Individual Investment Account (IIA) in Slovenia
Investing in Slovenia can be complicated, especially when it comes to taxes. Many investors are asking about the Individual Investment Account (IIA), which brings simplifications and tax benefits. However, there is still a lot of misinformation and confusion around the IIA.
Our goal is to provide a clear, impartial insight into what the IIA is.
What you need to know about the IIA in 60 seconds
Understanding the core points will save you time and prevent potential wrong decisions. We summarise the key information you need about the Individual Investment Account (IIA) in Slovenia.
The IIA is a law that has already been adopted. The Individual Investment Account has been discussed in Slovenia for years as a possible tax relief for small investors. The law has been adopted and is part of the legal framework, which means the IIA is no longer just an idea or a draft.
It starts being applied in March 2026. Even though the law is already in force, a transitional period is underway. The IIA will be possible to open from March 2026 (the start of application is 5 March 2026). Your decisions today should be based on the existing rules, while it also makes sense to understand what the IIA brings once it starts being applied.
Stocks and ETFs have 0% tax after 15 years. An important exception applies: capital gains from the sale of shares or units of mutual funds are exempt from tax after 15 years of holding. This is a key advantage of long-term investing in the existing system.
Cryptocurrencies are currently taxed at 25%. The tax regime for cryptocurrencies is separate and currently amounts to 25% on realised profit. There is no holding period that would reduce the tax liability for cryptocurrencies.
Waiting can mean missed returns. Inactivity due to expectations of tax changes can lead to losing potential investment opportunities.
The IIA is a special type of account for optimising personal investments. Its purpose is to encourage long-term saving and investing among individuals. The idea is that investors would invest in various securities through one account.
The basic idea is to allow investors to pay in funds up to a certain annual limit. Within this account, the gains generated would be reinvested without an immediate tax burden. Tax would be paid only when funds are withdrawn. This would simplify administration.
Similar accounts already exist in some other countries. For example, the Individual Savings Account (ISA) in the United Kingdom allows investors to contribute a certain amount of money annually. Gains and interest earned within the ISA are tax-free. This encourages long-term saving.
However, it is important to understand that the IIA in Slovenia starts being applied in March 2026. The details are defined in the law and accompanying rules, so it makes sense to check what counts as permitted instruments, what the contribution limits are, and how taxation works upon payout.
Does the IIA already exist in Slovenia?
Talks about the Individual Investment Account (IIA) in Slovenia are getting louder, but the answer is clear: Yes, the law has been adopted, and the IIA starts operating in March 2026. This is a legally regulated mechanism that introduces administratively and tax-favourable treatment of income through this account.
Transitional period and the clear line between “in force” and “applied”
The media often reports on the “introduction” of the IIA, which creates the impression that it is already available. The law is already in force, but it is applied from March 2026. This is a key difference. Until the IIA starts being applied, the existing tax practice applies to current brokerage accounts.
Why “Individual Investment Account Slovenia” is often misinterpreted in the media
The content is sometimes presented as something that “is still coming”, and other times as if it is already available. The truth is in between: the law has been adopted, but the application phase starts in March 2026. If we don’t separate this, investors incorrectly conclude they can use the IIA immediately.
How taxation of stocks and ETFs works today
The bulk of taxation is capital gains tax.
Tax liabilities for stocks and ETFs
A capital gain arises when you sell shares or ETF units at a higher price than you bought them. This gain is subject to tax. The tax rate is not fixed, but depends on the holding period. This is a key feature of the Slovenian tax system.
| Holding period | Tax rate |
| Up to 5 years | 25% |
| From 5 to 10 years | 15% |
| From 10 to 15 years | 10% |
| Over 15 years | 0% |
This means the longer your holding period, the lower the tax liability. After 15 years of holding, you are fully exempt from paying capital gains tax. This element of the existing system is extremely important.
Realisation and administration
The taxable event is realised only upon sale. Until you sell the shares, capital gains tax does not arise. Unrealised gains are not taxed. This allows you to compound gains and defer tax liability into the future.
Administrative reporting, however, is mandatory every year for all sales. You file the tax return with FURS via the online portal.
Important to know
Long-term investing pays off: The most important rule is that long-term investing in stocks and ETFs is extremely tax-efficient. Aim for 15 years of holding for 0% tax.
Active management: If you trade frequently, you will pay the highest tax rate. This also brings more administration.
Reporting is mandatory: Don’t forget annual reporting to FURS, even if you do not pay tax.
Do not confuse the IIA with existing rules. The IIA starts being applied in March 2026; until then, the standard system applies.
Comparison: IIA vs the current system
Understanding the differences between the Individual Investment Account (IIA) and the current tax system is crucial. The table below summarises the main points that will help you decide.
| Feature | IIA (from March 2026) | Stocks/ETFs (current system) |
| Tax rate | 0% within the account, taxation upon withdrawal (under IIA rules) | 25% up to 5 years, then 15%, 10%, 0% over 15 years |
| Contribution limit | Annual contribution limit | No contribution limit |
| Administration | Simplified (tax calculation is done by the provider) | Annual reporting of all sales to FURS |
| Predictability | High (law adopted, start of application March 2026) | High (clear rules, in force for years) |
| Available today | No, from March 2026 | Yes |
For stocks and ETFs, a 0% tax after 15 years already exists today, which is an exceptional advantage. The IIA then adds an additional “wrapper” with deferred taxation and simplified administration once it starts being applied.
