Establishing a construction limited liability company (s.r.o.) in Slovakia with a focus on the correct business activities in 2026 is one of the most important steps for any entrepreneur who wants to operate in the field of construction, renovation, or engineering works. The construction sector is undergoing fundamental legislative changes from October 2025, which require thorough preparation and the right decisions already at the stage of setting up the company. In addition to the usual steps, such as establishing an s.r.o., it’s now crucial to correctly set the business activities in line with the new law and to choose whether the entrepreneur needs unregulated trades, regulated trades, or both.
Doing business in the construction sector in Slovakia belongs among the areas with high competition, but at the same time with strong demand. In particular, the year 2026 will bring many opportunities in the areas of infrastructure, building renovation, energy efficiency, and spatial planning. Therefore, it’s increasingly important to set up the company in such a way that it meets legislative requirements and offers exactly those services that are in demand.
Why choosing the right business activities is crucial
The choice of business activities when setting up a Slovak construction s.r.o. affects:
- what the company can legally perform,
- whether it needs a responsible representative,
- what permits, certificates or professional qualifications it must provide,
- what penalties it faces for incorrect performance of activities.
The year 2025 brings a new definition of several regulated trades, mainly thanks to the effectiveness of the new Construction Act from 1 October 2025, which fundamentally changes the requirements for professional qualifications in construction. Many companies make the mistake of choosing only unregulated trades but then perform activities that require a regulated trade. The result can be high fines or a ban on activity.
Legislative changes in Slovak construction from 1 October 2025 (new Construction Act)
The new Slovak Construction Act brings fundamental changes:
- new terminology for regulated trades,
- more precise definitions of expertise,
- mandatory exams or certificates for key professions,
- extended powers of building supervision and site manager,
- obligation to record some construction processes digitally,
- new rules for design, energy certification, and spatial planning.
These changes mean that entrepreneurs must choose activities according to the latest legislation — many old trade names will be outdated or invalid after 2025.
What is the difference between unregulated, regulated, and craft trades in Slovakia?
| Type of trade | What it means | When it’s used |
|---|---|---|
| Unregulated trade | does not require professional competence | auxiliary, preparatory and finishing works |
| Regulated trade | requires professional education or practice | main construction works, design, supervision |
| Craft trade | craft with vocational certificate | bricklayer, carpenter, tinsmith (but NOT under the new law in category 213) |
In construction, in 2026, regulated trades of group 213 are used the most, forming the basis of the entire sector.
Overview of regulated trades in Slovak construction:
The choice of regulated trades is absolutely essential for establishing a construction s.r.o. These activities are subject to state supervision, are regulated by special regulations, and may only be performed by persons with professional competence. The task of the entrepreneur is therefore to correctly choose the business activity and ensure a person who meets the qualification requirements – whether it’s a managing director, employee, or responsible representative. Below is an overview according to Annex No. 2 to Act No. 455/1991 Coll., effective from 1 October 2025, supplemented with practical explanations and use when setting up a construction company.
1. Preparation of project documentation for a simple building and documentation for notification of a minor construction
This activity is intended for companies that want to design smaller buildings – for example garages, shelters, small farm buildings, or simple family houses.
Professional competence:
- university education in the field of architecture, civil engineering, electrical engineering or mechanical engineering,
- or secondary vocational education in the field + 3 years of practice.
Restrictions:
Does not apply to buildings with more than 3 apartments or buildings intended for the public.
2. Procurement of spatial planning documents and documentation
This is mainly for companies that want to prepare documentation for municipalities and towns or process spatial planning.
Requirement:
- Certificate of professional competence according to Act No. 200/2022 Coll.
This trade is quite specific and will be used mainly by a company that plans to cooperate with the public sector.
3. Preparation of documentation for nature and landscape protection
This trade is suitable for design offices, ecologists, or architects working with landscape design.
Requirement:
- Confirmation of entry in the list of professionally competent persons.
4. Management of the execution of notified minor buildings, alterations, and maintenance
This is an activity similar to building supervision for smaller buildings.
Requirements:
- university education in the field of architecture and urban planning, civil engineering, mechanical engineering, or electrical engineering, or
- full secondary vocational education focused on construction + 3 years of practice.
5. Performance of building supervision for notified constructions
Building supervision monitors quality, safety, and the progress of works.
Expertise:
- university education in the field of architecture and urban planning, civil engineering, mechanical engineering, or electrical engineering, or
- full secondary vocational education focused on construction, mechanical engineering, or electrical engineering and at least three years of practice in the activity + 3 years of practice.
6. Construction of buildings
The most important regulated trade for every construction s.r.o. that wants to carry out construction work on family houses, apartment buildings, or commercial buildings.
Expertise:
- Certificate of passing a professional competence exam or certificate of obtaining specific professional competence and
- a second-level university degree in the field of architecture and urban planning or construction, or
- a first-level university degree in the field of architecture and urban planning or construction and at least three years of practice in construction, or
- full secondary vocational education focused on construction and at least five years of practice in construction.
7. Construction of engineering structures
Applies to the construction of roads, bridges, water mains, sewers, or energy networks.
