Last Updated on February 23, 2023
UK nationals who have been legally living in Slovenia before December 31, 2020 when the UK withdraws from the EU may continue to live, study, and work in Slovenia through rights established through the Withdrawal Agreement. UK nationals who are residents of Slovenia by the end of the Brexit transition will be covered by the Withdrawal Agreement, and their rights will be protected if they remain a resident. UK nationals should make sure they are registered as residents.
Entry and Residency Requirements
UK nationals will be able to stay in Slovenia if they were residents before December 31, 2020.
UK nationals who plan to spend more than 90 days in Slovenia must register as a resident at their local town hall.
The following documents are required to apply for residency:
- UK passport
- Passport photo
- EHIC card
- Bank statement
- Work contract (if applicable)
- Pension statement (if applicable)
- Proof of school enrollment (if applicable)
UK nationals should check with their town hall for information on any additional documentation required to apply for residency. Individuals may apply for a permanent resident certificate if they have been temporary residents for the past five years.
All UK nationals who are currently residents of Slovenia must apply for a new residency document to secure their rights under the Withdrawal Agreement. A new residency document must be obtained by June 30, 2021.
UK nationals who were residents of Slovenia before December 31, 2020 must file an application for a new residence permit by December 31, 2021 or before their current residence permit expires, whichever is sooner. Individuals who have not yet received an EU residence registration certificate must apply for an Article 50 permit within 90 days of arrival. Applications must be submitted in person with a local Administrative Unit. UK nationals can use their EU residence registration or a family member permit to demonstrate residency status until they receive their new permit. UK nationals who were residents for at least five years as of December 31, 2020 may be eligible for permanent residence status. All other individuals will receive a five-year Article 50 permit. Non-EU family members may also apply for a national residence permit through December 31, 2021 or until their current permit expires.
UK nationals may apply for Slovenian citizenship if they have been an official resident for 10 years, or for one year if they are married to a Slovene national. Applications for citizenship may be completed at the local town hall.
To apply for citizenship, UK nationals must:
- Provide a UK criminal records check (DBS check) that is certified and translated into Slovenian
- Pass a citizenship exam in Slovene
UK nationals may also need to provide a birth, marriage, or death certificate from the UK. All UK documents must be officially translated and legalized (apostilled).
The Government of Slovenia will provide more information when available for UK citizens who arrive in the country to live or work post-Brexit.
Starting on January 1, 2021, travel is permitted in the Schengen area for up to 90 days in a 180-day period without a visa to visit family or friends; attend business meetings, sports events, or cultural events; for tourism, and for short-term study or training. Travelers should note that visits to other Schengen countries within the previous 180 days also count towards the 90-day maximum stay. Any days spent in Slovenia before January 1, 2021 will not count towards the 90-day limit.
Working in Slovenia
UK nationals who are residents of Slovenia will retain their right to work in the country if they remain residents.
UK nationals may need a UK police certificate to be employed in Slovenia.
Cross-border workers with a Slovenian employment contract and established status before December 31, 2020 can continue their work activities in 2021. Posted workers and non-resident workers with foreign employment contracts must obtain work authorization after January 1, 2021.
Passports
Travel rules will remain the same between Slovenia and the UK after the end of the Brexit transition. Rules on travel within the EU will stay the same through December 31, 2020. During that time, UK nationals may travel to countries in the EU and Schengen area with their UK passport. UK nationals should ensure that their passport is valid for the duration of their trip.
Starting on January 1, 2021, travel is permitted in the Schengen area for up to 90 days in a 180-day period without a visa to visit family or friends; attend business meetings, sports events, or cultural events; for tourism, and for short-term study or training. Travelers should note that visits to other Schengen countries within the previous 180 days also count towards the 90-day maximum stay. Any days spent in Slovenia before January 1, 2021 will not count towards the 90-day limit.
