Slovenia is rolling out substantial changes to its migration and foreign employment system under amendments to the Foreigners Act (ZTuj-2I) and the Employment, Self-Employment and Work of Foreigners Act (ZZSDT-E). These reforms enter into force gradually throughout 2025, with the most important operational changes kicking in between 21 July 2025 and 21 November 2025.


As one of Slovenia’s leading providers of corporate immigration and business advisory services, SIBIZ outlines the key updates and strategic implications:


Measures Already in Force since 21 May 2025

  • Extended validity of permits
    • First Single Permit validity extended from 1 to 2 years
    • Renewals extended from 2 to 3 years

      • Lump-sum worker compensation
        • Employer must pay 3× gross minimum wage if a Single Permit is revoked due to certain breaches

      • Public register of sanctions
        • Employers banned from employing foreigners are now publicly listed

      Key Legislative Milestones in 2025

        • 21 July 2025
          • Implementation of new EU Blue Card rules and reforms promoting easier access to highly-qualified employment:
          • Salary threshold lowered to average gross salary
          • Minimum employment contract term reduced to 6 months
          • Professional ICT experience recognised even without a university degree
          • Start of employment allowed before final permit approval (shortage occupations) upon certificate and Employment Service consent
          • Simultaneous handling of applications for EU Blue Card and family member

        • 21 November 2025


        Launch of Digital Nomad Temporary Residence Permit for third-country nationals working remotely for a foreign employer:

        • One-year residence with requirement of income ≥ 2× Slovenian average net salary
        • Re-application possible after 6-month “cool-off”
        • Applications and fingerprinting permitted directly in Slovenia


        Expansion of immediate family reunification rights to:

        • Digital nomad permit holders
        • Persons of Slovenian origin (up to 2nd degree)
        • Beneficiaries of temporary protection (e.g. Ukrainians)


        Procedural innovations:

        • First-time temporary residence applications and fingerprint submission now possible inside Slovenia
        • EU citizens’ residence registration becomes unlimited (previous 5-year validity abolished)

        What Employers Must Watch

        • Public register of non-compliant employers, with prohibitions on employing foreigners
        • Mandatory Slovene language training (80 hours) during work hours for fast-tracked workers
        • Obligation to compensate workers (3× gross minimum wage) if Single Permit revoked due to employer offences
        • New refusal ground where companies are established mainly to facilitate entry of third-country nationals
        • Condition that employers must not have dismissed workers due to business reasons in the previous 6 months, unless paying at least the average salary

        Why This Matters

        These reforms aim to simplify legal pathways for attracting international talent while strengthening controls against abuse. Employers will benefit from faster procedures, in-country filings, and longer permit validity, yet must adapt to new compliance obligations.

        SIBIZ advises corporations, SMEs, business professionals and individual investors on all aspects of Slovenian labour migration and permits.

        We provide full support in planning, obtaining and maintaining.

        For tailored guidance ahead of the 21 July 2025 and 21 November 2025 changes, contact us at www.sibiz.eu