If you’re looking for a great place to live, it’s worth considering a move to Slovenia. The Central European country is one of the top 20 countries in the world in Numbeo’s quality of life index. It has well-developed medicine, prestigious and at the same time inexpensive higher education, an actively strengthening economy and decreasing unemployment rate. The Republic of Slovenia will suit both remote workers and businessmen when relocating a company to the European Union, and foreign specialists who are in search of promising jobs with decent pay for their labor.

In order to move to Slovenia for permanent residence in the usual manner, it is necessary to first open a residence permit of the immigration type and renew it for five years. In addition to meeting the standards of residence, it is necessary to have a stable source of income, be law-abiding and learn the national language at the level of A2. In 2 years after moving, family members of local citizens and residents can formalize permanent residence. There are also simplified programs in the republic, under which you can obtain citizenship in just 4-12 months with competent legal support.

Why Slovenia attracts immigrants

Slovenia is an industrialized country located in front of the Alps in a part of the Balkan Peninsula on the Adriatic coast. Due to its location in the center of Europe, it actively attracts foreign tourists, which has an excellent effect on the economy. There is a stable political situation in the state. The GDP of the republic is steadily growing – on average by 3% per quarter.

The quality of life index of Slovenia is 179 points, that is very high. The country has an excellent health insurance system, low crime rate, personal and public safety of the population. The republic has little heavy industry, mild continental climate with warm winters and hot summers, there are many popular ski and beach resorts for a pleasant pastime.

The purchasing power index of the population in Slovenia is 85 points (high). Even those who receive a minimum wage can afford a comfortable life, albeit without excesses. The level of income in the country is regularly growing. For example, in 2024 the average monthly salary will amount to almost 2400 EUR, according to the Statistical Office, which is about 10% higher than in the previous period.

Slovenia is a member of a number of important world associations, including NATO, the European Union, and the WTO, which has a good effect on the external and internal development of the state. With a local residence permit you can travel without a visa to Schengen countries. As a permanent resident you have the right to be employed and do business in the republic without restrictions, request reunification with family members, apply for training in prestigious universities at reduced rates.

The status of permanent resident of Slovenia is an important step on the way to citizenship by naturalization. With a local passport you receive many privileges in the European Union, including official employment, representation of your company within the EU, participation in grant and scholarship programs, receiving social support and protection. You can also move to another EU state without additional conditions together with your family members, and live there without time restrictions.

Naturalization in Slovenia takes from 10 years from the date of opening of the first residence permit. At the same time, the country has a simplified program for obtaining a local passport through repatriation, the participants of which receive a second citizenship within up to a year. To learn more, schedule a free consultation with an international lawyer.

Ways of obtaining a permanent residence in Slovenia

If you want to move in the standard order, first you need to obtain a residence permit for Slovenia. The document must be of the immigration type, that is, with the right to subsequently open a permanent residence and naturalization. For example, you will not be suitable for a residence permit for seasonal work, a long business trip, transfer within an international company or temporary protection. Student residence permit and the document of the intern are counted in the period of residence with restrictions – only half. Further we tell in detail about popular immigration programs in the country.

Self-employment

In order to represent the interests of your company in Slovenia, you will need to obtain a single work and residence permit. At the same time, you will be able to register as an employee of your company only 12 months after you move to Slovenia. The only exception is if you are entered in the Commercial Register as an independent professional. The Republic does not impose restrictions on the scope of activity of a sole proprietor or the start-up capital of a company. To open a residence permit, you will need to obtain approval from the Employment Service.

Employment

You can go to live in Slovenia after concluding an employment contract with a local company. You or your employer in the territory of the Republic can apply for a residence permit. Representatives of certain professions (religious figures, sports coaches, reporters of foreign media) have the right to apply for residence while already in the country. After moving, you have the right to change your place of work, including combining several positions, the main thing is to notify the administrative unit of your place of residence. There are no requirements for salary and education in the law.

Modra karta EU

Specialists with high qualifications have a chance to obtain a Slovenian residence permit with special privileges. The Modra karta EU (Blue Card), unlike the standard residence permit, can be issued immediately for a period of up to 2 years and entitles you to move to the country together with your family members without reunification procedures.

You need to have a university degree, sign a work contract with a local organization for at least one year and receive from 150% of the average annual salary in the country before tax deduction (approximately 43 000 EUR in 2025). Foreigners are employed only if there is no suitable local employee in the unemployment register.

Study

It is possible to immigrate to Slovenia as a student, trainee, attendee of professional development courses, participant of international student exchange programs (including mobility within the European Union). It is necessary to have means for self-sufficiency from about 500 EUR per month (scholarship and parents’ support are taken into account). It is not possible to obtain a permanent residence with this type of residence permit. You can, for example, after completing your studies, open a new residence permit to find a job or run a business, and then in the long run get a job and stay in the country.

