I have applied for international protection in Slovenia
After you apply for international protection, you have certain rights and responsibilities while your application is being examined.
On these pages, you can find practical information about:
- reception and accommodation;
- your rights and responsibilities;
- healthcare;
- education;
- employment;
- legal assistance; and
- where to get help.
If you have applied for international protection in Slovenia, you have the right to receive reception conditions while your application is being examined, in accordance with Slovenian law.
Reception conditions include accommodation and other support to help meet your basic needs while your application is being examined.
The Government Office for the Support and Integration of Migrants (GOSIM/UOIM) is responsible for providing reception conditions and support to applicants for international protection in Slovenia.
GOSIM/UOIM is not responsible for deciding your application for international protection. The decision is made by the Ministry of the Interior and Public Administration.
What support can I receive?
Depending on your individual situation, you may receive:
- accommodation;
- food;
- clothing;
- personal hygiene items;
- pocket money, where provided by Slovenian law; and
- other basic necessities.
You may also have access to:
- healthcare;
- education for children;
- the right to work, if you meet the conditions under Slovenian law;
- specialised support if you have specific needs; and
- other support provided under Slovenian law.
Living in the reception centre
If you stay in a reception centre, you are expected to:
- respect the house rules;
- respect other residents and staff;
- keep your accommodation clean;
- attend appointments related to your asylum procedure; and
- inform the staff if your circumstances change or you need help.
The reception centre staff are there to support you during your stay.
Do you have special reception needs?
Some people may need additional support while their application for international protection is being examined.
This may include people who:
- are children;
- are travelling alone as an unaccompanied child;
- are pregnant;
- are older persons;
- have a disability;
- have a physical or mental health condition;
- have experienced torture, violence, trafficking, or other forms of abuse;
- have experienced sexual or gender-based violence; or
- have any other situation that makes them particularly vulnerable.
Tell the reception centre staff as soon as possible if you think you need additional support.
How will my needs be assessed?
The authorities will assess whether you have special reception needs.
This assessment may take place:
- when you first arrive at the reception centre;
- during the asylum procedure; or
- whenever new needs become known.
If your situation changes or you need additional support at any time, tell the reception centre staff as soon as possible.
If you are identified as having special reception needs, the authorities should take these needs into account when providing reception conditions and support.
🛡️If you are under 18 and travelling on your own
If you are under 18 and travelled to Slovenia without your parents or another adult who is legally responsible for you, you are not alone.
The authorities will make sure you receive the care and support you need.
You will usually stay in accommodation that is suitable for children, where trained staff can support you.
You also have the right to:
- be safe and treated with respect;
- have your needs taken into account;
- go to school;
- receive healthcare;
- receive information in a way that you can understand; and
- receive help from your representative and other professionals.
If you are worried, have questions or need help, speak to the staff at the reception centre or to your representative. They are there to support you.
ℹ️ Official information
You can also read the official brochure:
➡️ Your rights and obligations on reception for unaccompanied children (available in Slovene)
Who can help me?
If you have questions or need support, you can ask:
- the staff at the reception centre;
- your social worker or integration counsellor, where applicable;
- organisations providing free legal, social, psychological or other support to asylum applicants; or
- your legal adviser, if you have one.
You can find contact details for organisations providing assistance in the ➡️Need help section of this website.
Ask for an interpreter if you need one.
Good to know
Reception conditions are based on your individual situation and needs.
If you do not understand the information you receive or need help, ask the reception centre staff or an interpreter for an explanation.
ℹ️ Official information
You can find more information about accommodation and reception conditions for applicants for international protection on the official website of the Government of Slovenia:
➡️ Accommodation for applicants for international protection (Infotujci)
➡️ Pocket money for applicants for international protection (Infotujci)
The websites include information about:
- accommodation in the Asylum Home and its branches;
- accommodation outside the Asylum Home in specific circumstances;
- pocket money and the conditions for receiving it;
- house rules; and
- other reception arrangements for applicants for international protection.
💡 Tip: The Infotujci website is available in several languages. You can change the language by selecting your preferred language in the top right-hand corner of the page.
After you formally submit your application for international protection, you become an applicant for international protection in Slovenia.
While your application is being examined, you have certain rights and responsibilities under Slovenian law.
Your rights
While your application is being examined, you have the right to:
- stay in Slovenia, unless otherwise provided by law;
- receive information about the asylum procedure in a language you understand;
- the assistance of an interpreter during the asylum procedure;
- contact your legal adviser and organisations providing free legal or other assistance;
- have your personal information treated confidentially;
- practise your religion and respect your cultural identity; and
- be treated with dignity and respect throughout the asylum procedure.
