The Ministry of the Interior (which now includes the Ministry of Public Administration) has officially published draft amendments to the Aliens Act (ZTuj-2). Designed to implement the updated EU Single Permit Directive (Directive (EU) 2024/1233 ) and streamline national administrative procedures, the draft law introduces key changes affecting corporate employers, foreign workers and relocating families.

The draft law is open for public consultation until August 19, 2026. Below is an essential breakdown of the key reforms, administrative changes and practical implications for international businesses and foreign residents in Slovenia.

1. Extension of family reunification period to 3 years

One of the most significant changes for foreign workers is the extension of the required period of lawful residence before applying for family reunification.

  1. Current rule: Third-country nationals with a valid temporary residence permit can apply to bring in immediate family members after 1 year of lawful residence.
  2. Proposed Rule: The required period of lawful residence will be increased from 1 year to 3 years. This 3-year threshold will also apply to persons with subsidiary protection status.
  3. Aim: The Ministry emphasizes that this measure will ensure that foreign sponsors establish sufficient financial stability and living conditions in Slovenia before bringing in family members, thus avoiding unnecessary burden on the national social welfare system.
  4. Exceptions: Highly skilled workers such as EU Blue Card holders, researchers, intra-corporate transferees (ICT) and digital nomads will retain their immediate family reunification privileges without a waiting period.

2. Streamlined Employer & Job Changes via ZRSZ

In order to eliminate long-standing backlogs at local administrative units (Upravne enote), the bill completely restructures the way foreign workers change jobs or employers.

  1. Direct application to the Employment Service of Slovenia (ZRSZ): Applications to change positions with the same employer, to change employers, or to take up a second job will no longer go through the administrative units (Upravne enote). Instead, applications for permission will be submitted directly to the Employment Service of Slovenia (ZRSZ).
  2. Faster processing: ZRSZ will issue decisions directly to the applicant and notify the administrative units (Upravne enote). By eliminating duplication of work between government agencies, administrative processing times for job transfers are expected to be significantly reduced.

3. Co-financing of Slovenian language courses (40% personal contribution)

The era of completely free state-funded Slovenian language courses and exams for foreigners is coming to an end.

  1. 40% Foreigner Contribution: State funding for language and integration programs (such as the Initial Integration of Immigrants – ZIP) will shift from 100% state funding to 60% state co-funding. Foreign students will now be required to pay 40% of the course fee directly to the education provider before enrolling.
  2. Elimination of free language exams: The state will no longer fund the first attempt at official Slovenian language exams (at entry, basic, advanced and survival levels). Foreigners will have to pay the exam fees individually.
  3. Rationale & Reinvestment: In 2025, over 4,000 participants attended government integration courses (a 32% increase from the previous year) at a cost of over €2.85 million. The government found that the average attendance in non-formal survival courses was only 57%. By requiring a 40% financial contribution, the Ministry aims to encourage greater commitment and attendance, while redirecting the saved funds to expand overall course capacity.
  4. Transitional period: Language vouchers issued under the previous regulations will remain valid for 18 months after the new law takes effect.

4. Stronger Foreign Worker Protections & Unemployment Provisions

In line with modern EU labour standards, the bill introduces several protections for foreign workers:

  1. No Refund of Fees: Employers who pay administrative application fees (upravne takse) on behalf of foreign workers for the issuance or renewal of a single permit cannot demand a refund from the worker.
  2. Unemployment Rights & Permit Retention: Based on the EU Blue Card rules, single permit holders who lose their jobs through no fault of their own are not subject to immediate permit revocation. Foreigners may remain in Slovenia during permitted periods of unemployment (typically up to 3 or 6 months, depending on length of stay), provided they are receiving unemployment benefits or have sufficient resources to support themselves.

Summary of implications for corporate employers

For companies operating in Slovenia – especially in logistics, manufacturing, IT and specialized services – the changes bring a mix of administrative relief and structural changes:

  1. Faster HR Mobility: Direct processing with ZRSZ will reduce operational downtime when relocating or hiring foreign employees locally.
  2. Clear Fee Responsibility: Employers must budget for administrative costs as a non-reimbursable business expense.
  3. Retention & Integration: Companies may need to support their foreign workforce with language learning plans as completely free government language courses come to an end.

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