Republic of Slovenia · residence general · Leads to settlement
Permanent Residence (Slovenia)
By Sam Parks · Last reviewed:
If you have lived in Slovenia continuously for about five years, this is your settlement status - secure residence with EU-wide mobility benefits.
- Processing time
- Indicative only - the administrative unit decides complete applications within a published period; confirm current processing on the official page.
- Government fees
- Indicative only - permit fees apply; confirm current amounts on the official page.
- Typical duration
- Long-term status, subject to conditions on continued residence - confirm current rules on the official page.
- Sponsorship required
- No
- Leads to permanent residency
- Yes
Overview
Permanent residence is Slovenia's settlement status, generally available after about five years of continuous lawful temporary residence. As an EU long-term residence status it brings mobility advantages across member states, and it gives you secure residence and a stepping stone toward naturalisation, which is a separate process. Important: you normally need to pass an A2-level Slovenian language test as part of qualifying. You evidence your residence history, means of support, health insurance and language ability to the administrative unit. Good to know: permanent residence is not the same as citizenship - it is the stable status you settle on first.
Eligibility
Typical criteria
- ✓You have resided lawfully and continuously in Slovenia for about five years before applying.Ministry of the Interior (Slovenia) ↗
- ✓You pass the required A2-level Slovenian language test.Ministry of the Interior (Slovenia) ↗
- ✓You can show stable means of support and adequate health insurance.Ministry of the Interior (Slovenia) ↗
- ✓You hold a valid passport and are not a threat to public policy, security or health.Ministry of the Interior (Slovenia) ↗
Common blockers
- !Broken or insufficient continuous lawful residence below the required period.Ministry of the Interior (Slovenia) ↗
- !Not passing the A2-level Slovenian language test.Ministry of the Interior (Slovenia) ↗
- !Reliance on time that does not count fully, such as some study periods or the digital nomad permit.Ministry of the Interior (Slovenia) ↗
Typical evidence
- ·Valid passport and recent photographs.Ministry of the Interior (Slovenia) ↗
- ·Evidence of the qualifying period of continuous lawful residence.Ministry of the Interior (Slovenia) ↗
- ·Proof of passing the A2-level Slovenian language test.Ministry of the Interior (Slovenia) ↗
- ·Proof of stable means of support and adequate health insurance.Ministry of the Interior (Slovenia) ↗
Application pathway
Check the route fit
Confirm you meet the roughly five-year continuous-residence rule and prepare for the A2 Slovenian language test.
Build the evidence pack
Compile your residence history, language certificate, means of support, health insurance and passport.
Submit through the official channel
Apply at the administrative unit and pay the fees.
After approval
Maintain the conditions on continued residence and use the EU long-term residence mobility benefits as needed.
Official application links
Where to actually go next
These are the official pages to use for this route. Open them before preparing documents: the forms, fees, appointment systems, and sponsor steps can change without warning.
- Official guidanceApplicantUse official Permanent Residence (Slovenia) route page ↗
Use this official page to confirm requirements and follow the government filing route for Permanent Residence (Slovenia).
Ministry of the Interior (Slovenia) · verified
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Related routes
Single Residence and Work Permit (Slovenia)
If you are a non-EU national with a Slovenian job offer, this is the main route - one permit that lets you both live and work in Slovenia.
EU Blue Card (Slovenia)
If you are a highly-qualified non-EU professional with a Slovenian job offer above the salary threshold, the EU Blue Card gives you residence plus EU-wide mobility benefits.
Temporary Residence for Family Reunification (Slovenia)
If a close family member already lives lawfully in Slovenia, this route lets you join them and build toward settlement together.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to speak Slovenian?+
Yes - you normally need to pass an A2-level Slovenian language test as part of qualifying for permanent residence. Confirm the current requirement on the official page.
Does the digital nomad permit count toward this?+
No - the digital nomad permit does not lead to permanent residence, so plan a settlement-capable route if that is your goal. Confirm the current rules on the official page.
Need tailored advice?
We do not provide legal advice. For an application that depends on your exact circumstances, consult a regulator-listed immigration advisor.
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