For many Ukrainians living in Slovakia, opening their own business is a way to integrate into the local economy, legally work, and earn a stable income. One of the most popular forms of individual entrepreneurship here is živnosť — a simple and flexible system that allows natural persons to conduct business independently, without creating a company. In this article, we will explain in detail what živnosť is, who benefits from opening it, and who can open one at all. We will also compare it with s.r.o. and provide a step-by-step guide: what documents are needed, where to apply, and how much it costs. Živnosť is a form of individual entrepreneurship in Slovakia that allows a natural person to conduct business independently. There are three main types:
Voľné živnosti (free trades) — do not require special qualifications or education, only general conditions: being of legal age, having legal capacity, and no criminal record.
Remeselné živnosti (craft trades) — require professional education or training in a craft.
Viazané živnosti (tied trades) — require specific qualifications, certifications, permits, or experience (e.g., medical, technical, or educational services).
To view all current types of živnosť and choose the one that suits you, use this website To conduct business legally, two conditions must be met:
The activity must be entrepreneurial — meaning regular, systematic activity aimed at making a profit. One-time services or occasional earnings are not considered živnosť.
The activity must fall under the category of živnosť — thelaw defines which types of activities are not živnosť (e.g., author's activity, freelance work of professionals in liberal professions, agriculture, real estate rental without additional services).
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Who benefits from opening a živnosť and who can do it
Who can open a živnosť:
Any natural person who has reached 18 years of age, has legal capacity, and has no criminal record for economic or property crimes (or crimes related to the activity).
For citizens of third countries (including Ukrainians), an additional mandatory condition is legal residence in Slovakia that allows for entrepreneurial activity.
Such permission is granted by the following types of residence permits: — temporary residence for the purpose of entrepreneurship (pre účel podnikania), — permanent residence for 5 years or indefinite,
Without a residence permit, a živnosť can be registered, but it can only be activated after obtaining a residence card.
Who benefits:
Natural persons planning to run a small business independently: Those who want to work legally in Slovakia and handle taxes.
Freelancers and small businesses: Less bureaucracy than with an s.r.o., freedom in managing funds.
Those who want to minimize risks: If the business is small, without large debts.
Ukrainians in emigration: Allows them to work legally, earn income, and integrate into Slovakia's economy.
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Advantages and disadvantages of živnosť
Advantages of živnosť
Fast process for establishment and closure
No obligation to disclose personal and financial information
All data is publicly available
No mandatory share capital
Freedom in withdrawing and using money
Disadvantages of živnosť
Liability with private property
Liability with private property
Fewer opportunities for legal tax and contribution optimization (daní a odvodov)
The business environment perceives živnosť as a smaller business
Živnosť is better suited for beginners, freelancers, or small businesses with low risks, where simplicity, speed, and flexibility are important — for example, for individual services, trade, or IT freelancing. It is ideal when income is not high, and the owner wants to freely manage funds without complex bureaucracy. In the first year, social security contributions can be avoided, and closing the business is simple.
On the other hand, s.r.o. is more beneficial for medium or large businesses with potential risks, high turnover, or multiple partners. This form provides protection of personal assets and prestige. If the business involves trading large sums or requires investment, s.r.o. reduces risks but requires more expenses for double-entry bookkeeping (podvojné účtovníctvo) and administrative procedures.
A brief conclusion: Živnosť is optimal for beginners with low income, minimal risk, and a desire to reduce administrative burden. The main disadvantage is unlimited liability. s.r.o. is beneficial for businesses with high income, risks, plans to hire employees, or attract investors. Advantages include asset protection and greater partner trust; disadvantages include more complex administration and limited access to company funds.
What documents are needed to open a sole proprietorship (živnosť)
An application to open a živnosť is submitted if you already have another residence permit and want to change it to a residence permit for business, or in parallel with applying for a residence permit for business (in this case, the živnosť will be registered but activated only after the residence card is issued). The application is submitted to the Okresný úrad – odbor živnostenského podnikania (District Office – Trade Licensing Department) at your place of temporary residence.
Methods of submission:
online,
in person,
by mail.More details
Required documents for opening a živnosť:
completed form “Ohlásenie živnosti pre fyzickú osobu” (Notification of Trade for a Natural Person);
passport;
proof of legal stay (card or confirmation of residence permit application acceptance);
criminal record certificate:
proof of business location (miesto podnikania):
if it is your residence address — no additional documents are needed;
if it is another address — a lease agreement or written consent from the owner (the signature must be notarized);
specify the chosen health insurance company (Dôvera, VšZP, or Union).
List of documents for applying for a temporary residence permit (pobyt) for business purposes (živnosť)
1. Valid passport
2. Document confirming the purpose of stay — business
You need to provide one of the following:
Business plan + documents confirming the realism and viability of the activity: contracts, letters of intent, preliminary agreements, portfolio, documents on the benefit to the Slovak Republic's economy.
or
Business plan for an innovative project.
3. Criminal record certificates
From the country of citizenship,
From all countries where the applicant has resided for more than 90 days within the last 6 months within a 3-year period.
