Trusted law firm in Slovenia is a small and diverse country with an attractive coastline, mountains, and forests that make it an increasingly popular boutique destination for tourist accommodation. But buying property is also a serious investment and it’s important to know what the real estate law for Slovenia is before you proceed.

Key Aspects of Real Estate Law for Foreign Investors in Slovenia

Foreign legal entities and natural persons are free to acquire ownership of real estate in Slovenia without restrictions, including the right to occupy and use premises. Citizens of the EU, OECD and EFTA member countries and of EU candidate and potential member states (Albania, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia) are able to acquire ownership of real estate in accordance with the principle of reciprocity. Foreigners may also acquire property ownership through inheritance, provided they have a legal status that allows them to inherit under Slovenian law (i.e. they are legally recognized as heirs). Foreigners cannot acquire ownership of real estate on other grounds, except for the purposes of business, nor acquire shares in property owning companies.

In the case of private sale of real estate, a contract is drawn up, with the buyer and seller signing in front of a notary. Normally a deposit of 10% is paid to secure the property and for all marketing to cease, at which point under Slovenian law you cannot retract from the purchase and it becomes an unconditional sale. Before the contract is signed a pre-contract or registration request is filed with the Land Register (zemljiska knjiga), and once it is accepted, a registration takes place and the property ownership is transferred to the new owner.