Published on and written by Cyril Jarnias
Moving to Slovenia means entering a country where, within a few kilometers, you can encounter a Catholic bell tower, a small Lutheran church, an ultra-modern minaret, and sometimes an ancient synagogue transformed into a cultural center. Religion here is neither omnipresent nor entirely absent: it structures the calendar, imbues the landscape with nearly 3,000 churches, but society remains largely secularized. For an expatriate, understanding this religious landscape and the associated codes not only helps to avoid faux pas but also to better integrate and broaden one’s social circle.
This guide deciphers the country’s main religions, customs to respect in places of worship, important holidays, and provides useful resources for expatriates who are believers or interested in local culture.
A Traditionally Catholic Country, Now Highly Diverse
Slovenia remains historically a Christian country, but religious practice has evolved significantly. The Catholic heritage is visible everywhere, while Orthodox, Protestant, Muslim, Jewish, Buddhist, and Hindu communities coexist, alongside a significant proportion of people declaring themselves non-religious.
The available data, from censuses and European surveys, clearly shows the complexity of the religious landscape. It can be summarized as follows:
| Indicator | Approximate Result | Source / Period |
|---|---|---|
| Share of Catholic population (census) | 57.8% | 2002 Census |
| High estimate for Catholicism | Up to 70%+ | Subsequent assessments |
| Muslim population (census) | 2.4% (≈ 47,500 people) | 2002 Census |
| Recent Muslim estimate | ≈ 5% (≈ 100,000 people) | Islamic Community estimate 2022 |
| Orthodox | ≈ 2.3% | 2002 Census |
| Protestants | ≈ 0.8% | 2002 Census |
| No religion / Atheists | 10.1% (2002) – >50% | 2002 Census / 2021 study |
| Number of registered communities | >40 religious communities | Office for Religious Communities |
Depending on the period and sources, the proportion of Slovenes declaring themselves non-religious or atheist varies greatly. A 2010 European survey already indicated 26% of people believing in no god nor spiritual force, while a 2021 analysis went as high as 53% non-religious or convinced atheists. This means that in practice, an expatriate will encounter both believers attached to traditions and colleagues declaring no connection to religion.
The current religious diversity in Central Europe, for example in the Czech Republic or Slovakia, is explained by several successive historical layers: the Christianization of Slavic tribes in the 8th century, the dominance of the Catholic Austro-Hungarian Empire, the influence of the Protestant Reformation in the 16th century, the socialist period after 1945 which accelerated the secularization of society, and finally a partial resurgence of religious visibility following the 1991 independences.
Legal Framework: Freedom of Religion and Separation of Church and State
For an expatriate, it is reassuring to know that Slovenia explicitly protects freedom of religion. The Constitution guarantees the right to believe or not believe, to express one’s faith in private as well as in public, and to join the community of one’s choice, or none.
Several points are important to keep in mind:
In France, all religious communities are equal under the law and the state is separate from religions, with no official state religion. The law prohibits and punishes incitement to religious hatred or discrimination, including Holocaust denial. It is also illegal to force someone to participate in a religious group or service.
Religious groups are not required to register to operate, but registering with the Office for Religious Communities gives them legal personality and certain benefits (partial reimbursement of social security contributions, VAT, access to chaplaincies in the military, hospitals, etc.).
Ratio of members per religious minister required to benefit from certain social co-financing.
Finally, two sensitive subjects may surprise expatriates from Jewish or Muslim traditions: the law requires the stunning of animals before slaughter, which excludes classical halal and kosher methods, and the legal framework around non-medical circumcision remains unclear and rather restrictive. In practice, the concerned communities import kosher meat, certify certain halal products from slaughter with stunning, and sometimes go to neighboring countries for ritual circumcisions.
Slovene Society: Believing, Cultural, or Secular?
Numbers do not tell the whole story. In Slovenia, many people describe themselves as “Catholic” more by culture than by practice. There are strong variations between regions, generations, and social backgrounds.
Surveys show a decrease in the number of people declaring themselves Christian between 1991 and 2002, and an increase in those saying they are atheists. At the same time, a significant portion of Slovenes refuses to specify their religious affiliation in censuses, considering the subject private.