You may also have access to reception, healthcare, education and employment in accordance with Slovenian law.
You can find more information in the relevant sections of this website.
Your responsibilities
During the asylum procedure, you are expected to cooperate with the authorities.
This includes:
- attending interviews and other official appointments;
- providing the information and documents you have that are relevant to your application;
- informing the authorities if your address, telephone number or email address changes;
- informing the authorities if your personal circumstances change in a way that may affect your application;
- respecting Slovenian laws; and
- following the rules of the reception centre, if you are staying there.
If you cannot attend an interview or appointment for reasons beyond your control, inform the authorities as soon as possible.
Your asylum-seeker card
After you formally submit your application for international protection, you will receive an asylum-seeker card.
This card confirms that:
- you have applied for international protection in Slovenia; and
- you have the right to stay in Slovenia while your application is being examined, unless otherwise provided by law.
Keep your asylum-seeker card with you and present it if requested by the authorities.
If your asylum-seeker card is lost, stolen or damaged, inform the authorities as soon as possible.
Freedom of movement
While your application is being examined, your freedom of movement may be subject to certain conditions under Slovenian law.
The authorities will explain any restrictions or obligations that apply to your individual situation.
If you are unsure whether you may leave the reception centre or travel elsewhere in Slovenia, ask the reception centre staff or the competent authorities before travelling.
Good to know
If you do not understand your rights or responsibilities, ask the authorities, your legal adviser or an interpreter to explain them to you.
Important
Keep the authorities informed if:
- your contact details change;
- you move to a different address;
- you receive new documents or evidence that support your application; or
- your personal circumstances change.
Providing updated information helps the authorities examine your application correctly.
ℹ️ Official information
You can find more detailed information about reception and support for applicants for international protection on the official website of the Government of Slovenia:
➡️ Reception during the international protection procedure (Infotujci)
You can also read the following official information brochures (available in Slovene):
➡️ Your rights and obligations on reception for adults
➡️ Your rights and obligations on reception for unaccompanied children 🛡️
These brochures explain:
- the reception conditions available while your application is being examined;
- your rights and responsibilities in the reception centre;
- the support available to applicants with special reception needs; and
- where to ask for help if you need additional support.
If you need medical help while your application for international protection is being examined, tell the staff at your reception centre.
They will explain how you can access healthcare and help you arrange medical assistance if needed.
What healthcare can I receive?
As an applicant for international protection, you have the right to emergency medical treatment.
If you have special reception needs, you may also receive additional healthcare services in accordance with Slovenian law.
In exceptional cases, additional healthcare services may also be approved for other applicants.
If you are unsure what healthcare you are entitled to, ask the reception centre staff for information.
Healthcare for children
Children applying for international protection have the right to healthcare to the same extent as children covered by compulsory health insurance in Slovenia.
This also applies to young people over the age of 18 who continue their education, until they finish their studies or reach the age of 26, whichever comes first.
Tell the staff about your health needs
Tell the reception centre staff as soon as possible if you:
- have a chronic illness;
- take regular medication;
- are pregnant;
- have a disability;
- have experienced torture, violence, trafficking or other serious harm;
- have mental health concerns; or
- have any other health condition that requires additional support.
The authorities will assess your individual situation and explain what healthcare and other support may be available to you.
If your health needs change during the asylum procedure, tell the staff as soon as possible.
In an emergency
If you or someone else needs urgent medical assistance, call 112.
This number is free of charge and is available 24 hours a day.
Good to know
If you do not understand your doctor or another healthcare professional, ask for an interpreter.
If you do not know where to go for medical help, ask the reception centre staff. They will explain what to do.
ℹ️ Official information
You can find more detailed information about healthcare for applicants for international protection on the official website of the Government of Slovenia:
➡️ Healthcare for applicants for international protection (Infotujci)
The website explains:
- the healthcare services available to applicants for international protection;
- who is entitled to additional healthcare services;
- healthcare for children and other applicants with specific needs; and
- how to access healthcare during the asylum procedure.
💡 Tip: The Infotujci website is available in several languages. You can change the language by selecting your preferred language in the top right-hand corner of the page.
Children and young people applying for international protection have the right to education in Slovenia.
Adults may also have access to education under the conditions provided by Slovenian law.
Education for children
Children applying for international protection have the right to attend primary school.
Access to primary education must be provided no later than three months after the application for international protection is submitted.
