Moving to Slovenia

Moving Guide

Visa & Residence

Your journey to legally residing in Slovenia begins with understanding the visa and residence permit requirements, which depend significantly on your nationality. If you are an EU/EEA or Swiss citizen, you benefit from the freedom of movement and generally do not need a visa to enter or reside in Slovenia. However, for stays longer than three months, you will need to register your residence with the administrative unit.

For non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens, a visa may be required for entry, followed by a residence permit for longer stays. Common routes for obtaining a residence permit include:

• Work Permit: If you have secured employment with a Slovenian company.
• Family Reunification: If you are joining a family member who is already a legal resident of Slovenia.
• Study Permit: For those enrolled in an accredited Slovenian educational institution.
• Residence Permit for Other Purposes: This can include self-employment, scientific research, or other specific categories.

The application process typically involves submitting various documents, such as proof of financial means, health insurance, accommodation, and a clean criminal record. It is crucial to verify the most current and specific requirements, application procedures, and necessary documentation directly with the official Slovenian diplomatic mission or consulate in your home country, or the Ministry of Interior in Slovenia, as regulations can change.

Housing & Rental

Finding suitable housing in Slovenia can be a straightforward process, though it helps to be prepared. The most common ways to find rentals include:

• Online Portals: Several popular Slovenian real estate websites list available apartments and houses.
• Real Estate Agencies: Engaging a local real estate agent can be beneficial, especially if you're unfamiliar with the market or need assistance with the language. They can help you navigate listings, arrange viewings, and assist with the contractual process.
• Word of Mouth/Social Media Groups: Sometimes, direct listings from landlords or recommendations can be found through expat groups or local networks.

The typical rental process involves viewing properties, agreeing on terms with the landlord, and signing a rental contract. This contract will outline the rental period, monthly rent, responsibilities of both parties, and conditions for termination. Most landlords will require a security deposit, usually equivalent to one or two months' rent, which is held to cover any potential damages or unpaid rent. This deposit is typically returned at the end of the tenancy, provided the property is left in good condition.

Consider whether you need temporary accommodation upon arrival (e.g., a short-term rental or hotel) while you finalize your long-term housing. Long-term rentals are usually for a minimum of one year, offering more stability and often better monthly rates than short-term options.

What Affects the Cost of Your Move

The total cost of your relocation to Slovenia is influenced by several key factors. Understanding these can help you budget effectively, though exact figures will always come from a personalized quote.

• Volume of Goods: The more items you move, the larger the shipping container or vehicle required, directly impacting the cost. Decluttering significantly before your move can reduce this.
• Distance: The geographical distance between your current location and your new home in Slovenia is a primary cost driver for transportation.
• Seasonality: Moving during peak seasons (e.g., summer months) can sometimes be more expensive due to higher demand for moving services.
• Access at Origin and Destination: Difficult access, such as narrow streets, lack of parking, or multiple flights of stairs without an elevator, can incur additional charges for specialized equipment or extra labor.
• Mode of Transport: Air freight is the fastest but most expensive, while sea freight (for overseas moves) or road transport (for European moves) are more economical for larger volumes but take longer.
• Extra Services: Services like professional packing and unpacking, disassembly and reassembly of furniture, storage solutions, or insurance will add to the overall cost.

For a precise understanding of your specific relocation costs, it is always recommended to request a free, no-obligation quote tailored to your individual needs.

Timeline & Packing Tips

A well-organized timeline is crucial for a smooth relocation. Here’s a general 4-8 week checklist and some packing advice:

8 Weeks Before Moving:

• Declutter: Start sorting through your belongings. Decide what to keep, sell, donate, or discard. This significantly reduces moving volume and cost.
• Research: Investigate schools, healthcare providers, and neighborhoods in Slovenia.
• Documents: Gather all important documents (passports, birth certificates, marriage licenses, medical records, academic transcripts, professional qualifications). Ensure passports are valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay.
• Quotes: Obtain free quotes from reputable relocation services.

