Find Out How to Get a Job and Work in Ljubljana

Employment in Ljubljana

Local Economy

As the capital and largest city in Slovenia, Ljubljana is the economic, financial and industrial center of the country. Its total GDP of 15,105.600 USD, or 34,870 USD per capita, is split across a number of different sectors, the main ones being industry, services, and tourism. Most expatriates working in Ljubljana are employed in the industrial sector, where petrochemicals, food processing, and pharmaceuticals are the main industries. The services sector is also very important to Ljubljana’s local economy, and over 15,000 businesses operate in the city, including retail giant Mercator, oil company Petrol, and telecoms provider Telekom Slovenije. Many of these businesses are located in BTC City, the largest business and shopping center in Slovenia.

The Ljubljana Stock Exchange, owned by the Vienna Stock Exchange, is also very important to the economy. The public sector is a large employer providing jobs in education, healthcare and cultural institutions. Expatriates working in Ljubljana usually do so in the industrial sector, or for one the large businesses operating in the city.

Work Permits for Ljubljana

Whether or not you will need a permit to work in Ljubljana depends on your nationality. As Slovenia is a member of the European Union, EU nationals working in Ljubljana will not need a work permit. However, nationals from EU countries that have not entered a reciprocal work agreement with Slovenia may need a permit — it is best to contact your embassy or consulate for more information.

If you are a non-EU national wanting to work in Ljubljana then you will need to apply for a work permit — this must be done from outside of Slovenia through your embassy or consulate. You are advised only to apply if you already have secured work in Ljubljana, as they are rarely authorized otherwise. Work permits will last between one and three years, and will need to be reapplied for once they expire.

Income Taxation in Ljubljana

Expatriates living and working in Ljubljana will be required to pay income tax on their earnings. If you live and work in Ljubljana for more than 183 days in a twelve month period, you will pay income tax on your worldwide earnings; but if you live there for less than 183 days, you will only pay tax on your Slovenian income. Income tax in Slovenia works on a sliding scale, which means that the amount of income tax you pay depends on how much you earn whilst working in Ljubljana. The fiscal year in Slovenia runs from January 1 to December 31. The rates of income tax for expatriates working in Ljubljana are as follows:

• 1 EUR–7,841 EUR: 16%
• 7,842 EUR–18,534 EUR: 27%
• 18,535 EUR–69,314 EUR: 41%
• 69,315 EUR and over: 50%

Your income tax in addition to social security contributions will be deducted at source by your employer.