On May 23, 2025, the National Assembly of the Republic of Slovenia adopted the new Information Security Act (ZInfV-1), marking a significant step towards a comprehensive and systemically regulated protection of the digital environment in Slovenia.

The text of the law was prepared by the Government Information Security Office (URSIV) and was adopted upon the proposal of the government. The Act not only represents a national upgrade of cybersecurity but also transposes the European Directive (EU) 2022/2555 (NIS 2) into Slovenian legislation.

What does ZInfV-1 introduce?

ZInfV-1 comprehensively regulates the field of information and cybersecurity in Slovenia. Its main goal is to establish an effective national information security system, which includes:

• a competent national authority for guidance and supervision,
• a body for managing major incidents and crises,
• a single point of contact for cooperation with EU institutions and CSIRT teams,
• incident response teams (CSIRTs), which will be formally integrated into the system for technical assistance and response.

The Act also establishes the obligation to adopt a national Cybersecurity Strategy, regulates the field of cyber defense, the cooperation of competent authorities, information sharing, and ICT security certification.

Who is obligated to act?

The Act defines obligated entities, which typically include subjects from the public or private sector as outlined in the annexes to the law. However, some are included based on their role in critical infrastructure, regardless of the annexes. In accordance with the NIS 2 Directive, the scope of sectors and companies required to ensure a high level of cybersecurity has also been expanded.

Key obligations of these entities include:

• implementing risk management measures,
• mandatory reporting of significant incidents,
• using a digital platform for self-registration and incident notification,
• increased accountability of company leadership in managing information security.

What does the Act mean for companies?

ZInfV-1 will significantly impact the Slovenian economy, encouraging companies to:

• improve security measures to protect networks and information systems,
• increase preparedness for cyber threats,
• reduce business and financial risks from potential attacks,
• facilitate cross-border business within the EU through harmonized rules and standards.

Thus, the Act is not merely a set of additional obligations but also a competitive advantage—compliance with the law will be a sign of reliability and trustworthy business practices.

A boost for development, innovation, and new jobs

ZInfV-1 also promotes the development of security technologies and innovation. The growing demand for security solutions will:

• drive growth in Slovenian ICT companies,
• enable regional development in the field of digital security,
• create new jobs for cybersecurity professionals,
• strengthen investments in knowledge and digital skills.

ZInfV-1 is a strategically important piece of legislation that strengthens the foundation for a secure, trustworthy, and digitally resilient society. It is more than just a technical regulation—it is a necessary investment in the future that benefits the state, businesses, and all users of digital services.

In April 2025, the National Assembly of the Republic of Slovenia adopted two significant legislative amendments that substantially change the legal framework for immigration and the employment of foreign nationals. These are the Amendment to the Foreigners Act (ZTuj-2I) and the Amendment to the Employment, Self-employment and Work of Foreigners Act (ZZSDT-E). Both are aligned with the European Directive (EU) 2021/1883, which aims to facilitate the arrival of highly skilled workers from non-EU countries. Additionally, the legislation introduces concrete solutions for seasonal workers, digital nomads, and the protection of migrants in the labor market.

1. Alignment with European Legislation and Strengthening of the EU Blue Card System

One of the central innovations of the amendments is the enhancement of the EU Blue Card, which facilitates the employment of highly skilled workers. The conditions for obtaining it are now more adapted to the modern labor market:

• The employment contract must be concluded for a minimum of six months (previously for a minimum of one year).
• For non-regulated professions, proof of at least three years of relevant work experience in the past seven years will suffice — formal education is no longer required.
• In information technology professions, it will be possible to obtain a Blue Card even without academic qualifications.
• A new criterion stipulates that the foreign worker’s salary must be at least equal to the average monthly gross salary in Slovenia (previously it had to be 1.5 times that amount).

Additionally, the amendment allows short-term mobility for Blue Card holders — foreign nationals with a valid Blue Card issued in another EU country may now enter Slovenia for business purposes for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. They must also possess a valid travel document and, if necessary, provide documentation supporting the purpose of their business visit.

Individuals who have been granted international protection in Slovenia or another EU country may now also apply for an EU Blue Card. The application can be submitted either by the foreign national themselves or by their employer. If the applicant loses protected status during the decision-making process, they may still reside and work in Slovenia until a final decision is reached. Furthermore, individuals with protected status in another EU country may apply for a Blue Card if they lawfully reside in Slovenia.

