Opening a Sole Proprietorship (s.p.): Complete Guide to Business Registration in 3 Steps

Thinking about opening a sole proprietorship (s.p.) and don't know where to start? The process of registering as a sole proprietor in Slovenia is simple and quick if you know the right steps. In this comprehensive guide, you'll learn everything about registering with the Business Register, applying to FURS, arranging insurance, and how automated invoicing can save you time and administrative hassle from day one.

How does opening an s.p. work?

Opening an s.p. generally takes place in three steps:

Registration in the Slovenian Business Register (registration) Application to FURS (Financial Administration of the Republic of Slovenia) Enrollment in mandatory social insurance In some cases there may be additional steps — for example, if you also need a VAT identification number.

Step 1: Registration in the Slovenian Business Register

To register in the Slovenian Business Register, you must provide six sets of information as part of your application:

• Proposed registration date: the date must be later than the day the application is filed and less than one month from the day the application is filed.
• Company name and registered office details: an s.p. company name consists of a designation of the activity related to the main business activity, the entrepreneur's first and last name, and the designation "s.p." For the registered office, you can specify the place where the company carries out its activity, the place where its business is mainly managed, or the place where the company's management operates.
• Details of the abbreviated company name: the abbreviated company name must include at least the entrepreneur's first and last name and the designation "s.p."
• Entrepreneur's details: first and last name, personal identification number (EMŠO), residence, tax number.
• Representative's details: first and last name, EMŠO, residence, tax number (foreign representatives must have a Slovenian tax number; EMŠO is not mandatory).
• Activities to be carried out: you can look up the activity code on the SPOT portal using the SKD list tool. In addition, information about other units of the entrepreneur as units of the business register must also be provided, in accordance with the law governing the Slovenian Business Register.

What if you don't own the business premises? The SPOT portal application automatically checks certain restrictions on the prospective entrepreneur. If you are not the owner or at least a co-owner of the property at the business address, you will need a notarized statement from the property owner granting you permission to conduct business at that address. The owner can also sign this statement directly at the SPOT point where you register your company.

Step 2: Application to FURS

After registering in the Slovenian Business Register, the next step is applying to the Financial Administration of the Republic of Slovenia. Within 8 days of registration, the entrepreneur must report the following information to the tax office:

• the number and locations of business premises used to carry out the activity and generate income,
• business units at home and abroad,
• capital investments at home and abroad,
• account numbers abroad,
• related persons,
• the person responsible for bookkeeping,
• the bookkeeping method and the related declaration of tax base assessment (e.g., bookkeeping based on actual costs or using standardized expenses),
• the tax calculation of income tax prepayment on income earned through the business activity.

Step 3: Enrollment in mandatory social insurance

Sole proprietors and partners performing a management role must also enroll in mandatory social insurance — unless they are already insured on another, priority basis for full-time work.

You do not need to submit proof of education when applying, although this information is used for statistical purposes when completing the M-1 form.

When do you receive the registration decision?

You will typically receive the registration decision (i.e., confirmation of registration in the Slovenian Business Register) by mail within two to three days after the proposed registration date, or by the method you selected when applying.

What about issuing invoices after opening your s.p.?

Once you officially register your s.p., your business is just getting started. The first challenge you'll face is issuing invoices correctly in accordance with Slovenian legislation (ZDDV-1).

Whether you need a cash register for cash transactions or issue e-invoices for B2B partners, the Apollo program enables full automation. With Apollo, you create legally compliant invoices, prepare internal documents, and easily export data for your accountant — without unnecessary manual work.