The Republic of Slovenia occupies 20 thousand km2 in Southern Europe. The number of the population slightly exceeds 2 million people, but it is growing annually due to the migration policy of the state. In 2019 alone, 80 thousand people moved to the country, attracted by the stable economic and political situation and social guarantees. The state provides for the possibility of inexpensive registration of a residence permit.
Features of life in the country
Slovenia is a small country that can be driven through in 3 hours. However, in a small area there are mountains, forests, access to the Adriatic Sea, the country has a good ecology.
Due to the developed economy, the country has a high level of minimum wages (1,253 €). A flexible tax system allows you to pay taxes depending on income.
Among the advantages of Slovenia are:
- convenient location in the center of Europe;
- well-developed transport links with other countries;
- high level of security;
- job vacancies;
- high-quality products.
However, for those who are used to living in megacities, it is difficult to get used to Slovenia, where even in the capital there are only 300 thousand people. There are many familiar services and services missing here, there are almost no entertainment centers, large shops.
It is difficult to find a job in Slovenia without knowing the Slovenian language. The unemployment rate in the country is low, but knowledge of the Slovenian language is required to get a good job. There are difficulties with the placement of children in kindergartens and schools.
Cultural life is poorly represented: concerts of world celebrities rarely take place in the country, there are few festivals, and there are almost no children’s educational circles familiar to Russians in cities. In the healthcare system, patients have to wait a long time for admission both on a free basis under the policy and when paying.
Only local residents or legal entities have the right to purchase real estate in the country. Utilities are expensive. Heating and ventilation systems are not provided in houses and apartments. The tolerance of Slovenes is noted, who calmly accept foreigners who have moved to their country. However, it is difficult to establish friendly relations without knowledge of the language.
The advantages of a residence permit
A Slovenian residence permit allows you to travel to the Schengen countries without additional visa permits and travel around the European Union. Residence permit holders can stay in the country for longer than 3 months, while leaving the country for an unlimited period.
The opportunities that holders of a plastic residence permit card receive include:
- the opportunity to receive banking services, including loans and mortgages;
- the right to medical care;
- the opportunity to work and study;
- the right to social insurance;
- permission to conduct business.
If you have a residence permit after 5 years, the resident has the right to obtain permanent residence. After living with this status for another 5 years, a foreigner can become a citizen of Slovenia.
Migration policy and strategy
In 2011, the law “On Foreigners” was adopted in Slovenia. In the context of a decrease in the number of able-bodied population and an increase in the number of pensioners, the state is interested in the influx of migrants who are able and willing to work and invest in the Slovenian economy.
In order to accelerate the integration of foreigners into the social and economic life of the country, the law provides for the possibility for foreigners to attend courses on language, culture and social status in Slovenia.
Now, starting in the autumn of 2024, foreigners are required to study Slovenian up to A1 level and take the exam.
According to the plans to attract migrants, the Slovenian government intends to simplify the procedures for obtaining and extending a residence permit for work from 2024. There are also plans to speed up the process of obtaining a residence permit.
Grounds for obtaining a residence permit
There are few grounds for legalizing foreigners in Slovenia, including the lack of a common practice in many countries of obtaining a residence permit for a major contribution to the country’s economy.
Employment opportunities
In Slovenia, there is a shortage of personnel in the field of social services, healthcare and the legal field. IT representatives and psychologists are in demand. The country also lacks service personnel (waiters, cleaners).
On average, the monthly salary of a doctor, excluding taxes, is 2,100 €, a teacher 1,700 €, a cashier 940 €, a waiter 820 €. From 2024, the Slovenian Government plans to accelerate the process of obtaining a residence permit for those who intend to work.
Obtaining a residence permit is possible after signing an agreement with the employer confirming the migrant’s employment. A single permit is issued to work and stay in the country.
The receiving party submits an electronic application to the portal or applies to the local administration for permission. Such a residence permit is issued for a period of 1 year with the right to extend it for 1-2 years if the workplace remains. When the employer changes, the validity period of the residence permit does not change.
Highly qualified specialists can get a Blue Card, which allows them to stay in the country for up to 2 years and can be extended for 3 years. The employer must specify a salary 1.5 times higher than the average rate in this field. The experience is confirmed by the entries in the workbook and the diploma.
Training
A Slovenian residence permit is issued by:
- enrolled in local educational institutions;
- for students in the courses;
- for those who are undergoing an internship;
- they participate in international exchange programs.
Such a permit is valid for a year and is renewed annually until the end of the course. After completing his studies at the university, the migrant has the right to extend the residence permit for 9 months until he gets a job. Residence permits issued upon admission to language courses are not extended.
The condition for obtaining a residence permit is a document on enrollment and financial viability, allowing you to live and study in Slovenia. You can work with a student permit.
Buying a property
The purchase of residential or commercial real estate is not a basis for obtaining a residence permit. Foreigners do not have the right to purchase real estate as individuals, but they are allowed to register commercial or residential real estate with a law firm.
Entrepreneurship, business
Business immigration to Slovenia and obtaining a residence permit are possible under 3 programs: registration of self-employment, purchase of an existing company or opening your own with employment in it. Migrants should take into account that Slovenia has adopted progressive taxation, income tax is 16-50%, income tax is 19%.
When applying for a residence permit, the resident must indicate his professional activity, subsequently it is required to pay income tax. The self-employed are included in the register. A foreigner receives a business permit after a one-year stay in the country, after which he can register for his own company as an employee.
In Slovenia, entrepreneurs can purchase a local company or open their own, the size of the investment does not matter, but the minimum capital must be at least 7,500 €.
The investor must:
- to add a company to the register by visiting a notary or registration chamber;
- create a bank account with authorized capital;
- purchase a tax-paying room.
A prerequisite is the employment of a Slovenian citizen or resident in the company, if he has a specialized higher education. To extend the residence permit status, it is necessary to show the profitability of the company.
You can get a residence permit if you invest in an existing company from 50,000 €, purchase a car, machinery, equipment, real estate for the company. If a company shows monthly profitability of 10,000 euros, then its owner can request a residence permit after a year.
Marriage and family reunification
According to this program, it is assumed that the wife / husbands holding a residence permit, parents in need of care and children under the age of 21 will receive a residence permit. The owner of a residence permit has the right to reunite with his family after a year of residence in the country, extending his stay.
At the same time, it is required to confirm financial viability. Family members are granted the right to medical care. Since November 2024, it is required to present a certificate of passing the Slovenian language proficiency exam.
Special activities
A standard residence permit for a period of one year is obtained if it is planned to conduct activities in Slovenia in the following areas:
- religious;
- volunteer work;
- scientific.
The confirmation document is an invitation from the Slovenian organization. A residence permit allows you not only to stay in the country, but also to work. There is no Slovenian residence permit for those wishing to undergo treatment or pensioners. Retirees can use a family reunification program or business immigration.
If pensioners provide a certificate from the PF of the Russian Federation, they will be able to receive social support from Slovenia. Applications from refugees affected by military operations or illegal persecution are considered on an individual basis.
Registration procedure
Slovenia accepts foreigners who are law-abiding citizens, have no criminal record and outstanding loan obligations. The applicant for a residence permit must be of legal age (at least 21 years old). For the entire period of stay in the country, it is required to take out medical insurance for the recommended amount of 30,000 €.
The deadline for obtaining a Slovenian residence permit. Table.
Those wishing to live in Slovenia should not have financial problems, for this purpose a bank statement is provided.
The amount of the minimum amount is not specified in the law “On Foreigners”, but the funds must cover the costs of housing, communal servants, food, transport. On average, the account should have at least 470 € /month of minimum income, for children – at least 250 €, for a year at least 6500 €.
Where to register
The application is submitted to the consulates and visa centers of Slovenia. There are 19 such institutions in the Russian Federation: in addition to Moscow and St. Petersburg, there are consular departments in Krasnodar. Perm, Omsk, Khabarovsk and other cities.
Documents
To get to Slovenia, Russian citizens need to obtain a category D visa. The document is issued at visa centers by appointment. To obtain a visa, you must fill out a questionnaire, submit a passport and photos, as well as medical insurance.
Russians must present tickets to Slovenia and a hotel reservation. They also present a salary certificate and a bank statement or a letter of sponsorship. The consulate removes fingerprints from all applicants, except for children under 6 years old.
To obtain a residence permit in Slovenia, Russians must submit:
- 2 photos of international standard;
- a foreign passport, the validity of which must exceed the period of stay in the country for 3 months;
- documents confirming the purpose of the move;
- medical insurance for the period of residence permit;
- certificate of no criminal record with apostille;
- a bank statement of financial solvency.
Additional information may include a diploma of education, a document on the birth of children, and a marriage certificate. Often, the consulate is asked to provide a rental agreement or documents of their own real estate.
For applicants for a residence permit under the business program, you will need an INN and a company registration number, a business plan. All documents must be translated into Slovenian and notarized. It is necessary to have copies of all submitted documents with you.
Within 8 days, the resident must register at the police station at the place of residence in Slovenia, presenting the resident’s card, passport and rental agreement.
Stages of registration
The application for the first residence permit in Slovenia is submitted to the diplomatic missions of the State. If the applicant is already in Slovenia, then to the administrative department located at the place of residence.
When the request is satisfied, the resident is informed about it by e-mail or SMS message. The resident’s card is collected at the same department where the documents were submitted.
How long to wait
The request must be submitted no later than six months before the proposed move. Consideration of the application lasts from 1 to 4 months, the average period is 3 months. It will not be possible to speed up this process by submitting documents through specialized companies or your representative.
Cost
Upon obtaining a visa permit to enter the country, a fee of € 83 is charged for adults and € 40 for children under 12 years old. The service fee for the services is 30 €. A Slovenian residence permit is obtained if the resident is located on the territory of the country or outside it.
In this case, the amount of expenses is different:
| Type of service | The cost of filing in Slovenia, € | The cost of filing in the Russian Federation, € |
| Statement | 4,5 | 13 |
| Issuance of a residence permit | 50 | 102 |
| Preparation of a plastic card | 15,4 | 15,4 |
| Work permit | 70 | |
Notary services are paid separately in the amount of 10 €/sheet and apostille (30 €). The consular fee of the Slovenian Migration Department in the amount of 120 € is also paid. The resident pays an additional € 22.6 for completing the language courses required for foreigners.
Law firms that specialize in obtaining residence permits for residents help to find a suitable program for moving and collect documents for it. They are also looking for housing in Slovenia, helping to adapt and adjust the household part. Such services help to save time and minimize the likelihood of failure.
The cost of services when creating a law firm, which ensures the right to a residence permit for its founder, is 3000-4000 €. The cost of accounting, taxes, government and consular fees are added to this amount. However, the decision to grant a residence permit is made by the authorities, so intermediaries cannot guarantee the result.
Validity period
A residence permit obtained under any Slovenian program has the same validity period – 1 year. In the next 2 years, the residence permit is extended for a year, then immediately for 2 years. The only exception is the Blue Card for valuable specialists, it is issued immediately for 2 years.
To extend it, you must contact the migration department located near your place of residence. With a secondary extension of the residence permit, registration will be 20% cheaper. You should submit an application at least one month before the end of the permit period.
Possible difficulties
It is usually not difficult to obtain a Slovenian residence permit if there are convincing reasons for moving. Those who have entered into a fictitious marriage or intend to work illegally are experiencing difficulties with legalization.
Reasons for refusal
Those who submitted false documents or collected an incomplete set of information may be refused a residence permit. An unequivocal refusal is given to citizens with a criminal record who pose a danger to the country or those who are prohibited from visiting Slovenia or the countries of the Schengen Agreement.
Citizens who do not have sufficient finances or their grounds do not correspond to the chosen relocation program will receive a refusal.
According to Article 29 of the Law “On Foreigners” adopted in Slovenia, residents have the right to appeal, it is filed in Slovenian. It should be submitted to the consulate or diplomatic mission within 8 days. At the same time, a fee of € 153 is paid.
Cancellation
In case of violation of migration and other Slovenian legislation, a resident may be expelled from the country.
Features of registration for certain categories of citizens
To move to Slovenia with a child, it is necessary to issue him a passport and a visa. Although the Law on Foreigners does not specify special requirements for the movement of minors, in the countries of the Schengen area, the consent of the parent is required if the child travels with one of them.
A Slovenian residence permit is one of the easiest and most affordable ways to start life in a Schengen country. Good transport infrastructure makes it easy to travel around Europe, and Slovenia’s ecology is recognized as one of the best among European countries. There are few emigrants from the eastern region in the country, there are employment opportunities and the creation of their own enterprise.
Video about a Slovenian residence permit
Obtaining a Slovenian residence permit in 2024:
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