Koroška, your new living and business location
The Koroška region encompasses 12 municipalities, connected by three valleys - Mežiška, Mislinjska and Drava.
Koroška connects – nature, community and education for a sustainable future.
Life and work
Living in the Koroška region offers a unique blend of a relaxed pace of life, beautiful natural surroundings and a strong sense of community.
During your stay and work in the Koroška region, you can discover the picturesque landscape of mighty forests and natural wonders in the Karavanke UNESCO Geopark, the green Pohorje and the Drava River Valley. Experience adrenaline on a bike or on foot - with the most beautiful views from the mountains or deep in the Peca underground. Feel the freedom of mountain peaks and the joy of snowy plains. Indulge in a relaxed chat with your fellow locals over Koroška delicacies and explore the legacy of the past.
Compared to larger urban centers, life in Koroška is slower and more peaceful, ideal for those seeking a break from the hustle and bustle. Koroška is also known for its close-knit communities and friendly locals.
The cost of living is lower than in the capital of Slovenia or other central regions. Housing is also more affordable. However, the average salary in the Koroška region is also lower than the national average.
The region also ranks among the top safest regions in Europe.
Education
The school system in Slovenia is divided into three sets of education: primary, secondary and tertiary.
Primary education is provided by public and private kindergartens, primary schools, primary schools with adapted programs, music schools, and institutions for the education of children with special needs.
Secondary education is provided by gymnasiums and high schools. It is divided into general, vocational-technical, and secondary professional and technical education.
The third set of education, tertiary education, is provided by both public and private institutions. It consists of post-secondary vocational education and higher education. Post-secondary vocational education is provided by higher vocational schools, while higher education is provided by faculties, academies and independent higher education institutions.
In the Koroška region, all three levels of education are covered. Both kindergartens and primary schools are distributed throughout all its municipalities, and the number of these is linked to the number of children in each municipality.
General secondary education (gymnasium) is available in Slovenj Gradec and Ravne na Koroškem, while other vocational and technical secondary schools are available in addition to Ravne na Koroškem and Slovenj Gradec, as well as in Muta.
There are also several higher education institutions in the region. Slovenj Gradec is home to the Faculty of Polymer Technology, which is the only one in Slovenia that offers a comprehensive study program in the field of polymer technologies and materials. Slovenj Gradec is also home to the Faculty of Health and Social Sciences Slovenj Gradec and a higher vocational school. Students also continue their student journey at universities in larger cities in Slovenia and abroad.
The economy of the Koroška region is represented by a vibrant mix of traditional industries and innovative companies, which together create a stable and progressive business environment.
Economy
The central economic pillar and main employer in the region remains the metal processing industry. These areas are further developing in terms of strengthening Industry 4.0, greater energy and material efficiency, lower energy intensity, and the introduction of green technologies.
The field of new materials and technologies is also developing successfully, especially technologies for processing polymer materials and ICT technologies.
We are building the connection between education, R&D and the economy for a development breakthrough, especially in cooperation with development departments of companies, incubators, technology parks, universities and R&D organizations in Slovenia and abroad. We are establishing a development core in the region around the Faculty of Polymer Technology, which has made an important step in the field of accessibility of development and research infrastructure in recent years and which, with its R&D work, is becoming a sought-after partner for the economy and a promoter of the transfer of applied research into practice.
The ICT sector, where in recent years we have seen rapid growth of innovative companies with high added value and a global presence, represents potential for the growth and development of this propulsive field also for the region in terms of its development specialization.
Metalworking
Koroška is one of the oldest Slovenian industrial regions, where the metal processing industry ranks at the very top of the manufacturing industry's core activities, both in terms of revenue and exports.
Materials (iron, steel) as a potential technology represent one of the key competencies of the region in connection with other industries in the country and abroad. That this is a promising development sector is proven by companies that have invested in technological modernization of production in recent years to further ensure competitiveness and increase production capacities accordingly.
Long-standing tradition, rich industry experience, innovative approach, quality services and the presence of Koroška companies on global markets offer potential investors opportunities for further development and immediate entry into domestic and foreign markets.
Wood industry
Nature has endowed Slovenia with more forests than most countries in Europe, and Koroška is one of the most forested areas of Slovenia. The wood stock is estimated at over 6.4 million m3, and the annual growth is estimated at 0.6 million m3 of wood. Forestry and wood processing have been important economic sectors in the past, employing many residents of the region.
Today, most of the wood from Koroška is exported unprocessed, mainly to neighboring Austria. Koroška wood also finds buyers for further processing into the most valuable wood products throughout Europe and North America.
A region with sufficient quantities of quality wood that is in the immediate vicinity and will be permanently accessible, with existing knowledge, support services - including in the fields of education, research and development - and clear plans for establishing a forest-timber chain, offers ample opportunities for further development of the industry and for investment in existing or new processing capacities, especially those for finished products and semi-finished products with higher added value.
