Is LJUBLJANA MBA Right for You? Join the Open Day
29. January, 2026Is LJUBLJANA MBA Right for You? Join the Open Day
29. January, 2026Job Searching in Slovenia: Opportunities and Challenges for Foreign Professionals
Slovenia is becoming an increasingly attractive destination for foreign professionals seeking opportunities in a stable European environment with a high quality of life. In this guest contribution, executive search consultant Maša Budnar Radilović (Competo) shares what she sees most often in the market, where opportunities are growing, and what typically slows international candidates down.
Slovenia is becoming an increasingly attractive destination for foreign professionals seeking opportunities in a stable European environment with a high quality of life. Recruitment companies are encountering more and more candidates from abroad, both those who are planning to relocate to Slovenia and those who already live here and are looking to take the next step in their careers.
Although the market offers appealing opportunities, foreigners often face specific characteristics of the Slovenian labor market that are less familiar in larger or more internationally oriented environments.
Key Areas of Opportunity for Foreign Professionals in the Slovenian Job Market
The greatest opportunities for foreign professionals arise in internationally active companies and in Slovenian subsidiaries of foreign corporations, where cooperation with international markets is part of daily business. In such environments, employers value international experience, language skills, and an understanding of different business cultures.
When navigating the market, economic and bilateral chambers of commerce, such as the German, British, or American chambers, can be a valuable resource. They connect companies with foreign capital and offer good insight into organizations that are open to hiring foreign professionals.
To a more limited extent, foreign embassies and international organizations can also be interesting employers, particularly for candidates with experience in administration, communications, or project-based work.
Based on labor market experience, the greatest number of job opportunities for foreigners is found primarily in the following fields:
- information technology and digitalization,
- engineering and technical disciplines,
- sales and business development for foreign markets,
- logistics and supply chain management.
In these environments, proficiency in English is often sufficient to enter an organization. In the long term, however, most employers also expect a willingness to learn Slovenian, not only for work-related reasons but also to facilitate integration into the team and organizational culture.
Challenges Most Commonly Faced by Foreigners
One of the biggest challenges observed among foreign candidates is the gap between expectations and the reality of the Slovenian labor market. It is a relatively small and closely connected market, where many job opportunities arise through referrals, personal networks, and trust built over time.
Recruitment processes are often more cautious and less standardized than in larger countries. Companies look for candidates who are a good fit not only in terms of expertise but also in values and ways of working, which means hiring processes can take longer than candidates may be accustomed to.
Salary expectations are another frequent challenge. Gross salaries are, on average, lower than in Western European countries. This is partly offset by lower living costs, strong social and healthcare security, and a relatively favorable work-life balance. Candidates who assess offers in a broader context, rather than focusing solely on base salary, tend to make decisions more quickly and successfully in the market.
Foreigners also face challenges in understanding administrative procedures and labor law specifics, especially candidates from outside the EU.
As we often emphasize to foreign candidates, success in the Slovenian market depends not only on a strong résumé but above all on understanding the context, employer expectations, and a willingness to adapt.
A Thoughtful Approach as the Key to Success
Experience shows that the most successful candidates are those who approach their job search strategically, with a realistic understanding of the market, clear career direction, and openness to learning local specifics. Slovenia offers a high-quality environment for living and working, but it primarily rewards those who take the time to first understand the market and then engage with it proactively.
At companies like Competo, which specialize in executive search and selection, we frequently encounter similar questions and challenges when working with foreign professionals. Individual consultations can help candidates understand the specifics of the Slovenian market and identify paths that align with their experience and career goals.
If you are planning your next career step in Slovenia, the LJUBLJANA MBA can support you with broader business understanding, leadership development, and a strong peer network in an international environment. Download the LJUBLJANA MBA brochure to explore the curriculum, structure, schedule, and admissions details.
