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Residence permit in Slovenia.
A guide to immigration to Slovenia

Any foreign national can obtain a temporary residence permit in Slovenia, and the reasons for receiving one can vary. The most reliable ways to move to Slovenia in 2021 are the “Elective Residence” and “Business Immigration via Investment” programs.
Residence Permit in Slovenia gives you and your family the right to:
  • Permanently reside in Slovenia
  • Travel to Schengen countries
  • Receive free medical care
  • Study at a school, college or university in Slovenia
  • Do business in Slovenia and the European Union
  • Get permanent residence after 5 years of residence in the country
  • Obtain Slovenian citizenship after 10 years of residence

Living in Slovenia pros and cons

  • Clean environment, mild climate, and high-quality food and drink
  • Safety and absence of illegal immigrants
  • Much of the population speaks English fluently
  • A quality European education for children
  • Bureaucracy
  • High cost of real estate
  • Small domestic market
  • Family reunion only after 1 year
How can I legally move to Slovenia?

Residence Permit in Slovenia – The “Elective Residence” program

This program for obtaining a Slovenian residence permit is available to citizens of OECD countries (USA, Canada, Israel and more). The basis for obtaining this type of residence permit is the intention to live in Slovenia for a longer period of time.

This migration program is suitable for you if you are:

  • a citizen of the USA, Canada, Israel, Australia or another OECD country.
  • have a permanent income or savings;
  • want to permanently reside in Slovenia, travel around Europe, provide your children with the opportunity to receive a high-quality European education,
  • want to get permanent residence in Slovenia in 5 years and citizenship in 10 years.

There is no legal requirement for a minimum number of days of residence in Slovenia. However, in our experience the government agencies conduct regular checks of residence at the registered address of foreigners who have received a residence permit using the elective residence program.

Requirements for obtaining an Elective Residence Permit in Slovenia

  • documentation confirming the availability of funds to support the applicant at the rate of € 6500 per year per person;
  • availability of housing in Slovenia. Long-term rentals or ownership of residential properties are suitable;
  • availability of medical insurance (private or paid by the state);
  • no criminal record in the country of citizenship;
  • documents confirming your purpose of residence in the country.


An Elective Residence Permit is issued for one year and has to be extended every year until you’re eligible to apply for Permanent Residence.

The process of moving under the “Residence Permit”
program includes several steps:
Step 1
Step 1 Execution of the contract and drawing up an immigration plan
Step 2
Selection and execution of a long-term lease or purchase agreement
Step 3
Collection and submission of documents to the Embassy of Slovenia to obtain a residence permit
Step 4
Arrival in Slovenia, registration of the place of residence.
On average, the process of obtaining a residence permit for financially independent individuals takes about 6 months.

Immigration lawyer in Slovenia. How can we help you?

Our specialist has experience in successfully obtaining residence permits on the basis of elective residence for citizens of the United States, Israel and Australia. A full 100% of our clients received residence permits under this program.
We guarantee the result, as we have over 10 years of experience in the immigration assistance field
Services

Your personal manager will:

  • draw up your personal migration plan;
  • help in finding housing for rent or purchase;
  • prepare the application and documents for obtaining a residence permit;
  • supervise your application in the migration service;
  • accompany you for registration in Slovenia;
  • offer options for health insurance programs in Slovenia.

 

Cost – €3100 + €1500 for each family member

Contact us and get a free consultation with our immigration lawyer
Free consultation
Advantages and disadvantages of the “Elective Residence in Slovenia” program
  • no need to register a company and do business in Slovenia,
  • no additional expenses,
  • you get permanent residence in 5 years if you live in Slovenia permanently,
  • Slovenian citizenship in 10 years.
  • the residence permit does not include the right to work,
  • the need to rent housing before obtaining a residence permit,
  • having to live in Slovenia the majority of the time.
Residence permit extension

To extend this residence permit, the applicant must provide the following documents:

  • confirmation of the availability of funds;
  • rental contract or proof of ownership of housing;
  • evidence of paid medical insurance;
  • completed application form and paid duty.

This residence permit must be renewed annually, up to the moment of submission of documents for Permanent Residence in Slovenia.

