For many freelancers the question comes after the first successful year: should I keep my sole-trader status, or create a company? In Slovakia the answer depends on turnover, risk and the mood of the tax calendar, and the rules changed in August 2026, so older guides are out of date.
This guide explains starting a company in Slovakia as a newcomer, with the 2026 numbers.
Which company form do most foreigners choose when starting a company in Slovakia?
The spoločnosť s ručením obmedzeným (s.r.o.), a limited liability company. The name must contain "spoločnosť s ručením obmedzeným", "spol. s r. o." or "s. r. o.". It needs a registered office address the company has the right to use, and capital of at least 5,000 euros, with at least 750 euros from each partner, in whole euros.
If you are alone, the founding act is a zakladateľská listina (deed of foundation); with several partners, a spoločenská zmluva (articles). Since 17 August 2026 it must be a notarial deed or a document authenticated by a lawyer. A simplified creation through the Ministry of Justice electronic form exists for an s.r.o. of up to five partners, with cash contributions only, at most 15 free trades and the manager handling contributions.
Before the application, at least 30% of each cash contribution must be paid in, and at least 2,500 euros in total. A company with a single founder pays its whole capital before registration.
How does registration work for starting a company in Slovakia since August 2026?
Under the new commercial register law (no. 29/2026), the application to the register court is filed electronically, on the official form, signed electronically by you or your representative, who must have an activated electronic mailbox. All the managers (konatelia) file it. The one-stop shop of a district office can also take it and scan your paper documents, and for a first registration a notary acting as registrátor can register the company directly. The application takes effect only if the court receives notice of payment within 15 days of filing.
The court fee is 220 euros for the first registration of an s.r.o., and 50 euros for a later change. The law sets no price for a registration by a notary: ask the notary. The court, or the notary, registers the company within two working days of a complete application. Before that you obtain a trade licence for each activity at the one-stop shop of the district office: 7 euros per free trade, 22 euros per craft or regulated trade.
The new electronic process is where foreigners get stuck: electronic identity, mailbox, notary, translations. Moovy can map the steps for your case, prepare the list of information your notary needs and draft your questions in Slovak with a translation. A notary, lawyer or accountant must handle the signed and filed documents.
What if you cannot file online yourself?
You need access to slovensko.sk, through a recognised electronic identity from your country via eIDAS or a Slovak chip residence permit, and an activated mailbox. If not, the law lets you be represented only by a lawyer, a notary or an employee of the applicant (Act 29/2026, section 47), or you can go through the one-stop shop (section 48). The simplest way is often the notary who draws up the deed and acts as registrar.
What tax does a company pay?
In 2026:
- Corporate income tax: 10% if the year's receipts do not exceed 100,000 euros, 21% in general, 24% above 5,000,000 euros.
- Minimum tax: 340 euros up to 50,000 euros of receipts, 960 euros up to 250,000, 1,920 up to 500,000, 3,840 up to 5,000,000 and 11,520 above. It is due even in a loss year, except for the company's first tax period, and the excess can be credited against the next three years.
- Dividends to an individual: a separate withholding at 7% for profits of years starting 2017 to 2023 and from 1 January 2025, and 10% for profits of years starting in 2024. A dividend paid in 2026 from 2025 profit is taxed at 7%.
The company keeps double-entry accounting and files its return within three months of year-end. For the sole trader alternative, see freelancing in Slovakia.
How does VAT work?
You become a VAT payer on 1 January after a calendar year in which turnover exceeded 50,000 euros, or immediately when it passes 62,500 euros in the current year. The registration request is due within five working days of crossing the threshold. Rates are 23% in general, 19% and 5% for items on the lists in the VAT Act. The period is the calendar month; a quarterly period is possible after 12 months as a VAT payer and with turnover under 100,000 euros over 12 months. Returns and the kontrolný výkaz (detailed invoice statement) are due within 25 days after the period, online.
What changes with e-invoicing in 2027?
From 1 January 2027, a VAT payer who supplies a business or a legal person established in Slovakia must issue an electronic invoice and be able to send and receive it through an approved delivery service (doručovacia služba), with exceptions such as exempt supplies and some simplified invoices. Anyone who receives such a supply must be able to receive the invoice that way. Sales to private individuals are not covered. In 2026 there is a transition period. Choose software or a provider before the end of 2026, and check the details with your accountant.
What are the mistakes to avoid?
- Using old procedures: the August 2026 law changed them.
- Forgetting the mailbox: no mailbox, no electronic filing.
- Underestimating the minimum tax from the second year.
- Mixing personal and company money.
To estimate your own situation first, read income tax in Slovakia, and for your arrival steps, moving to Slovakia.
Is starting a company in Slovakia right for a foreigner?
It is worth considering once your activity grows, you need limited liability, or you want to hire. The entry cost is modest: 5,000 euros of capital, 220 euros of court fees, licence fees and the notary or lawyer. But the running costs are also real: double-entry accounting, an annual return, a minimum tax of at least 340 euros from the second tax period even without activity, and communication with the tax administration by electronic means. For a first project, many people begin as sole traders; see freelancing in Slovakia.
Before you choose a structure, have a Slovak accountant (účtovník) or tax adviser (daňový poradca) check your own figures and plans.
What does the accountant do and is one required?
The law does not require an accountant. You may keep your accounts yourself or entrust them to a person or a firm, but you remain responsible, and accounts are kept in Slovak. An účtovník is strongly advised as soon as you pay VAT. Audit is generally compulsory only when a company exceeds two of three thresholds: 4,000,000 euros of balance sheet total, 8,000,000 euros of net turnover and 50 employees on average.
What about the beneficial owner and the registered office?
You must declare the konečný užívateľ výhod, the beneficial owner, and prove that you have the right to use the address of the registered office. Updating the beneficial owner in the register is free.
How do you get paid from your company?
As a manager you can receive a salary, which brings social and health contributions, or dividends, which carry a separate withholding tax of 7% for a dividend paid in 2026 out of 2025 profit. Which mix is best depends on your situation and calls for an accountant's advice.
What changes if you live outside the EU?
A partner or manager who is not a resident of the EU may face additional rules, such as appointing a representative for tax mail and holding the right residence permit. Get advice from a lawyer, a notary or an accountant before you sign. For British people, see moving to Slovakia from the UK.