I want to apply for international protection
If you are afraid to return to your country because of war, violence, persecution or other serious harm, you may be able to apply for international protection in Slovenia.
This section explains how to apply and what you can expect during the first steps of the procedure.
Are you afraid to return to your home country?
If you cannot safely return because your life, freedom or safety would be at risk, you may be able to apply for international protection in Slovenia.
In Europe, including Slovenia, international protection is also known as asylum. It can be granted in two forms:
- Refugee status; or
- Subsidiary protection.
Who can apply for international protection?
You may be able to receive international protection if you have a well-founded fear of persecution or face a real risk of serious harm in your home country.
This may include situations involving:
- war, violence or armed conflict;
- serious human rights violations; or
- persecution because of your:
- race;
- religion;
- nationality;
- political opinion; or
- membership of a particular social group.
Good to know
Every application is examined individually. The authorities will carefully consider your personal circumstances and all the information you provide before making a decision on your application.
Important
If you left your country only to find work or improve your economic situation, you will usually not qualify for international protection.
If you need international protection, you should apply as soon as possible after arriving in Slovenia.
You can express your intention to apply:
- at any police station;
- at the border when entering Slovenia; or
- to any state or local authority. They will inform the police.
Simply tell the authorities that you want to apply for international protection.
Do I need a passport or other documents?
No. You can apply even if you:
- do not have a passport or identity documents;
- entered Slovenia without a visa or residence permit; or
- crossed the border irregularly.
Tell the authorities about your situation. If you have any identity or travel documents, show them to the authorities.
Do I need to speak Slovenian?
No.
If you do not speak Slovenian, you have the right to an interpreter.
The authorities should communicate with you in a language you understand.
If you do not understand something, ask for clarification.
What happens after I apply?
After you express your intention to apply for international protection:
- the police will register your application;
- they will carry out the first checks required by law;
- you will receive information about the next steps; and
- you will usually be referred to a reception centre.
Good to know
You have the right to apply for international protection even if you entered Slovenia irregularly or do not have identity documents.
While your application is being examined, you cannot be returned to your country of origin, unless otherwise provided by law.
After you tell the authorities that you want to apply for international protection, the Slovenian police will register your application.
This is the first step in the asylum procedure and usually takes place on the same day.
The registration procedure is the same no matter where you apply in Slovenia.
First checks after you apply
After you ask for international protection, the authorities will carry out some first checks.
These checks are required under European Union law and help the authorities:
- confirm your identity;
- register your application;
- check whether you have previously applied for international protection in another European country;
- identify any health problems or specific needs; and
- decide what the next steps in your asylum procedure will be.
If you do not understand what is happening, ask the police or the interpreter for clarification.
What will happen during the registration?
During the registration procedure:
- your fingerprints and photograph will be taken;
- your fingerprints will be checked to see whether you have previously applied for international protection in another European country;
- you and your belongings may be searched for security reasons;
- you may undergo a medical examination, if necessary; and
- the police will record your personal information.
What questions will I be asked?
The police will ask you about:
- your identity;
- your family members and whether you are travelling with them;
- why you left your country;
- why you cannot return;
- your journey to Slovenia;
- whether you have previously applied for international protection;
- your contact details; and
- any other information needed to register your application.
Answer the questions honestly.
If you have a passport, identity card or any other documents, show them to the police.
You do not need to explain your whole story at this stage. You will have the opportunity to explain in detail why you need international protection later in the asylum procedure, during your personal interview.
Do I have the right to an interpreter?
Yes.
If you do not speak Slovenian, you have the right to an interpreter.
The registration procedure must be carried out in a language you understand.
If you do not understand the interpreter or think there has been a misunderstanding, tell the police immediately.
Before you sign
Make sure you understand the information recorded during the registration procedure.
If something is incorrect or you do not understand it:
- ask for clarification;
- ask for an interpreter if necessary; and
- tell the police before you sign any documents.
Tell the authorities if you need additional support
Tell the police as soon as possible if you:
- are under 18 years old and travelling alone;
- are travelling with family members;
- are pregnant;
- have health problems or a disability;
- have experienced violence, torture or trafficking; or
- have any other specific needs.
This will help the authorities provide appropriate support throughout the asylum procedure.
What documents will I receive?
After your application has been registered, you will receive a document confirming that you have asked for international protection.
The police will also inform you:
- when and where you must formally submit your application for international protection; and
- what will happen next.
Keep this document with you until you receive your asylum applicant card.
Good to know
The registration procedure is only the first step in the asylum procedure.
Every application is examined individually. You will have another opportunity to explain in detail why you need international protection during your personal interview.
After your application for international protection has been registered, the Slovenian authorities will begin examining your application.
Every application is examined individually.
The authorities will consider:
- your personal circumstances;
- the information and documents you provide; and
- the situation in your home country.
The asylum procedure usually includes the following steps.
Step 1 – Reception and support
After registration, you will usually be accommodated in a reception centre.
You will receive information about:
- your rights and responsibilities;
- the asylum procedure;
- available support; and
- organisations that can help you free of charge.
Step 2 – Submit your application
After your application has been registered, you will be invited to formally submit (lodge) your application for international protection.
This usually takes place within 21 days after registration.
It is important that you attend your appointment.
If you cannot attend for reasons beyond your control, inform the authorities as soon as possible.
If you do not attend without a valid reason, your application may be considered withdrawn.
Bring any documents you have that support your application.
If you do not have documents, simply tell the authorities.
You can also submit additional information or documents later, before a decision is made.
Step 3 – Which country will examine my application?
Before Slovenia examines your application, the authorities may first determine which European country is responsible for examining it.
This assessment is carried out under European Union rules.
