For foreign retirees

Retire in Slovenia: how foreign retirees get a residence permit

Slovenia has no dedicated "retirement visa." Instead, retirees typically qualify for a temporary residence permit under the drugi utemeljeni razlogi category (Article 51, "other justified reasons") by combining a stable pension income with housing and a genuine, well-documented reason to live in the country — an EU and Schengen member in the heart of Europe.

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What your case needs to show

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Stable income

A pension or other stable, provable income is the foundation of the case — proof of status and of the source of the income is required.

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Housing

Property you own, or a signed lease agreement in Slovenia.

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A genuine reason

A real, well-documented connection to Slovenia — the authorities weigh the whole picture, not any single factor alone.

Property or a pension alone isn't enough

Buying or renting property is not, on its own, a standalone ground for a residence permit — and neither is a pension by itself. Housing and income are two parts of one document package built around the drugi utemeljeni razlogi category; see also a residence permit through real estate if property is part of your plan.

How the process works

Assess your situation

Citizenship, pension or other income sources, family, and your goals for living in Slovenia.

Build your strategy

Combine housing (own or rent) with the legal grounds that best fit your circumstances.

Prepare your documents

Proof of income, health insurance, proof of accommodation and the rest of the package.

Secure housing

Buy a property or sign a lease agreement in Slovenia.

Submit your application

At the relevant administrative unit in Slovenia, or at a Slovenian consulate abroad.

Receive your permit

Once approved, you receive your residence permit card.

Preparation typically takes a few weeks; government processing usually takes one to three months.

Documents and typical costs

Documents

Certificate of no criminal record (apostille + translation, no older than 3 months)
Proof of pension or other stable income, with proof of its source
Health insurance valid in Slovenia, cover from €35,000
Proof of accommodation — ownership document or lease contract
Bank statement — a guideline of ~€6,000 per family member

Typical costs

Administrative fee for the permit — ~€75
Health insurance for a year — from ~€200
Document translation and apostille fees

Figures are a general guideline for this category, not a quote — your own numbers depend on your family size and situation. We confirm the exact package during a free consultation.

Frequently asked questions

Does Slovenia have a retirement visa? +

No. There is no dedicated retirement visa. Foreign retirees typically apply for a temporary residence permit under the drugi utemeljeni razlogi category (Article 51, "other justified reasons"), combining pension income with housing and a genuine reason to live in Slovenia.

Does owning property in Slovenia give me the right to stay? +

No — ownership alone doesn't grant a residence permit. It's one part of a documented case built together with proof of income and other genuine ties to the country.

How long does the process take?

Preparing the document package typically takes a few weeks. Government processing usually takes between one and three months.

Can I bring my spouse?

Yes — family reunification covers first-degree relatives: a spouse and children. See our family reunification guide for the conditions and timing.

Considering retirement in Slovenia?

Request a free consultation to assess your situation and the documents you'll need.