In daily life, this translates into a mix quite typical of Central Europe: families celebrate Christmas, sometimes attend midnight mass, respect religious holidays, but don’t necessarily talk about faith at work, and younger generations readily describe themselves as “non-practicing,” or even non-believers.
Observer of religious practices in Central Europe
For an expatriate, this implies two things:
– One should not assume that everyone who says they are “Catholic” is very observant.
– It is prudent to avoid theological or political debates related to religion during initial contacts. Restraint on these subjects is the norm, especially with people you don’t know well.
Slovenes are generally described as welcoming, polite, rather reserved in public, and attached to privacy. Direct questions about income, political opinions, or religious practice seem intrusive at a first meeting.
It is better to let the person open the door to these subjects themselves, for example by mentioning a religious holiday, a wedding, or a baptism in the family.
How to Behave in Places of Worship: The Implicit Rules
Whether one is a believer or simply curious about heritage, you will sooner or later visit a church, monastery, or mosque in Slovenia. The codes to respect are largely similar to those in other European countries, but it is useful to know them precisely, especially in an expatriate context where one is often perceived as “representing” one’s country.
Dress Code: Modesty as a Common Language
In almost all religious traditions present in Slovenia, visitors are expected to wear modest and discreet attire. This applies especially in Catholic churches, Orthodox places, synagogues, and, of course, mosques.
The basic rules are simple:
– Covered shoulders
– Covered knees (long pants or skirts/dresses below the knee)
– Covered torso (no bustiers, plunging necklines, or crop tops)
– Clothing that is neither tight nor transparent
Generally, muted colors (black, navy blue, beige, earth tones) are better than flashy prints or slogan t-shirts. Above all, avoid any clothing with political messages, insults, religious or military symbols, or national flags: this can be seen as provocative or inappropriate in a sacred space.
Carrying a light scarf or shawl in your backpack allows you to quickly adapt to the dress codes of many places of worship. It can be placed on your shoulders to enter a church, or on your head for certain Orthodox communities or when visiting a mosque. A practical alternative is to also have a cardigan or loose-fitting shirt to put over a t-shirt.
Dress expectations can be summarized as follows:
| Type of Place | Main Dress Requirements | Specifics |
|---|---|---|
| Catholic Churches | Covered shoulders and knees, modest attire | Hats removed for men |
| Orthodox Churches | Same rules, sometimes scarf expected for women | Crossing legs frowned upon in some contexts |
| Protestant Churches | Often more casual, but respect and modesty required | Clean and proper dress |
| Mosques | Long pants or skirts, long sleeves, hair covered for women | Shoes removed before entering the prayer hall |
| Synagogues | Modest attire, men with head covered (kippa, discreet cap) | Possibly heightened security |
It has happened that tourists have been turned away from major European religious sites for non-compliance with these codes, and studies cite up to 60% of visitors feeling uncomfortable when faced with attire deemed inappropriate. Without being as strict as the Vatican, Slovenes nevertheless expect a certain standard of dress. When in doubt, it’s better to dress a bit too covered than not enough.
Attitude Inside: Silence as a Sign of Respect
Once inside, the line of conduct is clear: be discreet, and remember that a religious monument is often first and foremost a living place of prayer before being a tourist site.
Some concrete guidelines:
To preserve the serenity of places of worship and their heritage, here are some essential rules of conduct to adopt during your visit.
Speak softly, even on a free visit, and put your phone on silent, avoiding answering calls.
Do not walk in front of people praying, especially in mosques or near the choir of a church.
Avoid touching altars, icons, stained glass, frescoes, and ancient walls, which are fragile and often sacred elements.
Respect on-site signage: barrier ropes, closed doors, and prohibitions on photography or flash.
Photography is a sensitive subject. Some places allow it without flash, others prohibit it completely, especially if there are fragile artworks or if worshipers are present. It is, in any case, practically forbidden to photograph people praying or clergy without asking their permission. Selfie sticks are generally frowned upon, if not prohibited.
