A Complete Guide to Obtaining a Student Residence Permit in Slovenia

By Gabriela Tanevska, Student Ambassador

Deciding to pursue your education abroad is a significant step, but one that promises to be a life-changing experience. Once you have successfully secured admission to your university, it is crucial to handle the legal formalities, such as obtaining a visa or student residence permit, to ensure your stay in Slovenia is compliant and stress-free.

When I received my acceptance at the, I was not required to apply for a visa before arriving in Slovenia. However, immigration regulations can vary significantly for non-EU students, so I strongly advise verifying the specific entry requirements for your country of origin before making travel arrangements.

As a student from Macedonia, my path involved obtaining a temporary residence permit directly through the Office for Foreigners in Ljubljana, which provided the necessary legal authorization to live and study in Slovenia.

Necessary documents for a Slovenian student residence permit

Upon arriving in Slovenia, you must register your stay at the Administrative Unit of Ljubljana (Upravna Enota) within 90 days. Be sure to arrive prepared with all the required documentation to complete this mandatory process.

For EU citizens:

• two passport size photos
• identity card or passport and its copy
• valid health insurance
• certificate of admission to the University
• a statement that you have enough financial means to cover the living costs in Slovenia
• a statement about the intended duration of living in Slovenia
• application fee

For non-EU citizens:

• two passport size photos
• you will be asked to leave your fingerprints
• a valid passport and a copy of the first page. The passport must be valid for 3 additional months after the intended stay in Slovenia
• copy of the page in the passport where you have the stamp of entering in Slovenia or copy of a valid visa
• certificate of enrolment at the University
• valid health insurance
• criminal record from your home country that confirms that you haven’t been convicted of a felony, translated into Slovene and certified
• application fee
• a statement confirming you have the financial means to cover your living expenses

Collecting your residence permit 

Once your temporary residence permit is processed, you will receive an email notification with instructions on how to collect your document. During the collection appointment, you can also formalize your temporary residence address if you are residing in private housing.

Immigration policies and requirements can evolve; therefore, it is essential to check for the latest updates before your departure to ensure you have all necessary paperwork in order for your studies in Slovenia.