COCI - Welcome To My City - Joint Report

Iceland, Turkey, Slovenia, Germany, Portugal, Finland

I need a job to move on.

Work Opportunities and Rules for Immigrants and Refugees

A Joint Report

Welcome To My City

Turkey Work Residence and Immigration in Turkey The main purpose of this brief information note is to discuss the issue of work and residence permits required for foreigners in order to reside and work in Turkey along with some information regarding permanent immigration regulations.

Work Permits: In order to work in Turkey, foreigners should obtain a working visa. In addition to this, they will also need to get a working permit. The Law Concerning Work Permits of Expatriates No. 4817, dated March 6, 2003 has introduced fundamental changes in Turkish law. One of the most crucial changes is that the competent (expert) authority for the work permits will be the Ministry of Labour and Social Security. The new law has introduced four (4) types of work permits. Each type will be discussed in detail below: 

1. Periodical/Definite: is usually given for maximum one year, taking into account factors such as the situation in the business market and etc. However, one should take into consideration that the duration may be extended up to three (3) years depending on conditions;

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2. Indefinite: is usually given in case when foreigners have been living in Turkey ‘legally and uninterruptedly' for at least eight (8) years or have had a total of six (6) years of working period in Turkey. Another important factor that needs to be mentioned is that under this type a work permit would be granted without any terms/conditions.

However, foreigners will need to provide a certificate given by the police authorities. The next step will be to present all needed documents to the Ministry. Applicants should bear in mind that eight (8) years period does not include education time;

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3. Independent: will be given to those foreigners who reside in Turkey ‘legally and uninterruptedly‘ for at least five (5) years. In addition, any foreigner held to be suitable for an independent work permit, first will be provided a "Certificate of Application for Independent Work Permit". This certificate is valid for three (3) months from the date of its issue; and

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4. Exceptional: there are exceptions when a work permit will be issued independently from the terms listed by Law. These exceptions are:

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4.1. Foreigners married to Turkish Citizens and living in Turkey with their spouses who stay in Turkey legally. However, if the marriage breaks down before completing three (3) years, then the work permit becomes invalid;

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4.2. Foreigners Considered having Settled Down;

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4.3. Foreigners who have lost their Turkish Citizenship- this will only apply to those who are listed under articles 19, 27 and 28 of the Turkish Citizenship Law 403;

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4.4. Foreigners who have completed their studies/education in Turkey (Age of Maturity must be reached). However, there is an exception to this rule, which states that the work permit will be granted to those foreigners who have been born in Turkey or have come to Turkey before turning 18 on the condition that they must provide some evidence that they have graduated from any academy, university and etc. in Turkey;

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4.5. Foreigners who fit in within the scope of the Setting Law No. 2510;

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4.6. Citizens of EU Countries, including their spouse and children;

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4.7. Foreigners Commissioned with the Representations of Embassies, Consulates and International Institutions in Turkey, including their spouse and children;

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4.8. Foreigners Coming on a Short-Term Basis for Scientific, Cultural and Sportive Purposes;

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4.9. Foreigners featuring the Status of Key Personnel; and

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4.10. Work Permits of Foreign Instructors at Schools active in the framework of Embassies or Consulates in Turkey, Foreigners Commissioned with Cultural Institutions as well as Foreigners to be commissioned with Religious Institutions.

As mentioned above, according to Turkish legislation, before applying for a visa to work in Turkey as an administrative or technical employee, an expatriate must first obtain a work permit. For this work permit it is necessary to establish that the applicant has adequate technical and/or administrative knowledge.

According to the Law on Work Permit of Foreigners No. 4817, dated March 6, 2003, foreign personnel that will be employed in Turkey will need first to apply to the Turkish Consulate abroad in order to obtain his/her work permit before entering Turkey. However, if the foreign personnel is in Turkey for the last six (6) months and/or if he/she is a married to a Turkish citizen, he/she may directly apply to the Ministry of Labour and Social Security in Turkey since the mentioned Ministry has right to grant, extent and cancel the work permits for foreigners to be employed in Turkey.

In addition to all said above, it is also important for enterprises to know that in order to employ foreign citizens, they must apply to the Ministry of Labour and Social Security with the following documents: Documents Requested From the Foreign Personnel: 

Petition;

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Application form (four (4) sets);

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Passport copy (Notarized and translated into Turkish);

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Diploma copy (Notarized and translated into Turkish) (It shall be noted that this is a University degree requirement and in addition a Turkish High Education Board Equivalence decision may be required for the employee. In some circumstances for such application of a decision even the High School degree may be requested by officials);

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In case the application is made in Turkey, valid residence permit;

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Curriculum Vitae;

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For the foreigners married to a Turkish citizen, copy of identification registry; and

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For the foreigners married to a Turkish citizen, notarized copy of marriage certificate.

Documents Requested From the Company Employing the Foreign Personnel: 

Petition;

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Balance sheet and profit/loss table approved by the tax office for the last year;

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Trade Registry Gazette proving the share structure of the Company;

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For the institutions that acquired the right to conduct the projects of international tenders opened by governmental institutions and organizations, the documents indicating the fact that they have undertaken the work from the relevant institutions and organizations; and

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For the legal persons that will employ foreign expert personnel within the framework of engineering, architecture, constructor and consultancy services, the copies of the payroll proving the fact that

Turkish engineer/architect/city planner is also employed and service contract of the foreign personnel.

It is normally not possible to obtain a work permit for the expatriate's family members unless each, separately, is able to qualify a work permit based on his or her own skills and qualifications. However, according to the new law, periodical work permit may be granted also to the expatriate's spouse, who he/she has brought along with him/her or later and his/her children, who are in need of his/her support.

Once the Work Permit is granted, a Working Visa should be obtained from the Turkish Consulate in the expatriate's own country before applying for a Residence Permit.

Work Permits for Foreign Key Personnel: According to the Direct Foreign Investments Law No. 4875, dated June 17, 2003 foreigners that hold key personnel status and are employed in foreign direct investments with exceptional features (investments above tresholds to be mentioned below) have a right to file their applications for work permits at the representations (consulates) of the Turkish Republic in the countries they are citizens of or in the countries they reside.

These applications will be transfered by the representations to the Ministry of Labour. Communication between the two on the issue of work permit will be held by e-email and the procedure is swifter compared with a regular application. In addition, the employer of the foreigner will need to submit the required documents to the Ministry along with the application form within three (3) days since the date of the application.

Moreover, after receiving work permit, key personnel have to apply to the representations of the Turkish Republic abroad for work visa within ninety (90) days since the date of their receipt of the work permit and apply to the Ministry of the Interior for a residence permit within thirty (30) days following their entry to Turkey (will be discussed below).