Is it worth waiting for the IIA?
The decision to wait for the Individual Investment Account (IIA) depends on your investment profile. The key is to understand that waiting for tax benefits also brings costs — primarily in the form of missed returns. Inactivity is not an investment strategy.
Let’s look at three scenarios to make the dilemma between waiting and investing today easier to understand. Each scenario analyses the potential benefits and risks associated with the decision.
Conservative investor
A conservative investor typically seeks safety and low risk. Such investors are often cautious and avoid rushing into new opportunities. They might consider waiting until March 2026.
Speculative investor / Crypto investor
This group of investors often engages in short-term trading or invests in more volatile assets, such as cryptocurrencies. For them, the tax rate is often more direct and less dependent on the holding period. For most crypto investors, waiting solely because of the IIA is not worth it. The IIA is primarily designed for financial instruments, while crypto has its own regime.
The biggest mistake investors in Slovenia make
Investors often make the same mistakes that prevent long-term success. These mistakes are not technical, but behavioural. Human psychology, not market conditions, is often the main enemy of returns. Understanding these mistakes is the first step toward more disciplined investing.
Selling during downturns and breaking long-term tax optimisation
One of the biggest mistakes is selling during downturns. When markets fall, the natural human response is fear. Investors sell their investments to avoid further losses. This often means realising losses. More importantly, it breaks the path to long-term tax optimisation. Remember that capital gains tax on stocks drops to 0% after 15 years. Selling early resets that holding period.
This mistake is not only financial, but also tax-related. With rushed decisions, you miss the chance for full tax exemption and are forced to pay tax at higher rates if you sell your investments early.
Many investors who chase quick profit sell their positions as soon as there is a small rise. This creates a taxable event and avoids long-term benefits. Everything they sold then needs to be bought again at a higher price.
The tax system in Slovenia rewards patience. With each year of holding, the tax rate decreases. Moving funds from one investment to another only increases costs and tax liability. Instead of unrealistic expectations of quick profit, focus on consistent growth and using tax exemptions.
How to avoid these mistakes?
Define your strategy: Always have a clear investment plan that accounts for your risk tolerance and time horizon.
Avoid impulses: Do not make decisions under the influence of current emotions or media headlines.
Stay long-term: Focus on a longer time period. This will help you get through market volatility and benefit from tax advantages.
How to create a “de facto IIA” today
Even though the Individual Investment Account (IIA) starts being applied in March 2026, you can already create similar tax benefits today with a smart strategy. The essence is a long-term and disciplined approach.
Example: Instead of selling stocks each year with a small profit and paying 25% tax, hold the same assets for 15 years. Your tax will ultimately be 0%. This is a significantly better outcome than many expect from new schemes.
A structured portfolio for long-term growth
Build a diversified portfolio aimed at long-term growth. This means investing in quality companies or broadly diversified ETFs that track market indices. Such a portfolio allows companies and markets to adapt and grow over time. Don’t focus on individual quick wins. Build a strategy.
A structured portfolio also withstands market shocks more easily. It is less likely you will panic sell and break your tax-efficient holding period. We say: if you have a resilient portfolio, you can sleep.
Reduced turnover
Avoid frequent buying and selling. Each sale of shares or ETFs triggers a taxable event and resets the timeline for tax exemption. The fewer transactions, the less administration you have with FURS and the faster you move toward the 15-year period.
Low turnover reduces transaction costs and helps you stay disciplined. Focus on less, not more.
Strategic planning of realisations
Try to align sales with periods when your tax rate is lowest. If you have several different investments, you can sell the ones held the longest to reduce tax liability.
You can also, by realising gains in weaker market years, create losses you can carry forward into future years to reduce tax liability. This requires precise planning, but pays off in the long run.
By using these strategies, you can already create a system today that is almost as effective as the IIA in its basic promise: disciplined, tax-rational investing.
FAQ
Has the IIA already been adopted in Slovenia?
Yes. The law on individual investment accounts has been adopted and is in force, and it starts being applied in March 2026.
When will the IIA be introduced in Slovenia?
The IIA will be possible to open from March 2026 (the start of application is 5 March 2026).
Will the IIA apply to cryptocurrencies?
At the moment, it is not sensible to automatically assume the IIA solves crypto taxation. The IIA is tied to the conditions and permitted instruments under the law.
Is it worth waiting?
It depends on your profile. For stocks and ETFs, a 0% tax after 15 years already exists today, which is an exceptional advantage. Waiting can mean missed returns.
Can I invest today without tax?
Yes, today you can invest without paying capital gains tax on stocks and ETFs if you hold them for more than 15 years. After that period, the gain is fully tax-exempt. The only important thing is regular reporting to FURS.
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