MINIMUM WAGE INCREASE
Determination of the minimum wage for 2026
In accordance with the Minimum Wage Act (ZMinP) and the new calculation of minimum living costs in 2025, the Minister of Labour, Family, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities, Luka Mesec, has determined and adjusted the new minimum wage level for 2026.
The minimum wage for work performed from January 1, 2026, onwards is €1,481.88 gross, which amounts to approximately €1,000 net. The decision on the minimum wage level was published in the Official Gazette of the Republic of Slovenia No. 6 on January 30, 2026.
Article 3 of the Minimum Wage Act stipulates that the minimum wage is calculated as the sum of the minimum living costs, increased by 20%, and the amount of taxes and mandatory social security contributions for the employee. Taking into account consumer price trends, wage growth, economic conditions, and employment levels, the minimum wage may also be set at a higher amount, provided it does not exceed the sum of the minimum living costs increased by 40% and the associated taxes and contributions.
On December 17, 2025, the Institute for Economic Research, commissioned by the Ministry of Labour, Family, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities, prepared a new calculation of minimum living costs, which for 2025 amount to €791.07. Based on this calculation, the minimum wage had to be set within the legally prescribed range between €1,372.03 and €1,648.28 gross. In accordance with Article 4 of the ZMinP, the Minister must determine the new minimum wage level within three months of receiving the new calculation, following consultation with social partners.
In addition to setting the new level, Article 5 of the ZMinP also mandates an annual adjustment of the minimum wage at least in line with consumer price growth. For 2026, the adjustment takes into account the official data from the Statistical Office of the Republic of Slovenia on the year-on-year consumer price growth in December 2025 compared to December 2024, which stands at 2.7%.
In accordance with legal provisions, Minister Luka Mesec held consultations with social partners on January 16, 2026, regarding the determination and adjustment of the minimum wage for 2026. Based on the new calculation of minimum living costs, the base minimum wage amount was first set at €1,442.92 gross. This amount was then further adjusted by the 2.7% consumer price growth.
Thus, the minimum wage for work performed from January 1, 2026, onwards is €1,481.88 gross.
Source: Minimum wage amount determined for 2026 | GOV.SI