Single residence and work permit — self-employment
Slovenia does not operate a widely marketed “startup visa” comparable to the Netherlands or Estonia. Self-employment is generally handled through the single residence and work permit framework. Official guidance commonly requires one year of continuous legal residence in Slovenia before a self-employment permit is available, except for certain regulated professional activities. Requirements typically include health insurance, means of subsistence, and registration of the activity. Always verify current rules on gov.si, Infotujci, and the EU Immigration Portal for Slovenia.
Min. capital
No fixed capital threshold
Best for: People who already have (or can obtain) another lawful residence basis for the first year, or who qualify for a regulated-profession exception.
No classic startup-capital floor is published as a national “startup visa” product. You must show means of subsistence and a viable registered activity. Verify current amounts on official Infotujci / gov.si pages.
Investment options
- Working capital sized to the registered activity
- Means of subsistence meeting official thresholds (verify current figures)
- Health insurance covering the residence period
- Registration fees for sole trader / company forms as applicable
Eligibility
- Generally: at least 1 year of continuous legal residence in Slovenia before self-employment authorisation (confirm current law)
- Exception pathways may exist for certain regulated professional activities — verify officially
- Health insurance
- Means of subsistence
- Registration of the self-employed activity / company
- Standard passport and immigration formalities
Process timeline
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1
Establish lawful residence first
Unless an exception applies, plan a qualifying first year of continuous legal stay.
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2
Prepare activity registration
Choose sole trader/company form and gather insurance + subsistence proof.
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3
Apply for self-employment purpose
Single permit process via competent Slovenian authorities.
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4
Operate & renew
Keep tax, social, and activity compliance for renewals.
Family
Family reunification follows Slovenian immigration rules and usually requires stable residence and means — confirm Infotujci guidance.
Work rights
Authorised for the approved self-employment activity. Employment for a third party may require a different permit basis.
Route to PR
Permanent residence may be possible after continuous legal residence meeting Slovenian conditions. Verify official guidance.
Route to citizenship
Naturalisation after meeting residence and integration requirements. Confirm dual nationality implications.
Pros
- Transparent that there is no flashy startup-visa marketing product
- EU/Schengen access once you hold Slovenian residence
- Suitable for operators who can lawfully spend the first year in-country
Watch-outs
- Do not plan Slovenia as a day-one founder landing pad like NL Start-up or EE Startup Visa
- The 1-year prior residence rule is the key planning constraint for many applicants
- Exceptions are limited — get counsel before assuming you qualify
- Rules can change — verify gov.si / Infotujci before acting