Transferring an ownership interest is one of the most common corporate actions and, until recently, one of the simpler ones: an agreement, certified signatures and an application for registration. From 17 August 2026, that changes.
What has changed
An agreement for the transfer of an ownership interest in a Slovak s.r.o. requires a qualified form: either lawyer authorisation or a notarial deed. Once Act No. 29/2026 Z. z. takes effect, the traditional approach of signing and having signatures certified at the registry office is no longer sufficient for commercial register entry.
Why the legislature tightened the rules
The reason is practical: fraudulent company transfers and straw persons. Authorisation means the lawyer verifies the parties’ identities, assesses the agreement and assumes responsibility for it. Registration may also become faster because the court receives a document backed by a professional.
Lawyer or notary: is there a difference?
The result is legally equivalent. The practical difference is usually in the process: if a lawyer prepares the transfer agreement, authorisation is a natural part of the same service, with content, signatures and responsibility handled by one person. A notary draws up a notarial deed recording the legal act, which you will typically bring already prepared.
Transfers started before the effective date
The form of an agreement is assessed under the rules applicable when the legal act took place. An agreement signed with certified signatures before 17 August 2026 therefore satisfies the form requirement. Difficulties arise where the act was not completed by that date or is revisited through an amendment. For transfers with deferred conditions, such as payment of the price in instalments, we recommend discussing the structure before applying for registration.
We prepare ownership interest transfers including authorisation within one service, in Slovak and Czech companies. If you are planning a transfer, contact us sooner rather than later.
This article provides general legal information as at 25 June 2026. It does not constitute legal services or advice on your specific matter. Laws change and the details of your situation may differ. Check the appropriate course of action or contact us before making a decision.
