Family Reunification in Slovenia

One documented route of this kind in Slovenia, with its conditions, documents, official government fees and process.

Family Reunification

Residence permit allowing family members to join a third-country sponsor lawfully resident in Slovenia.

Processing time: 1 month, extendable to a maximum of 2 months (ZUP/ZTuj-2)
Validity: Tied to sponsor's permit; renewable
Language requirement: From 1 November 2024, adult family members must present a certificate of passing the Slovenian language test at 'survival level' (preživetvena raven) upon renewal of their permit. This is distinct from the A2 level required for permanent residence. Exemptions apply for persons over 60, those with medical conditions preventing testing, family members of EU Blue Card holders, family members of researchers, those who completed education in Slovenia, and cases serving Slovenia's national interest.
Permanent residence: 5 years continuous residence (2 years for family of a citizen / permanent resident / refugee)
Citizenship: 10 years generally; 3 years marriage + 1 year residence for spouses

Sponsor resided 1 year on a temporary permit and holds a permit valid >= 1 year (no wait for Blue Card holders, researchers/HE staff, intra-corporate transferees, or permanent-permit holders)
Proof of family relationship (legalised/apostilled and translated)
Proof of sufficient means covering the prior 6 months + application month
Health insurance and accommodation

Proof of family relationship (marriage/birth certificates, legalised/apostilled and translated) required
Proof of sufficient means covering the prior 6 months plus the application month required
Proof of health insurance required
Proof of accommodation required
Certificate of basic Slovenian for adult family members (from Nov 2024), unless exempt required

1

Confirm sponsor eligibility

Sponsor must have resided 1 year on a temporary permit and hold a permit valid >= 1 year (no wait for Blue Card holders, researchers/HE staff, ICTs, or permanent-permit holders).
2

Prepare documents

Obtain legalised/apostilled and translated relationship documents and, for adult members, the basic Slovenian certificate (unless exempt).
3

Apply

File the family reunification application for qualifying members: spouse/registered partner, minor unmarried children, stepchildren, dependent parents/adult children.