Legal reforms impact commercial and real estate registries in Slovakia and Czechia

In Slovakia, a new Commercial Register law (Act No. 29/2026 Z. z.) has come into effect as of August 17, 2026, replacing the previous 2003 legislation. The new law aims to digitize and accelerate business registration while increasing legal certainty. Existing companies are not required to submit new documentation or update their records, as previous entries remain valid under the new law. However, the administrative fine for a managing director can now increase to 4,000 EUR and may be imposed repeatedly.

In the Czech Republic, the Notary Chamber is advocating for legislative changes regarding real estate transfers. The proposal suggests removing the current 20-day protective period for certain transfers executed via notary deed to speed up land registry entries. Proponents argue this prevents debtors from initiating executions or insolvency proceedings during the waiting period. Critics, however, warn that faster transfers could allow debtors to move assets to related parties before creditors can act, potentially undermining creditor protection mechanisms.