Finally, during a mass or any other service attended as a simple observer, the golden rule is to stay at the back, to silently follow the assembly’s gestures (standing, sitting), without trying to receive communion if one is not a member of that particular faith. In both Catholic and Orthodox liturgy, communion is traditionally reserved for baptized members of the same Church. However, visitors can often approach to receive a blessing or to light a candle and make a donation.
Specifics According to Traditions
In this country, several traditions coexist, each with some nuances of behavior.
In Catholic churches, it is very common for visitors to light a votive candle by placing a small coin (often between €0.50 and €2). One can also slip a donation into a collection box. In many free-to-enter monuments, this voluntary contribution helps with maintenance.
In Orthodox churches, it is preferable to avoid crossing your legs while sitting, as this is sometimes perceived as a lack of respect. The area dedicated to icons is generally highly venerated: observing how worshipers behave helps to understand what is appropriate or not.
In mosques, shoes are always removed before entering the prayer hall. Shelves or a dedicated space are provided for this purpose. For a non-Muslim, it is customary to remain discreet on the periphery of the hall and to avoid entering during collective prayer unless explicitly invited. Women are advised to bring a scarf to cover their hair.
In synagogues, security may be more visible, with identity checks or screening of visitors. Men must cover their heads – a kippa is generally loaned at the entrance, but a plain cap may sometimes suffice if the community tolerates it.
These customs can vary from one community to another; observation and simply asking politely “Is this acceptable?” remain the best guides.
Major Religious Families in Slovenia: Reference Points for Expatriates
To understand certain local attitudes or holidays, it is useful to have a global picture of the main religious groups in the country.
Catholicism: The Cultural Backdrop
The majority of Slovenes still affiliate with Catholicism, at least culturally. Before World War II, about 97% of the population identified as Catholic; secularization and socialism subsequently considerably reduced this proportion, but the backdrop remains largely Catholic.
The Catholic Church is organized into six dioceses, including two archdioceses (Ljubljana and Maribor). New structures were created in the early 2000s (Novo mesto, Celje, Murska Sobota). Churches and chapels are omnipresent, even in the smallest villages, and some, like St. Nicholas Cathedral in Ljubljana, are part of the must-see heritage.
In practice, weekly mass attendance is far from universal among those who identify as Catholic. Nevertheless, life events (baptisms, weddings, funerals) are often marked by religious rites, and major holidays like Christmas, Easter, and the Assumption (August 15th) structure the family calendar.
For a believing expatriate from a Catholic tradition, it is relatively easy to integrate into a local parish, even though the Slovene language can be a barrier. In Ljubljana, an international mass in English is held, for example, every Sunday morning at St. Joseph’s Church, specifically intended for non-Slovene speaking Christians. It allows for participation in the liturgy and meeting other expatriates.
Protestantism: A Historical Weight More Than a Numerical One
Protestantism, though a minority today, played a fundamental role in shaping Slovene identity. In the 16th century, figures like Primož Trubar and Jurij Dalmatin laid the foundations of the Slovene literary language by translating the catechism and, especially, the Bible. This contribution is sufficiently recognized for Slovenia to dedicate a public holiday, Reformation Day (October 31st), to this memory.
The Evangelical Church of the Augsburg Confession (Lutheran) is the main Protestant church in the country, with about 20,000 members. It is strongly established in the Prekmurje region, in the northeast near Hungary. A member of major European Lutheran federations, it has liturgical specifics inspired by the Byzantine rite.
For a Protestant expatriate, the daily reality will depend a lot on the region. In Ljubljana, international communities exist, sometimes interdenominational, with services in English bringing together believers from different Protestant traditions. In the east of the country, integration into local Lutheran parishes will be more about language than doctrine, as the theology is broadly similar to major European Lutheran churches.
Orthodoxy: An Anchorage Mainly Linked to Serbian Communities
Orthodoxy in Slovenia is strongly linked to the history of Serbian migrations and Orthodox populations from Southeastern Europe. These communities fall under the Serbian Metropolitanate of Zagreb and Ljubljana. Their presence dates back at least to the 15th century, via dynastic marriages and waves of refugees fleeing the Ottoman Empire, notably Vlach populations.
