➡ 2024 UPDATE
Slovenia does not have a specific digital nomad visa program, but it offers a temporary residence permit for self-employment, which can be suitable for digital nomads. Applicants need to provide proof of sufficient funds, health insurance, and accommodation in Slovenia. They might also need to present a business plan or evidence of self-employment activities. This permit allows digital nomads to legally work and reside in Slovenia, enjoying its cities, landscapes, and culture, and provides access to other European countries.
Nomad Visa Slovenia 2024
Slovenia offers a self-employment visa which is initially valid for one year. To qualify, one must first enter the country on a short-term visa and establish a locally registered business. After setting up the business, the individual can then apply for the self-employment visa.
In contrast, the neighboring country of Hungary has introduced a one-year digital nomad visa. This visa provides a unique opportunity not only to explore Hungary but also Slovenia, as it permits up to 90 days of travel within Slovenia during the one-year validity period of the Hungarian visa.
Regarding Slovenia’s Schengen tourist visa, it is accessible to individuals from all nationalities. While some passport holders may enter Slovenia visa-free and receive their visa upon arrival, others must arrange their visa prior to travel. This visa enables stays in the Schengen area for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. It is important to note that working in Slovenia, including remote work, is not permitted on a tourist or visitor visa or during a visa-free stay. However, EEA or EU citizens have the advantage of working as digital nomads in Slovenia without restrictions for up to three months.
Who Can Apply for the Slovenia Self-Employment Visa?
The Slovenia self-employment visa is designed for individuals who plan to establish and actively participate in a business within Slovenia. If you intend to stay in the country for longer than 90 days, you may qualify for this visa, provided you register a business in Slovenia, own a majority stake in it, and work for the business. This visa is initially granted for one year and can be extended every two years thereafter, under the condition that your business contributes positively to the Slovenian economy.
Applying for a self-employment visa in Slovenia involves several detailed steps and requires a commitment to start the process before obtaining the visa. Below is a detailed guide to navigate this process:
Step 1: Enter Slovenia on a Tourist Visa Begin by traveling to Slovenia on a tourist visa, which falls under the Schengen visa regime. This is necessary as the self-employment visa application process must be initiated from within Slovenia.
Step 2: Obtain a Tax Number Your next step is to secure a personal tax number. Complete the application form for a tax number for foreigners and submit it either in person or by mail at the tax administration office. If you submit the form in person, the tax number is typically assigned immediately.
Step 3: Register Your Business Establish your business in Slovenia, which must be registered either as a limited liability company (LLC) or as a sole proprietorship (SP). You must own at least 51% of the business and intend to work within this business. Register the business through the Slovenian Business Point Portal or in person at a local SPOT registration point. Registering a business is free, but you must demonstrate an initial capital investment of at least €7,500.
Step 4: Apply for a Work Permit for Yourself After registering your business, apply for a work permit. As a majority shareholder, you are exempt from proving the unavailability of EU candidates for your position. However, you must draw a minimum annual salary of €28,006 to qualify for a work permit. Submit your application along with the necessary documentation to the Employment Service of Slovenia. There is a €90 fee associated with the application. The approval process typically takes 30-60 days.
Step 5: Apply for a Single Work and Residence Permit Once your work permit is approved, apply for a single work and residence permit at either the Ministry in Slovenia or at a Slovenian embassy where you are legally residing. Ensure you schedule an appointment and confirm the payment procedure at the embassy. The required documentation includes a completed application form, your valid passport, a recent passport photo, copies of your business license and work permit, and proof of the visa fee payment. This step also involves submitting your biometric fingerprints.
Step 6: Register Your Residence Upon obtaining your visa and arriving in Slovenia, register your residence with the local administrative authority within eight days. A list of regional authorities is available online, which can guide you to the nearest office.
Timeline for Applying for the Slovenia Self-Employment Visa
The process for obtaining a Slovenia self-employment visa begins with registering your business, which typically takes about three days once your application is submitted. The next step involves applying for a work permit, which can take anywhere from 30 to 60 days to process. After securing a work permit, you will need to schedule an appointment and submit your visa application at a Slovenian consulate, which usually renders a decision within 15 days.
Given the processing times for each step, you can generally expect the entire visa application process to take between 60 and 90 days.
Costs Associated with the Slovenia Self-Employment Visa
When planning for the Slovenia self-employment visa, several fees must be taken into account:
- The Schengen Tourist Visa carries an application fee of €80 for those who do not have visa-free access to Slovenia.
- Obtaining a Slovenian tax number is free of charge.
- Business registration does not incur a direct fee, but you are required to show proof of at least €7,500 in business capital.
- The fee for obtaining a work permit is €90.
- The fee for a single residence and work permit application is €102 if applied from abroad, or €70 if applied from within Slovenia.
- A residence permit card costs an additional €12.
Since you will be employed by your own company, you are not required to show additional proof of financial support, provided your work contract guarantees a minimum annual salary of €28,006.
Taxes in Slovenia
Setting up a business in Slovenia also brings various tax responsibilities:
- The corporate income tax rate is currently set at 19%.
- Personal income tax rates are progressive, starting at 16% and increasing to 50% for the highest income brackets.
- Employers are required to contribute 16.1% towards social security, while employees contribute an additional 22.1%.
- If you earn income outside Slovenia, you may need to pay local taxes if you reside in Slovenia for more than 181 days, which could make you a tax resident.