Get in touch
Start with a free consultation

Our immigration lawyer can analyze your current situation and suggest the best suitable program. You will get professional advise and can count on us in handling your residency in Europe

+386 70 400 757

Business Immigration to Slovenia by Investment

As in most European countries, the opening of a company by a foreigner does not give owner the right to reside in Slovenia. However, any foreigner employed by a Slovenian company can obtain a work and residence permit in Slovenia. Therefore, business immigration is the general process of obtaining a work and residence permit by a foreigner on the basis of employment in their own company.

A citizen of any country can move to Slovenia for business immigration.

This migration program is suitable for you if you:

  • are a citizen of any country outside the EU;
  • are ready to do business and invest at least € 50,000 in your company (for example, buy real estate);
  • want to permanently reside in Slovenia, travel around Europe, provide your children with the opportunity to receive a high-quality European education;
  • want to have access to free health insurance;
  • want to get permanent residence in Slovenia in 5 years and citizenship in 10 years.

There is no legal requirement for a minimum number of days of residence in Slovenia. But in our experience, government agencies conduct regular checks of residence at the registered address of foreigners who have received a residence permit under the business immigration program.

Requirements for obtaining a residence permit in Slovenia for business immigration

  • opening a company and depositing authorized capital of €7500;
  • making an investment of €50000 into the fixed assets of your company (for example, real estate, transport, equipment, etc.);
  • employment as a director (in your own company);
  • no criminal record in the country of citizenship.
The process of moving for business immigration includes several steps:
Step 1
Execution of the contract and drawing up an immigration plan.
Step 2
Preparation of documents for company registration.
Step 3
Registration of a company, opening a bank account and depositing the authorized capital. At this stage, your personal presence in Slovenia is required.
Step 4
Fulfilling the conditions for your employment – for example, making investments in your company’s business activities by purchasing real estate.
Step 5
Submission of documents for obtaining a unified work and residence permit in Slovenia at the Slovenian Embassy in your country.
Step 6
Obtaining a residence permit card and arrival in Slovenia.
The general terms for obtaining a residence permit for business immigration usually take about 6 months. The exact time depends on the preliminary preparation, the method of making the investment and the chosen region of residence.
Immigration lawyer in Slovenia. How can we help you?
We have been involved in more than 73 successful cases of obtaining a residence permit for business immigration for citizens of China, Russia, Hong Kong, Israel, the USA and other countries. We have developed a comprehensive package of services, from company registration to obtaining a residence permit, and will guide you every step of the way.
We guarantee the result, because full payment for our services will only be made after you receive a residence permit.
Services

Your personal manager will:

  • draw up your personal migration plan;
  • prepare documents for opening a company and a bank account;
  • come along with you to register your company and open a bank account;
  • advise on the best investments;
  • prepare documents for obtaining a residence permit,
  • supervise your application in the immigration service;
  • register your address of residence in Slovenia and arrange your health insurance.

 

Our assistance is only €10500 + €500 for each family member

Contact us and get a free consultation with our immigration lawyer
Free consultation
Pros and cons of the “Business Immigration to Slovenia” program
  • suitable for businesspersons and investors;
  • free European education for children;
  • basic health insurance for yourself and your family members;
  • you get permanent residence in 5 years if you are in Slovenia permanently and citizenship in 10 years.
  • the need for investment;
  • tax and insurance contributions of at least €600 per month;
  • family reunification only after 2 years.
Extension of residence permit under the Business Immigration program
To extend this residence permit, the applicant must provide the following documents:
  • confirmation of timely payment of wages and taxes;
  • confirmation of the availability of funds in the bank account;
  • employment contract;
  • medical insurance.
A residence permit based on employment in your own company must be extended until the moment you submit documents for permanent residence.

Family reunion in Slovenia. How can my family members also get a residence permit?

The application for family reunification takes place after 1 year. In other words, after the main applicant has renewed their residence permit for the 2nd year. Only the spouse and minor children can obtain a residence permit for the purpose of reunification. There is the possibility of moving the whole family at the same time on the basis of other types of residence permit. Your personal manager will suggest the most convenient option so that you will not be separated from your family for any longer than needed. Family members of citizens of OECD countries do not apply for family reunion, but instead apply for a residence permit based on the program of the chosen place of residence at the same time as the main applicant.

Conditions for family reunion in Slovenia:
  • the applicant has enough financial resources to support all family members (at the rate of €500 per month for each family member to be reunited);
  • the applicant has a valid residence permit;
  • medical insurance for each family member;
  • confirmation of relationship (marriage certificate and birth certificates for children).
Timeline for family reunification in Slovenia
  • On average, the family reunification process takes 3 to 6 months.
  • The residence permit card for reunification is issued for 1 year, but not longer than the duration of the residence permit of the main applicant.