If key personnel previously received a residence permit-with the exception of residence permits given for education in Turkey-with minimum six (6) months period, for any reason, and have been granted a work permit within this permit, he/she is not required to obtain a work visa from the representations of the Turkish Republic abroad.

The documents listed below need to be handed in along with the work pemrit applications of key personnel in order to be employed in foreign direct investments with exceptional features: 

Documents certifying that the total shares owned by foreign shareholders is valued at least TRL 636.666 (documents such as company endorsed book records, company endorsed balance sheet, Xerox copy of Trade Registry Gazette);

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Documents certifying that the exports realized by the company or the branch office during the previous year has been at least USD 1.000.000 (documents such as bank receipt certifying the export amount, bank letter, Xerox copy of foreign currency buying note, company endorsed income statement);

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Documents certifying that the turnover of the company or the branch office for the previous year has been minimum TRL 47.749.979 (documents such as company endorsed income statement);

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Documents certifying that the company or the branch office employed at least 250 personnel registered to the Social Security Authority (SSK) during the previous year, documents certifying the case such as SSK lists;

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In case the company or the branch office is yet to make investments, documents certifying that the projected fixed investment amount is at least TRL 15.916.659 such as Investment Incentive Certificate, Tourism Incentive Certificate; and

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Certificate of Activity or Activity Report or letter from the officially authorized organizations of the related country certifying that the company has at least one foreign direct investment besides the country its head office is located at, and letter of assignment certifying that the subject key personnel have been assigned by the main company headquartered abroad.

Extension of Work Permits: Extension of a work permit has to be made fifteen (15) days before its date of expiry at the latest. Extension applications made after such deadline will be considered as initial applications by the Ministry rather than renewal applications. These applications may as well be made earlier, provided that

they are filed within the two-months (2) before the expiry date of the work permit. In case a work permit is extended, the date of initiation of the extended work permit is the date of expiry of the expired work permit which makes more practical to apply in the last fifteen (15) days.

Residence Permits: According to Turkish Regulations, the application for a residence permit should be made personally by the foreigner (in practice application may be made by an agent however the individual must at least be present once for facial confirmation) to the Police Department Foreigners Bureau.

With regards to family members of the expatriate, residence permits for all of them for the period of the expatriate's employment shall also be obtained.

However, in case of a delay of the work visa process/procedure, the expatriate may be granted a temporary residence permit for three (3) to twelve (12) months for touristic purposes. The applicant should take into consideration that the residence permit is normally issued within one week.

The required documents for residence permit application made to the related Police Department are the following: 

Two (2) declaration forms;

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Two (2) work statement forms;

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Seven (7) photos of foreign personnel;

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Petition prepared by the Company that will employ the expatriate;

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Work permit obtained from the Ministry of Labor and Social Security; and

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Passport of foreign personnel.

In addition the applicant will need to exchange USD 1.000.- per month for short term (less than six (6) months) application and USD 300.- per month (more than six (6) months) for long term applications into Turkish Lira and submit the receipt along with the applicaiton. This amount of exchange is to prove that the applicant could support the expenses of his/her stay in Turkey and could be reexchanged or used directly without any regard to the application and the sole requirement is to produce such excahnge receipt.

Finally, another important aspect to take into account is that in case of the expiry of residence permit, the foreigner has to make an inquiry to the authorities within fifteen (15) days in order to extend the expired residence permit.

Issues Regarding Access and Immigration: According to the Turkish Passport Law No. 5682, dated July 24, 1950 foreigners who wish to enter the country, needs to obtain a visa from the Turkish authorities (please note that there are exceptions for visa requirements for entry and stay for citizens of some countries announced by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs). One should bear in mind that there are three (3) types of entry visas for Turkey: 1. Single Entry Visa: this kind of visa is valid for one year from the date of issue and grants the right of one entry; 2. Return Visa: while leaving Turkey, an expatriate may obtain a return visa before he/she departs (such visa is valid for one year from the departure date); and 3. Multiple Entry Visa: this type of visa provides an entry right for a period of three (3), six (6), or twelve (12) months.

Information for Non-European Nationals Seeking Asylum in Turkey: Under Article 6 of the Turkish Citizenship Law No. 403, dated February 11, 1964 there is a list of requirements to be met in order to acquire Turkish citizenship: 

To be at the age required by the laws of the national laws;

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To have resided in Turkey for at least five (5) years before the application date;

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Having confirmed with behavior the intent to settle in Turkey;

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Having good morality; not having an illness presenting a threat to public health;

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Speaking sufficient Turkish; and

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Having sufficient income to support himself/herself and those who are dependent on him/her.

In addition to Article 6, Article 7 of the Citizenship Law titled ‘Exceptional Granting of Citizenship', refers to those who are of Turkish origin, their children and spouses who are among those who will be granted citizenship exceptionally. As a result, immigrants will no longer be referred to as foreigners living in Turkey if they are granted citizenship.

As for the Refugee and Asylum Seekers status in Turkey, it needs to be mentioned that Turkey is a party to the 1951 Convention on the Status of Refugees (Geneva Convention) and its 1967 Additional Protocol. Turkey used an opportunity given under Article 1 (B) (a) of the Convention which gives a Geographical Limitation.

According to this provision, it is up to the contracting parties to decide whether to apply the Convention to people escaping from their own countries as a result of events taking place in Europe before January 1, 1951.

Moreover, at the time of signing the Convention, Turkey has made use of the geographical limitation as well as the time limitation. Nonetheless, the time limitation was put aside when Turkey was signing the 1967 Protocol relating to the Status of Refugees. Accordingly the provisions of the Convention only apply to those refugees and asylum seekers who enter Turkey from the "European countries" (including Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldova, Belorussia, Ukraine, Russian Federation, Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan and other continental European countries).

As a result of the remaining limitation, according to the Turkish legislation a refugees is defined as ‘an alien who is outside his/he country and cannot or is reluctant to enjoy the protection provided by his/her country of origin; or in case of stateless persons who is reluctant to go back to the country he/she previously resided, due to a well founded fear of prosecution based on his/her race, religion, nationality, membership to a particular group or political opinion as a result of events taking place in Europe'.

Foreigners who are willing to apply for refugee status must approach the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (hereinafter, referred to as UNHCR) Offices in Turkey in order to submit their application forms. One should bear in mind that in order to do so foreigners must follow two (2) separate procedures. The first procedure is known as ‘The Temporary Asylum Procedure of the Government of Turkey' and the second one is ‘The Refugee Status Determination Procedure of UNHCR'. It is up to the Turkish Government to decide whether or not to qualify foreigners with a temporary

asylum under the 1994 Asylum Regulation and 1951 Geneva Convention.

