Everything You Need to Know About Slovenia Long Stay Visas

There are a lot of things to check off your to-do list when planning a long trip abroad.

You've got to research information about where you're heading. Then, there's finding accommodations and figuring out how you'll get around in your new town. There's also familiarizing yourself with the lay of the land.

But before any of that, you need to make sure that you understand the entry requirements which includes things like visas and residence permits.

When it comes to Slovenia, many foreigners who want to spend time there will need to apply for a visa and/or residence permit. What's the difference? Who needs to apply? If you do, which one do you need?

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

How do I spend multiple months in Slovenia?

It depends on your nationality and the reason for your stay.

If you are a citizen of an EU/Schengen country, you do not need a visa or residence permit to stay in Slovenia.

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.

What is a Slovenia long stay visa?

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, and approval isn't guaranteed.

You will likely see a Slovenia 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.

What is a Slovenia residence permit?

Like a long stay visa, a residence permit allows you to live in Slovenia for a specific amount 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 should apply for a residence permit. Some of these scenarios include:

• Staying in Slovenia for work, including transferring with a company
• Studying abroad
• Going to Slovenia to reunite 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 purpose of your trip.
• Make sure you can meet the visa requirements. There are several documents you will need to present and minimum requirements you will need to meet in order to qualify.
• Begin collecting your documents for your visa application. You will receive a list of which documents you need to present.
• 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 require a residence permit, there are requirements that you will need to meet. Criteria include:

• A reason you warrant residence (that is provable).
• 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 officially translated.

Depending on the purpose of your stay, additional documents may be required, such as 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