Registering a trade is a straightforward process, with several options available for those interested – in person, online, or via specialised services. In this article, we will guide you through the entire process, step by step.
The first step is to determine whether you wish to register a free, craft, or regulated trade.
- Free Trade
To register a free trade, you only need to meet the basic requirements – no professional qualifications are necessary. This category includes all activities that are not classified as crafts or regulated trades. A complete list can be found on the Ministry of the Interior of the Slovak Republic’s website in the trade licensing section. Examples include manufacturing wooden toys, sewing clothes, or retail trading. - Craft Trade
For this, you must demonstrate professional competence, usually through an apprenticeship in the relevant field. A detailed list of craft trades and their conditions is available in Annex 1 of the Trade Licensing Act. This form is required if you, for instance, wish to register as a carpenter, confectioner, hairdresser, or locksmith. - Regulated Trade
For a regulated trade, you must meet the specific professional qualifications outlined in Annex 2 of the Trade Licensing Act. These are activities that demand a higher level of responsibility and expertise, such as surveying, manufacturing tobacco products, operating a travel agency, or preparing technical documentation for construction.
Conditions for Establishing a Trade
To establish a trade, you must meet the basic requirements: be at least 18 years of age, have full legal capacity, and possess a clean criminal record. A clean criminal record means that the individual has not been convicted of any intentional criminal offences that would hinder their ability to operate a business.
In addition, special conditions apply specifically to craft and regulated trades. As mentioned earlier, in these cases, you must demonstrate professional competence, for example, through an apprenticeship certificate, school leaving certificate, or proof of relevant practical experience.
It is also important to decide on the business name you wish to use, ensuring it complies with the provisions of the Commercial Code, particularly Sections 8–12. The necessary forms can be found on the Ministry of the Interior’s website, available separately for natural persons and legal entities.
Permanent Residence and Virtual Registered Office
When starting a business, entrepreneurs must also specify their place of business. The most common option is the entrepreneur’s permanent residence, as this is the simplest solution and requires no additional documentation.
If you choose a different address, such as an office or non-residential premises, you will need to submit the property owner’s consent, with an officially certified signature.
Another option is to use a virtual office, which is a paid service provided by various companies. This service offers an address, mail collection, and other administrative support.
Several Ways to Register
There are several ways to register a trade. The first option is to visit the district office – trade licensing department in person, based on the entrepreneur’s permanent residence. You will need to complete a form and pay the administrative fees: EUR 7 for each free trade and EUR 22 for crafts and regulated trades.
The second, more time-efficient option is to register electronically via the slovensko.sk portal. However, to use this method, you will need an ID card with a chip, a card reader, and an activated qualified electronic signature. The benefit is that the registration of free trades is free of charge, and the fee for craft and regulated trades is reduced by half, at just €11.
There is also a third option – to utilise the services of a company that specialises in setting up businesses.
Single Point of Contact
At the Single Point of Contact (JKM), which is part of the district offices, you can not only register your trade but also complete the mandatory registration with the tax office, register with the health insurance company, and notify the social insurance company that you are starting a business. This means you can handle all these tasks in one go, rather than dealing with them separately.
For legal entities, such as limited liability companies (s.r.o.), an application must also be submitted to register the change in the commercial register.
Once your trade is registered, the district office will issue a trade license certificate – commonly known as the “trade license” – within three working days of receiving all the necessary documents and payment of the administrative fees.
The certificate can be collected in person, sent by post, or, in the case of an electronic application, it can be accessed exclusively via the slovensko.sk portal.
Obligations, Taxes, and Contributions
A sole trader must be aware of certain obligations regarding taxes and contributions. Health insurance is mandatory from the start of the business, unless it is covered by the state (e.g., for students or parents on maternity leave).
The minimum monthly advance payment for health insurance in 2025 is €107.25, which is 15% of the minimum assessment base of €715. The annual settlement is then carried out by the health insurance company.
Social insurance is not required in the first year. The obligation to register with the Social Insurance Agency arises in the following year, on July 1, if the entrepreneur’s income in the previous year exceeded the statutory threshold (which is adjusted annually).
This article was produced as part of the Pathways initiative supported by UNICEF. For more information about the project, please visit UNICEF’s digital one–stop-shop: https://akodobrezesi.sk/ua/