2. Digital Nomads and a New Type of Temporary Residence Permit

Slovenia is joining countries that recognize the global trend of remote work — the law now allows for a temporary residence permit for digital nomads, i.e. foreign nationals who work remotely for foreign companies or are self-employed.

Conditions for obtaining the permit include:

• a valid passport,
• appropriate health insurance,
• sufficient financial means (at least twice the average net salary in Slovenia),
• and the absence of grounds for rejection as defined by law.

3. Initial Work Permits Also Available to Asylum Seekers

The law opens the labor market to certain asylum seekers, provided they meet specific conditions:

• they have not been finally convicted of a serious criminal offense,
• they are enrolled in mandatory social insurance through employment,
• and they have been insured for at least three months during the past four months.

Similarly, foreign nationals whose asylum applications have been rejected, but who have been engaged in work and covered by social insurance for at least six months, may apply for a residence and work permit before the deadline for voluntary departure.

4. Introduction of Travel Authorization and the ETIAS System

The amendment to the Foreigners Act also introduces a new travel authorization mechanism in accordance with EU Regulation 2018/1240. Decisions on approval will fall under the jurisdiction of the Police, while appeals will be handled via the European ETIAS system. Appeals must be submitted in Slovene and do not suspend the execution of the decision.

5. Updates in the Employment of Foreign Nationals (ZZSDT)

Additional Conditions for Employers

A new requirement is introduced for obtaining consent to employ a foreign worker: the employer must not have dismissed workers for business reasons in the past six months. This restriction does not apply if the employer:

• guarantees the foreign worker a salary of at least the average gross salary in Slovenia from the previous year, or
• proves that no individuals dismissed for business reasons are registered as unemployed and qualified for the position offered.

Employment Based on Proof of Application Submission

Foreign nationals may start working before receiving a permit, provided they have submitted an application and will perform occupations listed in a special ministerial ordinance. A mandatory 80-hour Slovene language course must also be provided.

Employment Opportunities for Foreigners with Other Permits

Foreign nationals with residence permits granted for other reasons (e.g. students, family members) may also be employed before a work permit is issued — based on an informational statement from the Employment Service of Slovenia.

Seasonal Work Extended to Tourism and Hospitality

Due to labour shortages, seasonal work is now permitted not only in agriculture and forestry, but also in tourism and hospitality. An employment contract remains a prerequisite.

New Register of Employer Violators

A public register of employers convicted of labor law violations will be established and accessible to foreign nationals.

Introduction of Electronic Registration for International Transport Services

Foreign transport service providers from third countries will be required to register their activities in Slovenia electronically via the Employment Service, to improve oversight and reduce unfair competition.

Amendments for Seasonal Workers

The Employment Service may issue a seasonal work permit within ten days if the foreign national has already performed seasonal work in Slovenia within the last five years. If a permit is revoked, the foreign worker will be entitled to lump-sum compensation equivalent to three times the gross minimum wage.

6. Conclusion

Both amendments represent a comprehensive modernization of Slovenia’s migration legislation. They provide greater flexibility for highly skilled workers, improved conditions for seasonal workers, stronger legal protections for migrants, and more effective oversight of employers. The alignment with EU legislation marks a step toward an open yet regulated migration policy that responds to the needs of the Slovenian labor market and broader societal challenges.

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Alternative dispute resolution (hereinafter: ADR) refers to any process in which the parties to a dispute attempt to reach an agreement without using conventional litigation procedures, with the help of a neutral third party. The main types of ADR processes are mediation and arbitration, but other ADR techniques also exist, such as conciliation, expert appointments, or early neutral evaluation of the dispute.

Arbitration

Arbitration is the form of out-of-court dispute resolution that is most similar to judicial dispute resolution. By concluding an arbitration agreement, the disputing parties agree to submit the dispute to one or more arbitrators and exclude the jurisdiction of the court. An arbitrator is a neutral third party who, based on the evidence and arguments presented, issues a final and legally binding decision.

1. Advantages of Arbitration

Compared to judicial procedures, arbitration offers several advantages. The process is not public, meaning that business secrets or sensitive data do not become public. Arbitration is often faster than court proceedings, which can drag on for years. The parties themselves select the arbitrators, which means they can appoint experts with specific knowledge and experience and establish the rules of the procedure. While the costs of arbitration may vary, it is often cheaper than prolonged court procedures.

