NON-EU, EEA OR SWISS CITIZENS

Who needs it?

If you are a citizen of a country outside of the Schengen Area that does not have a visa-free travel arrangement with Schengen countries and want to stay in Slovenia up to 90 days, you will need a visa.

Check here to see if you can enter Slovenia without a visa or not.

When applying, you can choose three different types of visas (single-entry, double-entry or multiple-entry). Please choose the one that corresponds to your travel arrangements.

How can you get it?

Ask for a short-term visa aka VISA C aka Schengen visa at the relevant embassy. Supply the following documents:

• Application form for visa C: available here,
• Passport (valid at least 3 months more than the intended stay),
• Biometric colour photograph (see requirements here),
• Proof of accommodation, or proof of sufficient funds to cover the applicant’s accommodation,
• Proof of sufficient funds for the stay and return to your home country,
• Medical travel insurance:
  • coverage of at least EUR 30,000,
  • valid in Europe/Schengen countries,
  • includes medical emergencies, urgent care, medical evacuation and repatriation of remains,
  • valid for the entire period of the applicant’s intended stay,
• Proof of sufficient financial means,
• Documents describing the purpose of the journey – studies:
  • Letter of acceptance or letter of enrolment – ask your faculty,
• Documents describing the purpose of the journey – business:
  • Invitation letter,
  • Guarantee letter,
• Documents describing the purpose of the journey – tourism:
  • Accommodation reservation (invitation from host; accommodation reservations),
    
  • Bookings of activities,
    
• Information enabling an assessment of the applicant’s intention to leave the EU:
  • Return ticket or a reservation,
  • Proof of financial means in the country of residence,
  • Proof of employment; bank statements,
    
  • Proof of real estate ownership,
    
  • Proof of integration into the country of residence: family ties, professional status,
    
• Prepaid express courier envelope: Some embassies will send the passport with a visa to you by ordinary mail. You can thus avoid one visit to the embassy, but be sure to enclose an envelope with your application.

How soon should you arrange it?

Between 3 weeks and 3 months before your arrival in Slovenia.

Time needed

Around 2 weeks.

Cost

EUR 35–EUR 120, depending on the country of your citizenship – please check at the relevant embassy.

Where?

At an embassy of the Republic of Slovenia or one of its collaborating embassies. Check here to find the closest embassy.

Other important information

• Check the embassy’s webpage before filing an application. Contact your closest embassy to learn about the specific process at that embassy and schedule an interview if needed.
• You can enter the Republic of Slovenia and stay there for a certain period of time (for no more than three months (90 days) in a six-month period, starting on the date of the first entry) on the basis of your passport alone if you are a citizen of a country whose citizens are not required to obtain a visa to enter the Republic of Slovenia.

More information

Visit the website of the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs and the relevant embassies.

Who needs it?

If you are a citizen of a country outside the Schengen Area that does not have a visa-free travel arrangement with Schengen countries and want to stay in Slovenia for more than 90 days, you will need a visa.

Check here to check if you can enter Slovenia without a visa or not.

How can you get it?

Ask for a long-term visa aka VISA D at a Slovenian embassy. Supply the following documents:

• Application form for visa D: available here,
• Passport (valid at least 3 months longer than the intended stay),
• Biometric colour photograph (see requirements here),
• Medical travel insurance:
  • coverage of at least EUR 30,000,
  • valid in Europe/Schengen countries,
  • includes medical emergencies, urgent care, medical evacuation and repatriation of remains,
  • valid for the entire period of the applicant’s intended stay,
• Proof of sufficient financial means (currently EUR 465.34),
• Letter of acceptance or letter of enrolment – contact your faculty,
• Prepaid express courier envelope: Some embassies will send the passport with a visa to you by ordinary mail. You can thus avoid one visit to the embassy, but be sure to enclose an envelope with your application.

How soon should you arrange it?

Between 3 weeks and 3 months before your arrival in Slovenia.

Time needed

Approximately 2 weeks.

Cost

EUR 77.

Additional costs may apply.

Where?

At an embassy of the Republic of Slovenia.

Be aware that a long-term visa (visa D) can be issued only by Slovene embassies, while tourist visas can also be issued by other embassies of the EU. Check here to find the closest embassy.