While refugees wait for UNHCR to evaluate their claims, they are usually required to live in one of thirty (30) ‘satellite cities' throughout Turkey.

UNHCR reviews applications for refugee status according to the 1950 Statute of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and other United Nations General Assembly resolutions. It needs to be mentioned that UNHCR refugee status determination can take from eight (8) months to over a year. In order to remain in Turkey legally, all asylum seekers are under an obligation to register themselves and their family members with the highest administrative officer within five (5) days of entry to Turkish territory.

Similarly, those who enter the country illegally are forced to apply for asylum at the point of entry. On the other hand, they are at the risk of missing the deadline, as they are obliged to travel long distances. In addition to this, asylum seekers will get additional/extra fifteen (15) days in order to present valid documents to the authorities. However, it needs to be taken into account that asylum seekers do not usually have any valid documents while crossing the borders.

Therefore, according to Article 8 (3) of the Law on Settlement No. 2510, dated June 14, 1934 [revised at 2006], all immigrants will have to sign a ‘citizenship declaration' and to get an ‘immigrant paper' which is usually regarded as a birth certificate and is valid for two years. It should be kept in mind that those who are accepted as immigrants would instantly be given citizenship by the Council of Ministers. However, those who have not reached maturity age will be connected to their parents or their relatives. On the other hand, minors who are not accompanied while arriving will be given citizenship regardless of their age.

Apart from all mentioned above, asylum seekers need to submit applications to the Ministry of Interior (hereinafter, referred to as MOI) as well as UNCHR. It needs to be mentioned that Turkey gives only temporary asylum to nonEuropean refugees. The reason behind this is that refugee status is usually kept for Europeans. However, those who are granted refugee status are usually resettled to third countries.

Next important factor is that under the Asylum Regulation of 1994 asylum seekers, who are not granted a refugee status, may then get residence permits on humanitarian grounds. On the other hand, if the application gets a rejection, then the asylum seeker has a right to protest the decision. Even if

the decision remains the same, the applicant can still file a suit before the courts. This may lead to suspension of deportation procedures as appeals and case re-openings could take years. It needs to be kept in mind that deportation is not a judicial but an administrative procedure according to Turkish law. As a result, applicants with lawyers can still appeal to the European Court of Human Rights (hereinafter, referred to as ECHR). It therefore can order the Government to stop from deporting the applicant.

Another important issue to discuss is that UNCHR might recognize some persons who have escaped violence under ‘extended mandate', such as Somalis. Moreover, it could also be individuals from Cote d'Ivoire and Sudan.

This could be referred to as secondary protection, which in practice is not recognized by Turkish law; therefore it does not provide any protection from arrest or deportation.

Already discussed above, third country nationals of Turkish origin will need to sign a ‘citizenship declaration' in order to apply for an immigrant status.

Moreover, they will also need to get an ‘immigrant paper', regarded as a birth certificate. As a result, those accepted as immigrants, will be immediately granted citizenship. In addition, one should keep in mind that if a third country national of Turkish origin decides to maintain his/her nationality and chooses not to apply for an immigrant status, he/she will still get a special treatment as Foreigners of Turkish descent have a privileged status with regards to right to work, meaning that they can work at any public or private institution with an exception of the Turkish Armed Forces and Security Forces.

On the other hand, this does not mean that applications would be rejected just because the applicant comes from outside Europe. In addition, asylum seekers need to take into account the fact that when they come to Turkey form outside Europe, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is informed about the application. These asylum seekers are interviewed and registered by the UNHCR. Therefore, if they are listed as refugees, then they will only enjoy temporary residence in Turkey until the UNCHR office in Turkey place positions them in a third country.

As can be analyzed, Turkey is not very sympathetic to asylum seekers, especially those coming from Iran or Iraq. This will be discussed in more detail in the following section.

Iranian and Iraqi Refugees: Turkey does not grant refugee status to Iranian or Iraqi asylum-seekers due its geographical limitation (1951 Geneva Convention on the Status of Refugees). As a result, they are usually sent to third countries. However, these refugees are subject to some of the asylum and protection procedures provided by the UNCHR along with the Turkish authorities during the period of their stay in Turkey. It needs to be mentioned that they have to accomplish definite criteria for refugees in order for them to be settled in third countries.

In addition, asylum seekers have to through several interviews, and those who fail to meet the basic refugee criteria, which includes language, nationality, his/her race or not being protected by the country of citizenship, are usually rejected. However, as it was already discussed above, asylum seekers have a right to appeal, but if the appeal process does not lead to any changes, then asylum seekers are under the risk of being sent back to their host countries.

Finland Finland has woken up to the fact that when the post-war babyboom age groups retire, it will face a labour shortage that its own younger generation will be unable to fill.

If all the jobs that will be vacated in healthcare services over the next few decades had to be filled by Finns only, then one in four of Finland’s young people would have to train to be nurses. Since that situation is obviously not feasible, there is a clear need to recruit people from abroad in the coming years, especially in the service and healthcare sectors.

The idea of taking either a short-term or a permanent job in Finland, or actually settling here, is not as extraordinary as it was a mere 20 ago. The attractions of working in Finland include good working conditions and high employment security. Even the intriguing Finnish language poses no barrier to newcomers willing to make an effort, although admittedly it may slow them down a bit at first.

Labour mobility on the rise

Despite the effect of economic ups and downs on the labour market, employers in Finland will need more skilled hands in the long run.Photo: Pentti Sormunen/Plugi Finland has been, and still is to some extent, a culturally, ethnically and linguistically homogeneous country. However, this is gradually changing, with the growth of the European Union facilitating greater labour mobility. In 2014 the number of people moving to Finland totalled 31,510, almost double the number who emigrated (16,020).

Politically, Finland has also made a clear transition from a policy on aliens to on immigrants, and themes such as work-related immigration and social integration are part of the alignments of today’s government program. Despite the current economic crisis and its effects on the labour market, Finnish employers will need more skilled hands in the long run.

Healthcare professionals needed

Finnish employers have participated in job fairs across Europe.

Healthcare is one sector where demand is greater than supply.Photo: Plugi Mobility is currently encouraged, especially within Europe. When European citizens wish to move abroad to work, they are assisted

by EURES, the European Employment Services network. More than 800 advisers in public employment services in the EU Member States are involved in EURES. In Finland representatives can be found at Centres for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment in major towns. These experts help companies looking for workers from outside Finland and people in Finland seeking jobs abroad to find the necessary contacts and channels.