6 Weeks Before Moving:

• Visa/Permit Application: If not already done, begin your visa or residence permit application process.
• Notify: Inform your landlord (if renting) or real estate agent of your move-out date.
• Book Services: Confirm your chosen relocation service and book your moving date.
• Inventory: Start creating an inventory list of items to be moved.

4 Weeks Before Moving:

• Utilities: Arrange for the disconnection of utilities (electricity, water, gas, internet) at your current home and connection at your new Slovenian address.
• Mail Forwarding: Set up mail forwarding to your new address.
• Bank Accounts: Research opening a bank account in Slovenia.
• Medical: Get any necessary medical check-ups and transfer prescriptions.
• Packing Supplies: Purchase boxes, tape, bubble wrap, and markers.

2 Weeks Before Moving:

• Start Packing: Begin packing non-essential items. Label boxes clearly with contents and the room they belong to.
• Essentials Box: Prepare a separate "essentials" box with items you'll need immediately upon arrival (toiletries, medications, important documents, chargers, a change of clothes).
• Valuables: Keep important documents, jewelry, and other valuables with you personally.
• Vehicle: If shipping a car, prepare it according to your mover's instructions.

1 Week Before Moving:

• Confirm: Reconfirm all arrangements with your relocation company.
• Clean: Start deep cleaning your current home.
• Finalize: Pack remaining items, leaving out only what's needed for the last few days.
• Cash: Ensure you have some local currency for immediate expenses upon arrival.

Moving Day:

• Supervise: Be present to supervise the movers and answer any questions.
• Final Walk-through: Do a final walk-through of your old home to ensure nothing is left behind.

For a seamless transition to Slovenia, request a free quote on relocation123.com today.

Visas, immigration & documents

Moving to this country often involves visas, residence permits, document translation/legalization and customs paperwork. Our verified partners handle the move itself; for visa or immigration help, send the request below and we'll point you the right way.

• Residence permit / visa (work, study, family)
• Document translation & apostille
• Customs clearance for personal effects
• Travel & goods insurance

Get help with your move →

Customs & Import Rules

Moving to Slovenia: Your Essential Customs & Import Guide

Relocating to Slovenia can be an exciting adventure, and understanding the customs and import procedures for your personal belongings is key to a smooth transition. This guide will help you navigate the requirements, whether you're a new resident, returning citizen, or moving under special circumstances.

If you're relocating as a new resident

Whether you're an EU citizen, a Slovenian citizen returning home, or a non-EU citizen starting employment, there are specific requirements for importing your household goods and personal effects. The general rule is that you can import your belongings tax-free if you do so within 12 months of establishing residence in Slovenia.

What you'll need

• Passport copy (Slovenian citizens), Passport (EU/Non-EU citizens).
• Bill of Lading (BL) / Air Waybill (AWB) / CMR.
• Detailed inventory of your belongings.
• Slovenian Tax number (for Slovenian citizens).
• Proof of residence registration in Slovenia.
• A letter signed by you stating that you will live in Slovenia, all goods are in your possession, have been used for more than six months, and you haven't imported other household or personal effects in the last 12 months.
• For Slovenian citizens: A statement from a Slovenian Consulate confirming you lived outside the EU for more than 12 months, including employment dates. If a consulate statement isn't available, a statement from your employer abroad is acceptable.
• For EU citizens: A statement from your employer abroad confirming you lived outside the EU for more than 12 months, including employment dates.
• For Non-EU citizens: Your Slovenian ID and a statement from your Slovenian employer confirming your employment.

Good to know

• Tax-free import is only possible within 12 months after your arrival or return to Slovenia.
• All goods must be declared to customs upon their first import clearance.
• You are generally prohibited from selling, hiring, lending, or otherwise disposing of these goods within 12 months after importation.
• Customs may sometimes request additional documents like rental contracts or employment contracts.
• If a consulate statement proving living outside the EU for over 12 months is unavailable, other documents clearly demonstrating this period may be accepted.

Students moving to Slovenia

Students relocating for studies also have specific requirements for importing their personal effects.

What you'll need

• A letter from your university confirming your student status.