Family reunification

You can move to Slovenia with a close relative (children, parents) or reunite with your husband/wife or de facto partner. The receiving party must be sufficiently wealthy to support the invited family members, confirming this with a certificate of income for the previous six months. Citizens and permanent residents of the Republic, as well as those who reside here with a residence permit of immigration type for at least 12 months can request reunification.

From 2024, new rules for extending family residence permits apply. You will need to pass a Slovenian language proficiency test at the elementary level (A1) to prove that you have attempted to integrate into society during the year of residence. People over 60 years of age and family members of those who are in the country for work reasons are exempt from the test. Permanent residence on this basis is processed in an accelerated procedure – 2 years after moving.

Work in the scientific and educational fields

If you are a qualified researcher, teacher or academic staff member in the field of higher education and you come to Slovenia to officially carry out tasks in your field of study, you are entitled to open a residence permit and eventually naturalize. It is important that you already have an employment contract with a relevant organization, such as a research institute or university, at the time of your application. Residence permit is also issued within the framework of mobility programs, if you already have a similar document in another EU country.

Refugee status

Immigration to Slovenia is possible for those who register as a refugee or request additional protection. In the first case, you must prove that you cannot live in your home country because of persecution, a direct threat to your life or because of active hostilities. Each case is considered individually by the authorities. Refugee status acts as a permanent residence permit and does not need to be renewed if you still have a reason to live in the country.

Additional protection is granted if you do not meet the refugee criteria but cannot return home. For example, you have been sentenced to death in your home country or you are a victim of human trafficking and cooperate with law enforcement. Subsidiary protection status acts like a temporary residence permit and requires renewal.

Other reasons

As an exception, the Slovenian government may grant you the right of residence on grounds other than those listed above. Example: you are in the custody of law enforcement authorities, you have bought a property here and plan to live in it, or you are requesting it under international treaties. Whether naturalization will be available and whether you can apply for Slovenian citizenship is determined on a case-by-case basis.

The process of applying for permanent residence in Slovenia

The easiest option to move to Slovenia for permanent residence is to have a passport from any of the EU countries. In this case, you come to the republic without special conditions, register in the administrative unit and can stay here as long as you want. In other situations, you will need:

1. Find a reason to obtain residency.
   You need to determine the reason for moving, find out whether you meet all the requirements, make an appointment at the diplomatic mission and prepare the necessary documents at the same time.
2. Request a residence permit.
   The first residence permit is always opened at a Slovenian consulate or embassy. You need to visit the authority in person on the appointed day, submit a dossier, be fingerprinted and pay the state duty.
3. Move in and register.
   As a temporary resident, you come to the country and within 8 days you register your residence address. You can do this at the local administrative unit (Upravne enote) with documents on renting or buying a property.
4. Renew your residence permit within five years.
   The first residence card is always valid for up to one year, and you can extend it after proving a reason to live in Slovenia. You apply to the administrative unit, request a residence permit with a package of documents and repeat the procedure until the residency deadline is met.
5. Issue a permanent resident card.
   Once the temporary requirements have been met, you re-book an appointment with the administrative unit, fill out the application and submit the documents. The permanent residence permit will be issued to you with no time limit.

Having an EU passport greatly simplifies the immigration process. In Slovenia there is a program of accelerated registration of citizenship – repatriation.

Participation in the simplified program does not require you to wait for a long time, search for and keep the grounds for moving, special expenses and deep integration into society. Check your right to obtain a second passport in the European Union at a free consultation with a dedicated specialist.

Requirements for a permanent residence applicant and conditions for moving to Slovenia

To move to Slovenia, you need to find a legal reason and obtain a primary residence permit. Then you keep or change the reason for being in the republic and at the same time re-issue a residence card for five years. It is important that during this time you do not leave the country for more than 6 months with one visit. In total, you can be absent from the state for up to 9 months during the five-year period.

In addition to meeting the residency standards, a permanent resident of Slovenia must:

• have no criminal record and demonstrate law-abiding behavior;
• have sufficient funds for self-support from legal sources;
• successfully pass the language exam and confirm the A2 level;
• have a valid passport and health insurance;
• be registered at the place of residence in the country;
• pay the administrative fee and follow the established procedures.

Required documents

To obtain a Slovenian residence permit for the first time, you should present:

• a photo in color;
• proof of the purpose of the move;
• a passport;
• a health insurance policy;
• income certificate or similar document;
• civil status certificates (if required).

You can prove that you are moving legally, for example, with a labor contract or a certificate from the Commercial Register of Slovenia. In order to re-issue a residence permit, you will need to resubmit the above documents. When the time comes to request a residence permit, you fill in an application form where you provide basic data about yourself and submit the same dossier, supplementing it with a certificate of no criminal record and a language certificate.

