Slovenia adopts stricter immigration and residency rules

Slovenia Aliens Act immigration reform family reunification residency permit

The Slovenian government has approved amendments to the Aliens Act, introducing more stringent requirements for non-EU citizens regarding residency, family reunification, and language proficiency.

Key changes include increasing the required financial means for subsistence from the current minimum income of 507.43 euros to either 710.40 euros or up to 1,014.86 euros. The period required for a foreigner to qualify for family reunification will extend from one year to three years of legal residence. Additionally, language requirements will be raised: an A2 level will be required for temporary residence extensions due to family reunification, and a B1 level will be necessary for permanent residency, up from the previous A2 requirement.

Language courses will no longer be entirely free; the state will co-finance 60 percent of the cost, with migrants covering the remaining 40 percent. The government also plans to transfer decisions regarding changes in employment from administrative units to the Employment Service of the Republic of Slovenia to streamline processes. These measures have drawn criticism from labor unions, NGOs, and some business sectors, who warn they may hinder integration and make Slovenia less attractive to foreign workers.

Entities

Employment Service of the Republic of Slovenia · Ministry of the Interior and Public Administration · Slovenia

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 2 SOURCES] Slovenia's draft amendments to the Aliens Act propose stricter conditions for residency and family reunification. mostarski.ba · www.24ur.com
[● 2 SOURCES] The minimum income requirement for third-country nationals would increase from 507.43 euros to 710.40 euros. mostarski.ba · www.24ur.com
[● 2 SOURCES] Unions and NGOs have criticized the proposals as attempts to drive away working families. mostarski.ba · www.24ur.com
[● 2 SOURCES] The period required before a foreigner can apply for family reunification would increase from one year to three years. mostarski.ba · www.24ur.com
[● 2 SOURCES] Proposed changes to employment laws would allow foreigners to be employed through agencies. mostarski.ba · www.24ur.com
[● 2 SOURCES] The new employment draft would tie a foreign worker to their first employer for six months. mostarski.ba · www.24ur.com
[● 2 SOURCES] Permanent residency would require a B1 level of Slovenian language proficiency instead of the current A2 level. mostarski.ba · www.24ur.com
[● 2 SOURCES] Free Slovenian language courses for foreigners would be abolished in favor of a 40 percent co-financing model. mostarski.ba · www.24ur.com