Workers in Slovenia can count on a higher winter bonus this year, a mandatory payment often referred to as a Christmas bonus.

The full amount for 2026 is 740.94 euros, which is 102.08 euros more than last year. According to official data from the Slovenian government, the winter bonus amounts to half of the minimum gross wage, so as it rises, this benefit increases as well.

The calculation is simple: the minimum gross wage in Slovenia for 2026 is 1,481.88 euros, and half of that amount is 740.94 euros. Therefore, the basis is the legally determined minimum wage, not the salary of an individual employee. A worker with a higher salary therefore does not automatically have the right to a higher winter bonus. However, the employer may also pay more, and special rules for calculating taxes and contributions apply to the portion of the payment above the statutory amount.

The winter bonus was introduced as a legal obligation in 2025, when the full amount was 638.86 euros. This year's increase is approximately 16%, so workers who are entitled to the full amount will receive a little more than 100 euros extra compared to last year.

The full amount belongs to workers employed for the entire year on a full-time basis. For a shorter period of employment or part-time work, a proportional amount is generally paid, with statutory exceptions. The regular payment deadline is December 18, so workers should receive that money before the Christmas holidays.

For employers, this means additional expenses that they need to include in annual operating costs. For example, a company with 10 employees who are entitled to the full amount will have to set aside 7,409.40 euros for the winter bonus this year, or 1,020.80 euros more than last year. The more employees there are, the higher the total amount that needs to be secured.

For workers, the higher payment should make it easier to cover winter bills and holiday expenses and contribute to job satisfaction. Although it increases costs for employers, it provides employees with predictable additional income at the end of the year. Along with a regular salary and good working conditions, such security can be an important part of their satisfaction.