The process of registration of a sole trader takes around 14 days.
Registration as a sole trader («živnosť») allows an individual to conduct business activity in Slovakia without forming a legal entity. The process of registration of a sole trader is relatively quick and cheap. A sole trader is liable for their obligations arising as a result of business activity to the extent of all their property, whether that property is used for business activity or not.
Any capable person who is 18 years old or older and has a clear criminal record can register as a sole trader.
The following documents must be provided to start the registration:
If the entrepreneur has been residing in Slovakia for over 6 months, a no-criminal-record certificate can be requested at the place of residence in Slovakia. Otherwise, an apostilled no-criminal-record certificate obtained at the place of residence and translated into Slovak is required.
If the registered address is the same as the residential address, it is necessary to obtain landlord’s consent to use that address as a registered address. If the addresses are different, a separate proof of the registered address is also required.
Legislation of Slovakia provides for 3 types of sole entrepreneurship:
In order to register as a sole trader in Slovakia, you need to tell us what kind of activity you propose to conduct as a sole trader. Having received this information, we will check and tell you if you will need a special license to conduct that kind of business.
The process of registration of a sole trader can be divided into several basic stages:
1) Obtaining a unique identification number (IČO) from the Business Register of Slovakia («živnostenský register»); this number shall be stated in contact details, invoices, contracts and other official documents.
2) Filing an application for registration as a sole trader with the Business Register. The application shall contain information on the business activity, the location of the enterprise and personal data of the entrepreneur; the application shall be filled out in Slovak.
3) Payment of a fee for each chosen kind of activity (the amount of the fee varies depending on whether the sole entrepreneurship is free, craft or fixed).
If all requirements are met, you can expect to receive a registration confirmation within 14 days.
If a sole trader proposes to conduct a licensed activity, after the registration confirmation has been received, they must obtain a proper license based on which business will be conducted. If several kinds of licensed activity are involved, then a license is required for each of them.
Then the sole trader must obtain a tax identification number (Daňové identifikační číslo / DIČ) and register with the tax authority to pay taxes. Late registration and obtaining of a DIČ number result in a fine. Moreover, medical and social insurance registration is required.
Citizens of EU member states, foreigners with a permanent place of residence in EU member states, and people with a residence permit in Slovakia (for the purpose of business, study, family reunion or research and development) can start business in Slovakia right after registration as a sole trader. If you are not in the above-listed categories, you will have to obtain a residence permit in Slovakia before you start business as a sole trader.
A sole trader in Slovakia must pay taxes and keep accounting records (you can choose a taxation system when filing a balance sheet).
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Service
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Fee (EUR)
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Total cost of services in registration as a sole trader (without a visit to Slovakia), including:- preparation of a set of documents for registration;- payment of registration fees;- obtaining a business license;- tax registration of the sole trader.
The fee does not include: compliance check, registered address, opening an account with a local bank, and obtaining a temporary residence permit to conduct business (if necessary)[2]; paid separately. |
from 6 200
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Provision of a registered address for the first year of existence of a sole trader
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1 760
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Assistance in opening an account for a sole trader with a local bank (without a visit to Slovakia)
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6 900
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Accounting support for business of a sole trader:
- preparation and filing of zero financial statements; - preparation and filing of non-zero financial statements. |
3 500
(zero financial statements) 100 – 350 / hour (non-zero financial statements: based on time actually spent and depending on the scope of business and complexity of document management of the sole trader) |
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Compliance fee
Paid in case of: - company’s incorporation / sole trader’s registration, - company’s renewal, company’s liquidation, - transfer to another agent, issue of a power of attorney for a new attorney, - change of director / shareholder / beneficiary, except for a change to a nominee director / shareholder, - signing of documents. |
350 (standard fee, including check of 1 individual)
+ 150 for each additional individual (director, shareholder or beneficiary) or legal entity (director or shareholder) if legal entity is served by GSL + 200 for each additional legal entity (director or shareholder) if legal entity is not served by GSL 450 (fee for high-risk companies, including check of 1 individual) 100 (signing of documents) |
[1] The service fees are effective as of January 2025; the final cost of the project will depend on its complexity and the set of services the client will need.
[2] Please contact consultants of GSL Law & Consulting for the fee for obtaining a temporary residence permit in Slovakia to conduct business.