Record Number of Foreign Citizens Employed in Slovenia Reaches 16.1% of Workforce

Strategic Insights -

Slovenia has seen a significant increase in foreign workers, with around 148,900 employed citizens in June, constituting 16.1% of the country's total workforce. The population of foreign workers has grown from 15.8% in the previous year to 16.1% in 2025, a 0.4% increase compared to May. Notably, the number of Slovenian citizens in employment declined by 0.7% year-on-year. The human health and social work sector experienced the strongest employment growth, while manufacturing saw the steepest decline.

Key Takeaways:

  • The number of foreign citizens employed in Slovenia reached a record high, with around 148,900 workers in June 2025, representing 16.1% of the total workforce.
  • The population of foreign workers rose from 15.8% in the previous year to 16.1% in 2025, a 0.4% increase compared to May.
  • The number of Slovenian citizens in employment declined by 0.7% year-on-year, as stated by the Slovenian Statistical Office.
  • The human health and social work sector experienced the strongest employment growth, up 3.3% year-on-year.
  • Manufacturing posted the steepest decline, with the number of employees dropping 1.9% from June 2024.
  • Most foreign workers in Slovenia come from other states of the former Yugoslavia.
  • Institutions in Slovenia have warned that labor shortages are becoming increasingly acute, partly due to a smaller number of young people entering the workforce compared to the generation now reaching retirement age.
  • Separate data from the Employment Service showed that in July, the largest number of work permits for foreign citizens was issued in the construction, manufacturing, transport, and warehousing sectors.

Sources:

  • Slovenian Statistical Office
  • COMTEX_468155272/2084/2025-08-19T09:35:34
  • Xinhua News Agency