You can ask for asylum as soon as you enter Slovenia. You can do this: You can find police stations and the detention centre online: (Slovenian and English). Your application is processed by the International Protection Procedures Division (Ministry of the Interior). Contact: Before applying: After applying: These centres are managed by the Government Office for Support and Integration of Migrants (UOIM). Contact:1. Express your intention
2. What happens next?
3. Your application
Ministry of the Interior
4. Accommodation
UOIM
What is asylum? ⬇
Who can receive asylum?
To qualify, you must have a real fear of persecution or serious harm in your home country.
This may include:
- Violence or armed conflict
- Human rights violations
- Persecution because of:
- Your race
- Your religion
- Your nationality
- Your political views
- Your membership of a particular social group
If you are at risk of serious harm, you may receive international protection.
Important
If you left your country only for economic reasons, you will usually not qualify for asylum.
When and where can I apply for asylum? ⬇
You can ask for asylum at any time after entering Slovenia.
Where can you ask for asylum?
If possible, tell the authorities that you want to apply for asylum:
- At the border
- When you enter Slovenia
- In the airport transit zone
If you are already in Slovenia:
- Go to the nearest police station as soon as possible
- Ask for asylum there
If you are in a detention centre, you can also apply for asylum there.
How to ask for asylum
You can ask for asylum:
- At the police, or
- At any government or local authority (they will inform the police)
Language
All procedures must be carried out in a language you understand.
Special needs
Tell the authorities if you need special support. For example, if you:
- Are pregnant
- Need regular medication
- Have a disability (hearing, speech, or physical)
- Are in serious distress
- Are in Slovenia against your will
- Have any other special needs
This will help ensure you receive the support you need.
What will happen if I apply for asylum? ⬇
This procedure is the same no matter where you ask for asylum.
During this step:
- Your fingerprints and photo will be taken
- This is to check if you have already applied for asylum in another EU country
- The police will complete a registration form
- They will ask about:
- Your identity
- Your travel route
- How you entered Slovenia
- Other important information
Language and interpretation
You have the right to an interpreter.
All procedures must be carried out in a language you understand.
If you are under the age of 18 ⬇
You will not be alone during the procedure.
If you are under 18 and travelling without your parents or family:
- The police will inform a child protection agency
- A social worker will come to the police station
- The social worker will support you during the procedure
- They will make sure decisions are made in your best interest
What will happen next? ⬇
After the police procedure
After the initial procedure with the police, you will be taken to the Asylum Home.
What happens when you arrive?
- Information about rules and your duties
- Accommodation after a security check
- Health check (tell the doctor about any health issues)
- Food, hygiene items, bedding, and towels
Reception area (before applying)
You will stay here until you submit your application.
Do not leave the facility.
- Leaving may be treated as withdrawing your application
- You may be treated as staying irregularly
You will receive an invitation to apply for asylum.
Before you apply
- Information about procedures and your rights
- Explanation of deadlines and legal options
- Interpreter present
Submitting your application
- Interview with an official
- Interpreter present
- Legal guardian if you are a child alone
- You may bring a lawyer or trusted person
- You can request a male or female interviewer/interpreter
During the application
- Your identity and personal information
- Your travel route
- Your entry into Slovenia
- Your family members
- Previous asylum applications
- Your reasons for applying
Your information is confidential.
After you apply
- You move to the accommodation area
- You stay until a decision is made
- You receive shelter, food, clothing, and basic necessities
Movement and documents
You may leave only with an official document confirming your status.
Do not leave without this document.
Staying in your municipality
You must stay in your municipality until your case is decided.
You can request permission to travel for:
- Work
- Medical visits
- Court hearings
- School
- Your asylum interview
Can my application for asylum be examined in another European country? ⬇
Only one country will examine your application.
If another country is responsible
If another EU country is responsible, you may be transferred to that country.
If Slovenia is responsible
If Slovenia is the first EU country where you:
- Entered the EU, and
- Applied for asylum
Other EU countries can send you back to Slovenia if you travel there.
Which countries are included?
The Dublin Regulation applies in:
Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia,
Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia,
Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway,
Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.
What if my asylum application is rejected? ⬇
Can you appeal?
Yes. You can appeal the decision to the Administrative Court.
You must submit your appeal:
- Within 15 days (regular procedure), or
- Within 3 days (accelerated procedure)
What happens next?
The decision of the Administrative Court is final.
In some cases, you may apply for extraordinary legal remedies before the Supreme Court.
Free legal assistance
You have the right to free legal assistance during court procedures.
This support is provided by refugee counsellors.
How to find a refugee counsellor
- Call a counsellor from the official list: Imenik svetovalcev za begunce | GOV.SI (Slovenian), or
- Ask the International Protection Procedures Division for help