Republic of Slovenia · family · Leads to settlement
Temporary Residence for Family Reunification (Slovenia)
By Sam Parks · Last reviewed:
If a close family member already lives lawfully in Slovenia, this route lets you join them and build toward settlement together.
- Processing time
- Indicative only - the administrative unit decides complete applications within a published period; confirm current processing on the official page.
- Government fees
- Indicative only - permit fees apply; confirm current amounts on the official page.
- Typical duration
- Generally aligned to the sponsor's permit and renewable - confirm current validity on the official page.
- Sponsorship required
- Yes
- Leads to permanent residency
- Yes
Overview
Family reunification lets the spouse or registered partner and dependent children, and in some cases other close relatives, of a third-country national who holds a qualifying Slovenian residence permit join them. The sponsor's status, the family relationship, accommodation and means of support are evidenced to the administrative unit. As Slovenia is an EU and Schengen member, it is a settlement-capable route with lawful time counting toward EU long-term residence. Good to know: some sponsors - such as Blue Card and digital nomad holders - have more immediate family-reunification rights.
Eligibility
Typical criteria
- ✓You have a qualifying family relationship with a sponsor who holds an eligible Slovenian residence permit.Ministry of the Interior (Slovenia) ↗
- ✓The relationship is evidenced, for example by marriage, partnership or birth certificates.Ministry of the Interior (Slovenia) ↗
- ✓The sponsor can show adequate accommodation and means of support for the family.Ministry of the Interior (Slovenia) ↗
- ✓You hold a valid passport, have adequate health insurance, and meet the general conditions for residence.Ministry of the Interior (Slovenia) ↗
Common blockers
- !A sponsor whose residence status does not support family reunification.Ministry of the Interior (Slovenia) ↗
- !Inability to evidence the relationship, accommodation or means of support.Ministry of the Interior (Slovenia) ↗
- !Grounds for refusal of residence under Slovenian rules.Ministry of the Interior (Slovenia) ↗
Typical evidence
- ·Valid passport and recent photographs.Ministry of the Interior (Slovenia) ↗
- ·Proof of the family relationship, such as marriage, partnership or birth certificates.Ministry of the Interior (Slovenia) ↗
- ·Proof of the sponsor's residence status and adequate accommodation.Ministry of the Interior (Slovenia) ↗
- ·Evidence of sufficient means of support and adequate health insurance.Ministry of the Interior (Slovenia) ↗
Application pathway
Check the route fit
Confirm the sponsor's residence status supports reunification and that you have a qualifying relationship.
Build the evidence pack
Gather relationship certificates, the sponsor's status proof, accommodation, means and health-insurance evidence.
Submit through the official channel
Apply at a Slovenian mission or the administrative unit, and pay the fees.
After approval
Collect your permit, renew alongside the sponsor, and track your time toward EU long-term and permanent residence.
Official application links
Where to actually go next
These are the official pages to use for this route. Open them before preparing documents: the forms, fees, appointment systems, and sponsor steps can change without warning.
- Official guidanceApplicant + sponsorUse official Temporary Residence for Family Reunification (Slovenia) route page ↗
Use this official page to confirm requirements and follow the government filing route for Temporary Residence for Family Reunification (Slovenia).
Ministry of the Interior (Slovenia) · verified
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Related routes
Single Residence and Work Permit (Slovenia)
If you are a non-EU national with a Slovenian job offer, this is the main route - one permit that lets you both live and work in Slovenia.
EU Blue Card (Slovenia)
If you are a highly-qualified non-EU professional with a Slovenian job offer above the salary threshold, the EU Blue Card gives you residence plus EU-wide mobility benefits.
Permanent Residence (Slovenia)
If you have lived in Slovenia continuously for about five years, this is your settlement status - secure residence with EU-wide mobility benefits.
Frequently asked questions
Who counts as family for this route?+
It typically covers the spouse or registered partner and dependent children, and in some cases other close relatives, subject to conditions. Confirm who qualifies on the official page.
Can my family join straight away?+
Some sponsors, such as Blue Card and digital nomad holders, have more immediate family-reunification rights than others. Confirm what applies to your status on the official page.
Need tailored advice?
We do not provide legal advice. For an application that depends on your exact circumstances, consult a regulator-listed immigration advisor.
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