Moving to Slovenia
Step-by-step Immigration Guide

Slovenia, nestled in Central Europe, boasts a captivating blend of diverse geography, population, and climate. With its low population density and picturesque landscapes, it's an attractive destination for expats seeking a fresh start. This comprehensive guide will illuminate the path to your move to Slovenia, whether you're drawn to its pristine living environment, stunning scenery, rich culinary traditions, or exceptional wine and beer.

Slovenia welcomes individuals from around the world to relocate to its diverse and inviting land. However, the specific process varies depending on your nationality:

• EU/EEA/Switzerland Nationals: Citizens of these countries can freely move to Slovenia without requiring a visa or residence permit.
• Non-EU/EEA/Switzerland Nationals: If you're not a citizen of these countries, your move to Slovenia involves a more extensive process. You'll typically need to apply for a visa to enter the country, followed by obtaining a residence permit to legally reside there.

For EU citizens, Slovenia offers a straightforward process for relocation. You won't need a visa or residence permit to enter the country. A valid passport or identity document is sufficient for entry.

Short Stays (Up to 3 Months):

For the initial three months of your stay, you don't require residence registration. However, if you intend to stay beyond this period, you must obtain a residence registration certificate from your nearest administrative unit before your authorized stay expires. Alternatively, you can apply for this certificate immediately upon arrival in Slovenia.

Non-EU citizens, on the other hand, need to follow a more involved process, starting with obtaining a long-stay visa to enter Slovenia, which allows stays exceeding 90 days for purposes like work, family reunification, or study. This long-stay visa is a prerequisite for applying for a residence permit.

If your objective is employment, you'll need a long-stay work visa, which may fall under different categories such as work for a single employer, self-employment, seasonal work, or the EU Blue Card. Subsequently, you'll apply for a temporary residence permit, either at the embassy where you applied for your visa (if you're outside Slovenia) or at your local administrative unit (if you're already in the country).

Non-EU students relocating to Slovenia must secure a long-stay student visa, typically valid for three to six months. After your arrival, you'll need to obtain a residence permit based on your study program's duration. This residence permit can range from one to three years. It's also possible to acquire a permanent registration card, depending on governmental decisions.

For family reunification purposes, you'll need to apply for a Slovenia family visa. Eligible family members include spouses or partners, children (under 21), financially dependent children over 21 living with a Slovenian citizen or resident, and family members (over 21) who are financially dependent on you or your partner. Following your entry into Slovenia with a family visa (valid for approximately three months), you can renew your initial residence permit annually. After residing in Slovenia for five years, you can apply for a permanent residence permit.

Slovenia offers numerous advantages and some challenges:

Moving to Slovenia with pets is indeed possible but requires adherence to specific regulations:

• Pets must have documented proof of rabies vaccination.
• Pets can enter Slovenia either directly or via other EU countries.
• Entry points for pets include Ljubljana, Maribor, or Portoroz airports.
• Pets must be free of diseases transmissible to humans.
• Required documents include a vaccination record, international health certificate (presented upon entry), microchip or tattoo, and an international CITES

Slovenia boasts several beautiful cities that are popular choices for expats looking to relocate. Here are some of the most attractive towns to consider moving to:

Ljubljana:

Ljubljana, the capital city of Slovenia, is incredibly picturesque and full of vitality. Ljubljana is surrounded by mountain tops, has many dragon statues across the town, a river running through it, and a medieval castle at the top. Aside from its spectacular museums and zoo, Ljubljana is also home to the Slovenian Philharmonic and Slovene National Theater.

Even though Ljubljana is smaller than most European capitals, it is worth moving there.
Ljubljana is Slovenia’s political, economic, administrative, and educational hub. Many significant industries are active here. Things you can enjoy in the city include strolling in the old town, enjoying views from skyscrapers, and relaxing on a river cruise.

Bled:

Bled is home to one of the most beautiful lakes, Lake Bled. The city is the ideal destination for those who enjoy quietness. Bled has many medieval, gothic, and renaissance buildings, cafes, and restaurants along the streets. Lake Bled, surrounded by the Julian Alps, is a scenic gateway to the Triglav National Park. You can walk the perimeter of the emerald-green lake in the afternoon, since it’s a little small. A 17th-century church on an island in the middle of the lake makes the destination appealing.

Maribor:

Maribor is Slovenia’s second-largest city. It is built along the banks of the Drava River and is located near the Austrian border. In addition to its endless outdoor recreation opportunities, Maribor is known for its thriving wine industry. Maribor has the oldest vine in the world, Stara trta, dated more than 450 years ago. Furthermore, the city is home to many historic structures, such as the Maribor Cathedral, the Maribor Synagogue, Betnava Castle, Maribor Castle, etc. In addition, Maribor hosts several cultural celebrations, such as the two-week-long Lent Festival that takes place every June in the city.

Piran:

Piran is known for its stunning Venetian architecture, delicious local cuisine, and spas. Being part of the Venetian Empire for more than five centuries, Piran resembles Italy. Although Piran is small, it is historic, picturesque, and quaint. It is worth exploring landmarks such as the main square, Tartinijev trg, the oldest building in the city, the Venetian House, and the Church of St. George to learn more about the city’s history. Alternatively, you can take a refreshing swim in the Adriatic from one of the piers or walk on top of the city walls.

Koper:

Koper is the oldest town in Slovenia. Similarly to Piran, Koper was part of the Venetian Empire and went by the name of Caprea. Among the city’s highlights are Tito Square, the Praetorian Palace refurbished in 2000, and the Campanile bell tower, which offers spectacular views of the city. The Koper Marina beach is ideal for swimming or relaxing with a picnic in the sunshine during the summer months. It is accessible to the public.

After living in Slovenia for five years with a temporary residence permit, you're eligible to apply for a permanent residence permit, granting you the status of a permanent resident. This permit is valid for ten years and can be renewed. Permanent residents in Slovenia enjoy the same benefits as Slovenian citizens. To obtain permanent residence, you must register with your regional administrative unit within three days of receiving your permanent residence permit.

Slovenian citizenship can be attained after residing in the country with a valid residence permit for a minimum of ten years, with the last five years being continuous. Proficiency in the Slovene language is typically a requirement for citizenship. Other routes to Slovenian citizenship include birthright, descent, marriage, and investment.

Slovenia allows dual citizenship, although you may be required to renounce your foreign citizenship after gaining Slovenian citizenship through naturalization. Exceptions to this requirement apply if your country of residence does not permit renunciation, if obtaining Slovenian citizenship results in the automatic loss of your current nationality, or if your current country of residence has yet to decide on your renunciation.

When it comes to transporting your belongings to Slovenia, you have options, depending on your timing and budget:

• Your belongings must have been in your possession for at least six months.
• You must have resided outside the EU for over 12 months.
• Belongings must be imported within 12 months of your residence registration in Slovenia.
• Declare your belongings upon the first import.
• Required documents include a valid passport, Slovenian tax number, residence registration in Slovenia, inventory, Slovenian ID, employment letter from a Slovenian employer (if applicable), and a statement detailing the nature, purpose, and value of your goods.
• Certain items are prohibited, such as narcotics. However, if you require medication for medical purposes, a medical certificate is necessary.