Migration questions Slovenia

Obtaining a residence permit in Slovenia depends on the purpose of the stay. Grounds for obtaining a residence permit include:

Employment: Having an employment contract with an employer in Slovenia.

Study: Enrollment in an accredited educational institution.

Business activities: Registration of your own company or business activities.

Family reunification: Having close relatives with legal status in Slovenia.

The process includes gathering the necessary documents, submitting the application, and waiting for its review.

The initial residence permit is usually granted for up to 12 months with the possibility of extension if the basis for staying remains. After 5 years of continuous legal residence in Slovenia based on a temporary residence permit, one can apply for a permanent residence permit.

Important: Requirements and procedures may change, so it is recommended to contact the Slovenian consulate before applying or to check the current information on the official websites of government bodies.

Obtaining a residence permit in Slovenia is an important step for those planning a long stay in the country. The process involves several stages, from document preparation to receiving permission.

1. Determine the purpose of stay

First of all, it is necessary to determine the basis for obtaining a residence permit:

Employment: having an employment contract with an employer in Slovenia.

Study: enrollment in an accredited educational institution.

Business activities: registration of your own company or business activities.

Family reunification: having close relatives with legal status in Slovenia.

2. Collect the necessary documents

Depending on the purpose of stay, the list of documents may vary. However, the standard package includes:

- Completed application for a residence permit.

- Valid passport: the expiration date must exceed the intended stay by at least 3 months.

- Photos: colored, sized 3.5 x 4.5 cm.

- Confirmation of purpose of stay: employment contract, letter of enrollment from the educational institution, etc.

- Health insurance: policy valid in Slovenia.

- Proof of financial solvency: documents confirming sufficient funds for living.

- Certificate of no criminal record: from the country of permanent residence.

3. Submit the application

Place of submission: the initial application is submitted in person at the Slovenian consulate or embassy in the applicant's country of residence.

Time frame for submission: it is recommended to apply in advance, considering possible processing times.

4. Biometrics collection

After submitting the application, it is necessary to provide fingerprints and a photo for biometric enrollment.

5. Application review

Processing times depend on the type of residence permit and the individual circumstances of the applicant. On average, the process takes from 1 to 3 months.

6. Receiving a decision

Approval: in case of a positive decision, a residence permit is issued.

Rejection: in case of a denial, explanations of the reasons are provided, with the opportunity to appeal or resubmit the application.

Important: Requirements and procedures may change, so it is recommended to contact the Slovenian consulate before applying or to check the current information on the official websites of government bodies.

Citizens of the European Union and the European Economic Area have special rights regarding staying and working in Slovenia.

Entry and short-term stay

Visa-free entry: EU and EEA citizens can enter Slovenia without a visa, by presenting a valid passport or identity card.

Stay up to 90 days: During the first 90 days of stay, registration is not required if the purpose of the visit is tourism, visiting relatives, or business meetings.

Long-term stay (over 90 days)

Residence registration: If planning to stay for more than 90 days, it is necessary to register the place of residence at the local administrative unit before three months elapse from the date of entry.

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Required documents:

- Valid passport or identity card.

- Proof of purpose of stay (e.g., employment contract, enrollment certificate in an educational institution).

- Proof of sufficient financial means for living.

- Health insurance valid in Slovenia.

Rights

Free access to the labor market: EU and EEA citizens have the right to work in Slovenia without needing an additional work permit.

Equal conditions: Employers are required to provide the same working conditions and pay for local workers and EU and EEA citizens.

Social rights: After registering their residence, EU and EEA citizens have the right to social services, including healthcare and education, on par with Slovene citizens.

Family rights: Family members of EU and EEA citizens, who are not EU citizens, are entitled to join them in Slovenia. In this case, an application must be made for a residence permit for family members.

Permanent residence: After five years of continuous legal residence in Slovenia, EU and EEA citizens may apply for a permanent residence permit.

For current information and consultations, it's recommended to contact local administrative bodies or consular representations.

Citizens of countries not part of the European Union and the European Economic Area face certain requirements and procedures when planning to stay and work in Slovenia.

Entry and short-term stay

Visa requirements: Third-country nationals are required to obtain the appropriate visa to enter Slovenia. The type of visa depends on the purpose and length of stay.

