Slovenia borders Italy to the west, Austria to the north, Croatia to the south and southeast, and Hungary to the northeast. Slovenia became the first member of the European Union in 2004 to accept the euro (January 1, 2007) and has experienced one of the most stable political and economic transformations in Central and Southeastern Europe. With a high GDP per capita in Central Europe, Slovenia has an excellent infrastructure and a well-educated workforce.
Benefits of doing business in Slovenia
By registering a company in Slovenia, you can get a bonus:
- Residence;
- European insurance;
- Business prospects throughout the European Union.
Advantages of company registration in Slovenia
- A limited liability company in Slovenia can be registered with one director and one shareholder of any nationality;
- Foreign investors do not need to travel to the country to register a new business;
- The World Bank ranks Slovenia as the 30th best jurisdiction in the world to do business;
- The Slovenian Business Register requires a relatively low minimum capital for registration of € 7,500;
- Slovenia has a corporate tax rate of 17%. Besides, there is a 0% rate that can be applied to some companies for registration for € 7,500;
- The country is positively assessed by the WEF as 35th in the world in terms of technological readiness;
- Slovenia has no foreign exchange controls, making it easier for manufacturing companies to trade internationally.
Slovenia is an excellent location for a production business because:
- The country is home to a highly educated workforce and high-quality infrastructure, especially in the electronics and manufacturing industries. The country ranks 22nd in the world in the 2016 WEF Higher Education Rankings;
- The Slovenian economy is relatively unsaturated with the production of foreign direct investment. Low on-going FDI means that any new investor has a chance to create a more lucrative business opportunity for themselves;
- Slovenia, both a member of the European Union and the World Trade Organization, opens access for a registered Slovenian company to the EU at the crossroads of many important trade routes, with most of the trade routes from East to West and North-South passing through Slovenia.
How to start a company in Slovenia?
Before opening a company in Slovenia, non-residents must obtain a Slovenian tax number. The creation, management, and organization of companies are governed by the Companies Act, which is fully linked to the legislation of the European Union.
Name of the company
The name of the company, of course, must be different from the names of other companies. Before registering, you must check that the selected name is not in the business register.
Company representatives
All types of companies (except Sole Traders) must appoint at least one company director. Multiple directors can be appointed.
Company headquarters
The head office and business address of the company must be registered before the company can be incorporated.
Company types in Slovenia
A popular form of business in Slovenia. When entrepreneurs have at least 7,500 euros and will conduct small or medium-sized businesses with the participation of no more than 50 shareholders, it is advisable to open a Private Limited Liability in Slovenia. One manager can be appointed to make day-to-day decisions, but on matters related to capital increases or decreases, charter changes, transformation, or liquidation, the main decisions are taken by the general meeting of shareholders.
If Slovenian or foreign entrepreneurs have a higher share capital amount (at least EUR 25,000), they can open a Joint Stock Company in Slovenia. The number of shareholders can be more than 50, in contrast to private limited liability companies and their liability is also limited to their capital contribution. The main decisions are also taken by the general meeting of shareholders.
At least two partners can register a general partnership in Slovenia, fully responsible for the company’s obligations. This activity does not require a minimum share capital, but in the event of liquidation, partners’ assets can be used to cover liabilities. Partners follow some rules set out in the partnership agreement. All partners can be part of the leadership.
Another form of partnership is a limited liability partnership in Slovenia. One partner must contribute to the company and is responsible for the company’s debts up to this contribution, and the general partner has unlimited liability in the partnership. Only general partners can make all management decisions, and if they cannot take part in the activities of the organization, they will be disbanded.
Partnership by Shares in Slovenia consists of at least five members in Slovenia. The obligations of the participants are determined by the capital contribution.
Slovenia offers many opportunities for investors. As a member of the EU since 2004, Slovenia has signed many treaties in an attempt to attract investment (for example, Double Tax Treaties have been signed with more than 45 countries).
