Living in Slovenia: the ultimate expat guide
Everything you need to know for a successful life in Slovenia.
Located at the cultural crossroads of Central Europe, Slovenia is very welcoming towards expatriates. Blending rustic architectures and sophisticated cultures, it provides a pleasant living environment amidst snow-capped mountains, beautiful rivers and a heavenly coastline.
Slovenia's economy, the second richest one among Slavic countries, is rather promising for expatriates looking for new career prospects.
Slovenia has a beautiful, and diverse geography, with a coast, mountains, lakes, forests, and picturesque valleys, as well as over 10,000 caves. The continental climate stands for warm and pleasant summer temperatures, and cold, snow-filled winters.
Slovenia is the ideal place for the outdoorsy expats who like to spend their downtime in nature. With around 60% of Slovenia covered in forest, nature is the heart of this country and its people. Slovenia was the first country in the world to be declared a Green Destination, and sustainable tourism and the environment, in general, is something Slovenians take great pride in.
Ljubljana, the capital city, was named the European Green Capital for 2016, and calls itself the 'city with the green soul'. It is, therefore, no surprise that Ljubljana is very cycle friendly, with bike paths and cycling tours on offer. Locals, expats, and tourists can be found wandering in the late night market on Friday, picnicking in parks on sunny afternoons, and in outdoor libraries.
As with most EU countries, the services and finance sectors are the most common industries, but jobs in agriculture are also to be found. Although they may be on the lower end of the pay scale, traditional trades such as fishing and forestry prevail. Also, there is a steady increase in the organic farming industry, which may just make Slovenia the ultimate in any expat's dream to live in an eco-friendly country.
Formalities
Find out more on visas, passports and entry requirements to travel to Slovenia.
Visas
All you need to know on work visas, work permits, working holiday visas and residence permits to live and work in Slovenia.
Work
Dive into the Slovenia labour market, legal framework and tips on how to find a job in Slovenia.
Accommodation
Explore real estate or temporary rentals in Slovenia. Find out more about renting or buying a house or a flat, real estate agents, leases and rental agreements.
Study
Universities, training courses, student visas, registration procedures: all you need to know about being an international student in Slovenia.
Health care
Understanding the healthcare system in Slovenia: public and private health system, health insurance...
Bank
Navigate the banking system in Slovenia: how to choose a bank and open a bank account.
Tax
All you need to know about income tax, the tax system and filing your taxes as an expat in Slovenia.
Transport
From public transports to renting or buying a car, explore the best options to getting around in Slovenia.
Driving
Essential information on driving requirements in Slovenia, driver's license exchange and international permits.
Removal
Moving to Slovenia? Find useful information and tips to organize your move.
Communications
Internet and phone providers, plans, and everything you need to stay connected in Slovenia.
Phones and internet in Slovenia
Slovenia is a modern country and is well-connected to the rest of the world through mobile and internet access. Internet connectivity is easy to ...
Leisure
Sports, leisure, culture and other activities expats can enjoy in their spare time in Slovenia.
Everyday life
Eager to discover what life in Slovenia looks like? Here's a taste.
Articles from the magazine
Isabel in Dolenjska: "Everybody here in Slovenia loves hiking and the outdoors"
Isabel comes from Mexico. She moved to Slovenia two years ago to be with the man of her life, a Slovenian. Both now live in a small town in the Dolenska Region.
Author Melanie Cheng discusses the impact of a bicultural upbringing on identity
Join us as we explore the journey of Melanie Cheng, a writer profoundly influenced by her upbringing in Hong Kong and Australia. Her unique bicultural background has deeply shaped her perspective and voice as a storyteller. Today, Melanie shares insights into how navigating two distinct cultures has enriched her writing, offering a nuanced exploration of identity, belonging, and the complex interplay of language and tradition in her work.
How different countries approach midday breaks
Lunch breaks are more than just lunch. They can also be a cultural phenomenon, especially when you consider how different a lunch experience in a different country can be. Today, we are looking into what lunch breaks are like across the world and which countries take them most seriously.
Understanding inheritance law and taxes
The cross-border inheritance of assets presents a complex legal and financial terrain for expats with families in other countries. No two nations share identical inheritance laws, and the specifics of bilateral tax treaties vary as well. So, how can you navigate this minefield without losing access to your inherited assets, complicating the donation of your assets to your children, or facing excessive taxes? Here are some tips.
Expat women: Why setting boundaries is important
Launched in October 2017, the #Metoo movement has empowered women to speak out. Globally, women from all walks of life, both well-known and private, have come forward to expose violence against women. Central to these discussions is the concept of consent, which at first glance appears straightforward—voluntarily agreeing to engage in an activity. Yet, its application, particularly regarding women, often faces scrutiny. Common misunderstandings persist, such as interpreting a "no" as a "yes," or considering a coerced "yes" as consent. This raises a critical question: How do you, as a woman, establish personal boundaries while living abroad?
How to manage international teams and overcome cultural barriers
Taking on a management role abroad is an intriguing career move, yet many underestimate the significance of understanding cultural nuances in the workplace for a successful international leadership role. What key aspects should you consider beyond the usual cultural stereotypes?
Why pursue a Master's degree overseas?
More people are opting to study abroad, regardless of their intentions to pursue an international career. Although the opportunity to study in another country is currently accessible, starting a career there can present challenges due to restrictions in several key destinations. Earning a master's degree abroad can be an effective strategy for achieving long-term integration into the local job market. Here is a detailed analysis.
How to save on your US expat tax return
Managing your tax obligations can be complicated for US expats. As a US citizen living abroad, you still have to file a US tax return, and you may have to pay local taxes in your country of residence, too. Fortunately, the IRS and local governments have put provisions in place to help alleviate this burden. Knowing about and claiming these provisions is the key to saving money as an American living overseas, as they can not only help reduce or even eliminate your US tax bill, but sometimes you can even claim a refund you didn't know about!