In recent years, hospitals all over Finland have actively encouraged Finnish expatriates in Sweden to return home. Furthermore, it has become common for numerous countries to arrange recruitment fairs. Poland, Slovakia, the Czech Republic and Hungary are some of the countries where Finnish employers have attended fairs. “Those who come to talk to potential Finnish employers at fair stands include young people in particular, who may have studied in Finland through programmes such as the Erasmus exchange programme. They have pleasant memories of Finland and often speak some Finnish, too,� says ministerial adviser Tiina Oinonen of the Ministry of Employment and the Economy, who has been involved in EURES for a number of years.

Open your mind to Finnish Though immigrants are supported in many ways, coming to work in Finland does of course require a certain spirit of enterprise and an open mind. The most important issue, and the biggest, is language.

There are very few jobs where it is possible to work without knowing any Finnish at all, and for reasons of occupational safety alone it is vital to be able to communicate.

In healthcare and any other field, knowing Finnish is an advantage.

This may call for intensive learning, but experience shows that it’s doable.Photo: Tarja Hoikkala/Vastavalo Local authorities – and indeed many employers too – provide immigrants and their families with language training, either free or at very low cost. There are individual differences in how fast people learn a new language, of course, but Oinonen reckons that with six months of intensive effort one should learn enough to get by at the average workplace. The level of Finnish skills necessary depends greatly on the nature of the work.

Finland places great value on vocational training, and statutory qualification requirements exist in many fields and positions.

Anyone who has studied and gained a qualification outside Finland would therefore do well to check in advance that their qualifications are officially recognised in Finland.

Immigrants are entitled by law to integration services, with local authorities and employment and economic development offices carrying the prime responsibility for organising them.

Finland has much to offer So what does Finland have to offer workers from abroad? Why is it worth coming to Finland?

“Finland can offer good, high-quality working conditions, employees have a secure status, children and adolescents enjoy good educational opportunities, public services run smoothly and we have many successful, internationally respected companies,” Oinonen states.

And then of course there is our wonderful northern countryside with its multitude of recreational and sporting opportunities, a lively cultural life, a wide range of inexpensive study choices, clean and comfortable housing, and a society that really functions well in every way. Welcome to Finland!

Quick facts 

In 2014, 31,510 people migrated to Finland and 16,020 emigrated.

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Around 75% of all immigrants are of working age, and many bring small children with them.

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The number of foreigners living permanently in Finland in 2014 was around 220,000 (approx. 4% of the total population); the four biggest groups being Estonians (48,354), Russians (30,619), Swedes (8,228) and Chinese (7,559).

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Net immigration in 2014 was 16,020 persons.

Portugal If you're looking to work in Portugal, here's a guide on how to find a job in Portugal and requirements for Portuguese work permits.

Finding jobs in Portugal has been more difficult in recent years as a result of the country’s economic crisis, but there are signs of economic and job improvement. With the right qualifications and research, it can be possible to find a good job or you might consider starting your own business in Portugal.

You may find some obstacles to finding a job in Portugal. There are a growing number of graduates and so competition in the job market has increased, yet there are still shortages for high skilled workers and in growing industries.

You can also read about finding jobs in Lisbon, the capital of Portugal.

If you plan to look for a job in Portugal, prepare yourself by researching the job market before moving and set realistic expectations for yourself. Here’s a guide to get you started with your job search in Portugal. 

Read about the job market, job vacancies, languages requires, work permits in Portugal

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A list of resources of where to find jobs in Portugal

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Applying for a job in Portugal

The job market in Portugal Unemployment remains relatively high in Portugal, estimated at around 12.4 percent in the first quarter 2016 (www.ine.pt), although youth unemployment (under 25) sat around 30 percent and about 4 percent of registered unemployment was from foreigners in January 2016. However, some industries continue to report a shortage of skilled workers, such as the IT sector, health sector, tourism sector (although these jobs tend to be seasonal), the agricultural sector and communications/call centre sector.

The minimum wage in Portugal is set annually, set at around EUR 530 per month in 2016. In addition to a basic salary, full-time workers in Portugal are also entitled to an annual Christmas bonus equal to one month’s pay in December, plus a holiday bonus once a year.

Workers in Portugal also need to pay tax and social security contributions from their wage – with how much depending on the amount you earn. If you secure a full-time of part-time job with a Portuguese company, they’ll deduct your contributions from your monthly salary.

Available jobs in Portugal The tourism industry is vital to Portugal’s economy, with a variety of seasonal and part-time jobs on offer across the industry, particularly in hotel and catering. In recent years, the call centre industry has also boomed, offering good opportunities for multi-lingual workers, while the automative trade and repair sector and construction showed some job growth. As the manufacturing sector modernises, more specialist jobs are also being created in Portugal. Read more about the Portuguese labour market.

For graduates looking to work for the big companies, Lisbon is the ideal place to be, with multi-national companies such as Nokia, Samsung and Nestle located here, as well as the headquarters of Energais de Portugal and Portugal Telecom.

The Portuguese government is also currently encouraging entrepreneurs to start up businesses, and has put EUR 20mn into an investment body called Portugal Ventures to aid this.

Employment law in Portugal Employees in Portugal typically work 40-hour weeks (eight hours per day), although employment law does allow flexibility in certain instances up to a limit of 60 hours per week (12 hours per day).

Full-time employees are entitled to annual leave of 22 days, on top of the compulsory nine days of public holidays.

Employment contracts in Portugal work similarly to many European countries, with permanent, fixed-term, part-time and intermittent work contracts the most common methods of employment.

Read more about employment law, contracts and work conditions in Portugal and Portuguese business culture.

Portuguese work visas and residence permits Citizens from the European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland moving to Portugal will not need any official permit to work but

they are required to find a job and apply for a residency card (Cartão de Residencia) within six months. If you miss the six-month cut-off, you could face penalties. If you don’t have a job that pays a regular income, your application may be refused. Once you find a job or start a business, you can then apply for the mandatory residence card.

If you’re a non-EU citizen you’ll typically need to obtain a visa to work in Portugal. If you’re only working in the country on a short-term contract, you can get a temporary stay visa, which is generally valid for up to three months.

For longer-term employment, you’ll first need to get a Portuguese residence permit by applying to the General Secretariat of the Ministry of Education and Science (SGMEC). This will allow you to stay in Portugal for four months while you apply for a temporary residence permit, which is valid for one year and can then be renewed. You can apply for this by contacting the Immigration and Borders Service (SEF).

As a non-EU national you may find it difficult to secure a work permit, as companies are typically meant to offer positions first to Portuguese citizens or EU/EEA nationals. Only if no one from that group is qualified may the company extend an offer to someone else. If you possess specialised skills that are hard to acquire, then you have a greater chance of getting an offer of employment.

