Formal requirements
Slovenia does not currently offer a Golden Visa or citizenship by investment program. However, there are alternative pathways available to investors, entrepreneurs, highly qualified professionals and other individuals seeking to establish residency in Slovenia.
1. Obtaining Residence in Slovenia
You may obtain temporary residence in Slovenia for various purposes, provided that they have a clear and demonstrable purpose of residence, such as:
employment or work,
self-employment,
seasonal work,
cross-border worker,
etc.
For most purposes of residence involving employment or work, a foreign (non-EU) national must obtain a single residence and work permit (“Single Permit”).
Duration and Renewal of the Single Residence and Work Permit:
The initial permit is issued for up to two years.
It can be renewed and subsequently extended for up to three years at a time, subject to the applicable requirements.
1.1 Single Permit through Business Investment
For foreign investors looking to establish a long-term presence in Slovenia, one of the most relevant options is to establish and operate a Slovenian company, such as a limited liability company (d.o.o.), or establish a Slovenian branch of a foreign company. You can obtain a single permit based on work for such company or branch in two ways:
- Standard employment with such company or branch; or
- Work as a representative of such company or branch (i.e. performing the function of a director or procurator), either under an employment agreement or a civil law contract.
For the purpose of representing a legal entity employing up to and including ten employees, a single permit may be obtained by one representative of the legal entity; where the legal entity employs between 11 and 50 employees, single permits may be obtained by two representatives.
Before the investor can obtain a single permit through employment with the Slovenian company or as its representative, the company must generally satisfy the requirements applicable to the employment of third-country nationals and demonstrate that it is actively conducting business. This may be demonstrated, among other things, by:
employing at least one Slovenian or EU citizen on a full-time basis for a minimum period of six months before the application;
receiving at least EUR 10,000 in business-related inflows in each of the six months preceding the application into a transaction account in Slovenia; or
in the case of a newly established company registered for less than six months, making an investment of at least EUR 50,000.
1.2 Single Permit through self-employment
Before obtaining a single permit for engaging in self-employed activities in Slovenia, you must have been residing in Slovenia on the basis of valid residence permit for some other purpose of residence and work in Slovenia for at least one year, except in the case you entered in the business register as a person pursuing a professional activity in a self-employed capacity (for example as a lawyer, private doctor, detective, etc.).
You must apply for a single permit as a self-employed individual at a diplomatic mission or consular post of the Republic of Slovenia abroad or at the administrative unit in the area where you reside in the Republic of Slovenia.
1.3 EU Blue Card – Single Permit for Highly Qualified Employment in Slovenia
The EU Blue Card is a residence and work permit for third-country nationals taking up highly qualified employment in Slovenia.
The Blue Card requires, among other things, appropriate higher professional qualifications and an employment contract meeting the statutory requirements, including the applicable salary threshold.
In addition to providing residence and employment rights in Slovenia, the EU Blue Card offers enhanced mobility within the EU, making it particularly relevant to highly qualified professionals whose work may involve more than one EU Member State.
During the first year of legal employment, you can change your employer or job position with the same employer, but you must submit a request to the administrative unit.
After one year, you no longer need to request approval to change employers, but you must notify the administrative unit.
Upon submitting your application or a timely renewal request, you receive a certificate that serves as a temporary residence permit.
2. From temporary residence to permanent residence after five years
After five years of continuous lawful residence in Slovenia, you may qualify for permanent residence, provided that the statutory requirements are met.
3. Slovenian citizenship
If you establish a life in Slovenia, you may ultimately qualify for Slovenian citizenship through ordinary naturalisation. The ordinary naturalisation route requires 10 years of actual residence in Slovenia, including five years of continuous residence immediately before the application, together with the other statutory requirements.
In certain cases, a foreign individual may also be eligible for exceptional naturalisation (without the 10-year residence requirement), where this is considered to be in Slovenia’s interest, including for economic reasons. In practice, this route is discretionary, assessed on a case-by-case basis and is used relatively rarely.
Document link for further information.
https://spot.gov.si/en/info/company-registration
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The material provided on this page is for information purposes only, as immigration policies are frequently subject to review and change, with each case being unique. We therefore strongly recommend contacting the law firm listed on this page for the latest, most accurate guidance and advice in respect of this jurisdiction.