.g., for welding, plumbing, cooking).
• Your Experience Letters: Get official, signed letters from your previous employers. These must prove you have the experience for the job you're applying for.

Step 2: Find an Eligible Slovenian Employer You cannot get a work permit without a job offer from a valid Slovenian company. This isn't just any company. An "eligible employer" is one that is legally registered, actively paying taxes, and in good standing with the government. This is a crucial step where a trusted recruitment agency can help.

Step 3: The Labour Market Test (Test Trga Dela) Once you have a job offer, the employer must prove to the Employment Service (ZRSZ) that they could not find a suitable Slovenian or EU citizen for the job. This is called the "Labour Market Test." Only after the ZRSZ confirms this and gives approval can the employer move forward with hiring you.

Step 4: Prepare Your Perfect Document File This is the most critical stage. You must gather a set of personal documents, which often include:

• A valid passport
• A Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) from your home country, properly apostilled.
• Your education and training certificates (often requiring certified translation).
• A recent, passport-sized photograph.

Step 5: File the Application at the Upravna Enota With the employer's approval and your personal documents, the formal application is submitted to the Upravna enota (the local administrative unit). This office manages all residence permits. They will review the entire file from both you and your employer to make a final decision.

Why Professional Guidance is Essential As you can see, this process involves multiple agencies (ZRSZ and Upravna enota) and perfect, legally-certified paperwork. A simple error can get your application rejected, forcing you to start all over again.

At Williams Services Slovenia, we are professional visa consultants. We manage this entire process for you. We connect you with eligible employers, ensure your documents are perfect, and handle all the communication with the government offices. We turn a complicated process into a simple, successful journey.

Ready to start? Contact us today for a consultation.