How to set up an s.r.o. in Slovakia step by step

Setting up a limited liability company (s.r.o.) involves clearly defined steps. If you know them in advance, the whole process will run smoothly and without unnecessary delays. Here is an overview, from the idea to a functioning company.

1. Name and business activities

Choose a business name that is not yet taken in the Commercial Register (ORSR), and determine your business activities (trades). Free and craft trades have different conditions – for some of them, you need to provide proof of professional competence.

2. Registered office of the company

The company needs a registered office address. This may be your own property, rented premises or a virtual registered office. You will need the property owner’s consent to use the address.

3. Shareholders, managing directors and share capital

Decide who will be a shareholder and who will be the managing director (this may be the same person). Set the amount of the share capital and of the individual shareholders’ contributions.

4. Memorandum of association or deed of incorporation

With a single founder, a deed of incorporation is drawn up; with several founders, a memorandum of association. The document contains all the key details about the company, the shareholders and their contributions.

5. Trade authorisation

Before the entry in the Commercial Register, you need to notify the trades at the trade licensing office (živnostenský úrad) and obtain a certificate of trade authorisation.

6. Entry in the Commercial Register

The application for entry is filed electronically with the competent registry court. Once entered, the company officially comes into existence and receives a company ID (IČO).

7. Tax registration

The new s.r.o. must be registered with the tax office for income tax. If you meet the conditions, or choose to register voluntarily, you also need to deal with VAT registration.

Related articles: How to set up a trade licence: procedure and costs, Trade licence vs. s.r.o.: which pays off for your business, Share capital of an s.r.o.: how much and how to pay it in.

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to set up an s.r.o.?

With electronic filing and flawless documents, it usually takes a few working days from the filing of the application for entry.

Do I need an accountant when setting up the company?

It is not compulsory, but an expert will save you time and prevent mistakes both in the documents and in the tax registration.