Some localities in the Bela krajina region (southeast) maintain an uninterrupted Orthodox presence for centuries. Orthodox churches can be found in Ljubljana and other cities, sometimes sharing spaces with Catholics.
For an Orthodox expatriate, these communities can serve as an anchor point, despite a liturgical language and cultural background that are predominantly Serbian. To feel comfortable quickly, it is useful to know and respect certain specific rules, such as avoiding crossing your legs during services and paying particular attention to the space dedicated to icons.
Islam: A Dynamic Community Around the Ljubljana Mosque
Islam is the second religion in the country in terms of number of followers, even if it remains a minority overall. Most Slovenian Muslims are of Bosnian origin or from other regions of the former Yugoslavia (Kosovo, North Macedonia, etc.), with a small contingent of migrant workers from Asia.
The community is overseen by the Islamic Community of Slovenia and led by a mufti. For a long time, lacking an official mosque, worshipers prayed in rented halls or gyms. After nearly forty years of debate, the first mosque in the capital, forming a large religious-cultural center, opened to the public in 2020 in the Bežigrad district.
This complex, known as the Islamic Centre of Ljubljana, illustrates well the progressive recognition of Islam in the Slovene public space. It includes a prayer space accommodating about 1,400 people, a 40-meter minaret, a library, classrooms, a halal restaurant, accommodations, a kindergarten, a sports hall, and even a swimming pool. The architecture is resolutely contemporary and has won international awards.
This center is a major reference point for Muslim expatriates. Tourist visiting hours are separate from prayer times. Non-Muslim visitors are accepted, subject to respecting dress and behavior codes. Calls to prayer are audible only within the complex’s grounds, as a compromise with the neighborhood.
The Slovene Islamic community, however, must contend with certain legal constraints, such as the impossibility of ritual slaughter without stunning. Nevertheless, it issues certificates for certain meats from Slovenian slaughterhouses, considered halal despite prior stunning.
Judaism: A Small Community Marked by History
The Slovene Jewish community is numerically very small, a few hundred people at most, mostly concentrated in Ljubljana. It still bears the scars of the Shoah, which almost entirely wiped out the historical Jewish presence in the territory. For a long time, the capital was considered the only European capital without an official Jewish place of worship.
Today, an organized community exists, with a small core of registered members and a more diffuse diaspora. The memory of the Shoah is taken seriously by the Slovenian state, which has integrated teaching about the Holocaust into school curricula and participates in international memorial initiatives.
For expatriates from a Jewish tradition, local community life is modest but real, with occasional cultural and religious activities, and a high level of security vigilance around sites identified as Jewish.
Buddhism, Hinduism, and Other Currents
Beyond these major families, Slovenia has small Buddhist communities, mainly composed of Slovene converts, and a Hindu minority of about 220 people, divided between the Hindu Religious Community and the ISKCON (Hare Krishna) movement.
These are joined by some groups of Slavic neo-pagan spirituality, esoteric associations, and various modern spiritual movements. All remain marginal demographically, but their presence adds to the plural picture of Slovenian religious life.
Religious Holidays, Public Holidays, and Daily Life
Even if religious practice is declining, the Slovenian calendar remains deeply marked by Christian holidays, to which secular days linked to national history are added.
Several days are both public holidays and heavily charged with religious symbolism:
| Date (indicative) | Slovene / English Name | Main Nature |
|---|---|---|
| February 8 | Prešeren Day (Culture Day) | Cultural, linked to a national poet |
| Easter (Sunday) | Velika noč (Easter) | Major Christian holiday |
| Easter Monday | Velikonočni ponedeljek (Easter Monday) | Public holiday, family practice |
| June 25 | Statehood Day | Political, independence |
| August 15 | Marijino vnebovzetje (Assumption) | Catholic holiday, public holiday |
| October 31 | Dan reformacije (Reformation Day) | Historical, Protestant |
| November 1 | Dan spomina na mrtve (All Saints’ Day) | Catholic, remembrance of the deceased |
| December 25 | Božič (Christmas) | Catholic and family holiday |
| December 26 | Dan samostojnosti in enotnosti (Independence and Unity Day) | Independence and unity |
To these dates add a series of observances not systematically off work but important, such as Epiphany, Corpus Christi, St. Martin’s Day (symbolic start of the wine season), or St. Nicholas Day (Miklavž), very popular with children.
