Data in the Commercial Register will be legally binding

Data in the Commercial Register will be legally binding

Data in the Commercial Register will be legally binding: A revolution for entrepreneurs from August 17, 2026

Bratislava, May 5, 2026

The new Commercial Register Act (29/2026 Coll.) will enter into force on 17 August 2026, representing the largest reform of the Commercial Register in the last two decades. The Act will make data published online on the Commercial Register website legally binding and will fundamentally change the way entrepreneurs present their company data to authorities and business partners. Entrepreneurs will no longer have to present this data to authorities or in business dealings – a link to the register will suffice.

Why is this change coming?

Slovakia has long been one of the countries with a high administrative burden on doing business. Companies were required to repeatedly submit the same documents to various institutions – extracts from the commercial register, notarized copies of founding documents, or confirmations of registered office. This system was not only time-consuming but also expensive.

The new Act 29/2026 Coll. replaces the old regulation from 2003 and responds to a long-term criticized situation. It is based on European standards for the digitalization of public administration and follows the EU Directive on the use of digital tools in the field of company law.

Main changes

The new law brings fundamental modernization in several areas:

  • Legal certainty: Published data (company name, registered office, statutory members, registered capital) are public and binding for everyone - authorities automatically accept them without the need to submit additional documents.
  • Less bureaucracy: The "once-only" principle reduces administration; existing registrations remain valid without modification. The company does not have to repeatedly document what is already recorded in the register.
  • Business name reservation: Entrepreneurs will be able to reserve a business name before registering the company, thus avoiding duplication and disputes over the company name.
  • Broader powers of notaries: Notaries will gain expanded powers when establishing companies, which will allow for a faster and smoother completion of the entire process without the need for a personal visit to the registry court.
  • Central register of authorizations: A unified record of authorizations and authorizations will be created, which will simplify the verification of the competencies of managers and statutory representatives.
  • Shortened deadlines for cross-border mergers: Administrative deadlines for registering cross-border mergers will be significantly shortened, which will facilitate the expansion of Slovak companies abroad and the arrival of foreign investors in Slovakia.

What does this mean in practice?

Imagine that you are concluding a contract with a new business partner. Until now, you had to request a current extract from the commercial register, verify the identity of the manager and, if necessary, have notarized documents submitted. Now, all you need to do is include a reference to the relevant entry in the commercial register in the contract - the data published there is legally binding and must be accepted by all contracting parties and authorities.

The same applies when communicating with state institutions. The tax office, social insurance company, or trade register will no longer be able to request documents that are available in the online commercial register.

Impact on businesses and accountants

Group Advantage Action required
Existing companies No new obligations Check the currency and accuracy of all entries before August 2026
New foundations Faster and smoother registration process Reserve a business name; notarization of documents will be mandatory
Accountants and advisors Faster verification of client and partner data Update processes and document templates from August
Business relations No papers – just a link to the OR Incorporate a reference to the OR into contract templates

When should you take action?

Although the law does not come into effect until August 17, 2026, we recommend starting preparations as soon as possible. Companies should:

  1. Check the accuracy of all data entered in the commercial register.
  2. Update outdated records (registered office, directors, business objects).
  3. Consult a lawyer or accountant about the impact of the changes on a specific company.
  4. Prepare new templates for contracts and internal documents.
  5. Inform business partners about changes in the way company data is presented.

Do you need help with preparation?

The SMARTUP Law firm and SMARTUP accounting team is ready to help you with checking entries in the commercial register, updating documentation and preparing for the new legislative environment. Do not hesitate to contact us at [email protected] or by phone at +421 (0)948 383 363 .

The article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific legal questions, we recommend consulting an attorney.