EMŠO (Unique Personal Identification Number) is a 13-digit personal identification number assigned in Slovenia by the Central Population Register (CRP). It is intended for the uniform and unambiguous identification of each individual, regardless of citizenship. This means that EMŠO is also assigned to foreigners if they have certain rights or obligations in Slovenia.
The structure of the EMŠO is as follows: the first seven digits represent the date of birth (day, month, and year), digits 8 and 9 indicate the registration code (in Slovenia usually “50”), digits 10–12 represent a sequential number (depending on gender and the number of persons born on the same date), and the thirteenth digit is a check digit.
For foreigners, EMŠO is essential for exercising various rights and obligations in Slovenia, such as renting an apartment, registering residence, employment, health insurance, fulfilling tax obligations, and purchasing or registering property in the land registry. Without an EMŠO, administrative procedures can become significantly more complicated, and registration in the land registry is not possible at all.
How can foreigners obtain a Slovenian EMŠO number?
- – Employment or work purposes – the Employment Service of Slovenia is responsible (for third-country nationals).
- – Health insurance or insurance for a family member – the Health Insurance Institute of Slovenia (or another relevant insurance provider).
- – Tax purposes – the competent authority is the Financial Administration of the Republic of Slovenia (FURS).
- – Regulating foreigner status (e.g., residence permit, registration of permanent or temporary residence) – the relevant administrative unit or the Ministry of the Interior.
- – In rare cases, such as the purchase of real estate or registration in the land registry – an application may be submitted directly to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs with appropriate supporting documentation (e.g., purchase contract, letter of intent, etc.).
To obtain an EMŠO, you must complete the form “Application for the Assignment of a Unique Personal Identification Number (EMŠO)”. The form must be filled in legibly, in block letters, and signed by hand (or electronically signed). (LINK)
Required attachments:
- – A photocopy of your personal document (passport or identity card – both sides, showing all personal data)
- – A power of attorney if the application is submitted on your behalf by another person or company (certified and signed)
- – Proof of the reason for requesting the EMŠO – the purpose must be stated in the upper right corner of the form. If the EMŠO is needed for a specific purpose (e.g., purchase of real estate), attach the relevant supporting documents (preliminary contract, contract, letter of intent, tax number certificate, lease agreement, etc.).
After submitting a complete application to the CRP through the competent authority and on a valid legal basis, the EMŠO is usually assigned within the statutory deadline of three working days from receipt of the application. Notification of the assigned EMŠO will be sent by registered mail; therefore, it is important to clearly indicate the address to which the document should be delivered.
The EMŠO is a fundamental identification number in Slovenia, including for foreigners. If you are considering living, working, or investing in real estate in Slovenia, obtaining an EMŠO is almost always an essential first step. However, obtaining an EMŠO does not automatically grant foreigners the right to own real estate; additional legal restrictions may apply depending on country of origin or citizenship. Nevertheless, an EMŠO significantly simplifies administrative procedures, identification, and real estate transactions.
For more information or a consultation, please visit our website or contact us at +386 40 626 131 or tajnistvo@bazarealestate.com.
