Long Stay Visas for Slovenia: 2026 Requirements

If you're planning a long-term trip to Slovenia, there are a few things you're going to need to prepare before heading overseas.

While many travelers can visit Slovenia without a visa, that's typically only the case when it comes to short stays (fewer than 90 days). In order to stay for multiple months, most travelers need to meet a series of requirements laid out during the long-stay visa process.

We are here to answer those questions and more so you can continue your plans with confidence.

Longterm stays in Slovenia

How long you can stay in Slovenia without a visa or residence depends mostly on your nationality, but also on the reason for your stay.

If you are what's called a "third country national" (meaning you're a citizen of anywhere other than the EU/Schengen), you will need a visa or residence permit to spend more than 90 days in Slovenia.

Slovenia long-stay visas

A long-stay visa allows foreigners to stay in a specific country for an extended amount of time. Slovenia's long-stay visa allows its holders to stay in Slovenia for more than 90 days up to one year.

Travelers need to apply for a long-stay visa through a multi-step process, which involves collecting a series of required documents, filling out an application, attending an in-person interview, and more.

You will likely see a Slovenian long-stay visa referred to as a Type D visa or a national visa. The terminology is interchangeable - the three refer to the same thing: a visa that allows you to stay in Slovenia for more than 90 days.

Slovenia residence permits

Like a long-stay visa, a residence permit allows you to live in Slovenia for a specific period of time. The residence permit also has an application process required of you.

Which one do you need?

According to the Republic of Slovenia's official website, third-country nationals need to apply for a visa if it's required for entry OR a residence permit.

Depending on the purpose of your stay, you may need one over the other.

For the following, you may need to apply for a residence permit:

• Staying in Slovenia for work (long-term), including transferring with a company.
• Studying abroad.
• Going to Slovenia to reunite (long-term) with family members/spouse.

According to the Slovenian Embassy in Washington DC (US), "A foreigner desiring to reside in the Republic of Slovenia for reasons other than those allowed on the basis of a visa must obtain a residence permit."

There are more situations than those that warrant a residence permit. They can be found on this official site.

The Slovenian embassy or partnering visa application center in your country of residence should be able to inform you as to whether you need a long stay visa, residence permit, or both.

How to apply for a Slovenian long-stay visa

Applying for a long-stay visa for Slovenia requires you to collect a series of documents and attend an in-person appointment in your current country of residence.

Typically, the process goes as follows:

• Determine which type of long-stay visa you need. There are several types, and the one you need to apply for depends on the length and purpose of your trip.
• Make sure you can meet the visa requirements. In order to qualify for a Type D visa for Slovenia, you'll need to meet several requirements, including income/funds minimums
• Begin collecting your documents for your visa application. You will receive a list of which documents you need to present. You'll get the list from either the Slovenian Embassy in your country of residence or a partnering visa application center.
• Schedule an in-person appointment at a visa application center or embassy/consulate in your country of residence.
• Attend your in-person appointment and submit your visa application.
• Await a decision.

Slovenia long stay visa requirements

To apply for a long-stay visa for Slovenia, you will need to present the following documents. Depending on the specific reason you're staying in Slovenia (work, to study, etc.), there will be additional documents you need to present.

• A completed Type D visa application form.
• A valid passport.
• A recent photograph (for your visa) that adheres to ICAO standards.
• Proof of payment for the visa application fee.
• Proof of valid travel medical insurance that covers you in Slovenia for a minimum of €30,000 in emergency medical costs. It must also be valid for the entire duration of your stay.

How to apply for a Slovenian residence permit

If you need a residence permit, there are requirements that you will need to meet. Criteria include:

• A provable reason you warrant residence (a work contract, to join a spouse, etc.).
• A valid travel document (passport).
• A passport-sized photo.
• Health insurance (that is considered adequate by the Republic of Slovenia).
• Proof that you can financially sustain yourself during the entire duration of your stay in Slovenia.
• Proof that you do not pose a security concern. This is done through a criminal record. This record must also be officially translated into Slovenian and certified.
• Fingerprints (for everyone over the age of 6).
• All supporting documents must be legally verified and may have to be officially translated.

Depending on the purpose of your stay, additional documents may be required, like work contracts, birth certificates, marriage licenses, university enrollment, etc.

If it's your first time applying for Slovenian residency, you can apply at any diplomatic mission or Slovenian consulate abroad, according to their official site.

Once you apply, you will receive a certificate that shows your application has been submitted.

FAQs about long stays in Slovenia

What is a long-stay visa for Slovenia?

Can anyone get a long-stay visa for Slovenia?

Do I need a residence permit for Slovenia?