Do I need to register as an s.p. to do gardening work in Slovenia?

That depends on how much and how often you work. Contact FURS and AJPES and ask whether your planned activity requires registration, how to report income, and when you would need to charge VAT.

Can I accept card payments as a solo gardener?

Yes. On Websta card payments from customers are paid out to the provider's own bank account through Stripe. Make sure you record those receipts for tax and accounting purposes.

Should I charge a deposit for larger jobs?

Charging a deposit reduces cancellations and gives you protection for material purchases. Say what the deposit covers and how the balance will be paid, and record this in writing.

What insurance should I have when doing garden work?

Check with an insurance provider about liability insurance for accidental damage or injury. Also ask ZZZS and ZPIZ about how self-employment affects your health and pension coverage.

How to make money as a gardener in Slovenia: practical steps

Updated October 21, 2026

Where paying customers come from

Customers for gardening work tend to come from a few practical places. Neighbours and friends are often the fastest source of jobs because people nearby notice your work and can recommend you. Workplaces and colleagues sometimes need regular garden help at home or business premises. Schools, small apartment associations and local businesses require seasonal services such as mowing, leaf clearing and planting. Online search is increasingly important: homeowners search for “gardener near me” or specific tasks and local marketplace listings. Word of mouth remains central in smaller towns and rural areas.

To reach those groups, mix simple offline and online actions. Put a printed card through doors on your street, ask satisfied customers for a referral, keep a basic online page showing services and photos, and reply quickly to messages.

Neighbours and local word of mouth
Colleagues and workplace noticeboards
Small businesses, schools and housing associations
Online search and local marketplaces

How to set a first price and talk about money

Start with a clear offer for a single, typical task so price conversations are simple. For example, set a price for a lawn mow of a defined size or for one hour of general garden upkeep. When a customer asks, confirm the scope: what you will do, what you will not do, and whether you bring materials or expect them to supply them. That limits disagreements and makes it easier to quote.

When you give a first quote, say that the price is an estimate and mention what would change the price - larger area, removal of green waste, travel time. Ask for a short confirmation by message or e-mail so both sides have the agreement in writing. For ongoing clients consider an hourly rate or a fixed monthly visit plan and be explicit about invoicing and payment timing.

Offer simple, scoped tasks to make pricing easy
State what is included and what adds cost
Get at least a short written confirmation

What the first ten customers usually look like

Your first ten customers are often a mix of people who already know you and local repeat business. Expect several neighbours or friends, one or two customers through workplace contacts, and a small number who find you online or through a local noticeboard. Some will be one-off jobs, others could become regulars if you do a reliable job and are easy to contact.

Treat early customers as trial runs: confirm scope, arrive on time, take before-and-after photos, and ask for permission to use the photos for future marketing. Good communication and punctuality generate the referrals that will replace cold leads over time.

Mostly neighbours and personal contacts at first
A few workplace or business contacts
Occasional online leads or local ads

Taking money and legal basics in Slovenia

If you plan to be paid for gardening work in Slovenia you should check registration, tax and social security obligations with the competent authorities rather than rely on general tips. Contact the Financial Administration of the Republic of Slovenia - FURS - and ask: do I need to register as a sole trader (s.p.) or can I supply occasional services without registration; what records and invoices must I keep; when do I need to charge VAT? For health and pension contributions contact the Health Insurance Institute of Slovenia - ZZZS - and the Pension and Disability Insurance Institute - ZPIZ - to ask when contributions start, and what reporting they expect.

For business registration and trade definitions check with AJPES or the local administrative office and ask what registration is needed for garden services in your municipality. Confirm whether any local permits or rules apply for waste disposal or carrying out certain tree work. Keep clear records of hours, material costs and invoices from day one. On Websta, card payments from customers are paid out to the provider's own bank account through Stripe, and the provider sets their prices, so make sure you factor platform payouts into your accounting.

Ask FURS about registration, invoicing and VAT
Ask ZZZS and ZPIZ about insurance and contributions
Ask AJPES or your local office about trade registration and local permits
Keep records of work, receipts and payments

What tends to go wrong in the first months

Common early problems are underquoting, unclear scope, and poor scheduling. New gardeners often underestimate travel time and the extra effort of green waste disposal. Not having a simple contract or a written estimate leads to misunderstandings. Cash-only dealings without receipts cause bookkeeping trouble and can create issues if a customer disputes payment.

Other pitfalls include failing to ask about underground irrigation or hidden hazards before cutting, not carrying basic insurance for accidental damage, and overcommitting your time. Plan conservatively, set clear boundaries on work you will not do, and request deposits for larger jobs to reduce cancellations.

Underquoting and not including travel or disposal costs
Unclear scope or no written confirmation
Poor scheduling and overcommitment
No receipts or insurance for damage

How a Websta profile fits into your work

A Websta profile gives you a single page to show services, prices, photos, a contact form and online booking. You can send that page to anyone so they see the same offer and conditions. Websta also runs a marketplace where local people post tasks and providers make offers. Part of the catalogue in Estonia was built from the public business register; those profiles show the registered trade and town of a sole trader and carry a notice that the person can claim or remove the page.

Using a profile reduces time spent repeating the same information and helps potential customers find you by service and place. Card payments made by customers are paid out to the provider's own bank account through Stripe, so the money goes to the provider’s account rather than sitting on a third-party balance.

One page to show services, prices, photos and booking
Marketplace where people nearby find providers
Payments to your own bank account through Stripe

Practical next steps

Start with a short list of services you do reliably, prepare two or three clear prices or time-based options, and take photos of your work. Ask five neighbours or colleagues if they need help and hand out a simple flyer or link to your Websta page. Call FURS and your insurance or social institutions to confirm the administrative steps for your situation and keep the answers in writing.

If you want to grow, track repeat customers and ask each satisfied client for one referral. Be honest about what you can take on while keeping your main job if you are starting part-time. Earning from gardening takes steady effort, clear communication and organised records.

List reliable services and set clear prices
Reach out to neighbours, colleagues and local businesses
Check registration and contributions with authorities
Use a Websta profile as a single place to show offers and accept bookings

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to register as an s.p. to do gardening work in Slovenia?: That depends on how much and how often you work. Contact FURS and AJPES and ask whether your planned activity requires registration, how to report income, and when you would need to charge VAT.
Can I accept card payments as a solo gardener?: Yes. On Websta card payments from customers are paid out to the provider's own bank account through Stripe. Make sure you record those receipts for tax and accounting purposes.
Should I charge a deposit for larger jobs?: Charging a deposit reduces cancellations and gives you protection for material purchases. Say what the deposit covers and how the balance will be paid, and record this in writing.
What insurance should I have when doing garden work?: Check with an insurance provider about liability insurance for accidental damage or injury. Also ask ZZZS and ZPIZ about how self-employment affects your health and pension coverage.

About the numbers

Counts in this guide were read from the Websta catalogue when the text was written and are refreshed above from the live catalogue. Part of the catalogue was built from the public business register and is marked as such on each profile.

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