Navigating labour law in a foreign country can be challenging. For all foreign professionals, business owners and expats working in Slovenia, understanding the Employment Relationships Act (ZDR-1 ) is crucial to a smooth professional life.

Holiday pay is mandatory in Slovenia and this comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about your rights and obligations regarding annual leave and the payment known locally as “regres” for the year 2026.

Holiday Allowance (“regres”) 2026

Every employee in Slovenia who has a valid employment contract is entitled to a holiday allowance. In Slovenia, this mandatory payment is locally known and referred to as “regres”. It is a legal right that is linked to your right to annual leave, which means that you are entitled to it even if you do not actually use all of your leave days (e.g. because you are on long-term sick leave).

  1. Minimum amount: In 2026, the minimum amount will be set at 1,481.88 EUR (equal to the national minimum wage).
  2. Proportional entitlement: If you are not employed for the full calendar year, you are entitled to a proportional amount (1/12 for each month of employment).
  3. Part-time workers: Generally receive a prorated amount based on their hours worked. However, those working part-time due to parental leave, disability, or as victims of domestic violence are entitled to the full amount, just like full-time employees.
  4. Payment Deadline: Employers must pay the “regres” by July 1, 2026. In cases of severe illiquidity, this may be extended to November 1, 2026, but only if the industry’s collective bargaining agreement allows such an extension.

Annual Leave (“Letni Dopust”)

The right to paid vacation is fundamental and cannot be waived. You cannot “sell” your vacation days for money while you are still employed; such an agreement is legally void.

  • Minimum duration: At least 4 weeks per year. For a standard 5-day week, this is 20 days.
  • Extra days: You may be eligible for extra days based on certain criteria:
  • Older workers (over 55 years old): +3 days.
  • Parentswith children under 15: +1 day per child.
  • Persons with disabilitiesor 60% physical impairment: +3 days.
  • Employees caring for children with special needs: +3 days.
  • Scheduling: Vacation is taken by agreement between the employee and the employer. However, you must be able to take at least two weeks in a continuous block.

Advanced Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)

Who exactly is entitled to “regres”? Every employee has this right. It is automatically acquired when the employment contract is signed. Even if you are on sick leave or parental leave for the entire year, you are still entitled to both leave and the bonus.

How is the “regres” calculated if I work part-time? It is usually proportional to the hours you work. For example, if you work 20 hours per week (50%), you will receive 50% of the benefit. Exception: If you work part-time due to pension/disability, health insurance or parental leave rules, you are entitled to the full amount.

Can I carry over unused leave to 2027? Yes. You must use at least two weeks by the end of 2026. The remainder can be carried over and used until June 30, 2027. Important: If you were unable to use your leave due to illness, injury or parental leave, you can carry it over until March 31 of the year following the transfer year (a 15-month window).

Can my employer decide when I take my leave? The timing is determined by mutual agreement. The employer must consider your needs (family obligations, rest) as well as the needs of the work process. Parents of school-age children have a special right to take at least one week during school holidays.

What is “one day of choice”? Every employee has the right to take one day of annual leave on a day of his or her choice. You must give your employer at least 3 days’ notice. Your employer can only refuse if your absence would seriously jeopardize the work process.

Can I take leave in hours (e.g. 2 hours today, 6 hours tomorrow)? No. Annual leave is calculated and used in full working days. The smallest unit of time you can take is a full day.

Can my employer call me back from vacation? Generally, no. Your vacation is for rest and relaxation. Recall is possible only in extreme, unforeseen circumstances and usually requires mutual agreement.

What is the “right to disconnect”? Slovenian law ensures that employees are not required to be available to their employer outside of working hours. This means that you do not have to answer work calls or emails while on vacation, and you cannot be penalized for doing so.

Are there other types of paid leave besides “annual leave”? Yes. You are entitled to Paid Leave for Personal Circumstances (up to 7 days per year). This includes

  1. Your own wedding (minimum of 1 day).
  2. Death of spouse, child or parent (minimum of 1 day).
  3. Serious accident (1 day minimum).
  4. Accompanying a first grader to school on their first day (1 day).

What happens if I receive too much “regres” or take too much leave? If you leave a company and it is found that you were overpaid “regres” or took more leave than you were entitled to (proportionately), the employer may seek a civil refund or offset against your final salary (with your written consent).

What if your rights are violated?

If your employer fails to pay your “regres” or grant you annual leave, you have several options:

  1. Formal request: Send a written request to the employer to correct the violation within 8 working days.
  2. Labour Inspectorate: Contact the Labour Inspectorate of the Republic of Slovenia (IRSD – Inšpektorat RS za delo). You can make a report anonymously.
  3. Labor Court: File a claim. Note that financial claims such as unpaid “regres” expire after 5 years.

For tax-related questions, please contact the Financial Administration of the Republic of Slovenia (FURS – Finančna uprava Republike Slovenije).

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