Live and work in Slovenia
Slovenia is a hidden gem in Europe, and it is an underestimated destination for expats, holding beautiful mountainous landscapes and coastlines.
So keep reading and get to know more about what it would be like moving to Slovenia!
Popular cities in Slovenia
Life in Slovenia
Whether you seek a peaceful life surrounded by nature or a vibrant urban lifestyle, Slovenia has it all. From arts and to healthy work-life balance, living in Slovenia promises a fulfilling experience.
Slovenia has a rich culture that has survived until these days thanks to the efforts of their people, the cornerstone of Slovenian culture is their language, Slovenians are very proud of their cultural traditions and language and you can see their cultural activity like festivals not only in the main cities but also in each corner of the entire country, each little town, is submerged into their roots.
Quick facts about working in Slovenia:
- Average working hours per week: 40 hours, 8 hours daily
- Typical working day: Monday to Friday from 9:00 am to 5:00 or 6:00 pm
- Number of Vacation days: 20 days / 4 weeks
- Commute: Mostly by bus or train/tram
- Work culture: Slightly hierarchical
Quick info about Slovenia
Typical food
Hot pot dishes, bled cream cake (dough packed with a layer of vanilla/custard and a thick layer of cream), Prekmurska Gibanica (pastry stuffed with e.g. poppy seeds, cottage cheese, apple, or walnut), Carniolan Sausage (Krajnska Klobasa)
Population
~2.1 million people
Location
Slovenia is in central Europe, eastern Alps, and borders the Adriatic Sea, Austria, and Croatia. The capital city is Ljubljana.
Languages
Slovenian
Famous people
Anže Kopitar, Goran Dragić, Melania Trump
Currency
Euro (€)
Avg. working week
40 hours
8 hours daily
Healthcare
Slovenian healthcare has a good standard and mecical srvices to all residents
Other countries nearby
FAQ
No, you do not need to apply for a work permit before working in Slovenia, if you are an EU citizen. Read more about it here.
Slovenians are very proud of their language, so it is needless to say that when they see foreigners trying to speak their national language they become even more open than usual. For this reason, when it comes to practice, you will have many opportunities since nationals will gladly help you with your progress by small talk while making grocery shopping or buying a beer in a pub.
There are plenty of free online courses intended for foreigners to learn Slovenian, you can visit websites like this slonline.si to start even before departure. You can also see, being already there, if there are any private teachers offering language courses. Learning from somebody who knows Slovenian will let you develop pronunciation in an excellent way. Also don’t be afraid to ask your newly made friends to speak Slovenian with you, even if they are foreigners too! Knowledge of the language will help you to get around better and faster so don’t hesitate to start.
In Slovenia, temperatures can vary depending on the region and season. In the summer, temperatures typically range from 20 to 30 degrees Celsius, with occasional spikes above 30°C in some areas. Winters can be cold, with temperatures ranging from -2 to 7°C on average. The coastal region enjoys a Mediterranean climate, while the inland areas experience a more continental climate, leading to diverse and enjoyable weather throughout the year.
Getting around Slovenia is relatively easy and convenient. The country has a well-developed transportation network, including buses, trains, and a well-maintained road system. Ljubljana, the capital, offers a comprehensive public transportation system with buses and a funicular. For exploring the beautiful countryside, renting a car is a popular option. Additionally, Slovenia is a great destination for cycling enthusiasts, with numerous cycling paths and bike-friendly cities.
Healthcare in Slovenia is characterized by universal coverage, providing high-quality medical services to all citizens and legal residents. The country has a well-developed healthcare system with public and private facilities, ensuring access to medical care, preventive services, and essential treatments. Slovenia also offers affordable healthcare, and patients benefit from competent healthcare professionals and modern medical technologies.
Still not convinced about Slovenia?
Slevenia has many notable events with international recognition like the Ljubljana Biennial of Graphic Arts (which has gained a reputation as one of the greatest European visual art events) the annual Ljubljana Summer Festival, Festival Lent in Maribor, the Life film festival, the Exodos festival of dance arts in Ljubljana, the Ana Desetnica street theatre gathering, the PEN Writers’ Meeting in Bled, the Vilenica Writers’ Meeting in Sežana, and the Biennial of Industrial Design.
Part of the rich culture in Slovenia is their food and wines. Wine gets a special spot in the Slovenian cuisine, because they have a vineyard for every 70 people counted. Along with wine, honey is also distinctive in Slovenia, they respect and adore bees, so many of the population are beekeepers and actually, this profession is born in Slovenia.
