If Slovenia is on your radar this year—whether for a European getaway, a study program, a long-term job, or a family reunion—then listen up! The Slovenian Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs has officially updated its visa policies, application procedures, and residence permit rules, and these changes apply to ALL international applicants.
Whether you’re applying for a Schengen Visa, a National Long-Stay Visa, or even looking to bring your spouse or family to live with you in Slovenia, this blog post will give you a clear and human-friendly breakdown of everything you need to know in 2025.
First Things First: Do You Need a Visa to Enter Slovenia?
Slovenia is part of the Schengen Area, which means the rules are unified across most EU countries. But visa-free access depends on where you’re from.
✅ No visa needed if:
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- You are a citizen of a visa-exempt country (e.g., USA, Canada, Australia, Japan, etc.)
- You’re from Serbia with a biometric passport.
❌ Visa still needed if:
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- You hold a non-biometric Serbian passport
- Your passport is issued by “Koordinaciona uprava” in Serbia
- You’re from a country that requires a visa under Schengen rules.
Three (3) Main Visa Types You Can Apply For
1# Type A – Airport Transit Visa
For travelers simply transiting through a Schengen airport en route to another country. You don’t get to enter the Schengen Area, but it’s essential for passport holders of specific countries (listed in Annex IV of EU Regulation 810/2009).
📝 Example: You’re flying from Turkey to the UK with a layover in Ljubljana—if you’re from Afghanistan or Bangladesh, you’ll likely need this visa.
2# Type C – Schengen Short-Stay Visa (up to 90 Days)
Perfect for tourism, business trips, conferences, or visiting family and friends.
- Validity: 90 days within a 180-day period
- Must apply through the Schengen country that is your main destination
- Apply at least 15 days before travel, up to 6 months in advance
- Requires in-person biometrics (fingerprints & photo).
3# Type D – National Long-Stay Visa (90+ Days to 1 Year)
Planning to study, work, or live in Slovenia? This visa is for you.
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- Valid for 90 days to 1 year
- Not renewable; apply for a residence permit once in Slovenia
- Can be used for: Employment, Study, Research, and Family reunification.
Note for spouses: If you’re applying for family reunification, both you and your partner will be interviewed—one at the embassy and one in Slovenia.
Planning to Stay Longer? You’ll Need a Residence Permit
If you plan to stay in Slovenia longer than the visa allows (and not just for a short holiday), you must apply for a residence permit for:
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- Study
- Employment
- Research
- Family reasons
Apply before you enter Slovenia. The first permit is always temporary, and it’s issued based on your purpose of stay.
Fingerprints & Personal Data (VIS System) for Slovenia Updated
All applicants must give 10 fingerprints and a photo as part of the EU’s Visa Information System (VIS). These are stored securely for 5 years, used across Schengen countries to verify identities.
Where to Apply for Slovenian Visa from Anywhere in the World?
- At a Slovenian Embassy or Consulate
- Via VFS Global, if your country uses outsourced application centers.
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