The legal requirements for a residence permit in Slovenia depend on the nationality of the individual who wishes to settle in the country. Our lawyers can help you with legal advice on obtaining a residence permit in this country.
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Temporary residence permit types |
– employment, – business, – study, – family reunification, etc. |
|
Time needed to obtain the temporary residence permit (approx.) |
up to three months |
|
Temporary residence permit validity |
1 year |
| Documents for obtaining temporary residence |
– recent photo, – evidence attesting the purpose of stay, – travel document, – health insurance, – evidence on having sufficient financial funds, – proof of address in Slovenia, – other papers that can vary based on the purpose of arrival
|
| Mandatory registrations with state authorities (i.e. with the population/municipality register) |
With the competent administrative unit in the region where the foreigner has his/ her residence |
| Dependents can join the temporary permit holder |
No (it can happen only when the temporary permit is renewed) |
| Temporary or permanent residency for investment purposes |
Yes |
| Minimum temporary residence before applying for permanent residence | 5 years |
| Documents for obtaining permanent residence |
– identity documents, – proof on the permanent address and on the right to use the respective address (property documents, tenancy agreements) |
| Naturalization requirements |
– permanent residency for 5 years and proof of living in Slovenia for 10 years; – tax obligations in Slovenia, – Slovenian language skills |
| Citizenship after permanent residence | It can be obtained in 5 years after becoming a permanent resident, but there are simpler rules for certain categories of individuals. |
Table of Contents
What are the steps for obtaining a residence permit in Slovenia?
For EU and EEA citizens, the process is simpler:
- you enter Slovenia with a valid identity card or passport;
- if the stay exceeds 3 months, apply for a residence registration certificate;
- submit proof of employment, self-employment, studies, family reunification or sufficient financial means;
- receive a residence registration certificate, issued for the intended period of stay (up to 5 years).
For third-country nationals, the process includes some additional steps:
- choose the correct type of residence permit;
- prepare the required documents;
- submit the application before entering Slovenia;
- wait for the competent authority to review the application;
- after approval, enter Slovenia and register the residence address within the legal deadline.
What are the residence rules for EU and EEA citizens in Slovenia?
If foreign citizens stay longer than three months in Slovenia, they need to register their residency in this country.
The application for a residence certificate can be submitted after the three months have passed or immediately after arrival, if the individual knows that he or she will stay longer in Slovenia.
The application must be submitted at an administrative unit in the area of the residence and the necessary documents for the application include:
- a valid identity card or passport;
- a proof of adequate health insurance;
- a proof of employment in Slovenia – a document indicating an employer’s intention for employment or an already existent employment contract;
- a proof of self-employment, if the foreign individual is self-employed in Slovenia;
- a proof of admission from a Slovenian university or other form of education institution for students who attend courses in Slovenia;
- proof of family reunion and proof that the person has sufficient funds for living in Slovenia.
The residence certificate in Slovenia is available for a period of five years, after which it can be renewed under the same conditions.
What residence rules apply to third-country nationals in Slovenia?
Individuals who come from non-EU and non-EEA countries are considered third-country nationals and the legal requirements for residing in Slovenia are slightly different for them.
A visa is mandatory for any purpose, including touristic activities, business or personal purposes. The visa can be obtained from a consulate of the Republic of Slovenia.
The types of residence permits in Slovenia available for third-country nationals are the following:
- temporary residence permits;
- permanent residence permits;
- employment permits;
- permits for the purpose of family reunion.
The registration of the temporary residence in Slovenia has to be completed in maximum three days since the date in which the temporary residence permit was issued.
Below, you are invited to watch a short presentation on how to obtain a residence permit in Slovenia:
What is the single residence and work permit in Slovenia?
The single residence and work permit in Slovenia is one of the most common ways to acquire residency in this country, as most of the foreigners arrive here for work purposes.
The document is issued under the supervision of the Employment Service of Slovenia, following the rules prescribed by the main legal act regulating the work of foreigners arriving here.
The documents have to be accompanied by the application for the single permit and, after the applicant has completed this step, the administrative unit will then request the consent of the Employment Service of Slovenia.
Please mind that the application for this permit must contain an extensive set of documents:
- a recent photo and passport;
- health insurance proof;
- evidence of sufficient financial means;
- a clean criminal record;
- an employment contract with a Slovenian employer;
- proof of qualifications or professional experience;
- information about accommodation in Slovenia.
Who can apply for a first residence permit in Slovenia in 2026?
The document is opened for a wide category of natural persons, as prescribed by the Slovenian legislation. The first residence permit in Slovenia can be obtained by:
- athletes and other sport related individuals (such as trainers);
- parties that are involved in religious communities or those who perform humanitarian activities;
- reporters and media representatives who are accredited in Slovenia for this activity;
- researchers, teachers and professors, college and university associates arriving in Slovenia for research and educational purposes;
- persons who have obtained a Blue Card and their close family members;
- persons who are victims of various illicit activities, such as human trafficking or illegal employment.
The issuance of a permanent residence permit in Slovenia is granted provided that the foreigner has sufficient evidence regarding his or her stay in the country for at least five years.
In this sense, it is necessary to provide the temporary residence permit in Slovenia, as well as other documents regarding the application for extension of the temporary residence permit.
In the infographic below, our lawyers present the main aspects foreigners should know if they want to obtain a Slovenian residence permit in 2026:
Who can obtain a residence permit for family reunification in Slovenia?
Foreigners may obtain residency in Slovenia based on family relations. The permit can be granted to:
- spouses:
- children under the age of 21;
- certain older relatives (such as parents), depending on the situation.
For the renewal of temporary residence permits issued for family reunification purposes, Slovenian language requirements may apply. Adult family members applying for an extension need to provide proof of basic Slovenian language knowledge.
Our lawyers can guide you through each step of obtaining a residence permit in Slovenia, whether you are an EU/EEA citizen registering your stay of a third-country national applying for a temporary residence permit. Contact us for more details!