Slovenia : Visa and immigration

Do I need a visa or work permit?

EU nationals do not need a visa or work permit but citizens of non-EU countries do. Non-EU citizens and citizens of EU accession countries, Romania and Bulgaria, should check with the Slovene Embassy to find out which, if any, restrictions apply.

EU nationals can stay in Slovenia for up to three months without registering their residence. After this, they must register and submit an application for the issue of a residence registration certificate.

More information on residence in the Republic of Slovenia is available on the web pages of the Ministry of the Interior of the Republic of Slovenia .

How do I apply for a visa?

If you are a non-EU citizen, you may gain employment in Slovenia only on the basis of a work permit, which is issued in accordance with Slovenian national legislation. A work permit is, as a rule, issued on employers' request, so you need to find an employer who is willing to employ you first.

An employer will obtain the work permit only under certain conditions. The most important condition is that there are no suitable candidates registered at the Employment Service of Slovenia and that the employment is not causing any disturbances in the Slovenian labour market.

More information is available from the Employment Service of Slovenia (ESS).

How do I apply for permanent residency?

EU nationals may stay in Slovenia as tourists for three months. If you intend to stay in Slovenia for a period of more than three months, a residence permit is needed.

An application for a residence permit can be made at the local Administrative unit with a valid passport or identity card. In the case of employment, you must submit confirmation from your employer that he will employ you, or proof of employment (an employment contract).

In the case of study, self-employment or retirement, appropriate evidence should be provided. You must also provide proof that you have a secure means of subsistence and suitable health insurance.

More information is available from the Slovenian Ministry of Public Administration.

Non-EU nationals who wish to live in Slovenia for longer than the period of time allowed by a visa, must apply for a residence permit. The first residence permit will be temporary and should be obtained before entering the country. See Ministry of Foreign Affairs Slovenia for more information.