Slovakia's tax system got noticeably more layered for 2026: a new minimum corporate tax now applies even to companies with no profit, and the standard corporate rate ticked up, though smaller businesses still get a meaningfully reduced rate. Here's what it takes to start a business in Slovakia in 2026.
1. Which business structure fits you?
Before you register anything, it helps to know what you're actually choosing between.
- Zivnost (trade license). Slovakia's sole trader route, cheap and relatively fast to set up, with personal liability for business debts.
- s.r.o. (limited liability company). The Slovak equivalent of an LLC, giving you a separate legal entity and limited liability.
2. Register your business
Zivnost
Registration is handled through the trade licensing system, and you're required to keep proper accounts, invoices, and contracts on file for 10 years in case of an audit.
s.r.o.
You'll need notarized incorporation documents filed with the Commercial Register, then registration with the local tax office (danovy urad) within 30 days. The trade license application and tax registration together typically take up to 9 days; VAT registration, if needed, is a separate step that takes about 15 days. Full-service formation, including registered address and legal setup, commonly runs from around €1,300.
3. Register for tax
New companies register with their local tax authority for a company ID number (ICO) and tax number as part of formation. If you plan to rely on Slovakia's double taxation treaties for cross-border dividends, interest, or royalties, you'll separately apply for a tax residency certificate, which costs €500 and is issued after tax registration.
4. Check licenses and permits
Slovakia doesn't issue a single national business license. What you need depends on your industry; certain regulated activities need a business permit or license beyond the standard trade license or s.r.o. registration.
5. Understand Slovak taxes
For individuals, income tax runs 19% up to a threshold tied to the statutory subsistence minimum, and 25% above it.
Companies face a tiered corporate income tax for 2026: 10% for taxable income up to €100,000, 21% for income between €100,000 and €5 million, and 24% above €5 million. Worth knowing upfront: as of 2026, Slovakia also applies a minimum corporate tax even to companies with no profit or very low activity, so a dormant or break-even s.r.o. still owes a baseline amount each year.
VAT is 23% standard (raised from 20%), with a reduced rate for certain goods and services. Registration is mandatory once annual turnover exceeds €50,000, and mandatory e-invoicing for all VAT-registered entities is rolling out starting in 2026.
6. Stay compliant
Slovak law requires full double-entry bookkeeping for every s.r.o.; there's no simplified cash-basis option the way some other countries offer smaller businesses. Sole traders under zivnost only owe social insurance contributions from their second year of business, provided first-year income exceeded a set threshold, but health insurance is compulsory from day one. VAT returns are generally filed quarterly, though higher-turnover businesses may need to file monthly.
Slovakia business costs at a glance
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| s.r.o. full-service formation | From ~€1,300 |
| Tax residency certificate (if needed) | €500 |
| Personal income tax (individuals) | 19% to 25% |
| Corporate tax (income up to €100,000) | 10% |
| Corporate tax (€100,000 to €5M) | 21% |
| Corporate tax (above €5M) | 24% |
| VAT, standard rate (2026) | 23% |
| VAT registration threshold | €50,000 turnover |
Frequently asked questions
What's the corporate tax rate in Slovakia?
A tiered structure for 2026: 10% for taxable income up to €100,000, 21% between €100,000 and €5 million, and 24% above €5 million.
Does Slovakia have a minimum corporate tax for companies with no profit?
Yes. As of 2026, a minimum corporate tax applies even to dormant or break-even companies, a baseline amount owed regardless of actual profitability.
How much does it cost to register an s.r.o. in Slovakia?
Full-service formation, including registered address and legal setup, commonly runs from around €1,300.
When do I need to register for VAT in Slovakia?
Once annual turnover exceeds €50,000. The standard VAT rate is 23%, raised from 20%.
Is double-entry bookkeeping mandatory for an s.r.o. in Slovakia?
Yes. Full double-entry bookkeeping is required for every s.r.o., with no simplified cash-basis option.
Fees and rates above come from the Slovak Commercial Register and the Financial Administration of the Slovak Republic as of 2026, and they do change over time, so double check before you file. None of this is legal or tax advice. Talk to a Slovakia-qualified accountant or lawyer about your specific situation.