Glossary
Slovenian citizenship by naturalisation (državljanstvo)
This text was generated by AI and has not been reviewed by an editor. Every figure shows its law and source. Confirm the conditions for your case at a consultation before deciding.
In short
Slovenian citizenship by naturalisation (naturalizacija) is granted by a state decision when the conditions of the ZDRS act are met. The main condition: 10 years, the last 5 continuous. Dual citizenship: as a rule you must give up your previous citizenship; there are exceptions.
Key figures
- Citizenship: residence period
- 10 years, the last 5 continuousLegal basis: ZDRS · as of 14 June 2026 · source
- Citizenship for graduates of Slovenian universities
- 7 years, 1 of them continuousLegal basis: ZDRS · as of 14 June 2026 · source
- Citizenship through marriage
- at least 3 years married to a Slovenian citizen and 1 year of continuous life in Slovenia before applyingLegal basis: ZDRS, 12. člen · as of 10 October 2026 · source
- Citizenship: language
- a Slovenian exam at basic level (osnovna raven)Legal basis: ZDRS, 10. člen · as of 10 October 2026 · source
- Citizenship: means
- at least the basic minimum income for yourself and for each person you must supportLegal basis: ZDRS, 10. člen · as of 10 October 2026 · source
- Citizenship: criminal record
- no unconditional prison sentence over 3 months and no suspended sentence with probation over 1 yearLegal basis: ZDRS, 10. člen · as of 10 October 2026 · source
- Dual citizenship
- as a rule you must give up your previous citizenship; there are exceptionsLegal basis: ZDRS · as of 14 June 2026 · source
- Release from your previous citizenship
- you first receive a zagotovilo (assurance of admission), then have 2 years to show release from your previous citizenshipLegal basis: ZDRS, 10. in 11. člen · as of 10 October 2026 · source
- Citizenship: state fee
- €181.20 for the decision when filed in Sloveniaa family filing together pays one fee; via an embassy the consular fee is €354Legal basis: ZUT, tarifna številka 12 · as of 10 October 2026 · source
- Basic minimum income (OZMD)
- €507.43 a month (since 1 March 2026)indexed to consumer prices every 1 Marchas of 10 October 2026 · source
Main conditions
- Adulthood.
- Residence: 10 years, the last 5 continuous, with a valid temporary or permanent permit.
- Language: a Slovenian exam at basic level (osnovna raven).
- Means: at least the basic minimum income for yourself and for each person you must support; the basic minimum income is currently €507.43 a month (since 1 March 2026).
- Criminal record: no unconditional prison sentence over 3 months and no suspended sentence with probation over 1 year.
- No tax debts and no threat to public order; an oath to respect the constitutional order.
Giving up your previous citizenship
The rule: as a rule you must give up your previous citizenship; there are exceptions.
The procedure: you first receive a zagotovilo (assurance of admission), then have 2 years to show release from your previous citizenship. If your country does not release its citizens or punishes them for it, a statement renouncing your previous citizenship is enough.
Special cases and fee
- Graduates of Slovenian universities: 7 years, 1 of them continuous.
- Marriage: at least 3 years married to a Slovenian citizen and 1 year of continuous life in Slovenia before applying.
- Separate rules apply to descendants of Slovenian emigrants, refugees, stateless people and people born and living in Slovenia all their lives.
- Fee: €181.20 for the decision when filed in Slovenia.
Frequently asked questions
How many years must I live in Slovenia for citizenship?
The general rule: 10 years, the last 5 continuous. For graduates of Slovenian universities: 7 years, 1 of them continuous.
Can I keep my previous citizenship?
Usually not: as a rule you must give up your previous citizenship; there are exceptions. Exceptions include, for example, EU citizens where there is reciprocity and the special grounds of naturalisation.
What level of Slovenian is needed for citizenship?
You need a Slovenian exam at basic level (osnovna raven). It is the same basic level as for permanent residence.
Related terms
Sources
This text was generated by AI and has not been reviewed by an editor.
Updated: 10 October 2026
General information, not individual legal advice. Rules and amounts change: confirm the exact conditions for your case at a consultation.