Ljubljana: The Big Crypto Future of a Small Capital

Ljubljana has long been celebrated for its:

• intimate charm,
• scenic canals,
• green riverbanks,
• and laid-back European pace of life. 

For many, the city symbolizes a kind of provincial romance.

However, in recent years, the city has undergone a transformation that didn’t make it into tourist brochures, but certainly caught the attention of the tech world. In 2025, Ljubljana topped the Crypto Report ranking of the most crypto-friendly cities on the planet, surpassing Hong Kong, Singapore, and Zurich. 

Slovenia’s capital shows that in the world of Web3, success isn’t about size, popularity, or financial weight—it’s about a systematic approach to regulation, a commitment to innovation, and a stable legal framework.

How Ljubljana Became a Crypto City 

In Ljubljana, crypto has quietly woven itself into the fabric of daily life. You can grab a coffee and pay in Bitcoin through a mobile app, pick up a souvenir in the Old Town using ETH, or swap digital assets at one of the many crypto ATMs across the city.

Moreover, the Slovenian capital has also become a haven for digital nomads, drawn by fast internet, a visa-friendly environment, and a high standard of living. Coworking spaces and creative hubs fit naturally into the cityscape, nestled among historic facades and winding cobblestone streets.

Blockchain Ecosystem and Key Players in Crypto Ljubljana

Today, Ljubljana is quietly cultivating a sustainable Web3 ecosystem. 

• The city hosts Blockchain Alliance Europe, a key regional organization that connects startups, consultants, and blockchain advocates.
• RWA platform, Blocksquare, also hails from the Slovenian capital. Recently, it announced a partnership with Vera Capital to tokenize over $1 billion worth of U.S. real estate.

In addition, the city regularly hosts hackathons, blockchain conferences, and community meetups, bringing together the builders shaping the future of blockchain.

Crypto Regulation and Taxation in Slovenia

As part of the European Union, Slovenia adheres to the MiCA framework for crypto asset regulation. However, in addition to EU-wide rules, the country has implemented its own national policies that have made it an appealing destination for crypto businesses and investors. 

Why “have made”? Beginning in 2026, Slovenia is expected to tighten its laws, introducing tax rates of up to 25% on profits from digital asset investments. 

Currently, virtual currencies are officially classified as intangible assets under Slovenian law. 

Crypto trading is legal in Slovenia for both individuals and companies. 

• For individuals, profits from cryptocurrency transactions are not subject to income tax, as long as those transactions are not part of a business activity. However, if trading becomes regular and commercial in nature, earnings are treated as business income and taxed accordingly.
• Corporate entities dealing in crypto are taxed at a flat rate of 19%. The government also requires individuals to report their crypto holdings in annual tax filings.
• Slovenia does not (or did not) impose a capital gains tax on crypto sales for individuals, provided the profits were not earned through business activity. However, as we now know, this policy may change starting in 2026. 

Slovenia’s crypto-friendly policy has made it one of the most attractive destinations in Europe for long-term digital asset holdings. 

Government authorities take a measured approach to industry regulation, focusing on anti-money laundering and consumer protection, while generally supporting innovation and encouraging the growth of the digital economy.

As a result, this creates a predictable and stable legal environment for startups and investors.

Ljubljana’s Crypto-Friendly Daily Life

Life as a crypto enthusiast in Ljubljana feels simple and convenient. 

• More than 100 local shops and restaurants now accept digital assets as payment. In the city’s tourist-heavy zones, stickers reading “Bitcoin accepted here” are a common sight on café doors, and even at select museums.
• Ljubljana also hosts a network of Bitcoin ATMs, allowing users to buy and sell crypto directly. The machines, operated by Shitcoins Club, support a broad range of fiat currencies, including the euro, Swiss franc, British pound, Hungarian forint, Romanian leu, and U.S. dollar. 

Crypto ATM locations in Ljubljana:

1. Slovenska cesta 56, 1000 Ljubljana
   Located near the stock exchange building and the Sufret Beirut restaurant.
2. Kotnikova ulica 5, 1000 Ljubljana
   Situated inside the Ledina shopping center, next to a grocery store. 
3. Cesta 24. junija 23, 1231 Ljubljana – Črnuče
   Installed in the Črnuče district, close to a local pizzeria.