If another country is responsible, you will be informed about the procedure and your rights.
Step 4 – Admissibility examination (only in some cases)
In certain situations, the authorities must first decide whether your application can be examined in Slovenia.
This is called an admissibility examination.
If necessary, you may be invited to an admissibility interview.
During this interview, you will have the opportunity to explain your circumstances and provide any relevant information.
If your application is found to be admissible, the asylum procedure will continue.
Step 5 – Personal interview
If Slovenia is responsible for examining your application, you will usually be invited to a personal interview.
This is one of the most important steps in the asylum procedure.
It is your opportunity to explain:
- why you left your country;
- why you cannot return; and
- why you need international protection.
During the interview
You will be asked about:
- your identity and personal background;
- your family;
- your journey to Slovenia; and
- any information or documents that support your application.
Take your time and answer the questions honestly and as clearly as you can.
If you remember important information later or obtain new documents, you can still submit them before a decision is made.
Your rights during the interview
You have the right to:
- an interpreter in a language you understand;
- a private and confidential interview;
- be assisted by your lawyer or legal adviser, if you have one;
- ask for clarification if you do not understand a question; and
- explain any misunderstandings before a decision is made.
If you have special reception needs or need additional support during the interview, tell the authorities as soon as possible.e.
Step 6 – Decision
The authorities will examine all the available information before making a decision on your application.
A decision is usually made within six months after you formally submit (lodge) your application.
In some cases, the examination may take longer.
You will receive the decision in writing.
If your application is rejected
If you disagree with the decision, you have the right to appeal.
Free legal assistance is available in accordance with Slovenian law.
Good to know
The asylum procedure may be different depending on your personal circumstances.
For example, some applicants will first go through an admissibility examination or the procedure to determine which European country is responsible for examining their application.
The authorities will explain which procedure applies to your case.
ℹ️Official information
You can also find information about the international protection procedure on the official website of the Government of Slovenia:
➡️ International protection procedure (Infotujci)
You can also read the following official information brochures (available in Slovene):
- ➡️ What you need to know about applying for international protection
- ➡️ What you need to know about the Asylum and Migration Management Regulation (AMMR) – for applicants for international protection
- ➡️ What you need to know about Eurodac
These brochures explain the asylum procedure, the rules on determining which European country is responsible for examining your application, and how your personal data, including fingerprints, are processed during the asylum procedure.
When you apply for international protection, Slovenia may first need to determine which European country is responsible for examining your application.
This assessment is carried out under European Union rules.
Only one country is responsible for examining each application for international protection.
This does not mean that your application has been rejected. It only determines which country will examine it.
How do the authorities decide?
The authorities will consider your individual circumstances.
For example, they may check:
- whether you have family members in another European country;
- whether you have a valid or recently expired residence permit or visa issued by another European country;
- whether you have previously applied for international protection in another European country;
- whether you have already received international protection in another country; or
- how and where you entered the European Union.
The authorities will also use information collected during the registration procedure, including your fingerprints.
What happens if another country is responsible?
If the Slovenian authorities decide that another European country is responsible for examining your application:
- Slovenia will normally not examine your application;
- you will receive a written decision explaining why another country is responsible;
- you have the right to legal assistance and the right to appeal the decision; and
- if the decision becomes final, you may be transferred to the responsible country, where your asylum procedure will continue.
The Slovenian authorities will explain the next steps and, if necessary, organise your transfer.
What happens if Slovenia is responsible?
If Slovenia is responsible for examining your application, your asylum procedure will continue in Slovenia.
You will be invited to continue the next steps of the asylum procedure.
What are my rights?
During this procedure, you have the right to:
- receive information in a language you understand;
- an interpreter, if you need one;
- explain your personal circumstances;
- provide information and documents that may be relevant;
- receive a written decision if another country is found to be responsible;
- legal assistance, in accordance with Slovenian law; and
- appeal the decision, where provided by law.
Good to know
Every case is assessed individually.
The authorities will consider your personal circumstances before deciding which country is responsible for examining your application.
Important
If you have family members in another European country, tell the authorities as soon as possible.
This information may be important when deciding which country is responsible for examining your application.
ℹ️ Official information
If you would like more detailed information about the rules used to determine which European country is responsible for examining your application, you can consult the following official resources:
➡️ International protection procedure (Infotujci)
➡️ What you need to know about the Asylum and Migration Management Regulation (AMMR) – for applicants for international protection (available in Slovene)
If you are under 18 years old, you have special rights during the asylum procedure.
Your safety and well-being are very important.
The authorities must always do what is best for you.
They should explain everything in a way that is easy to understand and in a language you understand.
If you arrived with your family
If you arrived with your parent or another adult family member, you will usually stay together during the asylum procedure.
The authorities will only separate you if it is necessary to protect you.
If you arrived alone
If you are under 18 years old and travelling without your parents or another adult who is legally responsible for you, you are called an unaccompanied child.
You will not be alone.
As soon as possible:
- the police will contact the child protection authorities;
- a trained adult will come to support you;
- they will explain what is happening;
- they will help you during the asylum procedure; and
- they will make sure your rights are respected and that adults make decisions that are in your best interests.
What will happen?
The police will register your application for international protection, just as they do for adults.
But your age and your needs will always be taken into account.
If you do not understand something, you can always ask:
- the police;
- the interpreter; or
- the adult supporting you.
They are there to help you.
Tell someone if you need help
Tell the police or the adult supporting you if:
- you feel sick;
- you feel scared;
- you have been hurt;
- someone has treated you badly; or
- you need help for any other reason.
You do not have to deal with these problems on your own.
Good to know
You have the right to:
- be treated with respect;
- be listened to;
- ask questions; and
- receive information in a way you can understand.
Related information
