First, what is the difference between residence permit and permanent residence? While residence permit is temporary, permanent residence is obtained indefinitely.

The status is obtained in accordance with the rules of the Schengen zone program in Slovenia. In order to move to the country, a foreigner must provide a required set of documents.

A residence permit card is only issued after dactyloscopy (fingerprinting).

Along with a residence permit you receive the following benefits:

• opportunity to eventually obtain permanent residence and citizenship;
• under certain conditions, free secondary education;
• free healthcare;
• visa-free travel to other Schengen countries;
• social support;
• opening and developing of your own business;
• right to stay in the country for the duration of the residence permit;
• use of banking services.

There are also restrictions for foreigners. You cannot vote or work in state institutions. As an individual, you are usually not allowed to buy real estate in Slovenia. To do this, you need to obtain the status of a legal entity.

There are several ways for a foreign citizen to acquire a residence permit in Slovenia:

• obtain an official employment;
• marry a Slovenian citizen;
• reunite with the family if a husband/wife is already a citizen of the country;
• enroll in a university or college;
• move for scientific work, diplomatic, educational or cultural activities;
• have special merits to Slovenia.

Knowledge of the Slovenian language at the initial stage is optional. A residence permit makes it possible to live in the country for several years, and to leave it for a specified period of time.

Keep in mind that you cannot get a residence permit in Slovenia just for the purchase of real estate. If someone suggests this path to you, you should know that it is not true.

To obtain a residence permit in Slovenia, a certain set of documents is required. This list depends on the grounds to obtain a residence permit. Basic package includes:

• international passport with a long validity period;
• personal statement;
• 2 photos, standard for a Schengen visa;
• statements and certificates proving personal financial state;
• apostilled certificate of a clean criminal record, translated into Slovenian and certified by a notary;
• apostilled education certificate, translated into Slovenian and certified by a notary;
• health insurance for at least 35 thousand euros, valid in Slovenia and throughout the EU;
• marriage certificate, translated into Slovenian and certified by a notary;
• birth certificates of children, translated into Slovenian and certified by a notary;
• confirmation of a lease contract or ownership of a residential space in Slovenia, indicating the exact address and contacts of a landlord;
• to obtain a Blue Card, an official record of employment;
• bank statement, salary statement to prove financial solvency of the candidate.

Since some certificates have a limited validity period, a package of documents is submitted in a specified timely manner. If a candidate applies for employment, an agreement with a Slovenian company is required. As for a student, a certificate from the dean's office, an education agreement and a payment receipt for tuition fees for one semester must be provided.

Compliance with all the conditions is very important. In case of permit refusal due to the provision of knowingly false or erroneous information, you will not be able to get a Schengen visa in the future. We offer professional assistance in order to facilitate obtaining a residence permit.