The easiest way to get a Portuguese work permit will probably be to work for a multinational that operates in Portugal. The advantage is that the company usually takes care of all of the paperwork.

Languages While speaking fluent Portuguese is of course an advantage, there are jobs in Portugal for English speakers.

If language is a barrier, there are plenty of institutions offering language classes, CESA languages and the Eurolingua Institute.

Should you decide to look for a job in the tourism sector, speaking other European languages such as German, French and Spanish can be very useful.

Qualifications and references Most major European countries are signed up to the Bologna process, through which your qualifications from your home country will be recognised

in Portugal. If your country isn’t signed up, you should instead contact the National Academic Recognition Information Centre (NARIC) to ensure your qualifications are recognised.

Where to find jobs in Portugal Expatica jobs in Portugal You can find suitable openings on the Expatica jobs page, which has a constantly updated list of jobs across Portugal.

EURES If you’re from the EU, EEA or Switzerland, you can look for a job through EURES, the European Job Mobility Portal, which is maintained by the European Commission. As well as looking for work, you can upload your CV and get advice on looking for work in Portugal.

Public job sites The Portuguese Public Employment Service (Instituto do Emprego) provides information on job vacancies in Portugal. Here, you can register your CV and access thousands of job listings around the country.

Job websites There are also various general job websites, including the following: 

Indeed

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Learn4Good

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SAPO Emprego

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Net Empregos

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Empregos Online

English speaking jobs If you’re in search of an English-speaking job, then Jobs in Lisbon is a starting point, with a range of both full-time and part-time jobs listed and the option of uploading your CV. It’s also worth keeping an eye on English language newspapers, such as Portugal Resident, which runs job adverts in its classifieds section.

Recruitment agencies As a starting point, look in the Portuguese Yellow Pages under pessoal temporário and pessoal recrutamento e seleção. You can also check out Expatica's recruitment agency listings here.

Foreign language teaching To teach English in a school in Portugal, you’ll generally need to have a BA degree and a TEFL certification. Most teaching contracts begin in September and end in late June, and some teachers also choose to teach at English language camps in the summer or take on private lessons. The main cities for teaching jobs are Lisbon, Porto, Coimbra and Braga, and there are more than 30 English language schools across the country.

You can also look for jobs at British Council, and on TEFL associated websites such as www.appi.pt or www.eslbase.com to name just two.

Embassies and foreign organisations The British Embassy in Lisbon advertises jobs from time-to-time. As well as working on foreign policy issues, the embassy offers various services for British nationals in Lisbon including assistance with emergency travel documentation.

Newspapers Portuguese newspapers such as Correio de Manhã, Diário de Notícias, Jornal de Notícias (jobs page) and Expresso (jobs portal) are worth checking out to keep an eye on vacancies across Portugal.

Make the first move – speculative applications There’s no harm in firing off some speculative applications to companies you’d particularly like to work for. The best way to find the contact details of suitable companies is either by using the Portuguese Yellow Pages (Paginas Amarelas) or Portuguese White Pages (Paginas Brancas) or by checking out individual company websites.

For inspiration for leading Portuguese companies, you can look at the Great Places to Work’s list of best workplaces in Portugal. Big companies in Portugal include Accenture, British Portuguese Chamber of Commerce, Deloitte, Europages, Hewlett Packard, Kompass, Liberty Seguros, Mapfre, Martifer, PwC and Re/Max Portugal.

Traineeships, internships and volunteering in Portugal University graduate can find EU-based traineeships via the European Commission Traineeships Office (Bureau de Stages), otherwise you can search for internships and placements on AIESEC (for students and recent graduates) or IAESTE (for students in science, engineering and applied arts). Internships can also be found at Europlacement and Intern Abroad.

For those aged between 17 and 30, you can find volunteer programs at the European Voluntary Service (EVS), where you work abroad for up to 12 months in exchange for board, food, insurance and a small allowance.

Concordia is another organisastion for volunteer opportunities.

Tips for applying for a job in Portugal 

Application forms are common; some forms ask for standard information while others ask open questions.



Some firms require online applications: make sure your CV headings are clear and choose a plain font in case the employer scans your application.



If you are sending paper applications, covering letters should be no longer than one side of A4 while CVs may be up to four pages long (although a maximum of one to two pages is typically advised).



You may be asked to attach a photograph.



Don’t send copies of educational certificates with your application, but do take them along if you get an interview.



The interview process can sometimes include psychometric, psychological or technical tests.



Don’t expect a speedy response after an interview; it can take some time to find out whether you were successful (or not).

Below is a summary of where to look for employment. 

Industries: tourism, real estate, hotel and catering, public services, agriculture, energy and water provision, retail.



The call and contact centres and shared services centres are recent growth areas.



There are shortages in seasonal jobs in the tourism sector, hotel and catering services, the health sector (doctors with various specialisations), the information technology sector (engineers, analysts, programmers and software and hardware technicians) and call and contact centre management.



Main cities: Lisbon, Porto, Vila Novo de Gaia, Amadora, Braga, Almada, Coimbra, Funchal.

Iceland International workers have helped Iceland recover from the global financial crisis, opening up a range of opportunities to those looking for a new adventure amid dramatic scenery

Although not the most obvious place to start your job search, thanks to a booming tourism industry and skills shortages in a number of sectors, Iceland has plenty to offer international workers.

The country has one of most impressive unemployment rates in Europe, as low as 2.5% in March 2018. Iceland is also the most peaceful country in the world - a title it has held since 2008, according to the Global Peace Index 2017.

While Iceland is one of the more expensive European locations to call home, there's plenty to see and do that won't cost you a penny. Make the most of your generous holiday allowance by exploring the geysers, glaciers, volcanoes and hot springs that draw tourists to the island from around the globe.

Jobs in Iceland

Iceland's economy was hit hard by the banking crisis in 2008 but has since recovered strongly, largely thanks to tourism. The country welcomed nearly 2.2 million tourists in 2017 - six times its population of just 330,000.

Long, light summer days means there's more time for tourists to socialise and explore, while visitors flock to Iceland in the winter months to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights.

The fishing industry is also very important to Iceland's economy, accounting for 40% of the country's total exports and 11% of its GDP. Generating geothermal and hydroelectric power is crucial to the success of Iceland's economy, and it is also one of the world leading producers and exporters of aluminium.

You can search for jobs in Iceland at: 

EURES - The European Job Mobility Portal



Eurojobs



job.is

Local newspapers and trade unions are good places to find openings if you're job hunting from Iceland, and it's also worth registering with recruitment agencies.

