Moving to Slovenia - How to Immigrate to Slovenia? (2024)

Slovenia is a country in Central Europe with a diverse geography, population, and climate. While Slovenia has the lowest population density, with two million residents over 20,273 km², it still has residents from all over Europe. Therefore, expats moving to Slovenia should find settling in easy because of the diverse population.

There is so much to do in Slovenia that expats are increasingly interested in moving there. Among the reasons why so many choose to relocate to the country are the country’s clean and peaceful living environment, epic scenery, diverse cuisine, and first-class wine and beer.

This article will guide you on how to move to Slovenia and whether the country is the ideal destination for you.

Who Can Move to Slovenia?

Any foreigner who believes that Slovenia is the ideal destination can move there. However, the process will change between nationals.

• If you are a national from the EU/EEA/Switzerland, you can move to Slovenia freely without applying for a Slovenia visa.
• If you are a non-EU/EEA/Switzerland citizen, you will have a prolonged process of moving to Slovenia. Firstly, you are required to apply for a visa to enter the country and then for a residence permit to reside legally.

How to Move to Slovenia as an EU Citizen?

EU citizens do not need a visa or a residence permit to enter Slovenia. They are required only to have a valid passport or another identity document.

For the first three months after entering the country, EU citizens do not need residence registration. However, if they decide to stay longer than three months, they must obtain a residence registration certificate from their nearest administrative unit before their authorized stay expires. Nevertheless, EU citizens can also apply for a residence registration certificate immediately after entering Slovenia.

To obtain a residence registration certificate, EU citizens must stay in the country for:

• Employment or self-employment.
• Any form of education.
• Family reunification with a family member who is a Slovenian citizen.
• Any genuine reason and conditions for doing so are met.

How to Move to Slovenia as a Non-EU Citizen?

Non-EU nationals wishing to enter and reside in Slovenia must obtain a visa or a residence permit. To move to the country, you must enter it with a long-stay visa. A long-stay visa allows you to stay in Slovenia longer than 90 days to work, join a family member, or study. Moreover, the long-stay visa enables you to apply for a residence permit at the relevant administrative unit.

If you want to move to Slovenia for longer than three months, the following ways are the right choice for you:

• Move to Slovenia for work.
• Move to Slovenia to study.
• Move to Slovenia to join a family member.

Moving to Slovenia to Work

If you want to move to Slovenia and work there, you must obtain a long-stay work visa. Slovenia issues different work permits depending on your situation:

• Single permit for work.
• Work visa for self-employed people.
• Work visa for seasonal work.
• EU Blue Card.

Then you must apply for a temporary residence permit. The application can occur outside or inside Slovenia. If you apply outside Slovenia, you must do it at the same embassy you applied for the visa. If you apply after entering Slovenia, you must apply at your area’s administrative unit.

The validity of the temporary residence permit is one year, with the possibility of an extension. After five years of residence in the country, you can apply for a permanent residence permit.

Moving to Slovenia to Study

Non-EU citizens moving to Slovenia to study are required to apply for a long-stay student visa. A long-stay visa will likely be valid for between three and six months. Following your arrival in Slovenia, you’ll need to obtain your residence permit, which will be valid for between one and three years, depending on the duration of your studies.

Furthermore, you can also get a permanent registration card that is valid for five years. Nevertheless, it depends on the government whether they give you a registration card.

If you want to continue residing in Slovenia after graduating, you must be employed and apply for a work visa.

Moving to Slovenia for Family Reunification

Moving to Slovenia for family reunification requires applying for a Slovenia family visa. The family members you can reunite with include:

• A spouse or partner.
• Your children or your partner’s children under the age of 21.
• Financially dependent children over 21 who live with a Slovenian citizen or resident.
• Family members (over 21 years old) that are financially dependent on you or your partner.

You will need to apply for your temporary residence permit after entering the country with a family visa, valid for around three months. As required, you can renew your initial residence permit every year. If you stay in Slovenia for five years, you can apply for a permanent residence permit and eventually become a citizen.

How to Become a Permanent Resident in Slovenia?

After residing in Slovenia for five years with a temporary residence permit, you can apply for a permanent residence permit, therefore, becoming a permanent resident. The validity of the permanent resident permit is ten years and can be renewed. With the status of a permanent resident in Slovenia, you will have the same benefits as Slovenia citizens.

To get permanent residence, you must register with one of the administrative units in your region. In addition, you must register your stay within three days of receiving your permanent residence permit. To register your stay, contact the Slovenian Administrative Unit nearest to you.

How to Win Citizenship in Slovenia?

You can win citizenship in Slovenia if you have resided in the country with a valid residence permit for at least ten years. The last five years must be continuous. To get Slovenian citizenship, you must have proof of your Slovene language abilities.

In addition, other routes to gain citizenship in Slovenia are:

• Citizenship by birth.
• Citizenship by descent.
• Citizenship by marriage.
• Citizenship by investment.

Does Slovenia Allow Dual Citizenship?

Slovenia permits dual citizenship; however, you must renounce your foreign citizenship after acquiring Slovenian citizenship by naturalization. You will not be required to renounce your citizenship only if:

• Your country of residence does not allow you to do it.
• You will lose your current nationality by obtaining Slovenia citizenship.
• Your current country of residence has yet to decide on your renouncing citizenship.

How Can I Move My Belongings to Slovenia?

You can move your belongings by air or land, depending on when you need them and how much money you can spend on shipping. You must meet the following requirements:

• Your belongings must be in your possession for more than six months.
• You have been living outside the EU for more than 12 months.
• You must import your belongings within 12 months of your residence registration in Slovenia.
• You must declare your belongings at the time of the first import.
• You must provide a few documents:
  • A valid passport.
  • Slovenian tax number.
  • Resident registration in Slovenia.
  • Inventory.
  • Slovenian ID.
  • Employment letter from Slovenian employer (if applicable).
  • A statement mentioning the goods’ nature, purpose, and value.
  • Tax and duty exemption certificate.

Prohibited items include narcotics. However, if you need drugs for medical purposes, you must provide a medical certificate.

Can I Move to Slovenia With Pets?

You can move with pets to Slovenia, but first, you must know a few things:

• Pets must have proof of rabies vaccination.
• Pets must enter the country directly or transit through other EU countries.
• Pets can enter Slovenia by air in Ljubljana, Maribor, or Partoroz.
• All pets must be free of diseases transmissible to humans.

Documents you must provide when moving to Slovenia with pets include:

• Vaccination record.
• International health certificate. It must be presented when entering the country.
• Microchip or tattoo.
• International CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) certificate.

Pros and Cons of Moving to Slovenia

If you still have not decided whether moving to Slovenia is the right decision to make, the following table lists the pros and cons Slovenia has that might help you make a decision:

Where Should I Live in Slovenia?

Slovenia has many stunning cities to which you can move— some of the most popular towns choose to move to include the following:

• Ljubljana.
• Bled.
• Maribor.
• Piran.
• Koper.

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 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.
• Relaxing on the 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 wine 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 Synagog, 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 in size, 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.

Facts About Slovenia

Here are some interesting facts about Slovenia:

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