Slovenia internship and traineeship permit

A trainee is a third-country national who has completed higher vocational or higher education, or is enrolled in a study programme leading to it, and is accepted into a traineeship programme in Slovenia to gain knowledge and practical experience. The degree must be at least at level 6 of the Slovenian qualifications framework and obtained in the two years before the application, or you must be enrolled in a programme leading to that level.

The permit is for a person who signs an employment contract with the traineeship employer for the first time, or a civil-law contract for the traineeship, so that they are trained to do the work independently.

Alongside the general documents, the file contains the traineeship contract signed by the employer, the traineeship programme, proof of education or enrolment, and a signed employer statement on whether accommodation is provided. A positive opinion on the programme is needed from a business association, the competent chamber or the ministry responsible for the field, unless one of these bodies organises the training itself.

A traineeship can be done with one or more employers. For several employers you add a request for consent to employment with two or more employers and an agreement between the new employer, you and the employer you already work for.

You or the future employer lodge the application at a Slovenian embassy or consulate, or at any administrative unit if you live lawfully in Slovenia. Fingerprints are taken at submission or later. The administrative unit obtains the consent of the Employment Service of Slovenia and then decides. You collect the card in person, together with an information notice explaining by when you must arrive, how long you may stay and your rights and duties.

The employer must conclude the employment relationship with you within 15 days of the day you collect the card and register you for compulsory pension, disability and health insurance, giving you a copy of the M1 form as proof. Once you hold the card and are in Slovenia, register your exact address at the administrative unit within eight days, with an identity document and proof of the right to live there, such as a lease or the owner’s written consent.

The permit is issued for the traineeship, for at most one year. After it ends you can be employed by the same employer, in which case you apply for a single permit for employment, which then follows the general rules for workers.