Glossary
Family reunification (združitev družine)
This text was generated by AI and has not been reviewed by an editor. Every figure shows its law and source. Confirm the conditions for your case at a consultation before deciding.
In short
Združitev družine is the residence permit for family members of a foreigner living in Slovenia on a temporary or permanent permit. The general rule: with a temporary permit: the last year living in Slovenia on a permit, and a permit issued for at least 1 year; a permanent resident need not wait. EU Blue Card holders, digital nomads and some other groups can apply straight away.
Key figures
- When you can apply
- with a temporary permit: the last year living in Slovenia on a permit, and a permit issued for at least 1 year; a permanent resident need not waittime on a certificate of a pending first or renewal application also counts toward the yearLegal basis: ZTuj-2, 47. člen · as of 10 October 2026 · source
- No waiting period
- EU Blue Card holders, researchers and higher-education staff, intra-corporate transferees, digital nomads, people of Slovenian descent up to the second degree, former temporary protection holders, cases in Slovenia's interest; minor children whose parents hold permitsLegal basis: ZTuj-2, 47. člen · as of 10 October 2026 · source
- Who counts as family
- a spouse, registered partner or long-term cohabiting partner; minor unmarried children (yours and your partner's); parents of a minor sponsor; adult unmarried children and parents whom the sponsor must support under the law of their countryLegal basis: ZTuj-2, 47. člen · as of 10 October 2026 · source
- Means for a family
- at least the social assistance level: the basic minimum income × 1.00 for the sponsor, 0.57 for an adult family member without work, 0.59 per childincome is shown for the 6 months before filing and for the month of filing or decision; the weights come from the social benefits act (ZSVarPre)Legal basis: ZTuj-2, 47. člen · as of 10 October 2026 · source
- Basic minimum income (OZMD)
- €507.43 a month (since 1 March 2026)indexed to consumer prices every 1 Marchas of 10 October 2026 · source
- Family permit term
- as long as the sponsor's permit, but no more than 2 years; renewals up to 3 yearsif the sponsor has permanent residence: 2 years, renewals up to 3 yearsLegal basis: ZTuj-2, 47. člen · as of 10 October 2026 · source
- Language at renewal
- adult family members need a Slovenian test at survival level (preživetvena raven, about A1)not required for people over 60, those studying in Slovenian or schooled in Slovenia, and families of Blue Card holders, researchers and intra-corporate transfereesLegal basis: ZTuj-2, 47. člen · as of 10 October 2026 · source
- State fee: temporary residence permit
- €50 in Slovenia, €102 via an embassyplus €12 for the permit cardLegal basis: ZUT · as of 14 June 2026 · source
Who counts as family
By law: a spouse, registered partner or long-term cohabiting partner; minor unmarried children (yours and your partner's); parents of a minor sponsor; adult unmarried children and parents whom the sponsor must support under the law of their country.
In exceptional cases the upravna enota may also accept another relative. Seasonal workers and daily cross-border workers have no right to family reunification.
When and where to apply
- General rule: with a temporary permit: the last year living in Slovenia on a permit, and a permit issued for at least 1 year; a permanent resident need not wait.
- No waiting period: EU Blue Card holders, researchers and higher-education staff, intra-corporate transferees, digital nomads, people of Slovenian descent up to the second degree, former temporary protection holders, cases in Slovenia's interest; minor children whose parents hold permits.
- The person the family is joining applies, at a Slovenian embassy or consulate or at an upravna enota.
- A refused first family permit can be appealed: the law allows an appeal for this ground.
Means, term and language
- Means: at least the social assistance level: the basic minimum income × 1.00 for the sponsor, 0.57 for an adult family member without work, 0.59 per child. The basic minimum income is currently €507.43 a month (since 1 March 2026).
- Permit term: as long as the sponsor's permit, but no more than 2 years; renewals up to 3 years.
- At renewal: adult family members need a Slovenian test at survival level (preživetvena raven, about A1).
- State fee: €50 in Slovenia, €102 via an embassy.
Frequently asked questions
How soon can I bring my family to Slovenia?
The general rule: with a temporary permit: the last year living in Slovenia on a permit, and a permit issued for at least 1 year; a permanent resident need not wait. Time on a certificate of a pending first or renewal application also counts.
Who can bring family straight away?
No waiting period applies to: EU Blue Card holders, researchers and higher-education staff, intra-corporate transferees, digital nomads, people of Slovenian descent up to the second degree, former temporary protection holders, cases in Slovenia's interest; minor children whose parents hold permits.
Does my spouse need to speak Slovenian?
Not for the first permit. At renewal: adult family members need a Slovenian test at survival level (preživetvena raven, about A1).
Related terms
- Temporary residence permit (dovoljenje za začasno prebivanje)
- Residence permit for a family member of an EU or Slovenian citizen (dovoljenje za prebivanje za družinskega člana)
- EU Blue Card (modra karta EU)
- Digital nomad permit (dovoljenje za digitalne nomade)
- Slovenian language exam (izpit iz znanja slovenščine)
- Sufficient means of subsistence (zadostna sredstva za preživljanje)
- Apostille
Read more
Sources
This text was generated by AI and has not been reviewed by an editor.
Updated: 10 October 2026
General information, not individual legal advice. Rules and amounts change: confirm the exact conditions for your case at a consultation.