Family Reunion in Slovenia

Family Reunion
in Slovenia

Family Reunion in Slovenia

The family reunion is a procedure for acquiring resident status for foreign family members with the subsequent legal right to reside jointly with the relative who has already received the resident status or is a citizen of the country. Family reunion in Slovenia is available to foreigners living in the country with a residence permit obtained for any purpose — business, studies, employment, sports career, scientific activity, and others. According to the amendments to the Law on Foreigners, which entered into force in 2023, the family reunion procedure in Slovenia for a foreign citizen can be initiated after 1 year of legal residence in Slovenia.

Exceptions?

The exclusive right of reunion without waiting for a specified period of residence in Slovenia can be used by:

Children of foreigners if both their parents already have a residence permit in Slovenia

Family members of an EU Blue Card holder in Slovenia

Family members of a Slovenian citizen

Privileged categories of foreigners may also include:

Researchers

Athletes

Teachers of higher educational institutions

Who can be considered as family members?

A spouse

In case of official marriage

Children under 18 years of age

Minor children of a foreigner under the age of 18 and unmarried

Other relatives?

As an exception, the administrative and territorial unit of Slovenia may classify other relatives as family members if special circumstances speak in favour of family reunion in the Republic of Slovenia and they are officially justified.

Reunion with Children in Slovenia

Residence permit for a child over 6 years old

If the child of a foreigner turns 6 years old in the current calendar year, then school attendance while living in Slovenia becomes compulsory the same as for local schoolchildren. This means that from this age, children of foreigners have their own grounds for obtaining a residence permit for the purpose of schooling. Therefore, they can obtain a residence permit regardless of the period of residence of one or both of their parents in Slovenia.

Residence permit for a preschooler

The procedure for reunion with preschoolers is a bit different. Since attending a kindergarten in Slovenia is not compulsory, children of foreigners before reaching the age of 6 do not have their own grounds for obtaining a residence permit when enrolling into a Slovenian kindergarten. Therefore, a guaranteed way of obtaining a residence permit for preschoolers in Slovenia is their reunion with one or both parents.

Payments and subsidies

Important notice! Children in Slovenia are entitled to child allowances and subsidies. Such payments are not only for local schoolchildren and preschoolers but also to children of foreigners. The amount and type of payments for children in Slovenia depend on various factors, such as family income, the number of children in the family, the types of educational institutions that children attend (or do not attend). For example, the state can compensate schoolchildren for meals at school, while for preschoolers, the kindergarten fee can be reimbursed partially.

Stages of Cooperation with 2TM

Initial check

We verify whether the conditions for family reunion or the possibility of fulfilling the procedure ahead of schedule are met.

Preparation of documents

We help you prepare the necessary documents and check the complete package of documents before submitting them.

Submission of documents

We accompany you to the office to submit the documents and monitor the case proceedings until the residence permit is issued.

Approach to related problems

We help you with the extension of your residence permit and language courses, including for obtaining permanent residence.

Arrangement of insurance and allowances

We help you with obtaining insurance and allowance for children.

Training

We help with enrolment in kindergarten, school, gymnasium, or higher vocational school.

FAQ

Can I reunite with my mother?

If your mother does not have close relatives (such as children, a spouse) in her country of residence, if she needs care, and if you sustained your mother before leaving the country, you have the right to reunite with her. Your income should be enough for all members of your family, including you and your mother.

Is it possible to reunite with a child if he or she is over 18 years old?

When considering family members for reunion, Slovenia is guided by the laws of the country of citizenship of those being reunited. If in your country the age of majority is above 18 years, you will have the right to reunite with such a child in Slovenia as well. If the child needs care, then reunion is also available by demonstrating that the child will be dependent. Besides, if the child already lives in Slovenia, but on a different basis, and at the time of turning 18 years of age studies in a Slovenian educational institution, is not officially employed and is not married, there is still the right to reunite with him or her according to Slovenian legislation.

Is it possible to start the reunion procedure in Slovenia and reunite with my husband in Slovenia?

If you have been living in Slovenia for more than a year, and your income is sufficient for all family members, including yourself, you can begin the procedure for reunion with your spouse. In this case, you can submit documents in Slovenia, but your spouse will have his fingerprints taken in the country of his citizenship or in the country where he legally resides at the moment (i.e. has at least a residence permit). The spouse will also be able to obtain the residence permit card himself in Slovenia (if he has the right to enter the country, such as a visa or a visa-free status).

When does the residence year obligatory for family reunion begin?

This period begins from the date of your first registration in Slovenia. This date usually does not coincide with the deadline for issuing your first residence permit, so it is important to consider this fact.

What are the conditions for family reunion and which family members can be reunited?

Officially, according to the law, immediate family members are subject to reunion, such as minor children (from all your marriages) and a spouse. Reunion is also allowed for relatives or parents in need of care who you sustained before leaving the country. The main conditions for the status renewal are: sufficient income for all members of your family, including yourself, sufficient living space (including rental space), sufficient evidence for family reunion on the part of a relative, your current status in Slovenia.

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