IMMIGRATION
FAMILY
REUNIFICATION

Many people dream of changing their life, capturing new opportunities, having a good job in Europe, and traveling freely around the EU. Immigration to Slovenia gives one chances to do this.

This state is famous for its most loyal attitude towards immigrants, social wellbeing, nice climate, and economic stability. Residence permit can be obtained based on the immigration for the purpose of family reunification. This provides many advantages, which we will discuss below.

The Law “On Foreign Citizens” dated January 1, 2015 states that after a year of residence in the country and the extension of a residence permit for at least one more year, every foreigner receives the right to reunite with his family. Currently, the minimum term is 2 years with an extension for a third. If you already have a Slovenian residence permit, your spouse and children can also get it on the grounds of reunification.
Who is eligible for reunification with foreigners living in Slovenia with a residence permit? Here is the list:

• spouse;
• dependent children under 18;
• parents of a minor;
• dependents (according to the laws of the citizen state of an applicant);
• in some cases, parents or other relatives.

In the latter case, you will have to prove that your parents require medical care and there is no one else to do it except for you.

The main requirement in all cases is financial viability, employment in the country, having a bank account, and paying all taxes. Officially, the minimum cost of living for an adult starts from €450 a month. For a child, this amount is at least €237 a month, but it is better to consider maximum costs for each family member. You must demonstrate the availability of funds for at least a year. It is good if you run your own business or invest.

Here is a simple example: you have a family of four, each requiring €450 a month. For the whole year the amount will be 21,600 euros. It is covered by the applicant's salary and by personal savings. Only with all the necessary justifications, you would qualify for the opportunity to reunite the family.

What are the common grounds for receiving a residence permit for family members? In case of spouses, a spouse already residing in Slovenia must meet the following requirements:

• be registered at the place of residence;
• work as a professor in a college or university, obtain a blue card, be a researcher or employee of a university;

Alternatively another spouse

• should enroll in a Slovenian university or college, thus receiving a student residence permit;
• or get an employment in Slovenia.

An elderly parent immigration is possible in case of health problems or employment in the country.
For minor children, reunification is possible if both parents have a residence permit, based on school attendance or after two years on a general basis. It is worth mentioning that subsidies and other benefits are provided for all children in Slovenia, including foreigners. The amount depends on the type of educational institution, family income and other factors.

If a child was born in Slovenia, provided that one of the parents already has a residence permit, it is possible to immediately apply for reunification. For example, what would be the right solution if a pregnant spouse is in another country, and her spouse does not yet have the right to reunite? A spouse can come to Slovenia with a D visa, enrolling in Slovenian language courses or Slovenian college or university. Immediately after birth, the child will be issued a residence permit.

In order to reunite with your family, you will need the following documents:

• filled-in questionnaire;
• valid international passport;
• proof of family relations;
• bank statement confirming the ability to support yourself and your family;
• health insurance;
• stamp duty payment confirmation;
• copy of an applicant’s residence permit;
• photographs 3.5x4.5 cm;
• copy of an internal passport;
• certificate of a clean criminal record;
• proof of kinship (marriage or birth certificate, any other document proving kinship).

Slovenian translation of all documents is required. The decision to issue a residence permit is made by migration police within ninety days after the documents’ submission. All required family reunification procedures in Slovenia will take four to six months on average.
If you are ready to start family reunification, contact our specialists or apply for a consultation. Our consultants will explain everything in detail, will help you to write an application and will provide legal support throughout the whole process. The final payment is made after obtaining a residence permit.

Family members who already have a residence permit have the right to apply for permanent residence and citizenship of Slovenia in the future. Please contact our specialists for more information.