2. Disadvantages of Arbitration

Despite its many advantages, arbitration also has some drawbacks. One of them is the limited possibility of appealing an arbitral award, which may affect the parties’ rights in the event of an unfair decision. Arbitrators do not have the same coercive powers as judges, meaning they cannot directly force witnesses to cooperate or impose compulsory measures. Additionally, arbitration does not create judicial precedents, which can make predicting future decisions more difficult.

3. Institutional and Ad Hoc Arbitration

Parties can choose ad hoc arbitration, which is established based on an agreement between the parties and arbitrators for a specific dispute, with the parties themselves designing the rules of procedure, or opt for institutional arbitration, which takes place under the auspices of an arbitration institution and provides administrative support (e.g., ECDR). Institutional arbitration offers greater legal security, while ad hoc arbitration offers more flexibility.

Mediation

Mediation is a process in which a neutral third party, the mediator, helps the parties voluntarily reach a resolution of the dispute. Mediation can take place as part of a court-based program or entirely independently. Unlike arbitration, the mediator does not make a decision on the dispute but only helps the parties find a mutually agreeable solution. Mediation is used as an alternative dispute resolution method in various legal fields, such as civil, commercial, family disputes, and labor-law procedures.

1. Advantages of Mediation

One of the key advantages of mediation is the assistance of a neutral third party who ensures impartiality and encourages the parties to seek a joint solution. Mediation is quick, cost-effective, and ensures confidentiality, as all data related to mediation is confidential unless the parties or the law provide otherwise. Furthermore, mediation allows flexibility, as it is not as strictly bound by procedural rules as judicial procedures. In mediation, the parties may mutually agree to have the dispute resolution agreement drawn up as an enforceable notarial deed, settlement before the court, or an arbitral award based on a settlement. The process can be concluded in just one or two meetings, meaning faster resolution of the dispute and lower costs.

2. Mediation in Courts

Mediation is available at 64 courts across Slovenia, including District, Regional, and Higher Courts. It is conducted in various types of procedures, such as civil, commercial, family, and labor-law disputes.

3. Who Are the Mediators?

Mediators involved in court programs are professionals such as lawyers, judges, psychologists, and social workers. All mediations in courts are conducted by qualified mediators who are listed in the registry of mediators at the courts. Mediator training is regulated by the Alternative Dispute Resolution Act (ZARSS).

4. Impact of Mediation on Judicial Procedures

Mediation has a positive impact on the burden on courts, as it allows for faster dispute resolution and reduces the number of court cases. If mediation does not lead to a resolution, the procedure continues in the regular judicial process, ensuring that the entire process is not significantly delayed, as mediation lasts no longer than three months.

5. Mediator Training

Mediators participating in court programs must undergo appropriate training, which includes at least 40 pedagogical hours and a final exam. Training programs are available through the Center for Education in the Judiciary, Ministry of Justice.

Early Neutral Evaluation of the Dispute

Early neutral evaluation (ENE) is a process in which an independent expert analyzes the factual and legal aspects of a dispute and assesses the parties’ chances of success in a possible judicial, arbitration, or other procedure. The goal of this process is to help the parties better understand the strengths and weaknesses of their claims, enabling them to negotiate more effectively, pursue mediation, or seek settlement solutions. The evaluation may also include predictions about the potential monetary amount the parties might receive and the likelihood of success in a litigation process. The process is voluntary and confidential, and the parties can select qualified neutral evaluators, such as retired judges or experts from various fields.

The ENE process is particularly suitable for disputes involving complex legal or technical issues, where an expert evaluation could help focus the dispute on key issues. It is also useful when parties cannot continue negotiations due to a lack of information or unrealistic expectations. The dispute evaluation may begin at the request of one or more parties, and the court may suspend the litigation process during the ENE process. After the evaluation is concluded, the parties can proceed to mediation, arbitration, or a combination of both for the final resolution of the dispute.

Conclusion

Alternative dispute resolution offers many advantages over traditional court procedures. The choice between arbitration, mediation, and early neutral evaluation depends on the specific circumstances of each case. Arbitration is suitable for disputes requiring a legally binding decision, mediation is ideal for seeking settlement solutions, and early neutral evaluation is useful for assessing the legal strength of a case. Parties opting for alternative dispute resolution must carefully weigh the advantages and disadvantages of each method and choose the one that best suits the goals they wish to achieve.