What Are The Immigration Requirements For Slovenia?

4 min readOct 26, 2023

Slovenia, a small yet picturesque European nation, has recently become an attractive immigration destination. Attracted to its breathtaking landscapes, robust economy, and quality of life; people from around the globe are considering immigrating here.

Before embarking on your journey, however, it’s essential that you understand all the immigration requirements for Slovenia; here we discuss visas, permits, and residency requirements in this article.

1. Schengen Area And Slovenia

Slovenia is part of the Schengen Area, a group of European countries that have abolished internal borders to enable the free movement of people across their territory.

Once you obtain a visa or residence permit for Slovenia, it allows travel throughout all Schengen countries without additional visa requirements — an invaluable benefit when exploring more of Europe!

2. Short-Term Visas

To stay in Slovenia for any period up to 90 days, a Schengen visa may be necessary. There are various types of Schengen visas, such as tourist, business, and family visit visas — to secure one, you will typically need the following:

Fill out and submit an Application for Visa Form; A valid passport; Proof of travel insurance and accommodation arrangements, return flight reservations as well as sufficient financial means for covering your stay are all essential requirements for approval of visa applications.

Keep in mind that requirements and application processes for your visit depend on both your country of residence and where the Slovenian embassy or consulate you apply at.

It’s advisable to check up-to-date information via the Slovenian government website or that of its nearest embassy or consulate for updates on requirements and application processes.

3. Long-Term Residence Permits

If you plan to stay in Slovenia for an extended period, or permanently, long-term residence permit applications must be filed. Requirements vary depending on the reason for your visit — here are some common categories:

Employment And Work Permits (Epwps)

If you wish to work in Slovenia, first obtain an employment offer from a Slovenian employer. After accepting this position, your prospective employer must then apply for your work permit.

This document serves as a prerequisite to receiving a long-term residence permit for employment purposes and is also needed as proof of accommodation, health insurance coverage, and sufficient financial means.

Family Reunification

If your family members who reside in Slovenia as citizens or hold valid residency permits may qualify, family reunification could be the right path for them. This category allows spouses, children, and dependent family members to join their relatives here in Slovenia. You must present evidence confirming your relationship and sufficient finances to sustain it.

Study And Research

Slovenia provides residence permits specifically tailored to students and researchers for study or research purposes. To qualify, a letter of acceptance from an established educational institution in Slovenia must also be presented, along with proof of health insurance and sufficient financial resources to cover your stay. Explore the option of flight reservation without payment for greater flexibility

Entrepreneurship And Self-Employment Strategies

If you wish to launch a business or work independently in Slovenia, or wish to operate as an individual freelancer, an entrepreneur visa may be applicable for residence in the country. A successful application must demonstrate an approved business plan, investments in Slovenia’s economy, and financial stability.

4. Permanent Residency

After living in Slovenia with a long-term residence permit for at least five years (usually five), you may become eligible to apply for permanent residency.

Also Read: What Are The Factors That Delay The Visa Approval?

To be considered eligible for this status, it must have been proven that you have resided continuously while also possessing sufficient financial means and have not committed any crimes within that time frame.

5. Citizenship

Acquiring Slovenian citizenship can take years. In order to become one, certain criteria must be fulfilled such as having resided continuously for at least a minimum period, learning Slovenian, and participating culturally within Slovenia.

6. Eu Blue Card

The EU Blue Card is a special residence permit designed for highly skilled non-EU nationals looking to work and live in any European Union member state, such as Slovenia. To be eligible, job offers in highly skilled professions usually requiring university degrees are essential in qualifying for this special permit.

Benefits associated with holding one include easier family reunification, the opportunity to move within certain periods within Europe as well and permanent residency options.

7. Application Procedure

The process for applying for residency permits in Slovenia can be complex, involving various documents and requirements to fulfil. To make sure you submit an effective application process, it is wise to seek advice from immigration specialists or consult the embassy/consulate of Slovenia in your home country for legal advice.

Using a dummy ticket for visa purposes is a common practice. Ensuring all required documents are complete and accurate is key for successful submission.