Important information to know

• Check the embassy’s webpage before filing an application. Contact your closest embassy to learn about the specific process at that embassy and schedule an interview.
• Once in Slovenia, holders of a visa D do not need to apply for a residence permit for the period of validity of the visa D, but they have to report a temporary address within a week (if staying in private accommodation) to the relevant administrative unit in Slovenia or register with the police (if staying at a friend’s place).
• Visa D cannot be extended. If you want to stay longer, you should apply for a temporary residence permit (see below) before your visa expires.

More information

Visit the website of the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs and the relevant embassies.

If you can enter Slovenia without a visa, you can, as a student, ask for a temporary residence permit once you are already in Slovenia. Be sure to bring the documents you will need with you!

Who needs it?

Non-EU, EEA, or Swiss citizens who would like to study in Slovenia.

How can you get it?

File an application for a temporary residence permit for studies.

Supply the following documents:

• Application form (temporary permit for studies): form, example,
• Passport (valid at least 3 months longer than the intended stay),
• Passport copy: page with biographic data and page with entry stamp (and visa) – the date of the entry stamp into the Schengen Area has to be reflected in the application form (field 13),
• Biometric colour photograph: 3.5cm by 4.5cm (see requirements here),
• Signature form:Podpis_Signature form, example,
• Health insurance covering at least emergency medical services (for countries with which Slovenia has an agreement, bring the proof from your home country’s health institute),
• Police clearance certificate from your home country, not older than 3 months and with an apostille (or properly legalized if your country does not issue apostilles – exception: citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia, Serbia and Russia do not need to legalize the document),
• Statement that the person is not supporting anyone in Slovenia and does not have any family members in Slovenia (statement form, example),
• Certificate of enrolment,
• Transcript of records (only students enrolling in higher years, not freshmen),
• Two fingerprints (taken at the administrative unit or the embassy),
• Proof of sufficient financial means (currently EUR 484.88 per month) – options:
  • If under the legislation of the country where you come from your parents have to support you during your studies, you can prove your financial means with a notarized statement from your parents (form), supported by a birth certificate on an international form not older than 3 months,
  • Employment contract + bank statements for the last six months,
  • Scholarship contract,
  • Sufficient funds available in your bank account – provide bank statements (proving long-term availability of funds, or regular income – sudden bank transfers are not always accepted by the Slovene administration),
  • Any combination of the above,
• Receipt for the fee paid (via bank transfer or in person at the Administrative unit). Bank transfer info can be found here.

All documents have to be translated into Slovene by a court-appointed translator!

How soon should you arrange it?

If applying abroad: at least three to six months before your intended arrival in Slovenia.

If applying in Slovenia: before your lawful stay in Slovenia ends (usually three months/90 days or shorter if you have a visa).

Time needed

Up to six months in Koper, elsewhere less.

Cost

• Fee for issuing or renewing a temporary residence permit for studies: EUR 50.00 – at submission,
• Application fee: EUR 4.50 – at submission,
• Printing of the card: EUR 15.47 – when collecting the card,
• Documents and translations,
• TOTAL: EUR 69.97 (can be paid by bank transfer, more information here).

The FIRST permit is free for students who are coming to a mobility via an EU programme (e.g. Erasmus+) or an interuniversity agreement. However, you still have to pay for the card. Based on a bilateral agreement, the permit is also free for students from Turkey.

Where?

At an embassy of the Republic of Slovenia abroad or at the Administrative Unit where you (will) live.

Be aware that you can ask for a residence permit only at a Slovene embassy, but not at other EU embassies. Check here to find the closest embassy and their office hours.

Administrative Unit Koper:

Piranska cesta 2 6000 Koper-Capodistria (next to Arena Bonifika)

Administrative Unit Piran:

Lucija, Obala 114a, 6320 Portorož (next to the main bus station in Lucija)

Administrative Unit Izola:

Cesta v Pregavor 3a, 6310 Izola

Office hours:
Monday: 8 am–12 noon and 1 pm–3 pm
Tuesday: 8 am–12 noon and 1 pm–3 pm
Wednesday: 8 am–12 noon and 1 pm–6 pm
Friday: 8 am–1 pm

Important information to know

• If you can enter Slovenia without a visa, we recommend you file an application once you are already here! Be sure to bring the required documents with you (especially the police clearance).
• About visiting the Administrative Unit:
  • They might speak only Slovene, so visit with a tutor or a buddy.
  • Leave your telephone number and the telephone number of the person speaking Slovene (tutor, buddy).
  • Pick up the permit when they call you.
• When you collect the temporary residence permit, also bring the documents needed to register a temporary address (link).
• ​If you apply for a permit at an embassy abroad, check the embassy’s webpage before filing an application. Contact your closest embassy to learn about the specific process at that embassy and schedule an interview if needed.

