Is begging prohibited in Slovenia?
Begging in itself is not prohibited in Slovenia – it becomes a misdemeanour only when you harass someone in an aggressive or insulting manner for money or other material goods. This is set by Article 11 of the new Public Order and Peace Act (ZJRM-2), in force since 28 January 2026. Quiet, passive asking – standing with an outstretched hand or sitting with a hat – is not an offence, as it contains no active harassment. But anyone who aggressively or insultingly harasses passers-by (following them, grabbing an arm or clothing) commits a misdemeanour fined 200 to 600 euros. The key myth is that the old, low tolar fines still apply (once around 40 euros): they no longer apply. The law treats the exploitation of the vulnerable especially harshly: if the beggar uses an animal, the fine is 500 to 800 euros, and if they use a child, 800 to 1,200 euros. The leader of a criminal group organised for begging is fined 1,200 to 2,000 euros.
📋 The rules
- Begging in itself is not prohibited; only aggressive or insulting harassment for money or other goods is an offence (Article 11 of ZJRM-2).
- Aggressive or insulting begging is fined 200-600 euros.
- If the beggar uses an animal, the fine is 500-800 euros; if they use a child, 800-1,200 euros.
- The leader of a criminal group organised for begging is fined 1,200-2,000 euros.
- The new ZJRM-2 has applied since 28 January 2026 and raised the fines; the old tolar fines (around 40 euros) no longer apply.
🔓 Exceptions
- Passive asking (standing with an outstretched hand, sitting with a container) without active harassment is not an offence.
- Collecting voluntary contributions for charitable or generally useful purposes is different – it requires a permit from the administrative unit (Article 5 of ZJRM-2).
- Street music or artistic performance is not begging, as long as it does not turn into aggressive harassment of passers-by.
⚠️ Penalties & fines
The line between allowed and prohibited lies in the manner: quiet, passive asking is not an offence, whereas aggressive or insulting harassment is. Under Article 11 of ZJRM-2, aggressive or insulting begging is fined 200 to 600 euros. The law treats the exploitation of vulnerable beings more strictly: using an animal in begging carries a fine of 500 to 800 euros (on suspicion of neglect of the animal, the inspectorate is notified), and using a child 800 to 1,200 euros. Anyone who organises begging in a criminal group is fined 1,200 to 2,000 euros as its leader. Supervision is carried out by the police and the municipal warden service. The indirect consequences go beyond the fine: if begging is accompanied by threats, coercion or the exploitation of children, it can escalate into a criminal offence (for example human trafficking or neglect of a minor), meaning criminal prosecution and far heavier sanctions. Repeat offences lead to fresh proceedings, and a record may matter in other administrative matters. Anyone quoting the former, low fines from the 2006 act is relying on an invalid basis.
📎 Official sources
- PISRS · Public Order and Peace Act (ZJRM-2, Article 11) →
- Uradni list RS · ZJRM-2 (no. 112/2025) →
- Police · public order and peace →
❓ Frequently asked
Is begging prohibited in Slovenia?
Not entirely, since begging is an offence only when you harass someone in an aggressive or insulting manner for money or other goods. Quiet, passive asking with an outstretched hand or a container is not in itself an offence and is not fined.
How much is the fine for aggressive begging?
Aggressive or insulting harassment by begging is fined 200 to 600 euros under Article 11 of ZJRM-2. If the beggar uses an animal, the fine is 500 to 800 euros, and if they use a child, 800 to 1,200 euros.
When does quiet asking become an offence?
Asking becomes an offence when it turns into aggressive or insulting harassment, for example when the beggar follows a passer-by, grabs their arm or clothing or insults them. What is decisive is the manner of conduct, not merely the fact that someone is asking for help.
Do the old begging fines still apply?
No, the 2006 act with its low fines set in tolars has been repealed, and the new ZJRM-2 with higher amounts took effect on 28 January 2026. Anyone quoting the former fine of around 40 euros is relying on an invalid basis.
May I collect voluntary contributions in the street?
Collecting voluntary contributions for charitable or generally useful purposes is different from begging and requires a permit from the administrative unit. Without a permit or in an aggressive manner, collecting contributions is also a misdemeanour subject to a fine.
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