Doing business in Slovenia: Slovenia trade and export guide
Updated 11 May 2015
© Crown copyright 2015
This publication is licensed under the terms of the Open Government Licence v3.0 except where otherwise stated. To view this licence, visit nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3 or write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gov.uk.
Where we have identified any third party copyright information you will need to obtain permission from the copyright holders concerned.
This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/exporting-to-slovenia/doing-business-in-slovenia-slovenia-trade-and-export-guide
Managing risk
Find out how UK companies can control risks when doing business in Slovenia.
Export opportunities and advice
Find more export advice and explore opportunities overseas on great.gov.uk.
1. Slovenia export overview
Slovenia is one of a group of 9 emerging markets in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) which offers long term growth prospects.
Contact a Department for International Trade (DIT) Slovenia export adviser for a free consultation if you’re interested in exporting to Slovenia.
Contact UK Export Finance (UKEF) about trade finance and insurance cover for UK companies. You can also check the current UKEF cover position for Slovenia.
Slovenia is a gateway to south eastern European markets due to its geographical position. It has strong historical links with the neighbouring markets of Croatia, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina.
It is a small market, but is in receipt of European Union (EU) funding until 2022.
There are about 20 British businesses already operating in Slovenia including PricewaterhouseCoopers, Unilever, Astrazeneca, Shell and Castrol.
Benefits for UK companies exporting to Slovenia include:
- british quality products and services well received
- english widely spoken
- no tariff barriers
- close to the UK
- similar business and legal practices to the UK
- similar technical standards to the UK
Strengths of the Slovenian market include:
- high purchasing power
- gateway to south eastern Europe
- highly skilled labour force
- access to EU funding
2. Challenges
Slovenia is a member of the EU so European business practices and standards generally apply. There are no major cultural differences to consider.
However this is a price sensitive market. UK products and services will need to be competitive with those from the neighboring countries of Italy and Austria.
3. Growth potential
3.1 Economic growth
The Slovenian economy is now out of the recession and Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth is forecast at 2.4% for 2015. The Slovenian economy is made up of:
- services (about 70%)
- industry (26%)
- agriculture (2%)
The main industries in Slovenia include:
- pharmaceuticals
- automotive components
- rubber
- electronics
- chemicals
3.2 Trade agreements
Slovenia is a member of the EU, the World Trade Organization (WTO) and other international bodies. Goods manufactured in the UK are exempt from import duties.
Contact the SOLVIT team if you have market access issues relating to the operation of the Single Market.
3.3 EU funding
Slovenia will receive approximately 3 billion Euro in EU funding until 2022. The majority of the funding will be used for:
- infrastructure (railways, airports)
- energy projects
Find local partners if considering applying for tenders.
3.4 Emerging Europe
The CEE region offers considerable potential to British business. UK exports are worth over £16 billion, with goods exports doubling over the past decade, and services exports - over £4 billion - trebling.
Slovenia can be a gateway to the 100 million consumers in these CEE countries.
The region offers numerous opportunities, particularly in 6 main sectors:
- energy
- infrastructure
- advanced engineering
- services
- security
- life sciences
High Growth Europe: Grow your business close to home
Watch our other videos on growing your business in CEE markets.
4. UK and Slovenia trade
Trade between the UK and Slovenia was £567 million in 2014. The UK is Slovenia’s 11th largest trading partner.
Top 10 UK exports to Slovenia in 2014:
- medical and pharmaceutical products
- office machines and automatic data processing (ADP) equipment
- electrical machinery and apparatus
- general industrial machinery
- machinery specialised for particular industries
- non-ferrous metals
- road vehicles
- professional, scientific and controlling instruments
- chemical materials and products
- textile yarn, fabrics, made-up articles
The UK makes up less than 3% of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into Slovenia. The majority of the investment is in the automotive industry.
5. Opportunities for UK businesses in Slovenia
Department for International Trade (DIT) provides free international export sales leads from its worldwide network. Search for export opportunities.
Access high value public procurement notices via Tenders Electronic Daily (TED). TED contains all procurement notices above a certain threshold from the EU and European Economic Area (EEA).
Read our publication ‘Emerging Europe - Central and Eastern Europe 2015/2016: The top 50 commercial opportunities’.
5.1 Tourism
Tourism has had steady growth in the last decade. Slovenia markets itself as a boutique destination, but lacks expertise in certain areas of tourism. There are opportunities for consultants in:
- hospitality
- destination management
- destination marketing
Contact Senior Trade Adviser vanja.lisic@fco.gov.uk for more information on opportunities in Slovenia’s tourism sector.
