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Moving to Slovenia are likely at the top of your priority list if you searched the Internet to prepare a future relocation. Your new life in Slovenia will provide very different experiences and open a whole new way of living. However, there’s lots of preparation that needs doing before you leave. Making a list can help, and don’t worry about getting everything right. If the basics are in place, you can organise everything else after you arrive. Here is a guide to the essentials you should know about moving to Slovenia.
Slovenia lies within central Europe and occupies the place where the Mediterranean comes up to meet the Alps. The population is just over two million. This country has a delightful charm and a rich tapestry of landscapes to choose from.
There are gentle green hills which extend up to rocky mountains, while in the opposite direction there is lush countryside and crystal-clear lakes. Thermal spas provide a relaxing retreat while the towns and cities are steeped in culture and give a fascinating peek into the country’s past.
The climate is continental overall, with warm and pleasant summers and chilly winters. These temperatures can plunge at higher altitudes and around the coastal regions, there is more of a Mediterranean feel.
The currency used in Slovenia is the Euro.
Slovene is based on the Latin alphabet. Slovene is one of the most archaic forms of language and was the first Slavic language to be written down. Today it is only spoken by approximately 2.3 million people, so it’s incredibly selective!
Small pockets in Hungary, Italy, Austria and Croatia also speak Slovene.
Although there are few speakers of the language, there remain 46 distinct dialects. Furthermore, it’s not easy to understand them, even if you speak Slovene. Therefore, if you are considering learning the lingo, get a handle on the basics, but save your lessons for after you arrive and can be tutored by a local.
Younger generations speak English since they learn it at school. You’ll find that all the main cities and tourist centres are accessible to English speakers. In fact, over 90% of Slovenians speak at least one foreign language and 70% speak two – the highest percentage in the European Union. However, the experience may be different for anyone living outside these main areas, where English may not be quite so prevalent.
Slovenia has an extremely high standard of healthcare. Unfortunately, it also suffers from a shortage of trained staff and there can be long waits for routine appointments. The state system provides a variety of treatments. Funding comes from contributions from residents and workers.
Workers typically pay 6.36% towards their healthcare, while employers top it up with a further 6.56%. This contribution covers their healthcare and that of any dependants.
The state healthcare system covers a wide range of services including childbirth, prenatal care, outpatient appointments, GP visits and prescriptions.
Visitors from outside the EU or on a temporary basis will need to arrange their private healthcare. Some Slovenian residents opt to take out private healthcare too as it enables them to receive treatment more quickly and provides an extended range of options and services. Taking out private healthcare doesn’t allow the individual to opt out of state contributions.
Driving is one of the most convenient ways to get around Slovenia, and there is a well-maintained road network which makes travelling easy. While driving in Slovenia, you must always carry around the mandatory safety equipment, and in winter, this also includes winter tyres on the car and snow chains in the boot.
Slovenians drive on the right-hand side of the road, and use dipped headlights all the time, even during the day.
Breakdown and roadside assistance are available, and you will find petrol stations easily on both the motorways and around towns and cities.
Buses are a very flexible way to get around Slovenia without a car and run to almost anywhere in the country. You can purchase your tickets in advance from the station or the driver on the bus, depending on your preference. Slovenian buses travel between the major cities as well as out into the countryside. In this, they provide excellent access to wherever you want to go at a low cost.
There are also many trains in Slovenia; They primarily connect to other cities or to places of interest that tourists want to visit. Trains also connect to neighbouring countries, offering an easy route to explore more of Europe. They are a decent way to get around Slovenia but don’t provide the same expansive coverage as buses.
Slovenia is part of the EU and a member of the Schengen Zone. As such, it allows free travel between the various nations to any individual who holds the relevant Schengen visa.
EU nationals do not require a visa to enter Slovenia, and they may remain if they like. You do not need any additional permit for working or setting up a business. Any trips which are likely to extend beyond three months require you to register at the local office.
Slovenia also offers visa-free entry to citizens from certain select countries such as Canada, Australia, New Zealand and the US. This exemption only allows visits of up to 90 days in any single six-month period and strictly no working. For longer trips or any work-related business, they would need to apply for a separate permit.
The process of moving all your belongings may be the most daunting part of the process. Get some help from one of the experienced European removals companies. These firms travel out to Slovenia regularly with shipments and don’t just know the route; They’re also familiar with navigating through Customs.
This experience can be extremely beneficial as missing paperwork, or a prohibited item can slow the progress down significantly. There’s a huge benefit to using a reputable European removal firm to get you there quickly, efficiently and at the lowest possible cost.
Whether you choose our Load & Go or our EasyMoves solution, European Moving can help you with your removal. We shall be able to help you with the full list of restrictions that apply to removals to Slovenia and also provide advice on a whole range of removal issues you may not have encountered before.