Opening an s.p. in Slovenia (samostojni podjetnik – sole proprietor) is one of the most common ways for individuals to start their own business. Compared to a limited liability company (d.o.o.), an s.p. is simpler, faster, and more flexible to establish, making it a popular choice among freelancers, entrepreneurs, and small business owners.
But who can open an s.p. in Slovenia? Are there any restrictions? In this article, we explain clearly who is eligible to open an s.p. and who cannot, as well as what documents and conditions are required.
Who can open an s.p. in Slovenia?
1. EU/EEA and Swiss citizens
If you are a citizen of the European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA), or Switzerland, you have the same rights as Slovenian citizens when it comes to opening a business. Thanks to the freedom of establishment, you can open an s.p. in Slovenia without restrictions.
You will only need to provide the necessary documentation, such as a Slovenian tax number, EMŠO (personal identification number), and proof of business address.
2. Non-EU citizens
Citizens of non-EU countries can also open an s.p. in Slovenia, but under stricter conditions. The most important requirement is that you must have a continuous residence permit in Slovenia for at least 12 months.
This means that if you have just arrived in Slovenia, you cannot immediately register as a sole proprietor. First, you would need to obtain a residence and work permit, stay in the country legally for one year, and only then can you open an s.p.
For non-EU citizens who wish to start immediately, it is often more practical to establish a limited liability company (d.o.o.), since this form of business does not require 12 months of residence beforehand.
Who cannot open an s.p. in Slovenia?
You cannot open an s.p. in Slovenia if:
- You are a non-EU citizen without a residence permit in Slovenia.
- You have a residence permit but have not yet completed 12 months of continuous residence in the country.
- You do not meet the legal requirements regarding documentation and business address.
In short, while EU/EEA and Swiss citizens enjoy full rights, non-EU citizens need to prove stable residence first before becoming a sole proprietor.
What do you need to open an s.p.?
The exact requirements depend on your nationality, but in general, you will need:
- Slovenian tax number (davčna številka)
- EMŠO (personal identification number)
- Business address in Slovenia (with notarized consent from the property owner)
- Valid residence permit (for non-EU citizens, with at least 12 months of continuous residence)
- In some cases, certified documents from your home country
Once these are prepared, the registration process itself is straightforward and can be completed quickly with professional guidance.
Start your business in Slovenia with Noirberg
At Noirberg, a brand of PHARMALPS d.o.o., we specialize in helping foreign citizens establish companies in Slovenia. Whether you want to open an s.p. or set up a d.o.o., our experienced team provides step-by-step support, ensuring a smooth and compliant registration process.
With years of expertise and a strong track record, we guide you through every detail – from obtaining tax numbers and permits to handling documentation and legal requirements.
📞 Contact us today at +386 69 641 841 (Viber/WhatsApp)
📧 Email: info@noirberg.com
Take the first step toward your business in Slovenia with confidence.
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