Slovenia: residency, citizenship and cost of living
Paths checked against sources: 2026-11
Path to citizenship
Ordinary Slovenian naturalisation comes after 10 years of residence, the last 5 continuous (permanent residence is granted after 5 years of temporary residence). You need conversational Slovene, sufficient income, no serious convictions and to give up your previous citizenship — an exemption is only possible on special application. Spouses of citizens need 3 years of marriage and 1 year of continuous residence, without the 10 years or renunciation. Graduates of Slovenian universities need 7 years. Whether Ukrainians' temporary-protection time counts we could not find — the graph does not count it.
- • 10 years, 5 of them continuous, and renunciation
- • spouses of citizens — 3 years of marriage and 1 year of residence, no renunciation
Citizenship application processing, years: 0.5–1.5.
Check your own pathMonthly budget
Average lifestyle, employed; data as of 11.2026. Deposits, furniture and the move itself are not included.
| City | Single | Family 2+2 |
|---|---|---|
| Ljubljana | €1,810 | €4,120 |
| Maribor | €1,530 | €3,640 |
| Koper | €1,640 | €3,870 |
Country scores (out of 100)
- Safety85
- Earning potential82
- Healthcare92
- Path to citizenship30
- Schools and education75
- Environment70
- Warm, sunny climate52
Frequently asked questions
How do you get citizenship in Slovenia, and how long does it take?
10 years, 5 of them continuous, and renunciation; spouses of citizens — 3 years of marriage and 1 year of residence, no renunciation. Processing takes 0.5–1.5 years. The questionnaire shows the timeline for your situation.
How do you get residency in Slovenia?
The main routes we cover: Temporary residence (work, business, study); Residence as the spouse of a Slovenian citizen. The questionnaire shows which fit you and where they lead next.
Can I keep my citizenship in Slovenia?
Ordinary naturalisation in Slovenia requires giving up your previous citizenship (exemption only on special application); spouses of citizens do not have to.
How much does it cost to live in Slovenia per month?
Per month, one person / family of four: Ljubljana ≈ €1,810 / €4,120; Maribor ≈ €1,530 / €3,640; Koper ≈ €1,640 / €3,870. Average lifestyle, employed; data as of 11.2026.
How much is rent in Slovenia?
A home for one person, from modest to comfortable: Ljubljana €950–€1,300; Maribor €710–€990; Koper €800–€1,130.
How up to date is this data?
Paths to citizenship checked against sources: 11.2026; budget as of 11.2026. Sources are listed on this page; rules change, so check official sites before deciding.
Sources
This is not legal advice. Rules change — check official sources before deciding.