March 24, 2025

Can Foreigners Buy Real Estate in Slovenia?

The Slovenian real estate market presents an interesting opportunity for those looking to invest. Many foreigners contemplate several questions when considering Slovenia real estate, one of which includes purchasing property in the country.

The answer will depend on the buyer’s nationality and residency status. While property purchases are generally open to EU citizens, there are some restrictions for non-EU citizens. However, one of the solutions most commonly used by non-EU buyers is to establish a company in Slovenia that allows them to invest in real estate through business channels.

This blog will outline the legal considerations for foreigners purchasing real estate in Ljubljana, Slovenia, and other parts of the country.

Can Foreigners Buy Property in Slovenia?

EU Citizens

European Union (EU) citizens can purchase real estate in Slovenia without restrictions. They enjoy the same rights as Slovenian citizens when buying property.

Which non-EU citizens can buy real estate in Slovenia as individuals:

Citizens of countries that are members of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) — for example, the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Israel, etc.
Based on the principle of reciprocity, certain non-EU citizens can buy real estate in Slovenia if they receive a positive decision from the Slovenian Ministry of Justice confirming reciprocity (for example North Macedonia, Serbia, Montenegro, Ukraine etc.)

Citizens who are not from OECD member countries and do not qualify for property ownership based on reciprocity can buy real estate in Slovenia only by opening a company in Slovenia

Buying Real Estate in Slovenia Through a Company

Setting up an LLC allows non-EU citizen foreigners to acquire real estate in Ljubljana Slovenia, or anywhere in the country. This method legally enables non-EU investors to enter the Slovenian property market.

Steps to Establish an LLC in Slovenia

1.Prepare the Required Documents
To register an LLC, the following documents are needed:

Passport copies of all company founders.
A certified statement from a property owner allowing the business to register at their address (MyGlobal.si offers business address services).
Slovenian tax number for all founders (MyGlobal.si can assist in obtaining this).
A certificate proving the founder has no outstanding tax obligations in their home country.
A certificate of no criminal record for all founders.
If the founder is a foreign legal entity, an excerpt from the commercial register of companies in their home country.

2. Deposit Minimum Capital
A minimum investment of €7,500 is required to set up an LLC. This amount must be deposited into a temporary business account before the company is officially registered.

3. Complete Registration
Once all documents are submitted, the court will approve the LLC, allowing the foreigner to convert the temporary business account into a permanent one.

4. Start Business Operations & Buy Property
Once the company is registered, it can begin operations and invest in Slovenia real estate. At this stage, the company can also apply for VAT registration, work permits, and other business-related approvals

Work and Residence Permits for Foreign Business Owners

If the goal is to live in Slovenia after purchasing property, the company must meet at least one of these conditions to qualify for a work and residence permit:

Invest €50,000 in a business activity within six months of company registration (in the case of purchasing slovenia real estate, this can include renting out your own property or offering it on Airbnb).
Employ at least one full-time worker for six months.
Generate €10,000 per month in company revenue for the last six months before applying for a permit.

Alternatively, if the company hires an employee with a university degree, the owner can apply for a work permit without needing to meet these financial conditions.

Other Residency Options for Property Owners

In some cases, owning real estate in Slovenia can help you obtain a residence permit. The following options may apply to Long-Term Rental or Ownership – A five-year lease or ownership of property may support a residency application, but financial self-sufficiency must be proven.

Ready-Made Companies for Immediate Investment

For those who want a faster way to enter the Slovenia real estate market, MyGlobal.si offers ready-made companies that come with:

A business bank account.
A VAT number.
A full-time employee has already been hired.

This allows foreign investors to immediately begin business operations and start the work and residence permit application process without delays.

Conclusion

Foreigners can buy real estate in Slovenia, but the process depends on nationality. EU citizens face no restrictions, while certain non-EU citizens usually need to establish a company to invest in real estate in Ljubljana, Slovenia, or other locations. Setting up an LLC is a practical solution for non-EU investors, and MyGlobal offers services to simplify the process.

If you’re interested in buying real estate in Slovenia and need expert assistance, contact MyGlobal today for personalized guidance!