From 1 May 2026, Slovakia is introducing a new requirement for entrepreneurs — mandatory cashless payments.
This means that almost every seller will have to offer customers the option to pay for goods or services without cash.
This new rule is especially important for many Ukrainians who run a business in Slovakia as a živnostník or through an s.r.o.
Who Must Accept Cashless Payments in Slovakia
Mandatory cashless payments in Slovakia apply to entrepreneurs who:
- use the eKasa system;
- sell goods or services;
- accept payments from customers.
Important: the rule applies from payments of 1 euro.
There are exceptions, but they are limited by law.
What Cashless Payment Methods Can Be Used
The entrepreneur can choose how to meet the legal requirement.
The most common options are:
Payment Terminal
A payment terminal is the classic solution for card payments.
It is suitable for:
- shops;
- cafés;
- restaurants;
- salons;
- retail points;
- service businesses.
This option is convenient for customers because they can pay by card or mobile phone. However, it may involve fees and service costs.
QR Payment in Slovakia
A QR payment is a convenient option without a classic payment terminal.
How it works:
- the entrepreneur generates a QR code;
- the customer scans it with a mobile phone;
- the payment is made through a banking app;
- the money is sent to the entrepreneur’s bank account.
For small businesses, QR payments can be a cheaper and simpler solution than a payment terminal.
This option is especially useful for živnostníci, market sellers, small service providers and entrepreneurs who do not want to rent or buy a payment terminal.
Bank Transfer
A bank transfer can also be used as a cashless payment method.
However, in practice it is less convenient, because the customer must manually enter payment details, the amount and the payment reference.
For everyday sales and services, QR payment is usually more practical.
VRP2 Application: A Solution for Small Businesses
For small entrepreneurs in Slovakia, there is a simple solution — the VRP2 application provided by the Financial Administration.
It can be useful for:
- živnostníci;
- market sellers;
- small service providers;
- mobile entrepreneurs;
- people who are just starting a business in Slovakia.
The VRP2 application can help with:
- sales registration through eKasa;
- QR code generation;
- payment confirmation;
- working from one device.
This is especially relevant for Ukrainians who are just starting a business in Slovakia and want to meet the new requirements without complex technical solutions.
Fees and Benefits for Entrepreneurs
Until the end of 2027:
- banks do not charge a fee for payment notifications;
- crediting payments to the account is free.
This makes QR payments a very attractive option for small businesses.
For entrepreneurs, it means that they can meet the cashless payment requirement without large additional costs.
Fines for Not Accepting Cashless Payments
If an entrepreneur does not provide a cashless payment option, penalties may apply.
Possible consequences:
- first violation — warning or fine;
- repeated violation — fine from 500 € to 15,000 €.
This is a serious risk for business.
That is why it is better to prepare in advance, choose the right payment method and test it before inspections begin.
What Entrepreneurs Should Do Now
To avoid fines and problems, entrepreneurs should prepare in advance.
Recommended steps:
- choose a cashless payment method;
- decide whether a payment terminal is needed or whether QR payment is enough;
- test the chosen solution;
- check the connection with eKasa;
- set up the receipt process;
- train employees;
- check how payments are recorded in accounting;
- consult an accountant.
The main point is not to wait until the last moment.
If your business accepts payments from customers, it is better to understand now which solution will be the most convenient and cost-effective.
Why This Matters for Ukrainian Entrepreneurs in Slovakia
Many Ukrainians in Slovakia work as živnostníci, open an s.r.o., sell goods, provide services or work directly with customers.
The new rule may affect:
- shops;
- cafés;
- beauty salons;
- craftsmen;
- repair services;
- small service businesses;
- market sellers;
- e-shops with payment on delivery;
- local small businesses.
If you already use eKasa, you should check whether you are ready to accept cashless payments.
If you are only planning to start a business, it is better to set up the system correctly from the beginning.
Help for Ukrainians in Slovakia
If you already run a business in Slovakia or are planning to start one, BUH.SK can help you prepare for the new requirements without stress.
We can help with:
- opening an s.r.o. in Slovakia;
- registering a živnosť;
- VAT registration — DPH;
- bookkeeping and accounting;
- filing daňové priznanie;
- VAT reports;
- rental of a registered business address — sídlo firmy;
- tax consultations;
- accounting setup;
- eKasa and cashless payment consultations.
We work specifically with Ukrainians in Slovakia and understand the typical questions entrepreneurs face after moving to a new country.
Do You Want to Prepare for the New Rules?
Contact us if you need help to:
- understand whether the new rule applies to your business;
- choose between a payment terminal and QR payments;
- set up payment accounting;
- check eKasa;
- prepare your business for the requirements from 1 May 2026;
- transfer your bookkeeping to professionals.
We will help you choose the best solution and avoid fines.
Conclusion
Mandatory cashless payments in Slovakia from 1 May 2026 are not just a new technical rule. They are becoming a required part of doing business.
Entrepreneurs should prepare in advance: choose a payment method, test the system, connect the process with eKasa and record payments correctly in accounting.
It is better to prepare now than to pay fines later.