5.2 Rail
The Slovenian railways project is worth 8 billion Euro. The project requirements will be:
- development of new railway lines
- upgrade of the existing lines
- purchase of equipment and rolling stock
There will be several tenders for each of the above requirements.
Contact Senior Trade Adviser vanja.lisic@fco.gov.uk for more information on opportunities in the rail sector.
5.3 Marine and ports
Koper is the only port in Slovenia. There are plans to build Pier III and extend Piers I and II in the near future.
Slovenian marinas will also be expanded and upgraded.
Contact Senior Trade Adviser vanja.lisic@fco.gov.uk for more information on opportunities in the maritime sector.
5.4 Urban regeneration
Most of Slovenia’s funds from the EU will be used for infrastructure. Several Public Private Partnership (PPP) projects are planned in the capital in the near future. The largest PPP projects are:
- Smartinska which will connect the largest shopping area and the city centre
- Tobacna which is the transformation of an old tobacco factory into a residential, business and cultural area
Developers will be seeking experts on project management.
Contact Senior Trade Adviser vanja.lisic@fco.gov.uk for more information on urban regeneration opportunities.
5.5 Energy
Construction of a second reactor at the Slovenian Nuclear Power Plant (NEK) is planned to be completed between 2020 to 2025. The value of the opportunity is between EUR 3.5 billion to EUR 5 billion.
There will be opportunities for:
- advisory services
- suppliers of plant equipment
Contact the head of the Department for International Trade (DIT) Trade Team in Slovenia jana.verk@fco.gov.uk for more information on opportunities in Slovenia’s nuclear sector.
5.6 Information and Communications Technology (ICT)
The e-health project is one of the major ICT projects planned in public administration. Completion is expected by 2023. This project involves the computerisation of the public health system to ensure a reliable, secure and open infrastructure for e-health for everyone.
Contact the Head of the Department for International Trade (DIT) Trade Team in Slovenia jana.verk@fco.gov.uk for more information on opportunities in the e-health project and the ICT sector.
6. Start–up considerations
A business enterprise in Slovenia can be operated as a:
- company
- foreign branch
- trust
- sole trader
- partnership
- joint venture
The most common forms are Limited Liability Company (d.o.o.) or Individual (s.p.).
Limited liability companies require start up capital of 7,500 Euro, but your own assets are not liable for any debts.
If you set up as an Individual, you are liable for debts, but no start up is capital required. The procedure of setting up as an individual is simpler with minimal costs.
Contact the Department for International Trade (DIT) team in Slovenia for listings of legal professionals who give advice to foreign businesses looking to set up in Slovenia.
Other routes to the market are via:
- distributors
- agents
- franchising agreements
7. Legal considerations
EU legislation forms the basis of Slovenian law for trade and commerce.
Contact the Department for International Trade (DIT) team in Slovenia to help find tax and legal advisers before entering into agreements.
7.1 Standards and technical regulations
Products and packaging should meet EU standards.
Local product law may vary. The Slovenian Institute for standardization (SIST) has responsibility for standards.
Product information on a label must be in Slovenian. It is mandatory that goods are labelled with composition, country of origin, size, and care instructions.
7.2 Intellectual property
Trademarks, designs, patents and copyright are the principal forms of Intellectual Property (IP) protection available to companies and individuals.
IP law, especially for patent protection, is not totally harmonised within the EU.
Local legislation created by the Slovenian Intellectual Property Office (SIPO) will impact protection in Slovenia. You should check that your intellectual property is protected.
8. Tax and customs considerations
InvestSlovenia provides detailed information on all applicable taxes in Slovenia.
8.1 Value Added Tax (VAT)
VAT is applied at 22% on goods and services in Slovenia. A reduced rate of 9.5% can also be applied on some goods.
Check with HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) regarding VAT refund of business expenses incurred in Slovenia.
8.2 Corporate taxation
The corporate income tax rate is set at 17%. Tax relief is available for
- research and development (R&D) investment (100%)
- investment in equipment and other long-term assets (40%)
Slovenia’s Capital Gains Tax is set at between 0 and 25% (depending on a holding period).
8.3 Personal income tax
Slovenia has income tax rates at 16%, 27%, 41% and 50%.
8.4 Customs
The internal market of the European Union is a single market in which allows the free movement of goods and services. Therefore no import duties are applicable.
Excise or controlled goods still require documentation.
9. Entry requirements
You do not require a visa to enter Slovenia.
9.1 Travel advice
If you’re travelling to Slovenia for business, check the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) travel advice beforehand.
10. Contacts
Contact the Department for International Trade (DIT) team in Slovenia for more information and advice on opportunities for doing business in Slovenia.