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Combined permit for non-EU nationals; requires employer sponsorship and a valid employment contract. Slovenia has a shortage occupation list for faster processing.
For entrepreneurs establishing or running a company in Slovenia. Requires proof of business registration, viable business plan, and sufficient personal funds (~EUR 6,000).
Requires 5 years of continuous legal residence for non-EU nationals. EU citizens can apply after 5 years of continuous residence; grants unrestricted right to work.
EU/EEA/Swiss citizens can live and work in Slovenia without a visa or permit. Must register at the Administrative Unit after 3 months of residence.
Slovenia is an EU and Schengen member, granting EU/EEA citizens freedom of movement with a simple registration obligation after 3 months of residence. Non-EU nationals require a temporary residence permit issued by the Administrative Unit of their place of residence; most categories require employment, study, or family ties. Slovenia is a compact, beautiful country offering EU membership benefits at a lower cost of living than Western Europe.
Non-EU workers must have a valid employment contract and obtain a combined single permit (residence and work) before starting employment in Slovenia. The employer must conduct a labor market test showing the role cannot be filled locally, unless the occupation is on the shortage list. Permits are typically issued for the duration of the employment contract up to a maximum of 3 years.
Spouses and dependent children under 18 of residence permit holders can apply for family reunification residence permits, allowing them to live and study in Slovenia. Dependent spouses must apply for their own work authorization to be employed, though this is generally facilitated once the family is legally resident.
Slovenia has a progressive income tax with rates from 16% to 50% for high earners; the top rate of 50% applies to income over €105,000. Corporate tax is 19%. VAT is 22% standard. Slovenia has tax treaties with over 55 countries and participates fully in EU tax information exchange frameworks. The tax burden is moderate by EU standards.
Slovenia has a universal public healthcare system (ZZZS) that all legal residents with employment contribute to through payroll deductions. The system provides comprehensive coverage including specialist care, with additional voluntary supplementary insurance widely purchased for cost-sharing. Quality is high, and Ljubljana University Medical Centre is internationally accredited.
Opening a bank account in Slovenia requires a residence permit and tax ID; major banks like NLB, Addiko, and Nova KBM offer services with English support in Ljubljana. Slovenia uses the euro and has a modern banking infrastructure. Digital banking and contactless payments are widely adopted, and banking services are generally efficient.
Slovenia does not have a formal golden visa program, but foreign investors who establish and operate a company in Slovenia may obtain a business residency permit. The Slovenian Enterprise Fund supports foreign startups through the P2 program offering loans and soft funding for innovative businesses. Slovenia has been growing its startup ecosystem, particularly in Ljubljana, with a cluster of EU-funded innovation programs.