More on the topic: 10 Surprising Places You Can Spend Your Crypto Today

Web3 Job Market and Career Opportunities 

Ljubljana is quickly becoming a magnet for blockchain and Web3 talent. The city has a growing demand for smart contract developers, tokenization experts, marketers, and community managers.

Among the most active employers in the city are Bitstamp and Comtrade Digital Services.

Bitstamp, one of the world’s oldest cryptocurrency exchanges, operates a major office in Ljubljana and frequently recruits specialists in software development, cybersecurity, and cloud infrastructure. Candidates can explore open positions on the company’s official website, under the Bitstamp Careers section.

Comtrade Digital Services, the region’s top IT firm, is actively recruiting blockchain architects, digital transformation consultants, and developers focused on decentralized technologies. Current job listings can be found on the company’s official Comtrade Careers page.

According to World Salaries, blockchain developers in Slovenia’s capital earn between €24,500 and €38,220 annually, depending on their skills and experience. Developers with expertise in Solidity can command salaries as high as $125,000–$188,000 per year.

With most Web3 careers being remote-first, professionals can build global careers while enjoying Ljubljana’s affordability and quality of life.

For more on remote crypto work, check out our article: Crypto Jobs Are Remote-First: Everything You Need to Know

Expensive and Affordable Neighborhoods in Ljubljana

Living in Ljubljana is significantly more affordable than in major European capitals like Paris or Vienna. The city is safe, green, and welcoming to foreigners (in many ways similar to Tbilisi).

Ljubljana offers a range of residential districts suited to both high-earning entrepreneurs and budget-conscious expats.

1. The most prestigious and priciest areas in Ljubljana are the city center (Center) and the Križanke district. The center includes the historic heart of the capital, covering the Old Town (Staro Mesto), Krakovo, and the surrounding neighborhoods. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment here can run as high as €1,100 to €1,300 per month. This part of the city is home to top restaurants, cafés, and the offices of international companies and startups.
2. For more affordable housing, look to Bežigrad and Vič. In these areas, you can find comfortable one-bedroom apartments for €700 to €900 a month. Bežigrad is especially popular with students and young professionals, thanks to its convenient transport connections and well-developed infrastructure.
3. Polje and Šiška offer even more budget-friendly options, with rents starting at €500 per month. These neighborhoods are quiet, green, and well-suited for long-term living.

Must-Visit Spots in Ljubljana

For those combining Web3 work with travel, Ljubljana offers plenty of places to step away from the screen and get inspired by the city’s atmosphere.

1. One of the city’s main landmarks is Ljubljana Castle, perched on a hill right in the center. From its panoramic terrace, you’ll find breathtaking views of the old town and its surroundings.
2. A walk along the Ljubljanica River and its famous bridges—the Triple Bridge and the Dragon Bridge—lets you slow down and soak in the city’s rhythm, street art, and traditional cuisine.
3. The Ljubljana Botanical Garden, the oldest in Southeastern Europe, is perfect for a nature break. With free Wi-Fi zones throughout, you can set up your workspace right under the canopy of century-old trees.
4. For a more active weekend, explore Metelkova, a creative hub for contemporary art and culture. This alternative district hosts exhibitions, performances, and open-air parties.
5. Ljubljana is also a great base for day trips. In just an hour, you can reach Lake Bled, one of Europe’s most scenic spots and an ideal destination for a digital detox.

Ljubljana is proof that size doesn’t limit ambition. The city continues to expand its presence in the global Web3 economy, showing that the future of crypto is being built where innovation is welcomed, not blocked.

Ljubljana is the place for you if you:

• Appreciate calm, safe, and clean European cities
• Want to launch a startup or work in Web3 with the support of clear, stable regulation
• Strive for a high quality of life paired with moderate rental prices

Ljubljana might not be your match if you:

• Thrive on the fast pace and nightlife of a major metropolis
• Expect large-scale business events every month
• Prefer a loud, high-energy startup scene