Slovenia
ISO2: SI
Slovenian citizenship by naturalisation (residence-based): typically 10 years actual residence including 5 years continuous before application, with basic Slovene language proof and (usually) proof of release from prior nationality.
Passport
Citizenship by residence
- Minimum years of residence
- 10.0
- Requires permanent residence
- No
- Last updated
- March 2, 2026
- Notes
- Standard naturalisation: 10 years actual residence in Slovenia including 5 years continuous residence immediately before applying; applicant must have legal status (e.g., temporary/permanent residence permit or EU residence registration certificate), basic Slovene language exam certificate (basic level), settled tax obligations, no threat to public order/security/defence, and a declaration to respect the constitutional order. Shorter tracks exist (e.g., marriage to a Slovenian citizen: 3 years marriage + 1 year continuous residence; refugees/stateless: 5 years; higher education in Slovenia: 7 years including 1 year continuous). Extraordinary naturalisation (national interest) may apply under less stringent conditions and may allow retention of prior nationality.
- Dual citizenship
-
Dual citizenship: Conditional
Renunciation required: YesSpecial cases: Naturalisation generally requires proof of release from prior citizenship, but exceptions exist (e.g., statelessness, automatic loss under home law, unreasonable delay, disloyalty sanctions; EU citizen reciprocity; extraordinary naturalisation may allow retention).
- Notes for dual citizenship
- Slovenia does not automatically withdraw Slovenian citizenship when a Slovenian acquires another nationality, but applicants for Slovenian citizenship by naturalisation are typically required to show release from prior nationality unless an exception applies.
Qualifying residence permits
EU Blue Card (residence permit)
Counts as legal status for residence-based naturalisation if residence is lawful and continuous as required.
Counts
EU citizen permanent residence certificate
EU citizens may obtain a permanent residence certificate after 5 years lawful/uninterrupted residence; this remains a qualifying legal status.
Counts
EU citizen residence registration certificate
The Citizenship Act treats an EU residence registration certificate as qualifying legal status.
Counts
Permanent residence permit
Permanent residence is a qualifying legal status for naturalisation (and is commonly held by long-term residents).
Counts
Temporary residence permit (family reunification)
Counts as legal status for residence-based naturalisation if residence is lawful and continuous as required.
Counts
Temporary residence permit (self-employment/business)
Counts as legal status for residence-based naturalisation if residence is lawful and continuous as required.
Counts
Temporary residence permit (study/research)
Counts as legal status for residence-based naturalisation if residence is lawful and continuous as required.
Counts
Temporary residence permit (work/single permit)
Counts as legal status for residence-based naturalisation if residence is lawful and continuous as required.
Counts
Required documents
| Document | Mandatory | Notes |
|---|---|---|
|
Application form (naturalisation)
Completed application for acquisition of citizenship by naturalisation (standard route).
|
Mandatory | Standard naturalisation application. |
|
Birth certificate
Original birth certificate; foreign-issued documents typically need legalization/apostille and certified Italian translation.
|
Mandatory | Civil status proof. |
|
Criminal record extract(s)
Evidence regarding criminal convictions (as required/accepted by authority; some checks may be ex officio).
|
Mandatory | No disqualifying convictions; some checks may be ex officio. |
|
Declaration re constitutional order (oath statement)
Signed declaration to respect Slovenia’s free democratic constitutional order (per Citizenship Act).
|
Mandatory | Declaration to respect constitutional order. |
|
Proof of legal residence status
Copy/details of residence permit (temporary/permanent) or EU registration certificate demonstrating legal status.
|
Mandatory | Must show legal status (permit/registration certificate). |
|
Proof of means of support
Evidence of guaranteed funds enabling material and social security (income/employment/bank statements, etc.).
|
Mandatory | Must show guaranteed means for material and social security. |
|
Proof of residence history
Evidence supporting actual residence and continuity (addresses/registrations as applicable).
|
Mandatory | Supports actual residence and continuity requirements. |
|
Slovene language certificate (Basic level A2–B1)
Certificate proving basic level Slovene exam for everyday communication, or statutory exemption evidence.
|
Mandatory | Basic Slovene language proof, unless exempt under statutory exemptions. |
|
Tax compliance evidence
Evidence that tax obligations are settled (where required/where authority cannot verify ex officio).
|
Mandatory | Must have settled tax obligations; authority may verify ex officio where possible. |
|
Valid passport or ID
Proof of identity and nationality.
|
Mandatory | Identity proof. |
Submission offices
Administrative Unit (Upravna enota) – Citizenship applications
LOCAL
Applications for acquisition of Slovenian citizenship are filed at an administrative unit; any administrative unit in Slovenia can accept an application.
eUprava – Naturalisation application information (portal entry)
Online
Online government portal entry with guidance for submitting the naturalisation application and supporting evidence.
Ministry of the Interior – Citizenship Division (Internal Administrative Affairs Directorate)
NATIONAL
· Ljubljana
Citizenship policy and information; the GOV.SI citizenship page lists the Citizenship Division contact at Litostrojska cesta 54, 1501 Ljubljana.
Official sources
Centre for Slovene (University of Ljubljana) – Basic level exam (A2–B1)
EDUCATION_PROVIDER
Exam provider information defining the basic level exam as A2–B1 and describing skills assessed.
en
eUprava – Application portal entry (standard naturalisation)
GOVERNMENT
Portal entry with submission guidance and references to required supporting evidence (some conditions verified ex officio).
en
GOV.SI – Administrative units (official directory)
GOVERNMENT
Official list of administrative units (Upravne enote).
en
GOV.SI – Citizenship (overview, naturalisation routes, dual nationality notes)
GOVERNMENT
Official government overview page; includes standard naturalisation residence requirement and multiple reduced-time routes, plus dual nationality notes.
en
Citizenship of the Republic of Slovenia Act (official English translation; Ministry of the Interior)
LEGAL_TEXT
Act text including Article 10 conditions (10-year residence/5-year continuous, basic-level Slovene exam, release from prior nationality with exceptions, etc.) and filing rules.
en
Latest ranking snapshot
As of March 2, 2026
- Travel freedom183.00
- Residency rights31.00
- Quality of life181.50
- Economic freedom68.30
- Tax friendliness30.00