Slovenia is introducing the possibility for digital nomads to obtain a temporary residence permit through an amendment to the Foreiners Act (ZTuj-2I). The aim of the measure is to attract highly skilled individuals who work remotely via modern communication technologies and to enable them to live temporarily in Slovenia under clear and predictable conditions.

Who is a digital nomad?

A digital nomad is a stranger who:

  • is not a national of the European Union (EU) or the European Economic Area (EEA),
  • teleworking via communication technologies,
  • is employed or works under a civil law contract for a company based outside Slovenia or is self-employed abroad.

Important: The work must be carried out exclusively remotely, the foreigner must not work for Slovenian clients.

Conditions for obtaining a licence

To be granted a temporary residence permit for a digital nomad, you must meet all of the following conditions:

  1. Valid travel document
    • The passport must be valid for at least three months longer than the intended period of stay in Slovenia.
  2. Health insurance
    • You must have health insurance that covers at least emergency medical services in Slovenia.
  3. Financial assets
    • You must have sufficient resources to support yourself, which means a monthly income of at least twice the average monthly net salary in Slovenia (currently around €2,868 per month).
  4. No grounds for refusal
    • There must be no grounds for refusal of authorisation under Article 55 of the Act (e.g. security risks, criminal convictions, etc.).

Authorisation procedure

Where to apply?

  • If you’re a foreigner abroad:
    Apply at the Slovenian diplomatic representation or consulate in your country or the country where you are legally a resident.
  • If the foreigner is already in Slovenia:
    If you are already legally resident in Slovenia on the basis of an identity card, passport, C or D visa, residence permit from another EU country:
    • You can apply to the competent authority in Slovenia before the end of your authorised stay.

What happens after I apply?

  • Once lodged in Slovenia, you will receive a certificate, which will be valid as a temporary residence permit until a final decision on your application is taken.
  • This certificate allows the foreigner to reside legally as a digital nomad before the final decision is taken.

Validity of the licence

  • For employees and contractors: the authorisation is granted for the duration of the contract, up to a maximum of one year.
  • For the self-employed: the permit is valid for one year, or for a shorter period if the intended stay is shorter.
  • Renewal: the licence cannot be renewed!
  • Re-application: you can re-apply for a licence, but only after six months from the expiry of the previous licence.

Family reunification

Another new feature is that Digital Nomad permit holders can bring family members together without restrictions on the length of their stay in Slovenia, similar to EU Blue Card holders, researchers and other special cases.

Conclusion

The new law is an important step towards attracting highly qualified professionals to Slovenia. It provides digital nomads with clearly defined conditions for legal residence and remote working, but good planning is needed as renewal of the permit is not possible and the process requires all conditions to be met in detail.

For further information on the conditions and procedure for obtaining a residence permit for digital nomads in the Republic of Slovenia, please contact: info@sibiz.eu