Do I need a job offer or a hosting agreement to get the Slovenian researcher residence permit?

The researcher permit is built around the hosting agreement rather than an ordinary employment contract. You must have a signed agreement with a research organisation or higher education institution in Slovenia, and that agreement defines the research project and its duration.

The research organisation can submit the application on your behalf, or you can apply yourself at a Slovenian diplomatic mission abroad or, if you are already legally in Slovenia, at the competent administrative unit. The hosting agreement is the core document, so make sure it is finalised before you start the process.