Slovenia’s political stability and security ensure a safe family and community life, while climate and geography guarantee a pleasant and fulfilling living environment. International schools, good affordable housing and strong health insurance are additional boons to foreigners moving to Slovenia. Expats can enjoy a high quality of life without the usual bugbears such as long working hours or the high cost of living. The residents can choose the lifestyle they want, move in and out the country fast and generally stress-free thanks to excellent infrastructure or just do business online. Not to mention, that Slovenia is the 7th safest country in the world.
Slovenia boasts natural diversity of landscapes that enable activities to meet different lifestyles: cater to those seeking the thrills of energetic pursuits or those preferring thermal spas, wellness treatments or simple relaxations. According to the OECD Better Life Index, safety, work-life balance, community and health are the qualities most cherished by those living in Slovenia. Most Slovenians claim to be satisfied with their lives, despite relatively modest incomes and a mistrust of government. Sentiment is boosted by a perceived personal security, low crime and improved sense of wellbeing. The country nestling between the Alps and the Adriatic sea provides the ideal environment for tourism in general and for health tourism in particular. Stunning locations are easily reached by road, air, rail and sea, people are friendly, fine food is abundant and local wine is superb – a potential with a room to be developed.
The climate is perfect for outdoor enjoyment and recreation all year round and there are many amateur and professional sports venues and events. Fans of trekking and mountain climbing will find the Julian Alps with Mt. Triglav (2,864 m) and Slovenia’s forest ecosystem, the third largest in Europe covering 60% of its territory, attractions that are hard to resist. It is this mix of geographic location, education, creativity and willingness to adapt that visitors and business partners appreciate so much.
Public transport is well organised and the telecommunications network is reliable and technologically sophisticated. The internet and mobile telephony are readily available. The healthcare system is well developed, and Slovenia has one of the lowest crime rates in the world.
Slovenia is one of the most water-rich European countries in Europe and it also boasts potable water of incredible quality. In Slovenia you can drink tap water every day. Many Slovenian towns have drinking fountains to quench your thirst. In the capital city of Ljubljana alone there are no less than 30 urban drinking fountains available in the warmer months.
Slovenian is the official language in Slovenia that belongs to the Southern Slavic language group and is spoken only by 2 million people. In many companies, however, the official language is English.
Most people speak at least one foreign language, with English as most common, while many Slovenians are also quite fluent in German or Italian.
In Slovenia there are international nursery schools, primary schools and secondary schools where the classes are taught in English, operating according to various European curriculum, except for QSI, which is a branch of the US-based worldwide network of schools and therefore teaches the American curriculum. A French kindergarten, primary school and secondary school also operates in Ljubljana. Of course, all these schools will also teach your child some Slovene and many have informative lectures on Slovenian traditions and culture.
Children who are foreign nationals and reside in Slovenia, are entitled to compulsory primary school education from the age of six under the same conditions as the citizens of the Republic of Slovenia.
It is advised to start the procedure of enrolling your children in school in Slovenia before obtaining residence permit for them.
There are also public universities that offer study programmes in English language.
Citizens of EU member states, the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland have free access to the Slovenian labour market.
Citizens from non – EU countries need to acquire a work permit to work in Slovenia. The law allows a single permit for work and residence. Individuals can acquire work and residence permits if incorporated in a company in Slovenia or employed in Slovenia.
One person (1 of 10 employees) can be employed at the company as a representative without being checked by the labour market, while others have to go through the labour market check if companies need more people. The person, who has a single work permit as a representative can only work as a representative and is not allowed to perform services of the company.
The closest family members can start the procedure for obtaining temporary residence permit on the basis of family reunification.
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