Children also have access to:
- lower secondary education;
- upper secondary education; and
- vocational education,
under the same conditions as children who are citizens of Slovenia.
Higher education and adult education
Applicants for international protection may also have access to:
- higher vocational education;
- higher education; and
- adult education,
under the same conditions as Slovenian citizens.
Each educational institution decides on admission according to the applicable rules.
Learning Slovenian
You may attend Slovene language courses.
Learning Slovene can help you:
- communicate in everyday life;
- access education;
- find employment; and
- participate more easily in society.
Ask the reception centre staff what language courses are available.
How do I enrol in school?
If you have school-age children, tell the reception centre staff as soon as possible.
They will explain:
- how to enrol your child in school;
- what documents are needed, if any; and
- where you can get additional support.
Do not worry if you do not have all your school documents. Tell the authorities about your situation.
Good to know
Children should continue their education while their application for international protection is being examined.
If your child needs additional support at school, tell the school or the reception centre staff.
ℹ️ Official information
You can find more detailed information about education for applicants for international protection on the official website of the Government of Slovenia:
➡️ Education for applicants for international protection (Infotujci)
The website explains:
- access to preschool, primary and secondary education;
- access to higher education and adult education;
- Slovene language courses; and
- the education rights of children and young people applying for international protection.
💡 Tip: The Infotujci website is available in several languages. You can change the language by selecting your preferred language in the top right-hand corner of the page.
If you have applied for international protection in Slovenia, you may have the right to work while your application is being examined.
When can I start working?
You may work three months after you formally submit (lodge) your application for international protection, if:
- no decision has been made on your application; and
- the delay is not your fault.
Once you meet these conditions, you have free access to the Slovenian labour market.
Do I need a work permit?
No.
Once you have the right to work, you do not need a separate work permit.
The Ministry of the Interior will issue a document confirming that you meet the conditions for access to employment.
Can I register as a jobseeker?
Yes.
Once you have access to the labour market, you may register with the Employment Service of Slovenia (ESS).
The Employment Service can help you:
- look for a job;
- prepare your CV;
- find training opportunities; and
- receive employment counselling.
Ask the reception centre staff where to find your nearest Employment Service office.
Vocational training
Once you have access to the labour market, you may also participate in vocational training under the same conditions provided by Slovenian law.
Good to know
Learning Slovene can make it easier to find a job and communicate in the workplace.
Ask the reception centre staff about available Slovene language courses.
ℹ️ Official information
You can find more detailed information about employment for applicants for international protection on the official website of the Government of Slovenia:
➡️ Employment for applicants for international protection (Infotujci)
The website includes official information about:
- when applicants for international protection may start working;
- the conditions for access to the labour market;
- the confirmation of access to the labour market;
- the role of the Employment Service of Slovenia; and
- employment rights under Slovenian law.
💡 Tip: The Infotujci website is available in several languages. You can change the language by selecting your preferred language in the top right-hand corner of the page.
If the Ministry of the Interior and Public Administration decides that you do not qualify for international protection, you will receive:
- a written decision; and
- a summary of the decision in a language you understand.
Read the decision carefully. It explains why your application was rejected and what you can do next.
Can I appeal?
Yes.
If you disagree with the decision, you have the right to appeal to the Administrative Court of the Republic of Slovenia.
You must submit your appeal:
- within 15 days if your application was examined in the regular procedure; or
- within 3 days if your application was examined in the accelerated procedure.
The written decision will explain which deadline applies to your case.
Can I receive free legal assistance?
Yes.
If you decide to appeal, you have the right to free legal assistance during the court proceedings.
This assistance is provided by refugee counsellors.
A refugee counsellor can help you:
- understand the decision;
- explain the appeal procedure;
- prepare your appeal; and
- represent you before the Administrative Court.
It is important to contact a refugee counsellor as soon as possible because appeals must be submitted within the legal deadlines.
How can I find a refugee counsellor?
You can:
- contact a refugee counsellor from the official list published by the Government of Slovenia: Imenik svetovalcev za begunce | GOV.SI; or
- ask the International Protection Procedures Division for information.
You can also find contact details in the ➡️ Need help section of this website.
What happens after I appeal?
The Administrative Court will examine your appeal and make a decision.
The Court’s decision is final.
In some cases, extraordinary legal remedies before the Supreme Court may be available under Slovenian law.
Your refugee counsellor can explain whether these remedies may apply in your case.
Good to know
Appeal deadlines are short.
If you wish to appeal, contact a refugee counsellor as soon as possible.
If you do not understand the decision or another official document, ask your refugee counsellor to explain it in a language you understand.
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