4. Proof of accommodation in Slovakia (for at least 6 months)
One of the following documents:
Notarized statement of real estate ownership,
Notarized lease agreement (with notarized signatures of all parties),
Written consent from the property owner (all signatures notarized),
Confirmation of hotel/dormitory booking/stay.
5. Proof of sufficient financial means for living
In 2025:
€3,409.56 — if staying for more than 1 year (12 × subsistence minimum of €284.13).
This is confirmed by a bank statement (personal account).
€5,682.60 (20 × subsistence minimum)
This is confirmed by the balance on a business bank account. more details
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How much to pay in taxes and contributions as a živnostník in 2025–2026
In 2025–2026, Slovak živnostníci face mandatory payments for health insurance, social security contributions, and income tax, which depend on turnover (revenue, not profit), status (new or experienced entrepreneur), and other factors. Health insurance is paid as a fixed amount from the first month, while social security contributions are activated only after exceeding certain income thresholds. Income tax is calculated progressively based on taxable income (after expenses). In 2025, the minimum contributions for živnostníci who are already paying them are as follows:
Social security contributions (Sociálna poisťovňa): €237.02 / month (33.15% of the minimum base of €715). This amount is fixed for those who exceeded the income threshold for 2024 (€8,580) — payments start from July 1, 2025 (or October 1, if the tax return filing was extended). New živnostníci (registered in 2025) do not pay social security contributions at all until June 30, 2026, regardless of turnover.
Health insurance (Zdravotná poisťovňa): €107.25 / month (15% of the minimum base of €715; €53.62 for persons with disabilities). This is a fixed amount for everyone; it is paid from the first month of registration, regardless of turnover.
Therefore, the total minimum contribution amount is: Total minimum in 2025: €344.27 / month (for those paying both). With low turnover (up to €9,144 per year) — only health insurance (€107.25 / month), social security contributions = €0.
Income tax for 2025 (you will file the tax return in 2026)
The rules are still old (the same as for 2024):
If your taxable income (profit after deducting all expenses and allowances) is ≤ €100,000 → you pay 15%.
If it is more than €100,000 → you calculate like this: – the first €48,441.43 of profit → 19% – everything above €48,441.43 → 25%
You do not need to submit a tax return if your income for 2025 is ≤ €2,876.90. From 2026, a large consolidation package will come into effect, which will increase contributions, introduce mandatory payments for all entrepreneurs – even those who earn almost nothing – and shorten "holiday" periods. The changes affect both new and experienced sole traders: health insurance will increase for everyone, social contributions will become mandatory sooner and with new thresholds. Social contributions for those who already pay start in January; for new ones – from the 7th month (instead of 12 months previously). According to current rules, for self-employed individuals (SZČO) whose grace period is ending (i.e., new sole traders or those with low income for 2025 ≤ €9,144), social contributions from July 1, 2026, will be calculated on a special basis (osobitný vymeriavací základ, OZV): €396.24 (26% of 1/12 of the general base of €1,524, which is the average salary for 2024), with a contribution of €131.34 / month (33.15% of this base). During the transition period (January–June 2026), these SZČO will not pay social contributions at all, but from July – they will be mandatory.
Social contributions (Sociálna poisťovňa): Minimum €303.11 / month (33.15% of the base €914.40, which is 60% of the average salary for 2024).
For experienced individuals (income for 2025 > €9,144): a fixed amount from January 2026. For low-income individuals (income for 2025 ≤ €9,144 or zero): a contribution of €131.34 / month (from a 26% base), starting from July 1, 2026. New sole traders will also start paying contributions from the 1st day of the 7th month.
Health insurance (Zdravotná poisťovňa): €121.92 / month (16% of the base €762, which is 50% of the average salary for 2024; €60.96 for disabled persons). A fixed amount for everyone, from January 2026, regardless of turnover.
Total minimum in 2026: €425.03 / month (for full payers; +€80.76 compared to 2025). With low turnover (up to €9,144 for 2025) — health insurance €121.92 + social contributions €131.34 = €253.26 / month (social contributions from July 1, 2026).
Income tax for 2026: The basic rate of 15% remains up to €100,000 profit. The exact new limits and rates will be known when the updated amounts for 2026 are published.
These rules make the system more transparent but increase the burden on small businesses: with a turnover of < €9,144, contributions are still mandatory (only health insurance + minimum social contributions from July), without a "zero" option. Main reasons for changes in law No. 404/2011 Coll.. From July 1, 2025, significant changes to the Act on the Residence of Foreigners came into force in Slovakia, which significantly complicated obtaining and extending residence permits for the purpose of entrepreneurship. These innovations were the state's response to a number of systemic problems that led to a new version of the law:
Overload of police departments for foreigners (cudzinecká polície departments) and long queues.
Mass opening of fictitious sole trader licences (živností) after 2022, which were used to obtain residence permits without real economic activity.
The need for better control over the economic contribution of foreigners to the Slovak economy – so that entrepreneurship truly benefits the country: creates jobs, pays taxes, etc.
