How to get Slovenian citizenship in 2025 — naturalisation, marriage & descent

Slovenian citizenship in 2025 grants the right to live and work across the European Union, obtain a Slovenian passport, and participate fully in civic life. The process is regulated by the Ministry of the Interior (Ministrstvo za notranje zadeve) and handled in practice through local Administrative Units (Upravne enote). Applicants usually qualify through three main routes — naturalisation, marriage, or descent — with limited special provisions for national interest or exceptional contributions. This guide explains the routes, integration and language expectations, documents, approximate fees, realistic timelines, and frequent mistakes to avoid in 2025.

Key terms to know

• Citizenship Act (Zakon o državljanstvu RS) — the core law governing acquisition and loss of Slovenian citizenship.
• Upravna enota — local Administrative Unit where most practical filings and notifications are made.
• Naturalisation (pridobitev državljanstva z naturalizacijo) — citizenship based on residence, integration, and good conduct.
• Language knowledge (znanje slovenskega jezika) — applicants demonstrate Slovenian language skills via approved certificates or exams (typically basic to intermediate, e.g., A2–B1 range, depending on route and evidence).
• Proof of ties (povezanost z Republiko Slovenijo) — documents evidencing integration: residence history, employment, education, family, community life.

Routes to Slovenian citizenship in 2025 (overview)

Step-by-step: naturalisation process

1. Confirm eligibility. Review your residence history in Slovenia and ensure you meet the lawful-stay track commonly expected for naturalisation. If married to a Slovenian citizen, check whether a shorter track could apply.
2. Prepare integration evidence. Gather proof of community ties, employment or business activity, education, and address registration. Keep a simple timeline of your stay to avoid gaps.
3. Demonstrate language knowledge. Obtain an approved certificate or schedule an exam with a recognised provider. Most applicants will aim for basic-to-intermediate proficiency (often A2–B1), depending on route and supporting documents.
4. Collect police clearances. Secure criminal-record extracts from Slovenia and, if required, from your country of nationality or prior residence. Check validity windows and legalisation/apostille needs.
5. Submit the application. File at your Upravna enota or, if abroad, through a Slovenian embassy/consulate. Provide biometrics and pay the application fee.
6. Administrative review. Authorities verify residence legality, language evidence, integration, and good conduct. You may be asked for supplementary documents.
7. Decision and oath/registration. Upon approval, complete any formalities (e.g., oath or registration steps) and proceed to obtain your Slovenian passport and ID.

Citizenship by descent

Individuals with a Slovenian parent can often acquire citizenship by descent, particularly if birth was registered correctly with Slovenian authorities. Where registration was missed or delayed, it may still be possible to regularise status through documented lineage — birth and marriage certificates, proof of the parent’s citizenship, and records of residence or ties. Timelines vary but are commonly shorter than standard naturalisation when documentation is complete and correctly legalised.

Citizenship by marriage

Marriage to a Slovenian citizen can shorten the residence track compared with standard naturalisation, provided the relationship is genuine and supported by evidence of cohabitation and shared life. Authorities look closely at integration (e.g., language, employment, community ties) and may request interviews or further proof. If you lived together outside Slovenia, expect to document addresses and family life abroad in detail.

Integration & language in 2025

Slovenia emphasises integration as a core condition for naturalisation. Applicants typically show a stable livelihood (employment, self-employment, or sufficient means), consistent address registration, and participation in social life. Language knowledge is a key component: in practice, most applicants prepare for an approved basic-to-intermediate exam (commonly understood in the A2–B1 range) or present equivalent evidence (e.g., completing education in Slovenian). Preparation courses and practice tests are helpful, and keeping a record of volunteer or community involvement can strengthen your file.

Documents checklist

• Valid passport and evidence of lawful residence history in Slovenia
• Address registration confirmations and rental/ownership documents
• Employment/self-employment proofs, tax or social-security confirmations
• Language certificate or proof of knowledge via approved pathways
• Police clearance certificates (Slovenia and relevant foreign jurisdictions)
• Birth and marriage certificates (for marriage or descent routes), duly legalised/apostilled
• Biometric photos and application forms as required by Upravna enota
• Fee payment receipt

Costs & timelines (approximate)

Application fees for citizenship procedures in Slovenia are generally in the low-to-mid hundreds of euros, depending on route, document legalisation, and translation needs. Third-party expenses (translations, apostille, exam fees) typically add another few dozen to a few hundred euros depending on case complexity. Processing after submission commonly ranges from around 6 months for straightforward descent or marriage cases to roughly 12–18 months for standard naturalisation, subject to workload and additional checks. Timelines vary by location and completeness of your file.

What changed in 2025

• Further digitalisation at Upravne enote — broader use of online tracking and document uploads where available.
• Refinements to integration evidence — stronger emphasis on continuous address registration and livelihood stability.
• Clearer guidance on acceptable language certificates from recognised providers.

Did you know?

Slovenia is famous for its more than ten thousand karst caves — including the spectacular Postojna Cave — and for Lake Bled’s island church. Cultural knowledge like this is not an “exam trick,” but understanding local heritage often helps in interviews and integration conversations.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Gaps in residence. Letting permits lapse or failing to register addresses on time makes your timeline harder to verify.
• Underestimating language requirements. Prepare early and keep certificates valid; do not rely on informal proof.
• Incomplete legalisation. Foreign vital records often need apostille/legalisation and certified translation.
• Ignoring integration evidence. Employment, studies, community involvement — keep documents and records.
• Assuming marriage alone is enough. Genuine relationship must be documented; integration checks still apply.

FAQ — Slovenian citizenship in 2025

• How long does naturalisation usually take? Roughly 12–18 months after filing for standard cases, faster for well-documented marriage or descent routes.
• Do I need to renounce my current citizenship? Renunciation rules are nuanced; outcomes vary by individual background and legal changes. Seek tailored advice if dual nationality is a concern.
• What level of Slovenian is required? Authorities expect practical command demonstrated via approved exams or equivalent evidence; in practice applicants often aim for basic-to-intermediate proficiency.
• Can I apply from abroad? Yes — filings can go through embassies/consulates, but many steps are easier when residing in Slovenia with documentation at hand.
• Does marriage guarantee citizenship? No. It can shorten the track, but language, integration, and good conduct are still required.

Expert opinion

“In 2025, Slovenia maintains a balanced approach: language and integration remain central, while routes through marriage and descent offer practical paths when documentation is complete.” — VelesClub Int. Immigration Team

Residence vs citizenship (quick view)

Next steps

Explore our platform and check the Residency & Citizenship hub for detailed guides and templates. Visit our main page or go directly to the Residency & Citizenship hub.