Slovak Parliament approves major overhaul of Civil Code

The Slovak Parliament has approved a new Civil Code, marking one of the most significant changes to private law in decades. The new legislation is intended to replace the existing code from 1964, which the Ministry of Justice stated no longer meets the needs of modern society and the economy.

The new code introduces several key changes, including a unified three-year general statute of limitations and expanded options for inheritance. New legal instruments such as inheritance contracts, wills, legacies, and estate administrators will be introduced. The reform also addresses property rights between spouses by introducing the concept of “spoločné imanie manželov” (common property of spouses) and updates regulations regarding neighbors, tenants, and landlords.

The legislation passed with 90 votes in favor, zero against, and 52 abstentions. It now awaits the signature of President Peter Pellegrini. The new Civil Code is planned to take effect on July 1, 2027.