In recent years, there has been a growing interest in living in properties originally intended for holiday or occasional use. This trend is driven by changes in lifestyle, greater flexibility in work arrangements, and the desire for a more peaceful living environment. Another key factor is the rising cost of conventional housing, prompting many to seek alternative long-term living options.
Holiday home
One of the most common questions in this context is whether it is even possible to register a permanent residence in such a property. The answer is yes—but under certain conditions.
According to the Residence Registration Act, a building—or part of it—where a person wishes to register permanent residence must be intended for residential use. The crucial point is how the property is officially registered in the Real Estate Register; actual use for living is not sufficient on its own.
Only properties with the following classifications are eligible for permanent residence registration:
Single-dwelling buildings (code 1110),
Two-dwelling buildings (code 11210),
Multi-dwelling buildings (code 11220),
Other residential buildings for specific social groups – if legal requirements are met.
This may include holiday homes, villas, terraced houses, or country houses—but only if they are registered as residential buildings and actually used for permanent living.
In addition to having the appropriate intended use, the property must also offer sufficient usable space, relative to the number of people being registered.
Furthermore, the property must:
Be correctly recorded in the Land Register,
Be classified as a residential building in the Real Estate Register,
Not be listed as a holiday property without residential designation.
All this information is publicly available through the online portals of the Surveying and Mapping Authority of the Republic of Slovenia (GURS).
Before registering a permanent residence, it is strongly recommended to obtain a location information document. This is an official document issued by the municipality or administrative unit and contains key information on:
The designated land use,
Applicable spatial planning regulations,
Permitted types of construction on the specific plot.
This document helps determine whether the property is suitable for permanent residence or restricted to holiday use. It is also essential if you intend to change the designated use of the property to residential.
When processing a permanent residence application, the administrative unit checks:
The Land Register,
The Real Estate Register,
The actual use of the building,
And, if necessary, legal rights to use the property (ownership, lease, usufruct, etc.).
If the holiday home:
Is designated for residential use,
Meets space requirements,
And is actually used for permanent living,
then registration of permanent residence is generally possible.
However, if the property is registered as a holiday building without residential use, registration is not allowed until the intended use is officially changed. This process must be carried out through the competent administrative unit.
If you are considering registering permanent residence in a property originally built as a holiday home, we recommend that you first:
Check all relevant records in the GURS database and the Land Register,
Obtain the location information document,
And, if needed, consult with a qualified legal expert or administrative officer.
Only by doing so will you be able to determine whether registration is possible or if a change of use must first be arranged.
