The Slovenian Banking System
Slovenia is part of the Eurozone and the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA), making cross-border transactions within Europe efficient and cost-effective. The banking sector is regulated by Banka Slovenije (the central bank). Most commercial banks offer comprehensive digital services, including mobile apps and web portals available in English.
While many daily transactions are handled via debit cards, cash remains common in smaller shops and rural areas. For foreign nationals, having a local bank account is highly recommended for receiving salaries, paying utilities via direct debit, and managing administrative costs.
Opening a Bank Account
In Slovenia, foreigners can open two types of accounts: Resident and Non-Resident. The eligibility depends on your legal status and the duration of your stay.
Resident Accounts
To open a resident account, you must hold a valid residence permit and a registered address in Slovenia. Required documentation typically includes:
- A valid passport or national ID card.
- A Slovenian Tax ID number (davčna številka).
- A Slovenian residence permit (dovoljenje za prebivanje).
- An EMŠO number (Unique Master Citizen Number), which is usually assigned upon your first residence registration.
Non-Resident Accounts
If you have not yet obtained residency, you may open a non-resident account. This is useful for individuals purchasing property or setting up a business before moving. Requirements vary by institution, but generally, you will need a valid passport and a Slovenian Tax ID. Some banks may charge higher maintenance fees for non-resident accounts, ranging from 10 EUR ($10.50 USD, Jan 2026) to 25 EUR ($26.25 USD, Jan 2026) per month.
Costs and Payment Methods
Banking fees in Slovenia are transparent but vary between providers. Most banks offer "packages" that bundle account maintenance, a debit card, and a set number of online transactions.
- Monthly Maintenance: Standard packages typically cost between 5 EUR ($5.25 USD, Jan 2026) and 15 EUR ($15.75 USD, Jan 2026).
- ATM Withdrawals: Withdrawing cash from your own bank's ATMs is usually free. Using other banks' ATMs may incur a fee of approximately 0.70 EUR ($0.74 USD, Jan 2026) per transaction.
- SEPA Transfers: Online transfers within the SEPA zone are either free or cost a nominal fee (approx. 0.40 EUR / $0.42 USD, Jan 2026).
Modern Payment Solutions
Slovenia uses Flik, a unified instant payment system that allows users to send money to phone contacts instantly and for free. Additionally, Apple Pay and Google Pay are widely supported by major banks like NLB, OTP (formerly SKB/NKBM), and Intesa Sanpaolo.
Reporting Obligations and Taxation
It is crucial for foreigners to understand their reporting obligations to the Financial Administration of the Republic of Slovenia (FURS). If you open a bank account abroad (e.g., Revolut, N26, or an account in your home country) while being a tax resident in Slovenia, you are legally required to report these accounts to FURS within 8 days of opening.
Failure to report foreign accounts can result in significant fines. This reporting can be done electronically via the eDavki portal. Conversely, Slovenian banks automatically report local account information to the tax authorities for residents.
Note: Interest earned on savings in Slovenian banks is generally subject to a 25% withholding tax once the interest exceeds 1,000 EUR ($1,050 USD, Jan 2026) in a single year.