Following in the steps of Portugal, Spain, and neighboring Croatia, the small Central European nation of Slovenia is launching a Digital Nomad Visa (DNV).
Set to go live in November 2025, it will enable eligible applicants to relocate to Slovenia under simplified rules, seeing that, historically, the country has been one of the strictest in the European Union (EU) in terms of issuing residence permits.
Usually, you would either need to show proof of a job offer in Slovenia or familial ties in order to be granted permission to stay.
Soon enough, young entrepreneurs and remote workers will be given a chance to stay, too.
Slovenia Is Finally Launching A DNV
Though it’s achieved global notoriety as Melania Trump’s homeland, Slovenia is in fact one of Europe’s most beautiful, yet underrated gems.
Offering higher safety levels, beautiful alpine nature, and a lower cost of living compared to most EU countries, it is paradise for digital nomads looking for a European home base that’s not been overwhelmed by expats.
Given its strengths, it was only a matter of time until Slovenia hopped on the DNV bandwagon.
From November 21, if you are employed by a foreign company, or you are a self-employed or freelance worker providing services to clients outside Slovenia, you may be eligible to apply for the Slovenian DNV, which allows you to remain in the country for up to a year.
Family members are welcome to join an applicant, but they are not allowed to work for companies in Slovenia, and all visa holders must show proof of sufficient income to support themselves, as well as any dependants, for the entire duration of the one-year period.
What Requirements Are In Place For The Slovenian DNV?
Slovenian authorities have not yet unveiled what the financial threshold is, the most important information we look for when DNVs are announced.
That being said, we can estimate it will be between $2,500 and $4,000 per month, based on other Digital Nomad Visas available in the European market. Usually, applicants are required to provide recent payslips, employment contracts, or bank statements to satisfy this requirement.
On the other hand, authorities have confirmed applications will be processed both online and at Slovenian consulates or embassies. So far, a dedicated website for DNV applications has not been released. Furthermore, the permit will have a validity of only 12 months, non-renwanable.
In order to stay longer in Slovenia, digital nomads would either have to change their visa category, and options are extremely limited as a DNV holder, or spend at least six months outside Slovenia before reapplying for a new 12-month visa.
Why Choose Slovenia To Live?
Slovenia is one of Europe’s most affordable destinations for digital nomads: rent in Ljubljana, the capital, is around 40.7% less expensive than in Paris, according to Numbeo.
You can find one-bedroom apartments to rent in downtown Ljubljana from $817, and meals at inexpensive restaurants in the Old Town will set you back $17.53 each time, on average. The cost of living in smaller urban centers is even cheaper.
Additionally, Slovenia is incredibly diverse: from the alpine peaks that traverse the country’s hinterland, to through to a postcard-ready Lake Bled, and all the way south to the Italian-inspired, pastel-colored towns straddling the Adriatic, it’s Europe in a nutshell.
Slovenia’s geographical location is yet another major draw for nomads:
Ljubljana is 1h09 driving to the Austrian border at Karawanken, 1h10 to Trieste, a vibrant port city in Italy, 40-50 minutes to Bregana in Croatia, and even Hungary isn’t that far to go, with the border crossing in Tornyiszentmiklós being 2 hours away.
Learn more about Slovenia, and all its Old World wonders here (and check entry requirements here).
Vinicius Costa
Vini, our senior lead writer at Travel Off Path, has over 60+ countries under his belt (and currently weaving tales from Paris!), and a knack for turning off-the-beaten-path experiences into informative stories that will have you packing your bags.
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