Slovakia at a glance
Default split
Equal among partners
Startup entity
Spoločnosť s ručením obmedzeným (s.r.o.)
Minimum capital
€5,000
Community property
Yes
Formation cost
€300–€800
Key legislation
Obchodný Zákonník (Commercial Code) 513/1991
Slovakia's s.r.o. is straightforward to form and is the most common business entity. The country has a tiered corporate tax: 10% for revenue under €100,000, 21% for revenue up to €5 million, and 24% for larger companies. Slovakia adopted the euro in 2009. Bratislava, close to Vienna, has a growing startup ecosystem with lower costs than its Austrian neighbor. Slovak commercial law follows the Germanic tradition with some Czech influences.
Default partnership rules in Slovakia
In a Slovak verejná obchodná spoločnosť (v.o.s., general commercial partnership), profits are split equally by default unless the partnership agreement provides otherwise (Commercial Code §82). Partners are jointly and severally liable for partnership debts. The partnership must be registered in the Obchodný register (Commercial Register). A partnership agreement (spoločenská zmluva) is required.
The most important takeaway: profits are split equally by default in Slovakia, regardless of capital contributions. If you and a partner start a business and one of you invests €100,000 while the other invests €5,000, you still split profits 50/50 without a written agreement. This default can be overridden by a partnership agreement.
Spoločnosť s ručením obmedzeným (s.r.o.) in Slovakia
The s.r.o. is the standard entity for Slovak startups. Minimum share capital is €5,000, with each partner's contribution being at least €750. Formation costs €300–€800 and takes 1–2 weeks. A notarial deed is not required for formation. Share transfers must be in writing and registered. The articles of association (spoločenská zmluva) govern the company. A shareholders' agreement is recommended but not common in Slovak practice.
Without a shareholders' agreement, the relationship between founders is governed by the country's default rules, which rarely account for the realities of a startup — where contributions change over time and early effort often goes uncompensated. An operating agreement or shareholders' agreement is essential. Use our equity calculator to determine a fair split based on actual contributions.
What happens when a partner leaves in Slovakia
In a v.o.s., a partner can withdraw with six months' notice at the end of a calendar year. For s.r.o. companies, share transfers require written form and must be approved by the general meeting unless the articles provide otherwise. Minority shareholders can petition for dissolution if their rights are seriously violated.
A written agreement should address departure terms specifically, including how the buyout value is calculated, the payment timeline, vesting schedules, and any non-compete provisions. Understanding the concept of dead equity is important for managing these situations. Learn more about how dead equity affects businesses.
Marriage and business equity in Slovakia
Slovakia uses bezpodielové spoluvlastníctvo manželov (BSM, undivided co-ownership of spouses). Assets acquired during marriage belong to both spouses jointly. Business shares acquired during the marriage are part of the BSM even if only one spouse is the registered shareholder. A pre-nuptial agreement modifying the BSM extent is possible through a notarized contract. On divorce, the BSM is divided equally unless the court determines a different ratio.
Important for Slovakia business owners: Slovakia uses bezpodielové spoluvlastníctvo manželov (BSM, undivided co-ownership of spouses). Assets acquired during marriage are community property. Business owners should consider a pre-nuptial or post-nuptial agreement to protect their equity interests.
Formation and cost details
| Main startup entity | Spoločnosť s ručením obmedzeným (s.r.o.) |
| Minimum capital | €5,000 |
| Formation cost | €300–€800 |
| Default equity split | Proportional to share capital contributions |
| Default partnership split | Equal among all partners |
| Community property | Yes |
| Key legislation | Obchodný Zákonník (Commercial Code) 513/1991 |
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum capital for a Slovak s.r.o.?
The minimum share capital is €5,000, with each partner contributing at least €750. Formation costs €300–€800 and no notary is required.
How are partnership profits split in Slovakia?
In a v.o.s. (general commercial partnership), profits are split equally by default unless the partnership agreement specifies otherwise. This applies regardless of capital contributions.
What is Slovakia's corporate tax rate?
Slovakia has a tiered system: 10% for revenue under €100,000, 21% for revenue up to €5 million, and 24% for larger companies. A 7% withholding tax applies to dividends.
Does Slovak community property cover business shares?
Yes. Business shares acquired during marriage are part of the BSM (undivided co-ownership) even if only one spouse is registered. A notarized agreement can modify the BSM scope.
Related resources
- Equity calculator: find a fair split for your business
- Does your small business need an equity agreement?
- Equity for small businesses: the complete guide
- Dead equity calculator: how much is yours costing you?
- Slicing Pie calculator
- What is an operating agreement?
- All 32 European countries: partnership and formation laws
- US state directory: partnership and LLC default rules
Partnership laws in neighboring countries
Disclaimer: This page provides general information about Slovakia partnership and business formation laws and is not legal advice. Laws change, and the information here may not reflect the most recent amendments. The formation costs and capital requirements listed are approximate and may vary. Consult a qualified attorney licensed in Slovakia for advice specific to your situation. Equity Matrix is a software tool for tracking contributions and calculating equity; it does not provide legal services.
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