Slovenia self-employed and sole trader permit

The self-employed single permit, based on Article 37.b of the Foreigners Act, is for people who want to carry out an independent activity in Slovenia, for example as a sole trader. You can register a sole trader business immediately, but most foreigners may become self-employed in it, and get this permit, only after one year of uninterrupted lawful residence in Slovenia.

The exception is an independent liberal profession (samostojna poklicna dejavnost): in that case you can become self-employed before completing the year. In practice this permit is therefore usually a second step for people who first came to Slovenia on another permit.

You meet the general conditions: valid passport, health insurance, means of subsistence for the stay and no grounds for refusal. The specific conditions are the year of uninterrupted lawful residence (unless you practise a liberal profession) and registration of the independent activity in Slovenia. You attach proof of registration, or of intended registration, of the self-employment, and the administrative unit may ask for other evidence.

Means of subsistence equal at least the basic minimum income, EUR 507.43 a month from 1 April 2026, for every month of the stay. No consent from the Employment Service is needed when the permit is issued or extended.

Lodge the application with all documents at any administrative unit, yourself or through an authorised person. The unit examines it, decides and invites you to collect the card in person. The procedure is subject to an administrative fee and the cost of the residence permit card. Once you hold the card and are in Slovenia, register your exact address at the administrative unit within eight days.

The permit can be extended on the same conditions, provided you still meet the legal requirements, actually carry out the activity and apply before it expires. When it is issued as a further permit, it is valid for two years. The permit is tied to the activity: if you stop, tell the administrative unit in time.

Infotujci warns that insufficient or unsuitable evidence that the activity is really carried out is a common reason for refusing or not extending this permit.