Slovenian residence permit in 2026: how to get it
A residence permit for work, a company, study, family or other justified reasons, but not for a flat. We cover the grounds, how much money you need, permanent residence after 5 years and citizenship after 10.
In short
- A residence permit is granted for work, a company, study, family or other justified reasons.
- Buying a flat in Slovenia gives no status.
- Income of at least the basic minimum is needed - about $575 a month per person.
- After 5 years comes permanent residence, after 10 citizenship with renunciation.
In detail
Slovenia grants foreigners a residence permit for work, their own company, study, family or other justified reasons, but not for buying a flat. The first permit is usually issued for a year, permanent residence opens after 5 years of continuous residence, and the permit allows free travel across Schengen.
How to get a Slovenian residence permit in 2026
| Ground | Main condition |
|---|---|
| Work | a contract with a Slovenian employer and a single residence and work permit |
| Own company | a Slovenian company the foreigner founds or manages, and its genuine activity |
| Family | a spouse, child or parent supported by a relative with a residence permit or Slovenian citizenship |
| Study | enrolment at a Slovenian university |
| Other justified reasons | a genuine link to Slovenia and means of subsistence |
The first application is filed at a Slovenian embassy or at an administrative unit in Slovenia if the foreigner is legally in the country, for example on a Schengen visa. A decision usually takes 2-4 months, and the address is registered within 3 days of moving in.
Renewals are filed before the current permit expires. If you are late you have to apply again, and the continuous residence needed for permanent residence is broken.
How much a Slovenian residence permit costs
The main cost is not the fees but proof of means. The law requires income of at least the basic minimum: from 1 April 2026 it is €507.43 a month, about $575, per person. Means are proven with statements of regular income over recent months, not a one-off transfer.
From 1 March 2026 everyone insured pays a mandatory health contribution of €39.36 a month, about $45. On top come apostilles and Slovenian translations of the criminal record certificate and family documents, health insurance until status is granted and a lease for the whole permit period.
Income from $575 a month, and refusals usually come down to the ground
The law does not forbid applying for a Slovenian residence permit on your own. But mistakes cost more than the fees: a flat purchase given as the ground, though it grants no status, other justified reasons without a proven link to Slovenia, means below the minimum or irregular, filing in Slovenia after the visa has expired. We choose the ground, gather the evidence and documents, arrange translation and apostille and see the application through to the card.
The cost of support depends on the ground and your family; a manager will calculate it in the chat.
Permanent residence and citizenship
After 5 years of continuous residence in Slovenia you can apply for permanent residence. It gives almost the same rights as citizenship and needs no renewals on a specific ground.
Slovenian citizenship is available after 10 years of living in the country, the last 5 continuously, with a Slovenian language exam and renunciation of the previous citizenship. That is why many stop at permanent residence. Elderly parents moving to their children are covered in retiring in Slovenia.
Who a Slovenian residence permit suits
It suits specialists with a job offer, entrepreneurs opening a Slovenian company and families whose relatives already live in the country. A company as a ground requires genuine activity: a firm with no turnover or staff is a common reason for refusing a renewal. Slovenia gives young high-earning specialists a tax relief: 7% of salary is excluded from the tax base for five years. Details are on the page taxes in Slovenia.
It does not suit those who want status for buying a home: unlike Serbia or Montenegro, a flat in Slovenia gives no residence permit. The country overall is covered in moving to Slovenia.
How we help
Company in Slovenia
Company registration and a basis for the owner's residence permit.
Learn more →Property in Slovenia
Choosing a home for living in the country and checking the deal.
Learn more →Taxes in Slovenia
Residence, taxes on salary, business and pensions.
Learn more →We will find the right ground for a Slovenian residence permit. Tell us about your work, business and family. We will show which route fits and how to prove your means.
FAQ
Can you get a Slovenian residence permit by buying property?
How much money do you need for a Slovenian residence permit?
After how many years do you get permanent residence in Slovenia?
Can you apply for a Slovenian residence permit from inside the country?
Don’t want to figure this out alone?
We handle the whole process end to end: we check your documents, match a program to your situation and give you honest timelines and costs. Ask your question in the chat: the free consultation starts right here. Legal representation before authorities and courts is handled by Murblz specialists together with locally licensed partners.
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