WELCOME

NON-EU, EEA OR SWISS CITIZENS

Non-EU, EEA or Swiss citizens need to obtain a long-term visa (type D) or a temporary residence permit. Some will also need a visa to enter the Schengen territory (which includes Slovenia). Check here if you need a visa to enter Schengen.

Which procedure is the most relevant for you?

Visa C: choose Visa C if you are coming to Slovenia for a programme shorter than 90 days (e.g. short research visits, summer school, congress, blended intensive pogrammes, etc.)

Visa D: choose Visa D if you are coming for a study exchange lasting between 90 and 365 days - specific conditions apply

Temporary residence permit for research: choose this option if you are moving to Slovenia or if Visa D does not apply. If possible, choose this option. Researcher benefit additionally from this status:

  • faster procedure (priority over other permits),
  • possible to launch application in Slovenia (not through the embassy),
  • immediate family reunification (while others can invite their families only after two years to live with them in Slovenia).

Temporary residence permit for other purposes: choose temporary residence permit by the purpose of your stay (studies - see student section, employment outside of reseach, etc.).

Exchange student specifics – visa or permit? 

If you a degree-seeking student, you will have to obtain a temporary residence permit.

If you are coming for an exchange, you can choose, whether you will apply for a visa D or a temporary residence permit.

Main difference:

  • Visa is processed much faster (two weeks instead of three-six months)
  • Health insurance for visa can be more expensive

Generally, we advice:

  • If you can enter Slovenia without a visa: apply for the permit once you are already in Slovenia.
  • If you need a visa to enter Slovenia: apply immediately for a long-term visa (visa D), unless you believe that this would be much more expensive than first getting a short-term visa (visa C) and then also launching a temporary residence permit request once already in Slovenia, due to the visit to the Slovenian embassy. In either case, check with the embassy before the final decision. Some embassies allow you to file a long term visa application without a personal visit to the embassy, so you can arrange everything via mail! This significantly reduces the costs of your visa application.

Specific information

SHORT TERM VISA (type C)

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 check if you can enter Slovenia without visa or not.

When applying you can choose three different types of a visa (single-entry, double-entry, 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 requirement 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 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 applicant’s intended stay
  • Proof of sufficient financial means
  • Documents describing the purpose of the journey – Studies:
    • Letter of acceptance or letter of enrollment – aks 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 via snail mail. You can thus avoid one visit to the embassy, but be sure to submit an envelope with your application).

How soon should you arrange it?

Between 3 weeks and 3 months before 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 the 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 launching 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 info

Website of the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs and the relevant embassies.

LONG TERM VISA (type D)

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 visa or not.

How can you get it?

Ask for a long term visa aka VISA D at the 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 color photograph (see requirement 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 applicant’s intended stay,
  • Proof of sufficient financial means (currently EUR 465.34),
  • Letter of acceptance or letter of enrollment – contact your faculty,
  • prepaid express courier envelope (some embassies will send the passport with a visa to you via snail mail. You can thus avoid one visit to the embassy, but be sure to submit an envelope with your application).

How soon should you arrange it?

Between 3 weeks and 3 months before arrival in Slovenia.

Time needed

Approximately 2 weeks

Cost

EUR 77

Additional costs may apply

Where?

At the embassy of the Republic of Slovenia.

Be aware that a long-term visa (visa D) can be issued only by the Slovenian embassy, 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 launching 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 residence permit for the period of validity of the visa D, but they need 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 info

Website of the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs and the relevant embassies.

TEMPORARY RESIDENCE PERMIT FOR STUDIES

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 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 from the entry stamp to Schengen also has to be reflected on the application form (field 13),
  • Biometric color photograph – 3,5 x 4,5 cm (see requirement here),
  • Signature form: signature form, example,
  • Health insurance, covering at least emergency medical services (for countries with which Slovenia has an agreement, you bring the proof from your home country’s health institute),
  • Police clearance certificate from your home country, not older than 3 months and with 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 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 by the law of the country where you are coming 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 Slovene administration),
    • Any combination of the above,
  • fee (via a bank transfer or in person at the Administrative unit).

