Slovakia
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The most common corporate vehicle for foreign investors in Slovakia is the private limited liability company (s.r.o.). A natural person conducting business alone may instead register as a sole trader, which requires no share capital and may be simpler and less costly, but does not provide limited liability. A foreign company may operate through a Slovak branch without separate legal personality or share capital, while remaining liable for the branch’s obligations. An s.r.o. may be incorporated through a simplified electronic procedure if the statutory conditions are met. Complete registration applications are processed within two working days; accounting records may also be kept electronically subject to statutory requirements.
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An s.r.o. may be founded by one or more shareholders, including a single foreign individual or legal entity. Its minimum registered capital is €5,000, and each shareholder’s contribution must be at least €750. Where there is a sole founder, the registered capital must be fully paid before the company is registered. Accordingly, the company cannot be incorporated without an initial capital contribution. A simplified joint-stock company (j.s.a.) has a minimum capital of €1, but requires a notarial deed and is not necessarily a simpler or less costly option.
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Both individuals and legal entities, including foreign persons, may generally establish or hold an interest in a Slovak s.r.o. on the same terms as Slovak persons. A foreign corporate shareholder will typically need to provide evidence of its existence and of the authority of the person acting for it; foreign documents may require legalisation and a Slovak translation. The company’s managing director must be a natural person. Specific licensing or foreign investment screening requirements may apply to particular activities or investments.
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There is no general Slovak nationality or tax-domicile requirement for an s.r.o.’s managing director. However, a foreign individual registered as authorised to act for a company must generally hold a Slovak residence permit unless they are a citizen of an EU or OECD member state. No separate Slovak residence requirement applies to shareholders.
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Please contact Andrej Terem at TEREM.LEGAL for more information on this, who will be happy to assist on this.
