Business immigration is one of the most convenient options for moving to Slovenia and obtaining European citizenship in the future for foreign investors. It works for those who really want to run their business here, make a profit and move their family. According to the law of the country, residents of third countries - non-EU residents - may obtain a temporary residence permit through the purchase or registration of a company. But in order to submit an application, it is necessary to show that the business is not fictitious, but it actually works. It will not work to break the requirement. The residence permit is issued for a year, then it is extended according to the 1 + 1 + 2 scheme based on the existing business. Relatives can be brought to Slovenia in a year - on the basis of family reunion.
The official website of the program
The migration legislation of Slovenia has changed in 2015. On the one hand, the requirements have become more strict. First, the size of the main investment in the business was increased (to € 50,000). Secondly, the requirements for the activities of legal entities have become more stringent: in the first year, the company should make a profit, and the owner should pay all taxes and duties to social funds. At the same time, there are still no restrictions on the field of activity. Thirdly, the holder of this residence permit can apply for permission for family reunification only after a year of residence in the country.
On the other hand, some of the rules have been simplified. In particular, obtaining a work permit and a residence permit was legislatively combined. Now foreign entrepreneurs submit the documents only once (after the company is entered into the register and the begins its activity) and receive these two certificates simultaneously.
Residence permit cards and work permits are issued at the Slovenian Embassy in the country of residence, however, you should register them upon arrival. It is advisable to register the address of residence in Slovenia in advance, it can be obtained when renting accommodation or under a real estate sale and purchase contract.
The residence permit is valid for one year. The status is extended twice - for a year and then for another two years. You may apply for permanent residence permit after five years, after another five years - for citizenship. In Slovenia it is prohibited to have two citizenships, which means that you will have to give up your first passport.
In 2019, the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Slovenia has issued more than 82 thousand permits for temporary and permanent residence to third-country nationals. Over the nine months of 2020 - more than 53 thousand.
Please note! The purchase of real estate is not a reason for obtaining a residence permit. Moreover, Slovenian law does not allow foreigners - not EU and US citizens - to acquire Slovenian square meters as individuals. They can become real estate owners only as legal entities, that is, by pre-registering a company and purchasing an object on its name. Read more about obtaining real estate in Slovenia.
The best option is Družba z omejeno odgovornostjo or d.o.o, where the applicant is the founder. The minimum authorized capital of the company is €7,500.
Then the founder must fulfill one of the conditions:
Investors should meet the following basic requirements
Since 2015, a foreigner has the right to apply for family reunification no earlier than after a year of residence in Slovenia with a residence permit and if it is extended for another year. The applicants for reunification can be:
To open and register a company
To obtain a residence permit
All documents should be translated into Slovenian and notarized. Apostille must be affixed to the certificate of no criminal record. Also, you should have copies of all documents with you.