Good to know

• Specific details regarding other general import documents (like passport, inventory, etc.) would typically align with those for new residents.

Diplomatic moves

Special provisions apply to diplomatic personnel importing their belongings.

What you'll need

• Detailed inventory.
• Bill of Lading (BL) / Air Waybill (AWB) / CMR.
• Diplomatic ID (a copy of your passport is acceptable if your Diplomatic ID isn't yet available).
• Duty and Tax Exemption Certificate issued by the Slovenian Ministry of Finance.

Good to know

• Import of alcohol and tobacco products for diplomats is allowed but limited to a quarterly quota agreed upon by the Slovenian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the respective Embassy.

Moving after marriage (Wedding Trousseaux)

If you are importing items as part of a wedding trousseau, specific documents are required.

What you'll need

• Passport.
• Bill of Lading (BL) / Air Waybill (AWB) / CMR.
• Detailed inventory.
• Your marriage certificate.
• Proof of residence registration in Slovenia.

Good to know

• Alcohol, tobacco, and foodstuffs cannot be imported as part of wedding trousseaux.

Inherited belongings

Importing items you have inherited also has specific customs procedures.

What you'll need

• Death Certificate.
• A copy of the will or a statement from the Court.
• The beneficiary's ID and tax number.

Good to know

• Alcohol, tobacco, and foodstuffs cannot be imported as part of inherited households.

Bringing special items

Vehicles

Importing cars, motorcycles, scooters, mopeds, or boats requires a separate clearance process.

• What you'll need: All documents required for household goods import, plus your purchase invoice and the vehicle's documents from the country of purchase or export.
• Good to know: A Tax on Motor Vehicles (DMV) is applicable, ranging from 0.5% to 41% for cars and 1.5% to 10% for motorcycles, based on Eurotax value, fuel type, engine power, and CO2 emissions. This tax is partly refundable upon export. After customs clearance, a technical examination is required to obtain a Certificate of Homologation (Potrdilo o skladnosti) for vehicle registration.

Pets

Bringing your beloved pets to Slovenia involves specific health and identification requirements.

• What you'll need: An International Health Certificate, microchip (or tattoo), and a Vaccination Certificate.
• Good to know: The exact documentation may vary depending on the type of animal.

Restricted & prohibited items

• Antiques, artworks: Require an import permit issued by the Cultural Ministry.
• New items: Subject to customs duty and VAT (currently 22%). You'll need the purchase invoice.
• Arms and ammunition: An import permit, gun license, and hunting license are necessary. These items must be declared separately and require a special inspection.
• Drugs: Import is strictly prohibited.
• Solid wood packing material: Must carry the ISPM15 mark, indicating appropriate treatment, in accordance with EU regulations.

Alcohol & tobacco

• What you'll need: A list of beverages with descriptions.
• Good to know: Customs duty, VAT, and excise duty apply to alcoholic beverages and tobacco. Alcohol and tobacco cannot be imported as part of removal goods. Import of wine is limited to 100 litres. Small amounts of foodstuffs for personal use can be imported as part of removal goods.

Frequently asked questions

Can I import household goods tax-free?
Yes, generally within 12 months of your arrival/return to Slovenia, provided the goods have been in your possession and used for more than six months.

What if I don't have all the requested documents?
It's crucial to present all requested documents. If you encounter difficulties, further assistance may be required to clear your goods from customs.

Are there any restrictions on selling my imported items?
Yes, goods imported tax-free must not be sold, hired, lent, or otherwise disposed of within 12 months after importation.

Can I bring food items with my household goods?
Small amounts of foodstuffs for personal use can be imported as part of removal goods, but alcohol and tobacco cannot.

Is there a separate process for unaccompanied air baggage?
Yes, for shipments arriving by air containing only clothes and small personal items. If technical, electronic, or kitchen items are included, the same documents as for general household effects are needed.

What taxes apply to new items I import?
New items are subject to customs duty and VAT, which is currently 22%.

For more detailed information or specific queries regarding your move to Slovenia, please contact relocation123.com for personalized assistance.

Get help with your move →