Wood represents the raw material of the future for Koroška and, when used in a planned manner, enables an economical and friendly industry.
Tourism
Discover the picturesque landscape of mighty forests and natural wonders in the UNESCO Karavanke Geopark, the green Pohorje and the Drava River Valley. Experience adrenaline on a bike or on foot - with the most beautiful views from the mountains or deep in the Peca underground. Feel the freedom of mountain peaks and the joy of snowy plains. Indulge in a relaxed chat with locals over Koroška delicacies and explore the legacy of the past.
Koroška offers various opportunities for active leisure activities, as well as for investing in the development of tourism and tourism-related activities.
The destination of Koroška is an undiscovered hidden treasure of nature that carries great potential. It is particularly appealing to those who appreciate green tourism, based on boutique products and authentic experiences. Our fundamental characteristics and advantages are unspoiled green nature, which offers great opportunities for outdoor activities, especially cycling and hiking. It is excellent for a rural holiday. We can boast a rich heritage, and former traditional economic activities are today being transformed into tourist attractions such as kayaking and cycling in an abandoned mine (Podzemlje Pece), rafting on the Drava River,..
The Koroška region can also boast of achievements on an international scale:
- Peca mountain bike park with the longest single trail in Slovenia and the longest Flow Trail in Europe;
- the biggest Koroška hill challenge K24;
- prestigious events: Enduro World Series 2018 mountain bike race (one of eight in the world and fifth in Europe).
Investors have various opportunities to invest in the development of tourism infrastructure and tourism-related services.
The Koroška region encompasses 12 municipalities, connected by three valleys - Mežiška, Mislinjska and Drava.
Regional statistics
The workforce in Slovenia is recognized for its dedication, technical skills, and high productivity, making it attractive to domestic and foreign investors in various sectors.
Workforce
Koroška is a region with a quality workforce, with experience in manufacturing, with a high level of knowledge of ICT technologies and foreign languages, and with high employee loyalty.
The Koroška region is demographically slightly older than the Slovenian average, with a lower proportion of young people and a higher proportion of older residents.
The average age of the population was 45.1 years in mid-2023, which is higher than the Slovenian average. The share of residents aged 65 or over was the fourth highest among the regions (23.2%), while the share of those under 15 was below average (14.4%). The ageing index in 2023 was 160.3, which is significantly higher than the national average of 145.4.
In terms of educational structure, in 2023 the largest share of residents aged 25 to 64 had a secondary education (60.3%), while the share of those with higher or higher education was the second lowest among the regions (27.8%).
The employment rate is slightly below average, while the survey unemployment rate is the lowest in Slovenia.
The Koroška region is characterized by significant labor migration, both within and out of the region. The municipality of Slovenj Gradec is the only one in Koroška that has more jobs than active population, and the same applies to the municipality of Ravne na Koroškem, which is the industrial center of the region. There is also a lot of labor migration to neighboring Austria.
The key employment sector remains manufacturing, but growth potential is being recognized in new industries.
A stable and attractive business environment is characterized by a strategic geographical location, developed infrastructure, and an entrepreneurial support environment.
Business environment
Excellent geostrategic position
Slovenia's excellent geostrategic location in the heart of Europe is one of the obvious advantages that investors benefit from. As part of the EU market, Slovenia can serve as a springboard for overseas companies wishing to do business in the EU. Its location at the crossroads of the TEN-T corridors makes it an ideal entry point for immediate access to European countries with over 700 million customers.
Koroška is located in the center of Europe, close to the Austrian border. The proximity to the Austrian border offers good economic opportunities, business expansion abroad and good international cooperation.
Nearby is the Austrian transport network - the motorway connection (AT Koroška), the proximity of international airports, and the Klagenfurt - Graz high-speed railway, which is still under construction and is expected to be completed in 2025. The Koralm railway is part of the new southern line, strengthening the Baltic-Adriatic corridor in Europe.
A motorway is also under construction, which will connect Koroška with the already built motorway network in Slovenia, central Slovenia and the Port of Koper.
Excellent business locations
Both commercial land and commercial premises are available in the Koroška region. We have 28 business zones where both land and commercial buildings are available. A commercial real estate portal is maintained with up-to-date information on vacant locations, and active assistance is also available to domestic and foreign investors in finding the right locations.
Entrepreneurial support environment
Slovenia boasts a healthy business environment, and setting up a business in Slovenia is relatively easy. The general corporate tax rate is 19 percent[1], investment tax incentives, economic legislation, and microeconomic stability allow a variety of industries to thrive in Slovenia, many of which have a significant impact on international markets.
Free business cooperation, assistance in their growth and finding business partnerships are also available to business entities.
Read more about the Slovenian business environment and starting a company in Slovenia at
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