About Slovenia

Slovenia, officially known as the Republic of Slovenia, is a small yet diverse country situated in Central Europe. With its rich history, breathtaking landscapes, and strategic geographical position, Slovenia has become an attractive destination for tourists, investors, and business ventures.

Geographical Position:

Slovenia is strategically located at the crossroads of major European cultural and trade routes. It shares its borders with Italy to the west, Austria to the north, Hungary to the northeast, and Croatia to the south and southeast. The country's diverse geography encompasses coastal areas along the Adriatic Sea, Alpine mountains in the northwest, and the Pannonian Plain in the northeast. This diverse landscape adds to Slovenia's appeal as an outdoor recreation destination.

Size and Population:

Covering an area of approximately 20,273 square kilometers (7,827 square miles), Slovenia is home to around 2 million people. Despite its small size, Slovenia boasts a high standard of living and well-developed infrastructure.

Economy:

Slovenia has a well-developed and export-oriented economy, with key sectors including manufacturing, services, and tourism. The country has been a member of the Eurozone since 2007, using the euro (EUR) as its currency.

Legal System:

Slovenia follows a civil law legal system, primarily based on statutes and codified laws. The country's legal framework is established through legislation passed by the National Assembly and is overseen by the Constitutional Court.

Banking System:

Slovenia's banking system is robust and stable, with major commercial banks offering a wide range of services, including personal and corporate banking, investment, and financial management. The central bank of Slovenia is the Bank of Slovenia, responsible for overseeing monetary policy and financial stability.

Taxation:

Corporate Tax:

Slovenia levies a corporate income tax on the worldwide income of resident companies at a standard rate. As of my last update in September 2021, the corporate income tax rate was 19%.

Personal Income Tax:

Resident individuals are subject to personal income tax on their worldwide income. Personal income tax rates are progressive, with higher income brackets taxed at higher rates.

Double Taxation Treaties:

Slovenia has entered into numerous double taxation treaties with other countries to prevent the double taxation of income. These treaties aim to promote international trade and investment by clarifying the tax responsibilities of individuals and businesses operating across
borders.

Value Added Tax (VAT):

Slovenia applies a standard VAT rate to goods and services sold within its territory. Like most countries, Slovenia also has reduced VAT rates for specific categories of products and services. The standard rate is 22%, while the reduced tax rate is 9.5%.

Residency in Slovenia

Obtaining Slovenian residency offers several benefits and advantages, making it an attractive option for individuals seeking to live, work, or invest in the country. Here are some compelling reasons why having Slovenian residency can be advantageous:

Schengen Area Access:

Slovenia is a member of the Schengen Area, which grants residents the freedom to travel within the 26 European countries participating in the agreement. With a Slovenian residency permit, you can easily explore other Schengen countries for business or leisure purposes without the need for additional visas.

Business and Investment Environment: Slovenia boasts a favorable business environment, making it an appealing destination for entrepreneurs and investors. The country's excellent connectivity to major European markets, coupled with its European Union membership, provides access to a vast consumer
base.

Residency for Family Members:

Acquiring Slovenian residency can open the door to family reunification. Once you obtain residency, your family members may also have the opportunity to apply for residency permits and join you in Slovenia.

Path to Citizenship:

After residing in Slovenia for a specified period and meeting certain conditions, you may become eligible to apply for Slovenian citizenship. This grants you the rights and benefits of EU citizenship, including the ability to live and work in any EU country.

Tax Benefits:

While Slovenia has its own tax regulations, the country also maintains double taxation treaties with various nations. These treaties can be advantageous for individuals with international income and assets.

Social Security and Healthcare System:

As a resident, you may be eligible to access Slovenia's social security and healthcare system, providing essential support and benefits during times of need.

1) „Blue card“ – single work permit and residency

The "Blue Card" is the equivalent of a biometric temporary residence permit for highly-skilled specialists. It serves as a combined work and residence permit, facilitating family reunification. Blue Cards are typically issued for a duration of two years, and holders are not required to immediately leave the country upon the termination of their employment contract. Instead, Blue Card holders are afforded time to obtain another residence permit.

To be eligible for a Blue Card, individuals must possess higher education, confirmed work experience, and secure employment in Slovenia with wages that are at least 1.5 times higher than the country’s average, inclusive of relevant taxes and social charges. Additionally, there are specific requirements for the companies that employ such specialists.

Before deciding whether to pursue a Blue Card to expedite your family's reunification, it's advisable to explore all available options, compare their terms, overall expenses, and weigh their respective advantages and disadvantages.

In our experience, Blue Cards are most reasonable for large families with preschool-age children.

2) Residence permit based on Business Immigration

Opening your own company and engaging in self-employment within the European Union (EU) allows you to both operate a business in the EU and obtain a residence permit in Slovenia for yourself an  your family members.

The process for acquiring documents based on business immigration involves three straightforward
stages:

• Company Registration and Initial Capital Deposit (3-7 days)
• Meeting the Requirements for Active Business or Creating a Unique Vacancy* (1-6 months)
• Obtaining a Work and Residence Permit (2-3 months)
  *Active business management is fulfilled through one of three conditions:
• Investments in fixed assets totaling at least €50,000 within the first 6 months of the company's establishment
• Maintaining a monthly turnover of the company of no less than €10,000 for a 6-month period Employing an individual who already holds a work and residence permit in Slovenia for 6 months
  ** Creating a unique vacancy requires a high level of education, validated by an apostilled diploma.

You can be employed as a specialist after confirming the position's availability in the Slovenian labor market through your company

Family reunification

After residing in Slovenia for one year and extending your residence permit for the following year, you gain the right to apply for a residence permit for your spouse and children. The Blue EU Card streamlines the process for immediate family reunification. It's also possible to obtain a residence permit in Slovenia based on education. Adults can opt for a paid program at one of Slovenia's public or private universities, while children have the opportunity for free schooling (provided one parent holds a residence permit).
A residence permit in Slovenia entitles you and your family members to:

• Reside in Slovenia and move freely within the Schengen Agreement territory without requiring visas.
• Establish and operate a legal business in the EU or work as a contractor.
• Access free high-quality medical care.
• Receive free education at primary, secondary, and tertiary institutions.
• Apply for permanent residence after 5 years of residence and citizenship after 10 years.
• Benefit from assistance in extending your residence permit in Slovenia by our company's specialists.