Slovenia Proposes Stricter Rules for Foreign Workers: Higher Income Threshold, Longer Family Reunification Wait & Language Requirements – Public Consultation Ends August 26
- Editorial Team
- 18 hours ago
- 3 min read
Updated: 8 hours ago
LJUBLJANA, August 23, 2026 — The Slovenian Ministry of Interior has published a proposal for amendments to the Aliens Act, introducing significantly stricter conditions for foreign workers, including longer waiting periods for family reunification, higher income thresholds, and more demanding Slovene language requirements.
The proposal was officially announced and published for public consultation on July 29, 2026, through Slovenia's e-Uprava Portal. The consultation period remains open until August 26, 2026, after which the Ministry will review feedback before submitting the final proposal to Parliament.
Published: August 23, 2026 | By VisasUpdate.com Editorial Team
Key Proposed Changes at a Glance
Area | Current Rules | Proposed Changes |
Family Reunification (Waiting Period) | After 1 year of legal residence | After 3 years of legal residence |
Income Threshold (Family of 4) | ~€2,000–€2,500/month | Over €4,000/month |
Slovene Language (Permanent Residence) | A2 level | B1 level |
Slovene Language (Family Reunification) | Basic level | A2 level |
Language Course Subsidies | Fully subsidized | 70% state co-financing (30% paid by individual) |
Language Exam | One-time free exam | Eliminated |
Detailed Breakdown of the Proposed Changes
1. Family Reunification: 1 Year → 3 Years
Aspect | Current | Proposed |
Minimum Legal Residence | 1 year | 3 years |
Impact | Workers can bring families sooner | Families remain separated longer |
The extended waiting period is intended to ensure foreign workers have stable, long-term employment before reuniting with their families. However, critics argue it will discourage workers from choosing Slovenia.
2. Income Threshold: Significantly Higher
The monthly income requirement for family reunification would increase substantially:
Family Size | Current Requirement (Est.) | Proposed Requirement |
Single person | ~€1,400 | Higher (exact TBD) |
Family of 4 | ~€2,000–€2,500 | Over €4,000 |
A foreign worker supporting a family of four would need to earn over €4,000 per month to qualify for family reunification.
3. Language Requirements: Stricter
Purpose | Current Level | Proposed Level |
Permanent Residence | A2 (basic) | B1 (intermediate) |
Family Reunification | Basic knowledge | A2 |
4. Language Course Subsidies Reduced
Aspect | Current | Proposed |
Funding | Fully subsidized by state | 70% state co-financing |
Individual Cost | €0 | 30% of course costs |
5. Free Language Exam Eliminated
The one-time free Slovene language examination would be eliminated, adding another financial burden for applicants.
Business Community Concerns
The Chamber of Commerce of Slovenia has raised significant concerns about the proposal:
"These measures will make Slovenia less attractive to workers from the Western Balkans, who may choose other EU countries instead."— Chamber of Commerce
Slovenia's Competitiveness Issue
Slovenia already ranks near the bottom in attractiveness for foreign workers. These changes could further reduce interest from workers in the Western Balkans, who currently represent a key source of labor for Slovenian industries.
Concern | Impact |
Workers from Western Balkans | May choose Austria, Germany, or other EU countries |
Employers | Harder to fill labour shortages |
Slovenia's Competitiveness | Further decline in attractiveness |
Timeline and Next Steps
Date | Event |
Until August 26, 2026 | Public consultation period open |
After August 26 | Ministry reviews feedback |
TBD | Proposal submitted to Parliament |
TBD | Parliamentary debate and vote |
TBD | If adopted, new rules take effect |
What Happens When Public Consultation Ends?
Once the public consultation closes on August 26, 2026, the Ministry of Interior will:
Review all comments submitted by stakeholders (employers, trade unions, NGOs, individuals)
Consider potential amendments based on feedback received
Submit the final proposal to the Slovenian Parliament (Državni zbor)
Parliamentary debate and vote will follow
If adopted, the new rules will be published in the Official Gazette and will take effect on a specified date
Quick Reference Summary
Aspect | Details |
Current Status | Public consultation |
Consultation Deadline | August 26, 2026 |
Family Reunification Wait | 1 year → 3 years |
Income (Family of 4) | ~€2,000 → €4,000+ |
Language (PR) | A2 → B1 |
Language (Family) | Basic → A2 |
Course Subsidies | 100% → 70% |
Free Exam | Eliminated |
Business Community | Opposed; warns of competitiveness loss |
Next Step | Parliamentary review |
Read Also
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