Obtaining permanent residence

You can apply for permanent residence in Slovenia after 5 years of permanently living in the country with a temporary residence permit. The review process takes, on average, 6 to 8 months. Permanent residence is issued indefinitely, but the card itself must be renewed every 5 years.

To obtain permanent residence, the applicant must fulfill certain conditions:

  • reside in Slovenia for at least 5 years on the basis of a temporary residence permit;
  • have sufficient funds to support themselves;
  • have a residence address in Slovenia;
  • no criminal record.

You do not need to take a language exam when applying for a Slovenian permanent residence permit.

Permanent residence status differs from citizenship in the fact that a foreigner with permanent residence cannot be elected to administrative authorities. Otherwise, the rights of the holder of permanent residence to medicine, education and social benefits are the same as those of citizens of Slovenia.

Citizenship of Slovenia

After 10 years of residence in the country, you can obtain citizenship. Consideration of the application can take to 12 months, and after a positive decision you are called to take the oath of allegiance.
Unfortunately, Slovenia does not support dual citizenship. Therefore, if you want to obtain Slovenian citizenship then you have to give up another citizenship. For this reason, most foreigners choose to keep their permanent residence status in Slovenia. The passport of Slovenia is ranked 5th in the world according to the Global Passport Power Rank. This will allow you to travel to 91 countries without a visa.
Reviews
Michael,
retired US government worker
We chose Slovenia as a place to raise our family, and to retire. Anyone who is considering, only needs to take a short trip, and you will see all of Slovenia's charms. Most definitely a place for raising your family, or to have a safe and peaceful retirement. The process was easy enough, although I would not suggest going through Slovenian bureaucracy without professional help. I searched exhaustively for help when we were considering Slovenia. Honestly I cannot remember where the recommendation came from, but working with Michael and his team, made things seem effortless
Svetlana,
single mom, Russia
In 2018 I decided to move to Slovenia and contacted the company Liberty New Gate. The move to Slovenia was planned and all legal and consular issues needed to be settled. Already on the first meeting, I understood that my case was in the hands of professionals. In the beginning, I worked with Michael. He is a pleasant and competent man who knows his job. Everything was done in the shortest possible time and very professionally. In the second stage, we worked with Azaliya. She helped us avoid all the possible mistakes that people usually do when they move to Slovenia. The most valuable thing is that the guys do not abandon their clients even after they fulfil all obligations. Even today, I still call them sometimes for advice. It never happened that they did not help me when I was asking for advice. Thank you very much for your professional work. I recommend this company to everyone interested in their services. They are very reliable.
Maggy,
Hong Kong
I come from Hong Kong with two kids. Thanks for Michael’s help, we arranged the local school and desirable apartment before arriving Ljubljana. I think that these are very important to a family with kids which move to a new country. With professional advice, we adapt to Slovenia smoothly
Vitaly,
founder of Nomadexpat.io
I am ready to recommend (and have already recommended to my personal acquaintances) this company in relation to services related to obtaining a residence permit in Slovenia. The company has a flexible approach to the specifics of the situation and the individual needs of customers (as was the case in my situation), which required the involvement of third-party specialists. At the same time, I received prompt and competent advice to resolve emerging and changing difficulties. I also received support after the formal fulfillment of the terms of the contract (that is, after the fact of obtaining a residence permit). There are no complaints about the prompt response to questions. There was also no talk of additional paid services due to the need to settle personal nuances. Definitely recommend the services of Michael and his team.
Get in touch
Start with a free consultation

Our immigration lawyer can analyze your current situation and suggest the best suitable program. You will get professional advise and can count on us in handling your residency in Europe

+386 70 400 757
FAQ
Is it possible to get a Residence Permit in Slovenia on the basis of purchase of real estate?

It is possible to get a Residence Permit if you have purchased real estate in Slovenia and if you are a citizen of an OECD country, such as the USA, the UK, Australia, Canada, Israel, Japan, etc.
For citizens of non-EU and non-OECD countries, the purchase of real estate under a company name can be a way of getting a Residence Permit under the Business Immigration program.

Is there an age restriction for the Elective Residence program in Slovenia?

There is not age restriction, which means that you can get the Residence Permit in Slovenia if you are looking to retire, or settle with your family.

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