Cost of Slovenian documents and relocation

To emigrate from your home country to Slovenia, you will need to pay administrative fees, notary, translator, and legal fees. Money will be needed to rent or buy real estate, registration of health insurance, tickets for transportation, transportation of stuff. The table below summarizes the current cost items and their expected price in 2025.

Life in Slovenia

Life in Slovenia is quite comfortable and inexpensive, especially in comparison with the countries of Western Europe. Here you can find an interesting job or open a business, enroll in a prestigious university and use the services of modern medicine.

Prices for food and housing

One person to live comfortably in Slovenia needs about 800 EUR per month, according to Numbeo statistics. Separately you need to spend on rent: from 600-700 EUR for a one-bedroom apartment. The price of buying a square meter of real estate is high – from 3000 EUR on the outskirts to 5000-6000 EUR in the center of Ljubljana, but there are favorable mortgage terms (at about 4% per annum). A grocery basket for a day will cost you about 15 EUR, utilities – 200-300 EUR per month.

Work

In Slovenia you can find a promising job with decent pay. The minimum salary is 1260 EUR before taxes, and specialists with high qualification can get from 5000-6000 EUR per month. On average 30% of income is spent on taxes of individuals (the calculation is made at a progressive rate). Unemployment here is from 3 to 6%, depending on the region (less in the West, more in the East). Two-thirds of residents are employed in the service sector, light industry, financial and economic spheres are also developed.

Business

Slovenia is characterized by a skilled labor force and has a well-developed infrastructure. Its favorable location in Central Europe at the crossroads of major transportation routes gives local businessmen high chances for successful development of international trade. The country produces a lot of goods for export, and most of them are exported to EU countries without customs markups and bureaucratic complexities. The flat corporate tax rate is 19%, which is lower than in Western European countries.

Education

Kindergartens in Slovenia are free of charge or commercial (about 400-500 EUR per month). School education is compulsory for all children, including temporary residents, and is provided at public expense. There are many universities of different orientation in the republic, with the average price of the annual course from 2500-3500 EUR. Slovenia ranks 25th out of 167 studied countries of the world in terms of education, according to the Legatum Prosperity Index. Local diplomas are recognized throughout the European Union.

Medicine

Slovenia’s health index is 66 points, according to Numbeo, that is high. In the Legatum Prosperity Index, the state ranks 24th out of 167 on a similar index. As in most EU countries, doctors’ services here are available through an insurance system, with the policy often paid for by employers. All cities have clinics, and in smaller communities there are separate medical stations. Immigrants often mention long waits for appointments with narrow specialists, but such a feature is observed throughout Europe.

Best cities to move to

If you move to Slovenia for employment or business purposes, it is better to stay in large cities – Ljubljana, Koper, Velenje, Maribor. Here are concentrated cultural, economic and business life of the republic, there are many promising jobs and perfectly developed infrastructure. If you work remotely or have a passive income, you can choose a popular resort on the Adriatic coast like Portoroz or Fies.

Reviews of immigrants who have moved to Slovenia for permanent residence

Those who have already moved to the country, note the well-established work of public services in Slovenia. Applications for residency here are considered quickly, the list of requirements is clear and adequate, there are no quotas on the number of foreigners to whom applications are approved (for example, as in the United States or Estonia). The list of reasons for moving is quite broad, but there are no popular programs such as financial independence or investment.

Many recommend moving to Slovenia if you have a promising profession, a good business plan or a remote job. Life here is quite affordable, compared to Western European countries, and yet comfortable. Infrastructure is well developed even in small towns, largely due to the abundance of tourists. Prices for life by the sea are a little more expensive than in the northern regions, but not critical. The feedback from students who have moved to the country mentions the high quality of education at every stage.

Expats complain mainly about the limited domestic market. Businessmen do not always find markets here, but they can present their goods and services throughout the EU. Unemployment is gradually decreasing, but the main jobs are still concentrated in big cities like Ljubljana. Strict laws are both a plus and a minus for the republic. Also not everyone, especially young people, is satisfied with the too much measured and quiet way of life of local citizens.

The best way to immigrate to Slovenia

If you want to move to an EU country quickly and easily, it is worth applying for Slovenian citizenship by repatriation. This is a beneficial immigration program that does not require you to have a long prior residence with a residence permit, large capital investments and passport renunciation in your home country. With the help of lawyers, you can become a citizen of the European Union within 4 to 12 months. Most of this period is spent waiting for a response from the authorized bodies.

International law specialists will recommend you a personalized action plan for obtaining a second passport, taking into account your request and peculiarities of your dossier. Many of the tasks, from collecting documents to organizing visits to state authorities, lawyers perform independently. The support of specialists guarantees you minimal involvement in the procedure and a successful result. To find out more, you should make an appointment for a legal consultation today.