Long-stay visas (Type D)
Slovenian Single Permit for Self-Employment
A residence-and-work permit letting a non-EU national reside in Slovenia to run their own registered business or independent professional activity.
Important information
- Issued by
- Administrative unit (upravna enota)
- Maximum validity
- Up to 2 years
- Renewable under the same conditions
- One-year rule
- Generally 1 year of prior continuous legal residence before working through your own company
- Exception for registered independent professional activity
- Who applies
- The foreign national, in Slovenia or at a diplomatic mission abroad
Who it's for
Non-EU nationals who want to be self-employed in Slovenia — sole traders (s.p.), owners working in their own company, or independent professionals.
Requirements
- Valid passport
- Registered self-employment or company / independent professional activity in Slovenia
- As a rule, at least one year of prior continuous legal residence to work through your own company (exception for independent professional activity)
- Adequate health insurance
- Sufficient means of subsistence
- Criminal-record certificate where required
- No grounds for refusal
What you can do
- Reside in Slovenia and carry out your registered self-employed activity
- Operate your own business or professional practice
- Renew the permit while the activity continues
- Build towards permanent residence over five years
How to apply
Submit the application and supporting documents at the competent administrative unit in Slovenia, or at a Slovenian diplomatic mission abroad. The process runs through submission, examination, decision, and personal collection of the permit card.
Because of the general one-year prior-residence rule, many applicants first enter and reside on another basis before switching to, or activating, self-employment through their own company.
Documents
- Completed application form and photograph
- Valid passport
- Evidence of registered self-employment / company / professional activity
- Proof of health insurance
- Proof of sufficient funds
- Criminal-record certificate where required
Frequently asked questions
Generally no. The rule requires about one year of prior continuous legal residence before you can work through your own company, though those registered for an independent professional activity may begin sooner.
Official sources
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.
Verified against official gov.uk sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.
Related Slovenian visas
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- WORKHIGHLY QUALIFIEDJOB OFFEREU Blue CardA combined residence and work permit for highly qualified non-EU professionals with a Slovenian job offer that meets a raised salary threshold.View visa details
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