Short answer. Slovenia has binding technical standards for shelters: the Rules on technical norms for shelters and refuges and, since March 2026, new Rules on norms for shelters for sheltering the population up to 24 hours 12. Organisations appointed by the minister for five years carry out technical and control tests and issue a certificate of suitability valid ten years 12. Shelter equipment must be tested by accredited laboratories 12.
Which laws and rules apply?
| Text | Scope | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Zakon o varstvu pred naravnimi in drugimi nesrečami (ZVNDN) | Protection against natural and other disasters | 12 |
| Uredba o graditvi in vzdrževanju zaklonišč (Uradni list RS 57/96, 54/15, amended March 2026) | Construction and maintenance of shelters | 12 |
| Pravilnik o normativih za zaklonišča za zaklanjanje prebivalstva do 24 ur (2026) | Shelters for stays up to 24 hours | 12 |
| Pravilnik o tehničnih normativih za zaklonišča in zaklonilnike | Technical norms for shelters and refuges | 12 |
What types of shelter exist in Slovenia?
| Type | Protection | Stay | Capacity | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basic protection shelter (zaklonišče osnovne zaščite) | 50-100 kPa overpressure | 7 days continuous | Up to 300 people | 12 |
| Shelter for up to 24 hours | At least 50 kPa | Up to 24 hours | Not stated | 12 |
| Supplementary protection shelter (dopolnilna zaščita) | Up to 50 kPa | 24 hours | Max 50 people | 12 |
| Refuge (zaklonilnik), basement or trench | Withstands rubble load | 12 hours | Max 50 people | 12 |
The 24-hour shelter type requires closures, filter-ventilation, electrics and lighting 12. Basic and supplementary shelters built before 2006 were reclassified into this 24-hour type 12. Our guides on protection factor, NBC filtration and shelter ventilation explain these terms.
How are shelters tested and certified?
Technical and control tests are carried out by organisations appointed by the minister for five years 12. The control test covers 12:
- the structure;
- closures;
- equipment and ventilation;
- the electrical installation;
- operating instructions;
- for basic protection shelters, a functional test.
A passed test leads to a certificate of suitability valid ten years 12. Authorised organisations listed on the official pages are 12:
- EKOsystem d.o.o. (Maribor)
- GRANT d.o.o. (Maribor)
- IVD Maribor
- MIND d.o.o. (Ormož)
What rules apply to shelter equipment?
Shelter equipment must be tested by accredited laboratories 12. Harmonised products fall under Delegated Regulation (EU) No 574/2014; non-harmonised products fall under the Construction Products Act (ZGPro-1) 12.
What changed in March 2026?
New Rules on norms for shelters up to 24 hours took effect, the shelter decree was amended, the review of shelter design documentation in building-permit procedures was abolished, and conditions were set for changing a shelter's protective function 12.
What do these standards mean for a private shelter?
The standards govern shelters within the official system. Whether a voluntary private shelter must meet them is not stated on official pages; see building a shelter. For comparison with other countries, read our guide on safe room standards. Structural design is the job of a qualified engineer.
Frequently asked questions
How long is a Slovenian shelter certificate valid?
Ten years, after a control test by an authorised organisation 12.
What pressure must a basic protection shelter withstand?
50 to 100 kPa of overpressure, for a 7-day continuous stay by up to 300 people 12.
What is a zaklonilnik?
A refuge, in a basement or trench, that withstands rubble load for a 12-hour stay by up to 50 people 12.
Sources
- GOV.SI / Uprava RS za zaščito in reševanje (URSZR) — Zaklonišča — https://www.gov.si/teme/zaklonisca/ (accessed 2026-10-20)
- GOV.SI / Uprava RS za zaščito in reševanje (URSZR) — Ureditev zaklonišč v Sloveniji — https://www.gov.si/novice/2022-03-11-ureditev-zaklonisc-v-sloveniji/ (accessed 2026-10-20)
Turn this into action
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Sources
- GOV.SI / Uprava RS za zaščito in reševanje (URSZR) · Zaklonišča checked 2026-10-20
- GOV.SI / Uprava RS za zaščito in reševanje (URSZR) · Ureditev zaklonišč v Sloveniji checked 2026-10-20