Teach English in Slovenia

You can teach English in Slovenia at private language schools, in business English, at international schools and with private students, mainly in Ljubljana and Maribor. It is a small, competitive market, because Slovenians already speak excellent English, so most roles go to qualified teachers with experience. EU citizens can work freely, while UK, US and other non EU teachers need a single residence and work permit. Language schools usually pay by the hour, and a full-time contract must pay at least the 2026 minimum wage of €1,481.88 gross a month.

Teaching English in Slovenia at a glance

Is it hard to find English teaching jobs in Slovenia?

Yes, harder than in most of Europe. Slovenia has one of the highest levels of English proficiency in the EU, state schools employ Slovenian teachers of English, and the market is small. The realistic routes are business English for companies, private language schools teaching exam and specialist English, and international schools. Your chances are far better if you hold an EU passport, a strong qualification and experience, and if you are already in the country.

What kinds of English teaching jobs are there in Slovenia?

Private language schools. Teach adults and teenagers, often exam preparation such as Cambridge and IELTS, in the afternoons and evenings. Much of the work is part time and paid by the hour.

Business English. Ljubljana and Maribor companies, including exporters in manufacturing and pharmaceuticals, pay for workplace English, often delivered in their offices or online.

International schools. A small number in Ljubljana follow British, American or IB curricula and want qualified, experienced teachers.

Private and online students. A common way to fill a timetable and add income.

How much do English teachers earn in Slovenia?

Language schools commonly pay by the hour, with business English and exam classes at the top of the range. Slovenia’s minimum wage rose to €1,481.88 gross a month on 1 January 2026, about €1,000 net, which is among the highest in Central and Eastern Europe, so a full-time employment contract must pay at least that. Many teachers work part time or on a freelance basis across several schools, so check how many paid hours you are guaranteed. Compare pay across countries on the TEFL Salary Index, or read how much TEFL teachers make.

What qualifications do you need to teach English in Slovenia?

Most employers want a degree and a TEFL certificate of at least 120 hours, and because the market is competitive, a Level 5 TEFL or CELTA and experience make a real difference. Business English and exam teaching skills are especially useful. International schools ask for a teaching qualification and experience. A degree is also usually needed for a non EU permit. Our Ofqual-regulated Level 5 TEFL course can be verified on the Ofqual register.

Which visa do you need to teach English in Slovenia?

EU, EEA and Swiss citizens, including Irish passport holders, can live and work in Slovenia freely and register their residence locally. UK citizens lost that right after Brexit, so UK, US, Canadian and South African teachers need a single residence and work permit, applied for with a job offer through the local administrative unit. Allow time for apostilled documents and translations. Check current rules with the Slovenian embassy and our Visa Desk before you travel.

Where are the English teaching jobs in Slovenia?

Ljubljana, the capital, has most language schools, business English work and international schools, and the highest rents. Maribor, the second city, has a university and lower costs. Celje, Kranj and the coastal town of Koper have smaller markets.

What is it like teaching and living in Slovenia?

Slovenia is small, safe and green, with the Julian Alps, Lake Bled and the Adriatic coast all within easy reach. Students are usually motivated and already confident in English, so classes focus on fluency, exams and professional skills. Life is relaxed and well organised, public transport is good, and learning some Slovenian is appreciated, especially outside Ljubljana.

Last updated: 2 October 2026. Pay figures are approximate, not quotes. Residence and work permit rules change, so confirm current requirements with the Slovenian embassy and your employer before you travel.