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

!FIRST YEAR STUDENTS!

BRING YOUR DOCUMENTATION TO THE ORIENTATION DAYS AND WE WILL CHECK IT TOGETHER. IF IT IS COMPLETE, WE WILL GO WITH YOU TO THE ADMINISTRATIVE UNIT. IF NOT, WE WILL WORK TOGETHER TO MAKE IT COMPLETE.

How soon should you arrange it?

If applying abroad: at least three to six months before your intended arrival to 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 = 69,97 € (can be paid by bank transfer, more data here).

FIRST permit is free for students, who are coming to a mobility via an EU program (Erasmus+) or an interuniversity agreement. You still pay for the card. Based on a bilateral agreement, the permit is free also for students from Turkey.

Where?

At the 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 the Slovenian embassy, but not in other EU embassies. Check here to find the closest embassy and working time.

Administrative Unit Koper:

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

Administrative Unit Piran:

Lucija, Obala 114a, 6320 Portorož (next to main bus stop 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 launch an application once you are already here! Be sure to bring the required documents with you (especially 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 the embassy abroad, check the embassy’s webpage before launching an application. Contact your closest embassy to learn about the specific process at that embassy and schedule an interview if needed.

TEMPORARY RESIDENCE PERMIT FOR RESEARCH

PhD students are also considered researchers and can request for 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 launch the application before your visa or lawful stay expires!

If you will be employed as a young researcher, the application can be launched 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 from the entry stamp to Schengen also has to be reflected on the application form (field 13),
  • Biometric color photograph – 3,5 x 4,5cm (see requirement here),
  • Signature form: signature form, example,
  • Health insurance, covering at least emergency medical services (for countries with which Slovenia has an agreement, you bring the proof from your home country’s health institute),
  • Police clearance certificate from your home country, not older than 3 months and with 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 document),
  • Statement that the person is not supporting anyone in Slovenia and does not have any family members in Slovenia (form),
  • Certificate of enrollment (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 by the law of the country where you are coming 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 Slovene administration),
    • Any combination of the above,
  • Fee (via a 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 writing 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 to 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 launched in Slovenia and up to EUR 135 if submitted at the embassy.

Additional costs with documents, translations and travels may apply.

Where? 

At the 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 the Slovenian embassy, but not in other EU embassies. Check here to find the closest embassy and working time.

Administrative Unit Koper:

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

Administrative Unit Piran:

Lucija, Obala 114a, 6320 Portorož (next to main bus stop 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 launch 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 the 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 the embassy abroad, check the embassy’s webpage before launching an application. Contact your closest embassy to learn about the specific process at that embassy and schedule an interview if needed.

    TEMPORARY RESIDENCE PRERMIT FOR FAMILY MEMBERS

    Your family members can under specific conditions 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 Ph.D. 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. 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 from the entry stamp to Schengen also has to be reflected on the application form (field 13),
    • Biometric color photograph – 3,5 x 4,5 cm (see requirement here),
    • Signature form: signature form, example,
    • Health insurance, covering at least emergency medical services (for countries with which Slovenia has an agreement, you bring the proof from your home country’s health institute),
    • Police clearance certificate from your home country, not older than 3 months and with 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 document),
    • Two fingerprints (taken at the administrative unit or the embassy),
    • Proof of relationship status (marriage certificate, birth certificate, etc.) with 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 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 Slovene administration),
      • other available regular monthly income sufficient to sustain a family,
      • Any combination of the above,
    • Fee (via a 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 writing 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 launched in Slovenia and up to EUR 135 if submitted at the embassy.

    Additional costs with documents, translations, and travel may apply.

    Where? 

    At the 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 the Slovenian embassy, but not in other EU embassies. Check here to find the closest embassy and working time.

    Administrative Unit Koper:

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

    Administrative Unit Piran:

    Lucija, Obala 114a, 6320 Portorož (next to main bus stop 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 launch 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 the 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 the embassy abroad, check the embassy’s webpage before launching an application. Contact your closest embassy to learn about the specific process at that embassy and schedule an interview if needed.
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