Skills shortages While there are currently six workers to every retired person in Iceland, it's predicted that by 2040 there will only be three. Iceland is in need of roughly 2,000 foreign workers each year until then to address this imbalance and combat the repercussions of an ageing population.

In particular, the healthcare, construction, IT and tourism sectors are in need of workers. This can be attributed to a number of factors - for instance, disability rates in Iceland are increasing, and new technology is being developed at a faster rate than workers can be trained to use it.

If you can apply your skills and experience to any of these shortage areas, you'll be highly valued by employers.

How to get a job in Iceland

As Reykjavik is Iceland's economic, cultural and education hub, unless you're hoping to work in agriculture or at a fishery you're most likely to find success in the capital.

The Directorate of Labour advises sending speculative applications to the companies you'd like to work for, as positions are not always advertised. You can also use social media platforms, such as LinkedIn, to build a network of contacts and discover the opportunities available to you.

Most companies accept job applications via email, in which you should enclose a short introductory message along with your CV and cover letter.

Employers are looking for a concise overview of your achievements and skills - neither your CV nor cover letter should exceed one page in length.

Interviews are typically held face-to-face, but can be conducted via telephone or Skype if you're out of the country. While they're a formal stage of the application process, you may find your interview takes place in a more informal setting than you're used to, such as in a local café.

Summer jobs Thanks to Iceland's long summer days, when the sun shines for around 21 hours a day, there's plenty of opportunity for summer work.

Fluency in English will be a real benefit to the hospitality industry, where temporary positions - such as restaurant or bar work - are readily available, to support the country's increasing need to keep up with the demands of tourism growth.

Alternatively, for a different summer experience you could become an au pair or work on a farm. If you're an EEA citizen, you can search and apply for roles through Ninukot.

Opportunities for casual and volunteer work can also be found on: 

GoAbroad.com



Go Overseas



Seeds



Workaway.info



WorkingAbroad

Visit the Icelandic Directorate of Labour for more guidance.

The European Voluntary Service (EVS) is funded by the European Commission and is aimed at 17 to 30-year-olds who would like to volunteer abroad in areas such as youth work, cultural activities, social care or environmental protection. Placements last between two weeks and 12 months.

Teaching jobs There's limited scope to teach English in Iceland, as the vast majority of the population speak the language to varying degrees and it's now taught in schools from an early age.

However, opportunities do exist for skilled candidates hoping to teach at an advanced level. You'll typically need a Bachelor's degree and relevant language qualification, such as a TEFL certificate, to secure a position.

A focus on delivering high standards of teaching in Iceland means that prior teaching experience is highly desirable for these roles. Holding more advanced qualifications, such as a Masters degree, is also viewed as advantageous.

Internships By completing an internship in Iceland, you'll be able to explore a new country while boosting your employability. You could also take the opportunity to learn a new language in the process.

The majority of intern positions are located in Reykjavik, and not all will be paid. Search for vacancies at: 

Erasmus Intern



GoAbroad.com



StudyAbroad.com

It may also be possible to secure an internship by applying speculatively to companies that you're interested in. If you don't speak Icelandic, focus on larger firms that use English as their business language.

Advertisement Icelandic visas

If you're moving to Iceland from an EEA country you'll be able to live and work in the country without a work permit or visa. However, you'll need to register as a resident with Registers Iceland, the country's national registry, if you're staying for longer than three months (or six months, if you arrive in the country as a jobseeker).

The EEA comprises all European Union (EU) member states (including the UK) plus Iceland, Norway and Liechtenstein. In addition, Swiss nationals have the same rights as citizens of EEA countries.

If you're from a non-EEA country and plan on staying in Iceland for longer than three months, you'll need to hold a valid residence permit. Your employer will apply for this permit once you've accepted an offer of employment, meaning you won't be able to arrive in Iceland as a jobseeker.

Residence permits are divided into three categories. They're for: 

workers with expert knowledge



athletes



workers filling temporary labour shortages.Visit the Icelandic Directorate of Immigration for more information on which visa you'll need and what documentation you'll need to supply for your application.

In submitting an application you'll incur a fee, which is currently ISK 15,000 (roughly £108). It's advisable to apply as soon as you can - the process typically takes up to 90 days. Contact the embassy in your home country to get started.

This visa information remains correct following the UK's decision to leave the EU, and will be updated if changes occur.

Language requirements As the majority of Iceland nationals speak English competently, learning Icelandic won't be a necessary requirement of moving to Iceland. However, you should take the opportunity to do so - you'll find the experience more enriching, finding it easier to integrate with your community while demonstrating your commitment to being in the country.

You can start learning the language before arriving in the country, with free courses such as Icelandic Online. Offered at six levels of difficulty, this course

also provides a premium service to candidates at beginner and lower intermediate levels for an additional fee.

How to explain your qualifications to employers Qualifications gained in the UK and elsewhere in Europe will generally be recognised by employers in Iceland. Visit Europass and ENIC-NARIC for more information about having your qualifications evaluated.

What's it like to work in Iceland?

A 40-hour working week is the national average in Iceland. Workers are entitled to 24 days of paid leave per year on top of 13 public holidays.

The minimum wage for those over the age of 18 is ISK 280,000 (£2,015) per month, which rises to ISK 354,430 (£2,550) and ISK 346,974 (£2,500) for tradesmen and those in the food industry respectively.

Germany Work in Germany: Finding a job in Germany If you're hunting for a job in Germany, here's a guide on where to look for jobs, plus information on the current job market, job requirements and German work permits.

If you are a foreigner looking for jobs in Germany, it can be difficult to know where to start your job hunting, especially if you are restricted to Englishspeaking jobs in Germany. However, if you are well qualified with a degree or vocational qualification, have work experience and can speak at least some German, you stand a good chance of finding a job in Germany, especially in certain sectors with German worker shortages.

Germany has the largest economy in Europe and the fifth largest in the world, so there are plenty of jobs in Germany for foreigners with specialist skills, although casual work is also fairly easy to come by. It is also possible to find English-speaking jobs in Germany, although in most cases even a small amount of German will be required.

This guide explains everything you need to work in Germany, including information on what jobs in Germany are available, shortage German jobs, German job websites and other places where you can find jobs in Germany for foreigners.

German job guide:

Requirements to work in Germany

How to find jobs in Germany

Work in Germany The job market in Germany Germany has one of the lowest unemployment rates in the EU, reaching a record low of 5.8 percent in March 2017, while in some parts of southern Germany, such as Bavaria (where you’ll find Munich), the unemployment rate is significantly lower. A study by the German Federal Institution for Population Research showed that a third of non-EU migrants in Germany in 2010/111 found work within 12 months, although this situation has significantly changed following Germany's refugee influx since 2015.

