The EU approved new rules against money laundering. The main law introduces common rules for all countries and will start on July 10, 2027. A Europe-wide limit for cash payments is set at €10,000. Individual countries can set lower limits.
If you want to pay a larger amount, you must pay without cash. A rule already exists: if you travel into or out of the EU with €10,000 or more in cash, you must declare it to customs officers.
After the €10,000 limit is introduced, people and companies will not be able to legally pay for larger purchases with cash. If you go over the limit, you will have to use non-cash payments. Daily shopping (groceries, services) will not be affected. The limits will mainly apply to larger B2C/B2B transactions.
What are the current rules in Slovakia
There is no limit on owning financial cash in Slovakia or other EU countries. You can keep hundreds or even tens of thousands of euros at home. The law only controls how payments are made, not the ownership of banknotes.
Limits start with cash payments:
Regular citizens – no more than €5,000;
Between entrepreneurs – up to €15,000;
Entrepreneur ↔ citizen – again €5,000.
If you enter or leave the EU with €10,000 or more, you must declare it. If you cannot explain the origin of the money during a check, it can be temporarily taken for verification.
