Glossary

Pogodba o zaposlitvi (employment contract)

This text was generated by AI and has not been reviewed by an editor. Every figure shows its law and source. Confirm the conditions for your case at a consultation before deciding.

In short

A pogodba o zaposlitvi is an employment contract under ZDR-1; by default it is indefinite, and a fixed term is allowed only in cases listed by law. For a non-EU national the contract is the basis of the single permit: the first permit is issued for the length of the contract, within the legal limit (up to 2 years, renewals up to 3 years).

Key figures

Default
indefinite; if no term is set in writing, the contract counts as indefiniteLegal basis: ZDR-1, 12. člen · as of 10 October 2026 · source
Fixed-term contract
only in cases listed by law and no longer than 2 years in a row for the same work; the cap does not apply, among others, to foreigners on a single permit and to managersthe exception does not cover foreigners whose permit rests on a ZRSZ consent not tied to an employerLegal basis: ZDR-1, 54. in 55. člen · as of 10 October 2026 · source
Probation
up to 6 monthsLegal basis: ZDR-1, 125. člen · as of 10 October 2026 · source
Form
written; the employer hands over the draft, as a rule, 3 days before signingLegal basis: ZDR-1, 17. člen · as of 10 October 2026 · source
Minimum wage
€1,481.88 gross a month (since 1 January 2026)for a full-time month; meal and travel allowances are not part of it; in 2025 it was €1,277.72. Contributions are charged on at least the minimum base of €1,521.62Legal basis: ZMinP, 3. člen · as of 10 October 2026 · source
First permit and renewals
up to 2 years, renewals up to 3 yearsLegal basis: ZTuj-2 (ZTuj-2I) · as of 14 June 2026 · source
A foreigner on a single permit
full time only; part time is allowed with education of at least SOK level 7 (bachelor's)Legal basis: ZZSDT, 12. člen · as of 10 October 2026 · source
Starting work
no later than the 10th day after the permit is delivered in Slovenia, or the 15th day if delivered abroadLegal basis: ZZSDT, 8. člen · as of 10 October 2026 · source
Tie to the employer
a permit issued on an employment consent is valid only for work with the employer that passed the ZRSZ checkLegal basis: ZZSDT, 16. člen · as of 10 October 2026 · source
Changing employer
while the permit is valid, through a ZRSZ consent to change (soglasje za zamenjavo); ZRSZ decides within 15 daysLegal basis: ZTuj-2, 37. člen; ZZSDT, 19. člen · as of 10 October 2026 · source
If the contract ends
ZRSZ notifies the foreigner and withdraws its consent unless, within 15 days of delivery of the notice, they are insured again with the same employer in the same jobLegal basis: ZZSDT, 38. člen · as of 10 October 2026 · source
Consent not tied to an employer
after 30 months of work in Slovenia within the last 3 years, or 20 months within the last 24 with education of at least SOK level 4; you can then work for any employer or be self-employedLegal basis: ZZSDT, 13. in 14. člen · as of 10 October 2026 · source

Indefinite and fixed-term

  • Default: indefinite; if no term is set in writing, the contract counts as indefinite.
  • Fixed term: only in cases listed by law and no longer than 2 years in a row for the same work; the cap does not apply, among others, to foreigners on a single permit and to managers.
  • If a fixed-term contract breaks the law, or the employee keeps working after it ends, it counts as indefinite.

What matters in the contract

  • Form: written; the employer hands over the draft, as a rule, 3 days before signing.
  • Probation: up to 6 months.
  • Full-time pay of at least the minimum wage: €1,481.88 gross a month (since 1 January 2026).

The contract and the single permit

  • Working time: full time only; part time is allowed with education of at least SOK level 7 (bachelor's).
  • Starting work: no later than the 10th day after the permit is delivered in Slovenia, or the 15th day if delivered abroad.
  • Tie: a permit issued on an employment consent is valid only for work with the employer that passed the ZRSZ check.
  • Changing employer: while the permit is valid, through a ZRSZ consent to change (soglasje za zamenjavo); ZRSZ decides within 15 days.
  • End of the contract: ZRSZ notifies the foreigner and withdraws its consent unless, within 15 days of delivery of the notice, they are insured again with the same employer in the same job.
  • Not tied to an employer: after 30 months of work in Slovenia within the last 3 years, or 20 months within the last 24 with education of at least SOK level 4; you can then work for any employer or be self-employed.

Frequently asked questions

Does the limit on fixed-term contracts apply to foreigners?

The general cap does not apply to foreigners on a single permit. The full rule: only in cases listed by law and no longer than 2 years in a row for the same work; the cap does not apply, among others, to foreigners on a single permit and to managers.

Can I change employer on a single permit?

Yes, while the permit is valid, through a ZRSZ consent to change (soglasje za zamenjavo); ZRSZ decides within 15 days. Without that consent you may not work for the new employer.

What happens to the permit if the employment contract ends?

The procedure: ZRSZ notifies the foreigner and withdraws its consent unless, within 15 days of delivery of the notice, they are insured again with the same employer in the same job. A new job needs a new ZRSZ consent.

This text was generated by AI and has not been reviewed by an editor.

Updated: 10 October 2026

General information, not individual legal advice. Rules and amounts change: confirm the exact conditions for your case at a consultation.

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