However, if you are well qualified – with a university degree or a vocational qualification such as an apprenticeship – and have work experience and a basic knowledge of German, there are much higher chances of finding a job in Germany, where such qualities are valued.

Shortage German jobs There’s a shortage of skilled workers in certain professions in Germany. These include qualified engineers (mechanical, automotive, electrical and building), IT specialists, health and social workers and certain manufacturing positions.

Professionals with vocational qualifications are also in demand in certain fields (see here for a list in German). With an increasingly older population, workers in the geriatric, health and nursing professions are also in short supply. English teaching, casual work and hospitality jobs are also available.

There are several large international firms in Germany, such as Adidas, BMW, MAN, Siemens, Volkswagen, Daimler and Eon. However, the prevalence of small and medium-sized businesses is a key feature in the German economy, with more than 90 percent of German companies being SMEs and accounting for two-thirds of jobs.

German work environment and management culture The average working week is just over 38 hours, with a minimum of 18 days holiday a year. German business culture is traditionally hierarchical, with

strong management. Germans work on carefully planned tasks and make decisions based on hard facts. Meetings are orderly and efficient and follow a strict agenda and schedule, where discussions are held with the aim of reaching compliance and a final decision. Time is a well-defined concept in German business culture and people are very punctual, and you should be too in any professional environment. The national German minimum wage was increased to EUR 8.84 per hour in 2017, and salaries in Germany are expected to be reviewed every two years.

German work visas and residence permits If you’re from the European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland, you don’t need a permit to work in Germany as long as you have a valid passport or ID card, although registering your address is required.

Read more in our guide for EU/EEA/Swiss moving to Germany.

Citizens from Australia, Israel, Japan, Canada, New Zealand, South Korea and the US can also come to Germany without a visa, however, must apply for a German residence and work permit from their local Alien’s Authority.

Everyone else will need to get a German visa and residence permit in order to work in Germany. Whether or not you are able to get a residence permit will depend on your qualifications and the sector you want to work in. It may be hard to get a residence permit to work in Germany, but it is not worth being tempted to work in Germany illegally.

Read more in our guide to German work permits.

Languages to work in Germany While you may find English-speaking jobs in Germany, you’ll need to be able to speak at least some German to get a job (even if you want to teach English), and it’s unlikely that you would get a professional level job without good language skills. There are many language schools in Germany if you need to brush up on your German.

Qualifications and references There are around 60 regulated professions in Germany, including teachers, doctors and opticians. If yours is one of them, you’ll need to get your qualification recognised by the relevant German authority or professional association before you can work in Germany. Check out your occupation on

Recognition in Germany and find out how to get it recognised. Contact the Central Office for Foreign Education (Zentrale Stelle für die Bewertung ausländischer Qualifikationen, ZAB) to get a foreign university degree verified. Countries signed up to the Bologna Process will have their qualifications recognised in Germany.

Finding jobs in Germany Expatica jobs For expat-focused and English-speaking jobs in Germany, check out Expatica jobs. There is a constantly updated selection of jobs for both English speakers and speakers of other languages, in a range of different sectors.

EURES If you’re from the EU, EEA or Switzerland, you can look for a job in Germany through the EURES (European Employment Services) website. EURES is a job portal network that is maintained by the European Commission and it’s designed to aid free movement within the EEA. As well as looking for work, you can upload your CV and get advice on the legal and administrative issues involved in working in Germany. EURES holds job fairs in spring and autumn.

Public German job sites

The Federal Employment Agency (Bundesagentur für Arbeit, BA ), the largest provider of labour market services in Germany, has a network of over 700 agencies and offices around the country. Its International Placement Service (ZAV) has information about work opportunities, including casual work. You can also post your profile on their job portal – as well as your qualifications and career highlights, you can say what kind of post you’re looking for within which type of company.

You can email them or call +49 (0)30 1815 1111 for advice. Find their job listings here or check the Agency’s page for skilled workers in shortage occupation jobs.

Job websites in Germany Jobs in Germany are often advertised on German job and recruitment websites (Jobbörsen), with some specialising in certain industries or focused on jobs in Germany for foreigners.

General 

Job pilot



JobStairs

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Jobooh – jobs in startups



Kimeta



Kununu



Monster



Praktikum



MeineStellenboersen

English-speaking jobs in Germany 

Craigslist – casual and out-of-the-ordinary jobs, including some Englishspeaking jobs in Germany



English jobs



The Local



Toplanguage jobs– English-speaking jobs in Germany (and other languages)

Specialist 

Academics – academic and research jobs



Jobware – management and specialist



Staufenbiel – internships and graduate jobs



Stepstone – includes internships and graduate positions

Recruitment agencies in Germany Look in the German Yellow Pages (Gelbe Seiten) under Arbeitsvermittlung for agencies. They’ll be reputable if they are members of the Federal Employer’s Association of Personnel Service Providers or Bundesarbeitgeberverband der Personaldienstleister (BAP). Before you sign on, check whether a company which will look for a job on your behalf will charge you a fee for doing so – some may ask for a hefty fee of up to EUR 2,000. You will find several international recruitment agencies operating in Germany, many of which list specialist jobs for foreigners.

Teaching English in Germany There are lots of opportunities for native English speakers to teach English in Germany: school children, older students in language schools, private tutoring, as well as teaching professional English to staff of international companies. You’ll need to have a degree and experience as well as a TEFL qualification. You can look for TEFL jobs here and here (although many online sites liust jobs) or check international schools in Germany, language schools in Germany or German universities.

German jobs in newspapers For highly qualified or academic jobs at national levels, buy copies of the Saturday editions of national newspapers or look online: Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, Suddeutsche Zeiting (Munich and the south), Die Welt, Handelsblatt (Düsseldorf), Frankfurter Rundshau, BerlinOnline and Berliner Zeitung.

Company websites

Some international companies will advertise on their company websites in both English and German. Vacancies are usually listed under Stellenangebote, Karriere or Vakanzen. Top German companies include Adidas, Aldi, BASF, Bayer, BMW, Bosch, Daimler, Deutsche Bank, E.ON, Lidl, Merck, SAP, Siemens and Volkswagen. But don’t forget the plethora of small and medium-sized companies (SMEs) that are an important part of the German economy, so check out those in your field. You can find all companies in Germany via the government's company register (in English).

Embassies and consulates Look out for vacancies at your home country’s embassy or consulate in Germany. Whatever the job you are sure to need a high standard of spoken and written German.