PhD students are also considered researchers and can request a permit for the purpose of work in research and higher education.

If you can enter Slovenia without a visa, you can, as a researcher, ask for the temporary residence permit once you are already here. Be sure to bring the documents you will need with you and file the application before your visa or lawful stay expires!

If you will be employed as a young researcher, the application can be filed by the university.

Who needs it? 

PhD students who are non-EU, EEA or Swiss citizens who would like to study in Slovenia or do research.  

How can you get it?

File an application for a temporary residence permit for the purpose of work in research and higher education (Article 38 of Foreigners Act).

Supply the following documents:

• Application form (temporary permit for studies): form,
• Passport (valid at least 3 months longer than the intended stay),
• Passport copy: page with biographic data and page with entry stamp (and visa) – the date of the entry stamp to the Schengen Area has to be reflected in the application form (field 13),
• Biometric colour photograph: 3.5cm by 4.5cm (see requirements here),
• Signature form: signature form, example,
• Health insurance covering at least emergency medical services (for countries with which Slovenia has an agreement, bring the proof from your home country’s health institute),
• Police clearance certificate from your home country, not older than 3 months and with an apostille (or properly legalized if your country does not issue apostilles – exception: citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia, Serbia and Russia do not need to legalize the document),
• Statement that the person is not supporting anyone in Slovenia and does not have any family members in Slovenia (form),
• Certificate of enrolment (only if you are a PhD student),
• Two fingerprints (taken at the administrative unit or the embassy),
• Research agreement established between you and UP (example),
• Proof of sufficient financial means (currently EUR 484.88 per month) – options:
  • If under the legislation of the country where you come from your parents have to support you during your studies, you can prove your financial means with a notarized statement from your parents (form), supported by a birth certificate on an international form not older than 3 months,
  • Employment contract + bank statements for the last six months,
  • Scholarship contract,
  • Sufficient funds available on your bank account – provide bank statements (proving long-term availability of funds, or regular income – sudden bank transfers are not always accepted by the Slovene administration),
  • Any combination of the above,
• Fee (via bank transfer or in person at the Administrative unit).

Documents have to be translated into Slovene by a court-appointed translator. Sometimes, documents from South Slavic-speaking countries in Latin script or English may be accepted, but this depends on the person reviewing your application.

How soon should you arrange it? 

If applying abroad: at least three to six months before your intended arrival in Slovenia.

If applying in Slovenia: before your lawful stay in Slovenia ends (usually three months/90 days or shorter if you have a visa).

Time needed

Up to six months in Koper, elsewhere less.

Cost

Up to EUR 100 if filed in Slovenia and up to EUR 135 if submitted at an embassy.

Additional costs with documents, translations and travels may apply.

Where? 

At an embassy of the Republic of Slovenia abroad or at the Administrative Unit where you (will) live.

Be aware that you can ask for the residence permit at a Slovene embassy, but not at other EU embassies. Check here to find the closest embassy and their office hours.

Administrative Unit Koper:

Piranska cesta 2 6000 Koper-Capodistria (next to Arena Bonifika)

Administrative Unit Piran:

Lucija, Obala 114a, 6320 Portorož (next to the main bus station in Lucija)

Administrative Unit Izola:

Cesta v Pregavor 3a, 6310 Izola

Office hours:
Monday: 8 am–12 noon and 1 pm–3 pm
Tuesday: 8 am–12 noon and 1 pm–3 pm
Wednesday: 8 am–12 noon and 1 pm–6 pm
Friday: 8 am–1 pm

Important information to know

• If you can enter Slovenia without a visa, we recommend you file an application once you are already here! Be sure to bring the required documents with you (especially police clearance).
• You can collect the permit in Slovenia if you applied at the embassy, but you have to make this request at the time of submission.
• About visiting the Administrative Unit:
  • They might speak only Slovene, so visit with a tutor or a buddy.
  • Leave your telephone number and a telephone number of the person speaking Slovene (tutor, buddy).
  • Pick up the permit when they call you.
• When you collect the temporary residence permit, also bring documents needed to register a temporary address (link).
• ​If you apply for the permit at an embassy abroad, check the embassy’s webpage before filing an application. Contact your closest embassy to learn about the specific process at that embassy and schedule an interview if needed.