Short-term stay (up to 90 days): For visits for tourism, business meetings, or short-term events, a short-term Schengen visa of category C is required, allowing a stay in the country for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

Long-term stay (more than 90 days): A temporary residence permit is required for stays longer than 90 days.

Work permit

Employment visa and work permit: To legally work, third-country nationals need to obtain a work permit. In some cases, the process of obtaining a residence permit and a work permit can be combined.

Process for obtaining a permit: The employer submits an application to the Employment Service of Slovenia for the employment of a foreign national. After approval, the worker can apply for a residence permit with work rights.

Social rights

After obtaining a residence permit, foreign citizens are entitled to certain social services, including healthcare and education, in accordance with Slovenian law.

Family rights

Family members of a foreign national can apply for a residence permit for family reunification, provided certain requirements are met, such as having sufficient financial means and suitable housing.

Permanent residence

After five years of continuous legal residence in Slovenia on the basis of a temporary residence permit, one can apply for a permanent residence permit.

Important: Requirements and procedures may change, so it is recommended to contact the Slovenian consulate or check the latest information on official government websites before submitting an application.

The extension of a residence permit in Slovenia is a mandatory procedure for foreigners wishing to continue their legal stay in the country. The extension process depends on the basis of the initial residence permit and requires timely preparation of the necessary documents.

Application submission deadlines

Recommended period: Start the extension process 60 days before the current residence permit expires. However, an application can be submitted up to the last day of the current permit's validity.

General list of documents:

- Completed application form for residence permit extension.

- Valid foreign passport: Copy of pages with personal data and visas.

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- Photograph: Color, size 3.5 x 4.5 cm.

- Copy of current residence permit and confirmation of residence registration.

- Proof of reason for stay: Depending on the purpose of stay (employment contract, confirmation of enrollment in an educational institution, etc.).

- Proof of financial stability: Documents proving sufficient funds for living.

- Health insurance: Policy valid in the territory of Slovenia.

- Certificate of no criminal record: Current certificate from the country of permanent residence with a certified translation into Slovenian.

Features of renewal depending on the basis

Employment: Updated employment contract or confirmation of continuation of employment; confirmation of payment of taxes and social contributions.

Education: Confirmation of enrollment for the next academic year or continuation of studies; sponsorship letter from parents (for students) confirming financial support.

Extension process

Application submission: In-person at the local administrative unit according to the place of residence.

Processing time: On average from 2 to 6 months.

Receiving a new residence permit card: After the application is approved, a new residence permit card is issued. Crossing the border is not recommended until it is received.

Important: Requirements and procedures may change, so it is recommended to check with local administrative authorities or consult the latest information on the official websites of Slovenian government agencies before applying.

Health insurance requirements

Validity in the territory of Slovenia: The insurance policy must be valid throughout the country.

Coverage of emergency medical care: Insurance must provide coverage for emergency medical care and treatment.

Duration of validity: The policy must be valid from the moment of application for a residence permit and cover the entire anticipated period of stay or until the commencement of public health insurance if applicable.

Types of health insurance

Foreign citizens can obtain a private insurance policy in their country of residence or directly in Slovenia. It is important that the policy meets the above requirements.

Obtaining Slovenian citizenship offers foreign nationals broad opportunities, including freedom of movement across European Union countries, access to high-quality education and healthcare, and the right to work without additional permits.

Citizenship by birth

Automatic acquisition: A child automatically becomes a citizen of Slovenia if both parents are Slovenian citizens, regardless of the place of birth. If one parent is a Slovenian citizen and the other is a foreigner, the child receives citizenship if born in the territory of Slovenia.

Citizenship by descent

For children born abroad: If a child is born outside Slovenia and one parent is a Slovenian citizen, parents must apply for the child's citizenship before they reach adulthood. If the child turns 18, they can self-apply until they reach 36 years old.

Citizenship through naturalization

General procedure

Residence period: Living in Slovenia for at least 10 years, with the last 5 years continuously.

Language proficiency: Proof of Slovenian language proficiency at level A2–B1.

Financial stability: Availability of a stable source of income or sufficient savings.

Clean criminal record: The applicant must not have a criminal record and must not pose a threat to public order.

Renunciation of previous citizenship: In most cases, renunciation of previous citizenship is required, except for certain situations.

Accelerated naturalization

Spouses of Slovenian citizens: After 3 years of marriage and one year of continuous residence in Slovenia.

