Foreign-born population – 2024 | 15.1% of the population | Main countries of birth: |
0.3 million, 42% women | Evolution since 2014: +36% | Bosnia and Herzegovina (45%), Croatia (13%), Serbia (10%) |
International Migration Outlook 2025
In 2024, Slovenia received 26 000 new immigrants on a long-term or permanent basis (including changes of status and free mobility), ‑16% compared to 2023. This figure comprises 16% immigrants benefiting from free mobility, 60% labour migrants, 24% family members (including accompanying family) and 0.6% humanitarian migrants. Around 3 200 permits were issued to tertiary-level international students and 300 to temporary and seasonal labour migrants (excluding intra-EU migration). In addition, 35 000 intra-EU postings were recorded in 2023, a 28% increase compared to 2022. These posted workers are generally on short-term contracts.
Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia and Ukraine were the top three nationalities of newcomers in 2023. Among the top 15 countries of origin, Bosnia and Herzegovina registered the strongest increase (600) and Ukraine the largest decrease (‑4 300) in flows to Slovenia compared to the previous year.
In 2024, the number of first asylum applicants decreased by ‑24%, to reach around 5 500. The majority of applicants came from Morocco (3 500), Algeria (400) and Afghanistan (400). The largest increase since 2023 concerned nationals of Afghanistan (300) and the largest decrease nationals of Morocco (‑2 300). Of the 390 decisions taken in 2024, 47% were positive.
Emigration of Slovenian citizens to OECD countries decreased by ‑9% in 2023, to 4 500. Approximately 27% of this group migrated to Austria, 23% to Germany and 15% to Switzerland.
In 2024, Slovenia continued to adjust its labour migration policies to address workforce shortages. Non-EU nationals can be employed based on a single permit that combines residence and work authorisation, issued with the consent of the Employment Service of Slovenia. The country has also concluded international agreements with third countries to define conditions for the employment and work of foreigners, aiming to protect its labour market while addressing sectoral labour demands.
In December 2024, the Slovenian Government adopted a national plan to implement the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum. The plan outlines ten substantive building blocks as defined in the EU Common Implementation Plan. The legislative framework necessary for the pact’s implementation is under preparation and is expected to be adopted before June 2026.
Starting 1 November 2024, adult third-country nationals (aged 18‑60) seeking to renew their temporary residence permits for family reunification must demonstrate Slovenian language proficiency at subsistence‑level A1. This requirement has been phased in over the course of 2024, with the final step including a mandatory certificate of successful completion of survival-level Slovenian language exam required from 1 November 2024. Furthermore, to obtain a permanent residence permit, third-country nationals will have to provide confirmation that they passed a Slovenian language exam at the A2 level. Family members of Blue Card holders and international researchers are exempted from these language requirements.
The government has announced the establishment of a new integration and intercultural information centre to support the integration of immigrants through counselling, training, and cultural activities. The centre will offer both individual and group guidance aimed at empowering migrants and increasing their awareness of rights and responsibilities. In addition, a multilingual website will be launched to provide accessible, up-to-date information for foreigners. These initiatives are part of Slovenia’s broader strategy to facilitate the integration of immigrants into society.
Slovenia has launched new opportunities for refugee students in co‑operation with UNHCR. The Education Pathway to Slovenia initiative allows refugees who have completed a three‑year bachelor’s degree to pursue a master’s degree in the country. Besides granting access to tertiary education, the initiative also offers additional support such as social integration assistance. The first students to use the pathway arrived in January 2025.
For further information: www.stat.si | www.gov.si/en/news | www.infotujci.si.
