According to the Act Amending the Foreigners Act, an adult family member (aged between 18 and 60), is required to have at least a survival level of Slovenian language proficiency in order to extend his or her temporary residence permit for the purpose of family reunification. This new requirement took effect on November 1, 2024.
The survival level refers to the ability to communicate in basic Slovenian in everyday life and familiar situations by using basic vocabulary and simple phrases.
The Act entered into force on November 16, 2023, but the Slovenian language requirement has been introduced gradually according to the following timeline:
- Until April 30, 2024: The Slovenian language requirement did not need to be fulfilled.
- May 1, 2024 – October 31, 2024: To renew their temporary residence permits for the purpose of family reunification, applicants had to present a certificate of enrollment in a Slovenian language education programme for adults or a certificate of a successfully completed Slovenian language examination at entry level or higher.
- From November 1, 2024: the survival level of Slovenian is required. Applicants have to present a certificate of a successfully completed Slovenian language examination at survival level.
Adult family members of non-EU nationals who were issued a temporary residence permit for the purpose of family reunification are eligible to attend a free 180-hour Slovenian language course at survival level. They may also be eligible for an additional 60 hours of free language teaching.
Erickson Insights & Analysis
Erickson Immigration Group will continue to monitor developments and share updates as more news is available. Please contact your employer or EIG attorney if you have questions about anything we’re reporting above or case-specific questions.