When a Slovenian language exam may be required
Proof of Slovenian language knowledge may be needed:
- when extending a permit based on family reunification;
- when obtaining permanent residence;
- when applying for Slovenian citizenship;
- when enrolling on certain education programmes.
Different procedures require different levels of language knowledge. If you are only considering a move, it is worth first reading the overview of all grounds for a permit in the article types of Slovenian residence permit.
Levels of Slovenian language knowledge
The following levels are officially used in Slovenia:
| Level | Name |
|---|---|
| Survival level | Preživetvena raven |
| Entry level | Vstopna raven (A1) |
| Basic level | Osnovna raven (A2–B1) |
| Higher level | Višja raven (B2) |
| Excellence level | Raven odličnosti (C1–C2) |
For most foreigners, it is Preživetvena raven and Osnovna raven that matter in practice.
Extending a permit based on family reunification
When first obtaining a residence permit based on family reunification, a Slovenian language exam is usually not required. However, when extending the permit, an adult family member may need to prove language knowledge at the Preživetvena raven level.
This level does not imply fluency — a person is expected to be able to handle basic life matters independently: introduce themselves and talk about themselves, understand simple questions, see a doctor, make purchases, explain an everyday situation, get around in daily life. In essence, it is the minimum level needed to live independently in Slovenia. More about the extension procedure is in the article family reunification in Slovenia.
Permanent residence in Slovenia
After five years of continuous lawful residence, most foreigners get the right to apply for permanent residence. The exam for level A2 (Osnovna raven) has four parts: reading, listening, writing and speaking. At this level you need to understand the main information in texts and conversations, keep up everyday communication and handle daily matters without an interpreter. Detailed conditions for permanent residence, including income and length of residence, are in the article permanent residence in Slovenia: the path from a permit to permanent residence.
Slovenian citizenship
There is a common misconception that citizenship has a separate, harder language exam. In practice this is not the case: citizenship requires the same Osnovna raven level as permanent residence, and it is confirmed by the same exam — izpit iz znanja slovenščine na osnovni ravni. If a person has already passed this exam and received a certificate, it can be used both for permanent residence and for a citizenship application.
Education and the Slovenian language
Knowledge of Slovenian is becoming more important for study too — enrolment on some education programmes in Slovenia may require proof of it. When choosing a programme, it is worth checking the language requirements of the specific institution in advance. International students can obtain a residence permit through study in Slovenia — one of the most accessible ways to gain legal status; details are in the article the study residence permit.
When the exam may not be required
The law provides for cases where the language requirement is considered met without taking a separate exam — if a person:
- is admitted to an official education or training programme in Slovenia that is taught in Slovenian and leads to officially recognised education;
- has completed education at any level in Slovenia;
- completed primary or secondary school with Slovenian as the language of instruction in areas where the Slovenian national minority lives in neighbouring countries;
- has reached the age of 60.
Who is exempt from the language requirement
Separate exemptions are provided for:
- family members of an EU Blue Card holder;
- people who cannot take the exam in the set form for health reasons;
- illiterate people, who prove Slovenian knowledge through a special oral communication exam.
Each situation is assessed individually and requires the relevant supporting documents.
What to remember
Slovenian is indeed becoming a more significant part of migration procedures, but that does not mean every foreigner needs to rush to sign up for an exam. Different procedures have different requirements, and the law provides for a number of exemptions and alternative ways to prove language knowledge. A practical plan for learning the language for everyday life is in the article Slovenian for moving.