What has changed for foreign entrepreneurs (živnostníkov)
1. Application submission
According to the amendment to Act No. 404/2011 Coll.. on the residence of foreigners and amendments to certain acts (taking into account current legislation), from July 1, 2025, applications for temporary residence permits for the purpose of entrepreneurship will be accepted exclusively at Slovak diplomatic missions abroad, without territorial exceptions. When making a decision, the police consider:
public interest,
security aspects,
economic interests of the Slovak Republic.
The police also request the Ministry of Economy of the Slovak Republic (MH SR) for an expert opinion on the submitted application. The ministry does not make decisions, does not approve or reject applications, but only assesses whether the applicant's activity can be beneficial to the country's economy. Its conclusion is used by the police as an expert opinion in administrative proceedings
2. Quotas
An annual limit (kvóta) has been introduced for submitting applications for temporary residence for the purpose of entrepreneurship. For 2025, it is 700 applications. This is the maximum number of applications that can be accepted during the year, distributed among countries. (document, which defines annual quotas and the maximum number of applications that can be accepted by Slovak embassies)
The distribution of quotas among embassies and consulates is carried out based on a government decree (nariadenie vlády SR) – taking into account the security situation and the economic interests of the state.
3. Duration of residence
Temporary residence for the purpose of entrepreneurship can be granted immediately for 3 years.
4. Business Plan (Podnikateľský zámer)
A business plan (podnikateľský zámer) is a mandatory attachment to the application. The law stipulates that a business plan and a document confirming the feasibility and sustainability of the business must be attached to the application.
For an objective assessment of the planned entrepreneurial activity, it is recommended to attach:
preliminary agreements,
- preliminary lease agreements, - preliminary agreements with suppliers, - preliminary agreements with clients, - list of education, certificates, attestations, - proof of knowledge of Slovak and English languages. more details
5. Changes for those who already have residence in Slovakia
Foreigners who already have temporary residence for another purpose (not entrepreneurship) and wish to change it to residence for the purpose of entrepreneurship can submit such a change no earlier than 24 months (2 years) from the date of obtaining the current permit.
6. Additional simplifications and changes
- National visa (národné vízum) If a national visa is applied for in connection with a residence permit application, its validity period is extended from 90 to 120 days. - Photo for the application A photograph is no longer mandatory – biometric data is taken directly at the police station. - Financial security In many cases, instead of three-month bank statements, it is sufficient to provide proof of the balance of funds. For conducting business, a separate bank account for entrepreneurial activities and a separate one for personal needs may be required.
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How is the economic contribution of the applicant's entrepreneurial activity assessed?
From July 1, 2025, a business plan is a mandatory part of the application for temporary residence. Based on the business plan, the following are assessed:
the viability and realism of the business,
its contribution to the Slovak economy,
the potential for job creation,
activity in sectors with a shortage of labor.
When extending residence, the Ministry thoroughly checks whether the applicant is conducting real, not formal, entrepreneurial activity, including:
fulfillment of tax obligations,
number of employees,
actual economic contribution to the region.
Just like in other EU countries, great attention is paid to personal qualifications, such as:
education,
professional courses and certificates,
work experience,
knowledge of Slovak and English languages.
After the assessment, the expert opinion is forwarded to the relevant foreign police department.
Is it worth opening and running a sole trader business (živnosť) yourself, or is it better to contact an accounting firm right away?
Opening a sole trader business (živnosť) in Slovakia yourself is really simple, no complex documents, notary, or large initial costs are required. However, running it yourself depends on your turnover and your desire to deal with paperwork.
If your annual income (profit after expenses) is less than €2,876.90 in 2025 – you do not need to file a tax return (daňové priznanie) at all.
As soon as your income exceeds this amount – you need to file a tax return by March 31 (or by June 30 with an extension). It is easy to make a mistake here: incorrectly accounting for expenses, car depreciation, insurance, phone, etc. – and get a fine or underpayment.
The higher the turnover, the greater the risks: → correct bookkeeping, → VAT accounting, → timely response to letters from Sociálna poisťovňa, → avoiding fines for late payment of contributions or tax returns.
It is quite possible to manage everything yourself at the start. The main thing is to set it up correctly once: create a simple table for income/expenses and keep all receipts. Even better, get a one-time consultation from a good accountant or tax advisor right away. In 1–2 hours, they will explain your specific situation: which expenses you can count, when social contributions will start, how to optimize taxes. This is cheaper than fixing mistakes later, because the thrifty pay twice. As soon as your turnover exceeds €15–20 thousand per year, or you start hiring people, traveling abroad, buying a car/equipment on lease — it is better to hand over accounting to professionals on a permanent basis. The time you save and your peace of mind are worth it. A živnosť (sole-trader licence) is an affordable and simple way to start a business in Slovakia, especially if you are a freelancer, a beginner, or a small business owner with low risks. It allows you to start quickly with minimal costs, but requires responsibility for taxes and contributions, which in 2025–2026 will be at least €344–425 per month. If your business is growing or needs asset protection, consider switching to an s.r.o. Opening a živnosť yourself is easy and cheap. Managing the first months with a small turnover is also realistic. But even at the start, it is worth consulting a specialist once, and as your income grows — hand over accounting to professionals, so you don't waste nerves and don't pay fines.
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