Slovenia - Previous coverage abroad can count
This chapter covers residence in different EU countries and the influence of this on social security rights.
In what situation can I claim?
If you have returned from work in an EU, EEA country, Switzerland or the UK, you will be subject to legislation of the host country and as a general rule will no longer be part of the social security system in Slovenia.
If you have lived, worked or paid insurance in another EU, EEA country, Switzerland or the UK, your paid contributions can be respected as part of your rights in Slovenia.
* EU rules on social security coordination no longer apply to and in the United Kingdom as of 1 January 2021. However, the rights of persons covered by the Withdrawal Agreement concluded between the EU and the United Kingdom continue to be protected.
For persons not covered by the Withdrawal Agreement, social security coordination between the EU and the United Kingdom is regulated by the relevant Protocol to the Trade and Cooperation Agreement. While similar to EU rules and comprehensive in scope, the Protocol does not provide for an identical level of protection as the EU Regulations.
What conditions do I need to meet?
EU provisions concerning social security coordination are valid for:
- illness benefit;
- maternity and paternity benefits;
- occupational injury and occupational disease;
- disability benefit;
- pensions and early retirement benefits;
- benefit for surviving family members and death grant;
- unemployment benefit;
- family benefit.
More can be found in the publication The EU provisions on social security: Your rights when moving within the European Union.
What am I entitled to and how can I claim?
If you have lived in an EU or EEA country, Switzerland or the UK and return to Slovenia, you must bring with you:
- proof of your paid social security contributions as a U1 (previously E301) form, which can be obtained at the local social security office. Please check that you have obtained all the necessary information.
If you have already been receiving unemployment benefit in an EU or EEA country, Switzerland or the UK for at least 4 months, you may transfer the right to benefit to Slovenia for 3 to 6 months while you are seeking employment. You must bring a completed U2 form with you (previously E303).
Upon registration in the Slovenian social security system you will also have to provide information about your employment in the EU:
- country of employment;
- name and address of employer;
- length of employment;
- your social security system identification number.
In the case where you ask for any kind of rights, your contributions paid in an EU or EEA country, Switzerland or the UK will also be taken into account.
You will also be insured in the case of change of employer.
Jargon busters
- EEA - European Economic Area
- EU - European Union
Know your rights
The links below listing your rights are not European Commission pages and do not represent the view of the Commission:
European Commission publications and web pages:
Who do you need to contact?
You may be entitled to rights at the following institutions: