Slovenia Needs Foreign Workers, These 20 Jobs May Help You Secure a Work Visa

Slovenia is currently experiencing significant labor shortages across 95 different occupations, according to the latest EURES report. The country's labor market is particularly strained in sectors like hospitality, manufacturing, construction, healthcare, and education, creating numerous opportunities for foreign workers.

The proportion of foreign workers in Slovenia's workforce has steadily risen, making up 15% of the total workforce in 2023. This increase reflects Slovenia's growing reliance on migrant labor to fill critical gaps in its economy.

Among the EURES countries, Slovenia has one of the highest numbers of job shortages, affecting industries such as gastronomy, hospitality, cleaning, manufacturing, construction, engineering, healthcare, education, and IT. These shortages, while challenging for the country, present valuable opportunities for foreign workers seeking employment and residency in Slovenia. Those with skills in the most in-demand professions are likely to have an easier path to securing a Slovenian work visa.

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Key Occupations in Demand

If you’re considering moving to Slovenia for work, here are some of the most sought-after roles:

• Chefs, Cooks, and Kitchen Helpers
• Construction Laborers
• Cleaners and Hospitality Staff
• Machine Operators
• Professional Drivers
• Toolmakers and Welders
• Painters and Decorators
• Plumbers and Pipe Fitters
• Forestry Workers
• Security Personnel
• Healthcare Assistants and Nurses
• Medical Practitioners and Dentists
• Physiotherapists
• Teachers
• Software Developers and Programmers
• Engineers (Various Specializations)

In contrast, Slovenia has reported a surplus of workers in 36 occupations, including roles like receptionists, photographers, journalists, translators, and advertising and marketing professionals. This means that finding work in these fields might be more challenging due to higher competition.

Labor Shortages and Government Response

Slovenia's Ministry of Labour has acknowledged the severe labor shortages facing the country, emphasizing the essential role that foreign workers play in sustaining the nation’s standard of living. The Ministry highlighted that migrant workers are not only crucial for businesses but also for maintaining the overall quality of life in Slovenia.

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As of January 2024, Slovenia's labor force included approximately 920,000 workers (excluding farmers), with 15% being foreign nationals—a slight increase from 14% the previous year. This rise underscores the growing importance of foreign labor in the Slovenian economy.

Western Balkan Workers: A Significant Presence in Slovenia

Workers from the Western Balkans, including Bosnia, Kosovo, Serbia, and North Macedonia, are particularly well-represented in Slovenia's labor market. Since 2016, the number of work permits issued has been increasing steadily, apart from a brief slowdown during the COVID-19 pandemic. For instance, in 2022, Slovenia granted 48,440 work permits, a substantial increase from the 16,300 issued in 2016.

Kosovan workers, in particular, have seen a significant rise in work permits, with nearly 15,000 permits issued in 2022, compared to just 940 in 2016. The majority of these permits are for jobs in construction, manufacturing, transport, warehousing, hospitality, and agriculture.

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For foreign workers seeking opportunities in Slovenia, these trends suggest a strong demand in several key sectors, with the potential for a stable and rewarding career in a country that increasingly values and relies on its migrant workforce.