Glossary
ZRSZ (Employment Service of Slovenia)
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
ZRSZ (Zavod RS za zaposlovanje, website ess.gov.si) is Slovenia's public Employment Service. For foreigners it gives consent for the single permit and the EU Blue Card, and it registers as unemployed those who are entitled to it.
Key figures
- Employment Service (ZRSZ) consent
- requested by the upravna enota itself; with a labour-market test, except for exemptionsthere are exemptions: for example, the consent for a company representative (zastopnik) follows separate conditions, with no labour-market test (ZZSDT, Art. 27)Legal basis: ZZSDT · as of 10 October 2026 · source
- Which foreigners can register as unemployed
- non-EU nationals with free access to the labour market (for example with permanent residence), with a valid single permit or EU Blue Card, or with a temporary permit and a right to unemployment benefitas of 10 October 2026 · source
- Slovenian for unemployed foreigners
- an A1 exam within 12 months of registering; not required if you already have A2 or any formal education in Sloveniaapplies to non-EU nationalsas of 10 October 2026 · source
- Slovenian course from ZRSZ
- a free A1 programme of 120-180 hours for registered unemployed people, arranged by your personal adviseras of 10 October 2026 · source
Consent to work
ZRSZ consent is needed for the single permit and the EU Blue Card: requested by the upravna enota itself; with a labour-market test, except for exemptions.
You do not apply to ZRSZ separately: the application goes to an upravna enota or an embassy, and the upravna enota starts the consent procedure itself. A change of employer or job on a valid single permit works the same way.
Registering as unemployed
- Who can register: non-EU nationals with free access to the labour market (for example with permanent residence), with a valid single permit or EU Blue Card, or with a temporary permit and a right to unemployment benefit.
- Language: an A1 exam within 12 months of registering; not required if you already have A2 or any formal education in Slovenia.
- Where: in person at a local ZRSZ office, or online on the PoiščiDelo.si portal after creating an account there.
Slovenian courses
Course for the unemployed: a free A1 programme of 120-180 hours for registered unemployed people, arranged by your personal adviser.
Non-EU nationals also have a separate Initial Integration of Immigrants programme; eligibility is checked at an upravna enota.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to go to ZRSZ myself for a work permit?
No. For a single permit or an EU Blue Card the upravna enota requests ZRSZ consent, and you file just one application.
Can a foreigner register as unemployed?
Yes, if one of the conditions applies: non-EU nationals with free access to the labour market (for example with permanent residence), with a valid single permit or EU Blue Card, or with a temporary permit and a right to unemployment benefit.
Does an unemployed foreigner have to pass a Slovenian exam?
Yes: an A1 exam within 12 months of registering; not required if you already have A2 or any formal education in Slovenia. The free ZRSZ course helps you prepare.
Related terms
Sources
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.