Starting a business in Slovenia: how to get VIES?

The VIES (VAT Information Exchange System) is an automatic exchange system between tax administrations of EU Member States. VIES was put in place on 1 January 1993 to control the flow of intra-Community trade and the involved VAT payers. Through this system, EU Member States can access to and exchange information regarding intra-Community transactions made between traders holding a valid VAT number.

An important note for future business holders in Slovenia: in order to get registered in the VIES (and get a European VAT number) companies are required to present an application as well as following documents:

• letter of intent outlining the trade between one or more clients and suppliers (non-binding, only setting up the intention)
• lease agreement for an office, hangar, store etc.
• business plan

Foreign entrepreneurs starting a business in Slovenia will need to prove to the taxation authority the intention to operate in the country. In case the company does not provide the above-mentioned documents, the taxation authority can refuse to carry out the registration. On the other hand, if all documents are in order, the procedure of registration can take up to four weeks.

For more information contact Taxofia, info@taxofia.com !