Public holidays in Slovenia, like All Saints’ Day, have direct practical consequences: closure of shops, reduced transport, and interruption of administrative services. On that day, cemeteries are adorned with flowers and candles. Participating in this graveside visit allows an expatriate to immerse themselves in an intimate and cultural dimension of the country, regardless of their personal beliefs.
Some folkloric festivals have religious or pre-Christian roots, like the carnival (Pust) or Kurentovanje in Ptuj, recognized by UNESCO. The masked characters, meant to chase away winter, recall a mix of Christianity and older traditions. Most Slovenes participate for the festive atmosphere, regardless of faith.
In practice, expatriates should anticipate: the Easter and Christmas weekends are marked by widespread closures, and public life slows down. On the other hand, it is a time to gauge the importance of family and shared rituals, whether religious, cultural, or simply gastronomic.
Social Etiquette Related to Religion: What an Expatriate Should Know
Beyond the rules in places of worship, religion subtly influences certain social codes.
In a professional context, it is rare for religion to be brought up spontaneously. Slovenes favor polite, direct but not effusive communication, and readily separate private and public life. A colleague is more likely to invite you to a hike or a coffee than to Sunday mass.
When invited, it is customary to bring a small gift (flowers, chocolates, wine). Give flowers in an odd number, even numbers being reserved for funerals. Generally, shoes are removed at the entrance; slippers are often provided. If the family is observant, a prayer or sign of the cross may precede the meal. It is appropriate to respond respectfully to these marks of faith, without feeling obliged to imitate every gesture if it doesn’t align with your own convictions.
Certain topics remain delicate with recent acquaintances: religion, politics, the Balkan wars. It is possible to talk about them, but only once a climate of trust has been established, and by avoiding absolute judgments. The slightest derogatory allusion towards “believers” or a particular faith will be very poorly received, even by interlocutors who describe themselves as non-practicing.
In public spaces, noisy or ostentatious behaviors, including those related to religion (impromptu preaching, aggressive leafleting, etc.), are frowned upon. Slovenia values discretion, respect for privacy, and moderation.
Finding a Religious Community as an Expatriate
For many expatriates, joining a faith community serves as a social springboard: one finds familiar reference points, people willing to help, sometimes services in English or other languages. International studies show that expatriates integrated into a religious community report less loneliness and faster cultural acclimatization.
In Slovenia, several options are available to you, depending on your profile.
International Churches and Christian Groups
In Ljubljana, several communities explicitly oriented towards internationals have developed. Among them:
– Christian centers with an international vocation, offering services in Slovene with English translation, or services entirely in English.
– The International Church of Ljubljana, which brings together believers from different backgrounds around services in English.
– The international mass in English at St. Joseph’s, the only regular Catholic mass in English in the capital, designed for foreign residents.
These communities serve both as a space for prayer in an accessible language and a social network. They bring together exchange students, posted employees, mixed Slovene-foreign families, as well as Slovenes returning after a stay abroad.
For other Christian denominations (Anglican, Lutheran, Orthodox), local parishes, sometimes small, also exist. Some Anglican churches, for example, organize a monthly service in English in a hall of the Lutheran Church in Ljubljana, illustrating the cooperation between Christian minorities.
Muslim Communities
For Muslim expatriates, the Islamic Centre of Ljubljana is a natural point of reference, even if not all towns have a mosque. According to local habits, non-Slovene speakers may feel a bit isolated at first, but the presence of many worshipers from Bosnia, Kosovo, or other Balkan regions often facilitates the use of English, or even German.
Beyond the main mosques, there are other small prayer rooms in the country, though less visible. Before settling in a secondary city, it is recommended to inquire through the networks of the Islamic Community of Slovenia to locate these places of worship.
Judaism, Buddhism, Hinduism
For Jews, the offer is more limited and concentrated in Ljubljana. The rhythms of community life are more irregular, and practice depends a lot on local human resources. Prior contact by email or via embassies and international organizations is often necessary.
