Slovenia and Croatia announce holiday bonus details

In Slovenia, employers are legally required to pay a Christmas bonus, known as a winter regres, to all employees. For 2026, the minimum amount is set at 740.94 euros, which represents half of the minimum wage. This payment must be made in cash by December 18, with proportional amounts provided for part-time workers or those employed for less than a full year.

In contrast, Croatia has no general legal mandate for Christmas bonuses; instead, payments depend on collective agreements, labor rules, or individual employer decisions. Among Croatian state companies, Hrvatska elektroprivreda (HEP) will pay 500 euros, while the Financial Agency (FINA) will provide 350 euros. Other state entities like Croatian Roads and HŽ Infrastructure will pay 250 euros.

Additionally, various Croatian cities and municipalities are providing holiday assistance to retirees. Approximately 250 out of 556 local government units plan to distribute these funds. In Poreč, all 5,000 retirees will receive a flat 111 euros, while in Velika Gorica, payments range from 40 to 120 euros based on income levels. Zagreb will provide 100 euros to retirees with pensions below 350 euros.