Short Guide for Foreigners Who Want to Buy Houses for Sale in Slovenia

The demand for houses for sale in Slovenia is now on the rise, and there’s no big surprise there. After all, the country is an enticing option for people, especially foreigners, who plan to invest in real estate. With its kind locals, rich cultural heritage, and jaw-dropping natural beauty, Slovenia is an ideal place for anyone to call home. 

But of course, buying a property in a different county can be a bit of a challenge considering all the regulatory and legal requirements involved. 

To make the process easier for you, this short guide aims to make it easier for foreign buyers to understand Slovenia’s property market. 

Can Foreigners Own and Buy Houses for Sale in Slovenia?

As a foreigner, buying real estate in Slovenia involves navigating several regulations that are different from those applicable to the local citizens of the country. Understanding such rules will help you make educated decisions when it comes to investing in a property in Slovenia. 

For starters, the ability to buy Slovenian real estate is often dependent on the reciprocity principle. It means that the citizens of the countries that give Slovenians an opportunity to purchase property there are often also allowed to buy investment properties in Slovenia. 

For most countries, particularly those that are members of the EU or European Union, the agreement exists to allow their citizens to purchase real estate in Slovenia with fairly few restrictions. 

Foreigners, particularly citizens of countries that are not members of the EU, may have to deal with stricter rules. They have to get approval or a special permit from the government of Slovenia before they are allowed to buy property in the country. The process often involves showing proof that the purchase is made for a legitimate purpose and won’t pose any risks in terms of security. 

The specific requirements may differ so it’s important to consult real estate professionals or legal experts familiar with the law of Slovenia. 

A distinction should be made as far as land ownership is concerned. Although it is generally straightforward to buy residential properties such as apartments or houses, it can be a bit complex to buy agricultural land. 

The government of Slovenia usually imposes restrictions in terms of the sale of farmland for the protection of domestic agriculture. It’s typical for foreign buyers to show that they will take part in agricultural activities and additional approvals might be required. 

When it comes to residency, it is not necessarily required for foreigners to live in the country to buy houses for sale in Slovenia. But just because you own a property in Slovenia doesn’t automatically give you residency rights. 

If you have plans to move to Slovenia, you have to apply for a different residency permit that will be subject to its requirements and criteria. 

There is no universal requirement for a particular permit or visa just to buy property in Slovenia. However, if you have plans to stay in the country for a long time or you wish to move there for good, you might have to consider getting the appropriate residency permit or visa. 

As far as minimum investment is concerned, Slovenia in general doesn’t impose any minimum value on transactions that involve real estate for foreign buyers. 

But if you are thinking of using it as a means to citizenship or residency, you might need to meet certain thresholds for investment. It depends on the specific type of program or permit you will apply for. 

Does Property Purchase and Ownership Guarantee Residency in Slovenia?

One topic that never fails to capture the interest of expatriates and prospective investors is whether it is possible to gain a Slovenian residency through real estate investment. 

Unfortunately, things are a bit different in Slovenia compared to other countries wherein you can become a citizen or resident if you buy property.

Simply buying houses for sale in Slovenia doesn’t automatically give you the right to become a resident of the country. Unlike several countries that offer golden visa programs that directly link residency permits with property investment, Slovenia follows a more nuanced approach. 

The process of gaining residency in the country isn’t directly connected to the investment in real estate itself although it can facilitate it under several conditions.

For non-EU citizens, the common path to residency may involve starting a business, employment, or proving that they have enough financial resources to support themselves with no need to work in the country. 

Ownership of a Slovenian property can just be one aspect of your financial portfolio and can show your connection to the country. However, this solution alone is not enough to obtain residency.

If you are interested in becoming a resident of Slovenia, the initial step often involves acquiring a temporary residence permit. The permit is often issued for certain purposes such as employment, self-employment, study, or family reunification. 

Applying for this permit involves presenting evidence as to why you stay in Slovenia such as a business plan or job offer. You also have to provide a valid health insurance policy and proof of adequate financial means of supporting yourself. 

The government of Slovenia doesn’t set a specific minimum amount of property investment to obtain residency. While the real estate investment’s value might be considered as a part of proving your financial stability, this is not a direct means of earning a residence permit. 

When it comes to the type and duration of residency, you will be given a renewable temporary residence permit first. After a legal and continuous stay of particular years, often five years, you may become qualified to apply for a permanent residency. 

But still. Every case is different and there are certain requirements for every type of applicant. 

A permanent residency is a significant step for citizenship application but this doesn’t work automatically. Applications for citizenship involve additional criteria such as integration into Slovenian society, proficiency in the language, and most cases, renouncing your old citizenship because dual citizenship is not allowed in Slovenia in general. 

Buying houses for sale in Slovenia is a decision you won’t regret, especially if your end goal is to call the country your new home.