By when do I need to register with the social insurance funds?

15 days if the permit was obtained outside Slovenia (for example, at a consulate), and 10 days if the permit was arranged while in the country. Missing the deadline can lead to the work authorisation being annulled.

Does every family member need a tax number?

Yes, the davčna številka is needed not only by the main applicant but by all family members — it is required for an employment contract, a bank account, renting housing and a mobile subscription.

Can I learn Slovenian for free after getting a permit?

Yes, foreigners with a permit of one year or more can take free Slovenian courses under the "Initial integration of immigrants" programme — up to 180 hours, plus an extra 60 if needed.

First Steps After Getting a Slovenian Residence Permit

Q: How long do I have to register my residence?

The application must be submitted within 8 days of moving in. A breach carries a fine of €200 to €600.

If you have just received your first Slovenian residence permit — congratulations. Now it is important to take a few practical steps that will ensure a lawful and comfortable stay in the country. We look at 6 key actions, using a permit on business immigration grounds as an example.

1. Registration with the social insurance funds

Under the Act on the Employment, Self-Employment and Work of Aliens (Zakon o zaposlovanju, samozaposlovanju in delu tujcev), a foreigner must register with the social insurance funds (ZPIZ and ZZZS) within:

15 days — if the permit was obtained outside Slovenia (for example, at a consulate);
10 days — if the permit was arranged while in Slovenia.

Missing the deadline can lead to the work authorisation being annulled (Art. 38 of that act). So registration with the funds is the first step that cannot be put off. After registration you officially start work: you pay yourself a salary, taxes and contributions. From this moment your work and migration record begins, which is taken into account when applying for permanent residence.

2. Residence registration

After arriving in Slovenia you must register your place of residence for yourself and your family members — a kind of "temporary registration" (začasno prebivališče). Under Art. 10 of the Residence Registration Act (Zakon o prijavi prebivališča), the application must be submitted within 8 days of moving in. A breach carries a fine of €200 to €600.

You can submit the application:

in person at the Upravna enota;
online through the eUprava portal;
by email (in Ljubljana: ue.ljubljana@gov.si);
by post: Tobačna ulica 5, 1000 Ljubljana.

You need to attach proof of the right to reside at the address: a lease, the owner's consent, an ownership extract, etc. More about the procedure itself is in the article on residence registration in Slovenia.

3. Obtaining a tax number (davčna številka)

The tax number is a mandatory document. It is needed to sign an employment contract, open a bank account, rent housing, get a mobile subscription and other services. You need to arrange it not only for yourself but for all family members. The number is obtained from FURS (the Financial Administration of Slovenia) — to apply you need a passport, a copy of the document and your home-country tax ID.

4. Health insurance and the European card

In Slovenia health insurance is mandatory. Workers with a permit receive it automatically, including family members — at no extra cost. Registration is done at ZZZS (the Health Insurance Institute of Slovenia). If you wish, you can arrange additional private insurance for extended cover.

The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) lets you get medical care in all EU countries, and also in Switzerland, the UK, Serbia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Australia. If you paid for treatment abroad, you can apply to ZZZS for reimbursement.

5. Opening a bank account

To receive your salary you will need a bank account in your name. Today the easiest way is through international services — Revolut or Wise: they offer free service, a mobile app and payment cards. If you need a classic account, you can go to one of the Slovenian banks, for example NLB or SKB.

6. Signing up for free Slovenian language courses

Even if you speak fluent English, knowing Slovenian opens up more opportunities — from talking to neighbours to understanding official documents.

The "Initial integration of immigrants" programme. Foreigners with a permit of one year or more are entitled to free Slovenian courses (up to 180 hours, plus an extra 60 if needed). At the end you can take a free language test. To sign up, contact your Upravna enota (the department for foreigners).

The "Slovenščina za starše" programme. A separate initiative for parents whose children attend kindergarten or school in Ljubljana. The course is 180 hours, free, and you can sign up at the Cene Štupar centre.

Conclusion

The first weeks after getting a permit are the most important stage of integration. Registration, insurance, housing, a bank account and the language are the basis for a calm life in Slovenia. The next logical step for many is the path from a permit to permanent residence: read more about this in the article on permanent residence in Slovenia.

6 steps after getting a Slovenian residence permit