The Buddhist and Hindu communities, though modest, maintain meditation, celebration, and teaching activities, especially in larger cities. Again, English often serves as a working language, which can facilitate the integration of expatriates.
In all cases, digital tools – social networks, association websites, linguistic portals – allow for quickly identifying active communities. It is advisable to check recent information, as many small communities are run by volunteers and may change meeting times or locations.
School, Children, and Religion
Expatriate parents often ask about school and the place of religion. The public Slovenian school system includes general teaching about the world’s religions, delivered by regular teachers from a cultural and historical angle. However, catechesis or specific religious instruction for a particular faith takes place outside class hours, on a voluntary basis, either in parishes or in private denominational schools.
Public schools do not organize religious rites. Holidays like Christmas may be discussed in terms of traditions, songs, or food, but without a worship character. Children of all faiths or no religion are not required to participate in explicitly religious practices.
For a practicing expatriate family, the balance to be found between integrating into the local culture and transmitting one’s own tradition will often involve extracurricular activities: catechism classes, weekend Quranic school, youth clubs in an international church, etc. The level of flexibility in schools is generally good, as long as requests remain reasonable (for example, explaining a child’s absence for a major non-Catholic holiday).
Tensions, Prejudices, and Protection of Minorities
As elsewhere in Europe, Slovenia is not completely spared from discourses of rejection or hostile acts towards certain religious minorities, particularly Muslims and, more marginally, Jews. Cases of vandalism have been reported, for example during the construction of the Ljubljana mosque, or against Catholic buildings.
In 2019, about a third of Slovenes considered religious discrimination to be widespread in their country.
For the expatriate, this means that caution is still advised when broaching sensitive topics in public, but one is not in a massively hostile environment. Legal protections against religious hatred exist and can be invoked in case of serious problems.
Generally, Slovenia is considered a safe country, with a low crime rate. Incidents with a religious character remain the exception, and most practicing expatriates report more curiosity than rejection when they speak about their faith.
In Practice: Some Reflexes for Living Your Faith (or Non-Faith) Serenely
To conclude, a few simple principles help navigate this Slovene religious landscape smoothly:
Research in advance: before visiting a place of worship, check the hours, any dress codes, and visiting restrictions (for example, no visits during services).
Observe before acting: enter, watch how worshipers behave, imitate respectful attitudes (silence, movements). If a space seems reserved for practitioners, stay on the periphery.
Speak softly, dress modestly: these two rules alone avoid 90% of misunderstandings in places of worship.
Avoid architectural visits on main worship days (Friday for Muslims, Sunday for Christians) and during major religious holidays, as the places are then very busy with worshipers. Prefer another time of the week.
Avoid controversy: refrain from mocking or disparaging comments about faith, visible religious symbols, or practices, especially in public or mixed spaces.
Use religion as a bridge, not a barrier: joining a faith community – international church, study group, interfaith meeting – can be an excellent way to build connections beyond cultural boundaries. Many practicing Slovenes themselves are used to interacting with different traditions (Catholics with Orthodox or Muslim neighbors, for example).
The country presents a visible Christian heritage and structured religious minorities, but society is strongly secularized. For an expatriate, it is less about knowing complex rules than adopting an attitude of discreet respect, benevolent curiosity, and attention to local social codes.
This posture then opens the door to what religion sometimes offers best in an expatriation context: places to breathe amidst the turmoil of moving, networks of mutual aid and friendship, and privileged access to the cultural depth of a country that, behind its image as a modern Alpine state, remains traversed by centuries of spiritual seeking.
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Cyril Jarnias is an independent expert in international wealth management with over 20 years of experience. As an expatriate himself, he is dedicated to helping individuals and business leaders build, protect, and pass on their wealth with complete peace of mind.
On his website, cyriljarnias.com, he shares his expertise on international real estate, offshore company formation, and expatriation.
Thanks to his expertise, he offers sound advice to optimize his clients' wealth management. Cyril Jarnias is also recognized for his appearances in many prestigious media outlets such as BFM Business, les Français de l’étranger, Le Figaro, Les Echos, and Mieux vivre votre argent, where he shares his knowledge and know-how in wealth management.