Networking For many Germans, networking is something done between friends or close colleagues, so while you can try making contacts (and therefore a job) through professional organisations and conferences don’t bank on it.

LinkedIn’s Germany Business and Professional Network has job adverts.

Alternatively, link up with like-minded expats through Meetup groups or form your own; you never know who you might meet and where it might lead.

Speculative job applications It’s totally acceptable to approach German companies with speculative applications but make sure that you do your homework thoroughly and ensure your qualifications and experience are exactly what the company is looking for.

Traineeships, interships and volunteering in Germany Find traineeships in the EU for university graduates via the European Commission Traineeships Office (Bureau de Stages), or look for internships and summer placements at AIESEC (for students and recent graduates) or IAESTE (for students in science, engineering and applied arts). Europlacement and Intern Abroad also advertise internships.

You can also work abroad as a volunteer typically in exchange for board, food, insurance and a small allowance; for those aged between 17 and 30,

find volunteer programs up to 12 months at European Voluntary Service (EVS). Concordia is another organisastion for volunteer opportunities.

Applying for a job in Germany Once you’ve found a job in Germany to apply for, you will need to prepare your application according to German expectations. In Germany, this often means putting together an application file containing your CV, copies of your educational certificates and employer testimonials and even samples of your work, if appropriate. You’ll also need to write a cover letter to go with your application file. Plus, if you get through to the interview stage, you’ll need to know what to expect in a German job interview, and what to do – and not to do – during the interview. We provide details in our guide on how to create a German-style CV and tips for job interviews in Germany

Slovenia

Renault has had production facilities in Slovenia (Revoz plant in Novo mesto) since 1872.

Nationals of all EU and EEA (European Economic Area) Member States have free access to the labour market in Slovenia. If you are a citizen of EU or EEA member states, work permit to enter the Slovenian labour market is not required, and you can apply for job vacancies under equal conditions. The employer is obligated to register you into the obligatory pension, invalidity, health and unemployment insurance within 8 days of the date of signing the employment contract.

If you are posted to work in Slovenia by a "foreign" employer, the later is obligated (based on working contract concluded in your country) to ensure you minimal working and employment conditions compatible with Slovenian regulations.

If you are a non EU citizen, you may gain employment in Slovenia only on the basis of a work permit, which is issued in accordance with Slovenian national legislation.

Work or employment for foreigners in Slovenia is only possible if the foreigner is in possession of a work permit.

Job vacancies

Job vacancies are published on the Employment Service of Slovenia and EURES web-sites. They are also published in the daily newspapers (Delo, Dnevnik, VeÄ?er, Primorske novice, Gorenjski glas, Dolenjski glas‌).

Job brokering is performed through the Employment Service of Slovenia or private employment agencies owning a concession issued by the Ministry of Labour, Family and Social Affairs. Those agencies are not allowed to demand any payment from job seekers for finding employment.

Permits Work permit EU citizens are under European law equal to domestic workers or jobseekers in respect of employment and job search. Citizens of EU member states (old and new) and EEA (Norway, Lichtenstein, Iceland) do NOT need a work permit for employment and work in Slovenia.

Workers outside of the EU are employed in accordance with the Employment and Work of Aliens Act and ensuing regulations. A work permit is, as a rule, issued on employers` request, so you need to find the employer who is willing to employ you first. An employer will obtain the work permit only under certain conditions.

The most important condition is that there are no suitable candidates registered at the Employment Service of Slovenia and that the employment is not causing any disturbances in the Slovenian labour market.

Further information about the types of work permits can be found on the Employment Service of Slovenia website where all forms or applications for particular types of work permits are accessible; the website also lists all supporting documents to accompany the application. But, unfortunately, all the relevant information is in Slovene only.

Residence permit If you intend to stay in Slovenia for a period of more than three months, a residence permit is needed. An application for a residence permit can be made at the local Administrative unit with valid passport, or identity card. In the case of planned employment, you must submit confirmation from your employer that he will employ you or proof of employment (an employment contract) and, in the case of study, self-employment or retirement, evidence thereof. You must also provide proof that you have a secure means of subsistence and compulsory health insurance.

Recognition of Education and Qualifications Before deciding to work in Slovenia, it is advisable to find out if your profession is regulated in Slovenia. If you want to pursue the regulated profession (doctor, nurse, pharmacist, teacher‌), the standard application for the recognition of qualifications needs to be submitted to the Ministry of Labour, Family and Social Affairs.

More information can be found at the Ministry's website: 

Mutual recognation of qualifications



Publication

If you have gained a particular education abroad and would like to have it recognised send your application to the Ministry of Education, Science and Sport.

Self-Employment An economic activity may be performed in Slovenia by a natural or legal entity taking one of a number of legal organisational forms.

Natural entities perform business operations as sole traders. For legal entities, several forms of company are recognised in Slovenia. Entrepreneurs may start to operate their business once they are registered as an economic subject and fulfil the special

conditions which differ depending on their main business. This means that an entrepreneur may start up a craft establishment upon obtaining a craft licence. e-VEM (acronym for ‘everything in one place’) is a support for future sole proprietors, which allows them to be able to start up in the shortest time possible, is provided by the government portal for commercial subject. The e-VEM portal offers various services.

Taxes and charges on labour A monthly social security contribution and advance payment on income tax is paid by employees out of their salaries. Income tax is paid by residents of Slovenia. You are a resident of Slovenia if: 

your permanent place of residence is in Slovenia,



your usual place of residence or the centre of your personal and economic interests is in Slovenia,



you spent more than 183 days in total in Slovenia during one tax year,



you reside outside Slovenia due to employment in a diplomatic body, consulate and similar.

Tax obligations are determined by income brackets. In assessing advance income tax some tax relief is allowed, e.g. for supported children or other family members.

Taxed incomes are all incomes of Slovene residents with a source of income in Slovenia as well as abroad, and incomes of a non-resident with a source of income in Slovenia.

Every person liable to tax has a tax number.

Further information: 

Tax Administration of the Republic of Slovenia



Invest Slovenia - Taxes and Accountins



Slovenia Partner

Working time Full working time is fixed on a weekly basis and usually amounts to 40 hours a week. It can be less but not under 36 hours a week.

Where there is a great risk of injury or harm to health, full working time may be under 36 hours a week. Full working time may not be spread over less than four days a week.

The 30-minute break is included in the working time.

Maternity leave Maternity leave lasts 105 days. Mother receives maternity compensation defined upon the average of wages paid off in the last twelve month period.

Father has a right to paternity leave in length of 90 days.

One of the parents has a right to child care leave in order to look after or care for a child for a period of 260 days immediately upon expiry of maternity leave.