Persons of Slovenian descent: After one year of continuous residence in Slovenia with proof of Slovenian roots up to the fourth generation.

Graduates of Slovenian universities: After 7 years of residence, if the last year was continuous.

Exceptional Contributions: Individuals who have made a significant contribution to the science, culture, or economy of Slovenia may acquire citizenship after one year of residency.

Citizenship through Repatriation

For descendants of Slovenian emigrants: Individuals whose ancestors up to the fourth generation were Slovenian citizens may apply after one year of continuous residence in the country.

Citizenship through Marriage

Spouses of Slovenian citizens: After 3 years of official marriage and one year of continuous residence in Slovenia, one may apply for citizenship.

Citizenship by Investment:

Slovenia does not offer direct citizenship-by-investment programs. However, foreign investors can obtain a residence permit by investing at least €50,000 into the country’s economy, potentially leading to citizenship after 10 years of residency.

Application Process

Document Collection: Includes proof of residence, language proficiency, financial stability, no criminal record, and others, depending on the basis for application.

Application Submission: To local administrative bodies or through diplomatic representations of Slovenia abroad.

Application Review: Processing times depend on individual circumstances and can range from several months to a year.

Important: Requirements and procedures may change, so it is recommended to contact the Slovenian consulate or check current information on official government websites before starting the process.

Entry and Exit from Slovenia

Free Movement: With a temporary residence permit, you can freely leave and return to Slovenia without needing additional visas or permissions.

Staying Compliant: It is important to monitor the validity of your residence permit and submit documents for its renewal on time to avoid problems upon re-entering the country.

Travel within the Schengen Area

Right to Move: Slovenia is part of the Schengen Area, so holders of a temporary residence permit have the right to move freely to other Schengen Agreement countries without needing additional visas.

Stay Duration: Usually, you may stay in other Schengen countries for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. However, some countries may have specific conditions, so it is advisable to check the rules of the specific state in advance.

Travel outside the Schengen Area

Visa Requirements: When traveling to non-Schengen countries, you may need to obtain a visa depending on the requirements of the specific state.

Returning to Slovenia: When returning to Slovenia from outside the Schengen Area, ensure that your residence permit is valid and that you have all necessary documents for entry.

Recommendations

- Start the process of renewing your residence permit in advance to avoid situations where the document expires while you are outside the country.

- Always carry a valid passport and residence permit card when crossing borders.

- Before planning trips, especially to countries outside the Schengen Area, it is advisable to consult with relevant consular services or migration authorities for up-to-date information on visa requirements and entry rules.

Analyzing the Reasons for Denial

Study the Notice: After denial, you will receive an official notification stating specific reasons. Carefully review this document to understand which aspects of the application did not meet the requirements.

Right to Appeal

Appeal Deadline: According to Slovenian law, you have the right to appeal the decision of denial within 15 days from the receipt of the notification.

Appeal Bodies: Appeals are submitted through the Ministry of the Interior or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Slovenia, depending on the specific case.

Preparing the Appeal

Gathering Additional Evidence: Provide documents or information confirming compliance with all requirements and addressing previously mentioned deficiencies.

Legal Consultation: It is recommended to consult with a lawyer specializing in immigration law in Slovenia for the proper drafting of an appeal and to increase the chances of a favorable outcome.

Alternative Actions

Resubmitting the Application: If the appeal is unsuccessful or you prefer not to challenge the decision, you can submit a new application for a residence permit, addressing previous shortcomings and ensuring compliance with all requirements.

Prevention of Rejections

Before submitting an application, it is advisable to consult with experts or lawyers specializing in immigration law in Slovenia to minimize the risk of rejection.

During immigration procedures in Slovenia, foreign citizens often need to provide official documents issued in their home country. To have such documents recognized in Slovenia, they must be translated into Slovene and certified by a court translator.

Necessity of Document Translation

Official Documents: Certificates, statements, certificates, and other official documents issued abroad must be translated into Slovene. The translation must be performed by a court translator, who certifies it with their seal, confirming its accuracy and conformity with the original. Such a translation is recognized by government authorities, courts, and other institutions in Slovenia.

Finding a Qualified Translator

Recommendations: Contact immigration consultants or law firms specializing in immigration to Slovenia. They often collaborate with verified court translators and can recommend reliable specialists.