Under specific conditions, your family members can join you in Slovenia. If you have a residence permit for work in research and higher education, your family members can join you in Slovenia immediately (while most people whose temporary residence permit is issued for other purposes can only join their family members in Slovenia after two years of their stay).

Therefore, we advise, especially PhD students, to request a permit for work in research and higher education. In this case, the applicant is a PhD student who applies with the supporting documentation.

Who needs it? 

Non-EU, EEA or Swiss citizens, who have their family members abroad and would like to live with them in Slovenia.

How can you get it?

File an application for a temporary residence permit for the purpose of family unification. The applicant is the person who is unifying his/her family.

Supply the following documents:

• Application form (temporary permit for studies): form,
• Passport (valid at least 3 months longer than the intended stay),
• Passport copy: page with biographic data and page with entry stamp (and visa) – the date of the entry stamp to the Schengen Area has to be reflected in the application form (field 13),
• Biometric colour photograph: 3.5cm by 4.5cm (see requirements here),
• Signature form: signature form, example,
• Health insurance covering at least emergency medical services (for countries with which Slovenia has an agreement, bring the proof from your home country’s health institute),
• Police clearance certificate from your home country, not older than 3 months and with an apostille (or properly legalized if your country does not issue apostilles – exception: citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia, Serbia and Russia do not need to legalize the document),
• Two fingerprints (taken at the administrative unit or the embassy),
• Proof of relationship status (marriage certificate, birth certificate, etc.) with an apostille (or properly legalized if your country does not issue apostilles – exception: citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia, Serbia and Russia do not need to legalize the document),
• Proof of sufficient financial means for all family members (currently around EUR 484.88 per month per family member) – options:
  • Employment contract + bank statements for the last six months,
  • Sufficient funds available in your bank account – provide bank statements (proving long-term availability of funds, or regular income – sudden bank transfers are not always accepted by the Slovene administration),
  • Other available regular monthly income sufficient to sustain a family,
  • Any combination of the above,
• Fee (via bank transfer or in person at the Administrative unit).

Documents have to be translated into Slovene by a court-appointed translator. Sometimes documents from South Slavic-speaking countries in Latin script or English may be accepted, but this depends on the person reviewing your application.

How soon should you arrange it? 

Together with your application for a temporary residence permit.

Time needed

Up to six months in Koper, elsewhere less.

Cost

Up to EUR 100 if filed in Slovenia and up to EUR 135 if submitted at an embassy.

Additional costs with documents, translations and travel may apply.

Where? 

At an embassy of the Republic of Slovenia abroad or at the Administrative Unit where you (will) live.

Be aware that you can ask for the residence permit at a Slovene embassy, but not at other EU embassies. Check here to find the closest embassy and their office hours.

Administrative Unit Koper:

Piranska cesta 2 6000 Koper-Capodistria (next to Arena Bonifika)

Administrative Unit Piran:

Lucija, Obala 114a, 6320 Portorož (next to the main bus station in Lucija)

Administrative Unit Izola:

Cesta v Pregavor 3a, 6310 Izola

Office hours:
Monday: 8 am–12 noon and 1 pm–3 pm
Tuesday: 8 am–12 noon and 1 pm–3 pm
Wednesday: 8 am–12 noon and 1 pm–6 pm
Friday: 8 am–1 pm

Important information to know

• If you can enter Slovenia without a visa, we recommend you file an application once you are already here! Be sure to bring the required documents with you (especially police clearance).
• You can collect the permit in Slovenia if you applied at the embassy, but you have to make this request at the time of submission.
• About visiting the Administrative Unit:
  • They might speak only Slovene, so visit with a tutor or a buddy.
  • Leave your telephone number and the telephone number of the person speaking Slovene (tutor, buddy).
  • Pick up the permit when they call you.
• When you collect the temporary residence permit, also bring the documents needed to register a temporary address (link).
• ​If you apply for a permit at an embassy abroad, check the embassy’s webpage before filing an application. Contact your closest embassy to learn about the specific process at that embassy and schedule an interview if needed.