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.
*Each case needs to be assessed individually to determine whether a person falls within the scope of Art 30 of the Withdrawal Agreement, and so the EU Coordination Regulations apply, or whether they fall within the scope of situations described in Art 32 of the Withdrawal Agreement and/or come under domestic legislation and the Protocol on Social Security Coordination attached to the Trade and Cooperation Agreement.
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: