How to legally immigrate to Slovenia: all available methods

General information about Slovenia

Slovenia stands out as one of the most attractive countries in the European Union due to its compact territorial format and rich cultural heritage. It is famous for its variety of natural beauties and cozy places for resting the soul. The climate of this country is an important factor making it a desirable destination for travelers: in summer you can enjoy warmth and swimming in the waters of the Adriatic Sea, and in winter you can go snowboarding in the picturesque alpine mountains.

The economy of Slovenia

The economic situation in Slovenia shows a stable positive trend, creating excellent conditions for attracting foreign investments in the real estate sector. This not only allows for legal residence in the country but also provides a stable income. Tatiana Mkrtichyan, the director of the real estateagency Galinvest, shares useful information on how to purchase property and organize your life in Slovenia.

Ways of legal immigration

There are several legal ways to immigrate to Slovenia. Legal movement into the country is possible through various options that are also common in EU countries. These may include:

• marriage to a citizen;
• admission to an educational institution;
• receiving a job offer;
• establishing a personal business.

The type of visa is determined based on the purpose of the visit: for students coming to study, a D visa is issued. Students who can demonstrate outstanding achievements in the field of science, sports or their activities can also receive a similar document. Immigration on the basis of business is a popular method for citizens from the former Soviet Union, allowing them to legally reside and work in Slovenia by setting up their own business.

The process of obtaining a residence permit

The process of obtaining a residence permit (RP) and the time it takes to process it depend on the purpose for which the application is submitted. For example, for business immigration, it is necessary to meet one of the following conditions:

• to have a functioning and successful company;
• invest a minimum of 50,000 euros in the economy of Slovenia (including the purchase of real estate);
• hire a local worker for a minimum of six months with mandatory payment of all taxes;
• Ensure that the company's bank account is credited with at least €10,000 per month, excluding profits.

The list of necessary documents for applying for a residence permit can be found on the website of the Slovenian embassy. It includes an application form, a photo, a copy of the foreign passport, fingerprints, a receipt for the state fee payment, and a statement indicating the reason for obtaining a residence permit. First, a foreign citizen should submit the documents to the consulate of their country, after which they will need to go to Slovenia to continue the process.

Purchase and rental of housing

Important questions also include buying or renting housing in Slovenia for those planning to move. The transaction process requires careful consideration and knowledge of many nuances. Foreign citizens can purchase real estate without significant restrictions, provided they comply with local laws. There is also the possibility of mortgage financing, which can assist in funding the property purchase. It is also helpful to take into account local recommendations and advice for successfully completing transactions.

Conclusion

Slovenia, with its majestic landscapes and developing economy, offers numerous opportunities for comfortable living and fruitful work. If you are considering moving to this country, it is highly recommended to take all the aforementioned aspects into account to ensure the process goes smoothly and without unnecessary difficulties. Ultimately, Slovenia appears not only as an attractive place for temporary residence but also as an ideal choice for long-term immigration.

Time for processing documentation

The time it takes to obtain the necessary documents depends largely on the workload of local administrative offices, such as the management note. In Slovenia's coastal cities, the processing of documents can take one to two months.

However, in the capital, Ljubljana, the situation is different: due to the increased workload, the reviewing authority may take up to three months to respond to a submitted application. In the context of the pandemic, the process may take even longer.

Validity period of a temporary residence permit (TPL)

The validity period of a temporary residence permit (TRP) in Slovenia also depends on various factors. Usually, when applying for the first time, the TRP is issued for a period of one year. For subsequent applications, it can be extended for up to two years.

However, in some cases, the time frames may change. For example, if the applicant's passport is expiring in the coming months, the validity of the residence permit may only be extended until the passport expires.

Combination of work and residence permits

Previously, work and residence permits were issued separately, but now they are combined into one package of documents. When a foreigner receives this card, they must stay in Slovenia for at least 183 days a year and work specifically for the company mentioned in their application.

Permanent residence (PR) and citizenship

As for permanent residency (PR) and obtaining citizenship in Slovenia, the rights to PR for foreigners depend on the grounds on which the temporary residency (TR) was obtained.

• The fastest way to obtain permanent residency is considered to be marriage to a citizen of Slovenia, provided that the couple has been married for at least three years.
• The lengthy process of obtaining permanent residency is linked to studying in the country: a decade of studying abroad is counted as five years of residency.
• Foreigners who have come to Slovenia for the purpose of doing business can obtain a residence permit after five years from the date of registration of the temporary residence permit.

New bill

Currently, a new bill is being discussed in Slovenia that affects the process of obtaining temporary and permanent residency and introduces new requirements. One of the changes will be the requirement to pass an exam in the Slovenian language.

Advantages for holders of permanent residency

Holders of permanent residency have quite a few advantages. If a foreigner arrives with their family, the adult family members receive basic health insurance, while minors get a policy that covers all medical expenses, including medications and surgeries. Contributions are deducted from the applicant's salary to pension and insurance funds, which creates the opportunity to receive a pension in Slovenia.

Children with a residence permit could study free of charge in Slovenian-language public educational institutions and were also entitled to enrol in state-supported universities.

The rights of citizens of Slovenia

Citizens of Slovenia have the same privileges as permanent residents. They can freely engage in employment in Slovenia and have the right to vote and participate in elections, thereby influencing the political processes in the country.

Therefore, the process of document processing and obtaining status in Slovenia may take a while, but ultimately it opens up wide opportunities for foreigners to live and work in this country.

In Slovenia, there are internal laws that do not support the practice of obtaining dual citizenship with multiple states. Thus, a person wishing to become a resident of this country must renounce their previous citizenship. To apply for a visa based on business immigration and obtain a Slovenian passport, one must reside in the country for at least ten years. It is important to note that having pension payments does not affect the legalization process. To seek assistance from the government, one must have at least 15 years of work experience and regularly pay taxes.

Renting and buying a home in Slovenia

When it comes to renting and purchasing housing, foreigners can rent an apartment without the need to obtain a temporary residence permit or permanent residency. However, it is important to note that most rental agreements are signed for a specific term, often for 11 months, and foreigners with type C visas are allowed to stay in the country for no more than 180 days. It is also important to remember that not all property owners are willing to rent their housing to foreign citizens.

Rules for Buying Real Estate

Regarding the purchase of real estate, it is important to note that not all foreigners can claim this right. For example, citizens of former Soviet republics, unlike citizens of the European Union, can only acquire property through a registered legal entity. To do this, it is necessary to open a company in Slovenia in order to then conduct transactions through it. All documents must be drafted in Slovenian, and if the buyer does not speak this language, a court interpreter must be present at the transaction to provide simultaneous translation during the interview with the notary.

Ways to formalize a deal

There are two main ways to process a real estate purchase:

• First option— this is a simple written form with partial involvement of a notary.
• Second option— a full notarial form of the purchase and sale agreement.

Tatiana Mkrtichyan, an experienced specialist in this field, always recommends her clients to use the second option, as the notary controls the legality of the transaction and performs all the calculations, as well as carefully checks the documents.

Costs when purchasing real estate

An important point is that there is no property acquisition tax in Slovenia; however, there are other costs associated with this process. These include:

• services of a court translator,
• realtor's help,
• notary services,
• printing expenses.

Typically, expenses are split equally between the seller and the buyer. The seller is also required to pay for the notarization of their signature on the contract and 2% of the value if the property is sold without VAT. Exceptions include apartments sold through banks or auctions—in such cases, all taxes and fees are borne by the buyer.

The work of realtors

When it comes to the activities of realtors, it is worth remembering that their services are usually paid for in almost 99% of cases.

Challenges of representing the interests of the parties

In cases where a real estate agent represents the interests of both parties in a transaction, the process becomes quite complicated. However, buyers often prefer to have their own agent who can provide professional assistance at all stages of the transaction process.

Commissions in the real estate market

According to the current real estate market rules, the commission for agents is 4% of the transaction amount plus value added tax. Usually this amount is divided in half, i.e. agents receive 2% each from both the buyer and the seller. However, in situations involving government agencies, banking transactions or bankruptcy, the entire commission is borne by the buyer.

Investing in real estate in Slovenia

Investing in real estate in Slovenia has its specific features. The country has taxes on land as well as on the use of plots where buildings are located. Additionally, in 2020, a bill was discussed in parliament regarding the introduction of a property tax. The level of taxation depends on the purpose and location of the real estate object.

Nevertheless, the tax rates are quite moderate, and no foreign investors are backing out of their investments for this reason. Investing in real estate in this country turns out to be a very profitable decision.

Advantages of investments

• Rental income.There is an opportunity to earn income from renting.
• Capital preservation.Real estate serves as a reliable way to preserve capital in euros, which is a currency with high stability.

As Tatiana Mkrtichyan noted, Swiss banks do not pay their clients remuneration for keeping assets, but offer reliable guarantees. Romanian banks do have good interest rates, but clients cannot be sure of the stability of these institutions in the future. Slovenia lies in between these two countries, which makes it attractive to investors.

Passive income and its level

When considering aspects of passive income, the current yield level is 3% per annum, which is significantly lower than the 10-14% rates available about 5-6 years ago. Nevertheless, Slovenia continues to hold high positions and is among the leading countries with a quality real estate market. There is a recovery in prices, and the market is returning to the levels it had before the economic crisis.

The high demand for rental housing, even in conditions of economic instability, makes such investments some of the safest.

Key factors when investing in housing

When investing in residential real estate for income, it is important to consider a few key factors:

• Location of the object.This directly affects the amount of potential rental income.
• Year of construction.New housing tends to be high in value but generates less rental income, while older housing generates more interest among renters compared to new construction.

Commercial real estate in Slovenia

However, in Slovenia, it is profitable to invest not only in residential real estate. Commercial spaces, the service sector, the hotel business, restaurants, and shops can provide a return of around 5-6%.

Large retail chains with prices starting from 2 million euros can demonstrate returns of up to 7%. Office spaces, despite higher risks during a crisis, can yield returns in the range of 6-8% in peripheral areas. Therefore, now more than ever, it is crucial to carefully analyze each investment opportunity and make informed decisions regarding real estate investments in Slovenia.

Buying real estate in Slovenia for foreign citizens

In Slovenia, foreign nationals are faced with a lack of opportunities to apply for installment loans when buying real estate. However, there is still access to mortgage lending in the country, although the process can be quite complicated and require considerable effort. For this reason, many people prefer to apply for loans in their home countries. Those who do decide to take out a mortgage in Slovenia will need to provide the rental property and information about the contract holder.

The process of obtaining a mortgage

After the bank approves the mortgage, the buyer will need to make a down payment, which amounts to50%From the loan amount. It is essential to consider that the monthly mortgage payments should not exceed the rental income. The loan repayment period is determined based on the rental terms, allowing for a small buffer for possible adjustments.

Loans for development projects

Companies and individuals, as well as for the acquisition of development projects, have the opportunity to obtain a loan without tenants. When considering the down payment, banking experts carefully examine the area where the purchase is planned and analyze all related documentation. Typically, loans for construction projects are issued under very attractive conditions, as the mortgage repayment is covered by the profits from the sale of the completed project.

Bank control

Banks strictly control real estate prices and do not allow delays in the purchasing process. All aspects of the transaction undergo thorough scrutiny. Banking analysts review the business plan and compare the requested price with the actual market value of the property. In addition to this, the borrower must provide:

• Documents confirming the legality of your income.
• Banks only consider real estate income, ignoring the borrower's earnings in their home country.
• It is also essential to provide the rental agreement.

Control over rental relationships

Regulatory authorities pay close attention to information about tenants, lease terms, and rental amounts.

Recommendation from an expert

Tatiana, a specialist with 28 years of experience in the real estate sector, advises buyers not to rush into making a final decision. She has realized that saving on realtor services is not a wise choice. It is extremely important to find an agent you can trust. The realtor should demonstrate a high level of professionalism, be well-informed about the local market, possess communication skills, understand the region's mentality, and be able to represent the client's interests effectively during negotiations.

Choosing commercial real estate

When buying real estate abroad, Tatiana recommends first focusing on commercial properties. During the relocation process, it's important to remember that infrastructure and living conditions can vary significantly between different countries and cities. Therefore, purchasing residential real estate may be premature, as in this case, you won't be able to generate passive income, despite not having rental expenses.

Advantages of investing in commercial real estate

Investments in commercial real estate provide an opportunity to choose where to live. If the client decides to change the city, they still have the opportunity to earn rental income. It is also highly recommended to carefully analyze the scale of future investments before making a final choice regarding the purchase of real estate.

Conclusion

The conclusion of the article on legal immigration to Slovenia brings us to important aspects related to life in this amazing country. I hope this information has been useful for readers interested in moving to Slovenia and obtaining residency rights. Based on the described immigration methods, we see that Slovenia offers a variety of options for foreigners, whether through marriage, education, or business.

Slovenia is not just a country to live and work in; it is a place where beautiful natural landscapes and rich cultural heritage coexist peacefully. Living here means enjoying all the benefits that the European Union offers, including a stable economy, high quality of life, and access to education and healthcare.

The process of obtaining a residence permit

The process of obtaining a residence permit and subsequent privileges, such as permanent residency and citizenship, may seem complicated, but as practice shows, with the right intention and willingness to adapt, it is all achievable. The new immigration rules being discussed in the legislative process also indicate that Slovenia is striving to improve and simplify life for foreign citizens.

I hope that my article has been useful and inspiring for you. Perhaps it will encourage you to start a new chapter in your life, full of opportunities and vibrant emotions. Good luck to everyone who decides to take a step towards their dream of living in Slovenia!