Expertise:
- certificate of passing a professional competence exam or certificate of obtaining specific professional competence and
- a second-level university degree in the field of construction, electrical engineering, or mechanical engineering and at least three years of practice in construction of engineering structures, or
- a first-level university degree in the field of construction, electrical engineering, or mechanical engineering, or
- full secondary vocational education focused on construction, mechanical engineering, or electrical engineering and at least five years of practice in construction of engineering structures.
8. Performance of the activity of a site manager or building supervisor
A key activity for companies carrying out larger constructions.
Requirements:
- Exam or specific certificate according to Act No. 138/1992 Coll.
9. Performance of the activity of an energy auditor
Intended for companies focused on energy and energy savings in buildings.
Requirements:
- Certificate of professional competence of an energy auditor.
10. Provision of an energy service with guaranteed savings
A very modern activity used in green projects and smart buildings.
Requirements:
- Certificate of professional competence to provide guaranteed energy service or
- certificate of professional competence of an energy auditor.
11. Execution of blasting works
Specialized trade for demolitions, tunnels, or mining activities.
Requirements:
- Blaster’s authorization (min. 21 years) or
- authorization of technical blasting supervisor (min. 24 years).
12. Implementation of landscape-architectural horticultural works
Intended mainly for landscape architects and companies focused on parks.
Requirements:
- university education in gardening, agriculture, or forestry, or
- vocational secondary education in gardening, agriculture, or forestry and one year of practice in the field.
13. Technical certification of construction products
A very narrowly focused activity, useful only for certification organizations.
Requirements:
- Authorization to issue and cancel technical certificates according to Act No. 90/1998 Coll. on construction products as amended.
14. Activity of a safety coordinator on construction sites
Mandatory for larger buildings over 500 m² or for constructions with multiple contractors.
Requirements:
- certificate of passing a professional competence exam for performance of the activity of site manager or building supervisor or
- certificate of professional competence of a safety technician.
Professional competence and the role of the responsible representative in a Slovak construction s.r.o.
When operating regulated trades in construction, the entrepreneur must ensure professional competence either personally or through a responsible representative. The responsible representative is a natural person who guarantees the professional performance of the activity throughout the operation of the trade. According to the law, the responsible representative must generally be in an employment relationship with the entrepreneur, with the exception of a spouse, relatives in direct line, siblings, partners of a legal entity, or the mayor of a municipality. The responsible representative must meet all general and special conditions for carrying out the trade, have residence or a residence permit in the Slovak Republic, and must not be a person whose trade license has been cancelled for a serious violation of the law. The function cannot be performed in several establishments at the same time, unless the trade licensing office grants an exception. If the entrepreneur operates a craft or regulated trade and does not personally meet the professional requirements, they are obliged to appoint a responsible representative and notify the trade licensing office of his or her appointment within 15 days. When the performance of the function ends, the entrepreneur must appoint a new representative within the same period in order not to endanger the safety and continuity of the company’s operation.
Unregulated trades in Slovak construction (for a construction s.r.o. in 2026)
Unregulated trades are ideal especially for smaller or newly established construction companies, because they do not require proof of professional competence. They are suitable as a supplement to regulated trades (“Construction of buildings”, “Construction of engineering structures”, etc.) and make it possible to perform a wide range of construction, preparatory, finishing, or support works.
1. Preparatory works for the implementation of a construction
Typical activities:
- excavation works, topsoil stripping, earthmoving, slope adjustment
- demolition works, removal of smaller buildings
- preparation of the construction site before the start of main construction
Note: Does not include blasting works or work with explosives (these are regulated).
2. Finishing construction works for exteriors and interiors
Typical activities:
- painting and varnishing works
- installation of plasterboards
- tiling and laying floor tiles
- installation of floor coverings
- minor construction alterations without impact on static structure
Note: Structural interventions are not part of this unregulated trade.
3. Cleaning and housekeeping
Typical activities:
- cleaning after craft and construction works
- removal of rubble and construction waste
- cleaning of buildings before final approval (occupancy permit)
4. Rental, storage, and lending of movable property
Typical activities:
- rental of excavators, mixers, vibrating plates
- rental of small construction machinery
Note: Without operator – if the company also provides an operator, it falls under another regime.
Recap – which unregulated trades are suitable for a Slovak construction s.r.o.?
Below is the final overview of only those unregulated trades that can be used in construction according to the PDF:
| Name of unregulated trade | Typical activities | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Preparatory works for the implementation of a construction | – excavation works, topsoil stripping, earthmoving – demolition works, removal of smaller buildings – preparation of construction site before construction | Does not include blasting works or use of explosives (regulated trade). |
| Finishing construction works for exteriors and interiors | – painting and varnishing works – installation of plasterboard – tiling and floor tiles – installation of floor coverings – minor construction alterations without impact on static structure | Without structural interventions, without electrical/gas/water interventions. |
| Cleaning and housekeeping | – cleaning after construction works – removal of construction waste and rubble – cleaning of buildings before final approval | Ideal as a supplementary service after finishing works. |
| Rental, storage, and lending of movable property (without operator) | – rental of excavators, mixers, vibrating plates – rental of small machinery and tools | Provided without operator; operation of machines falls under other trades. |
Most frequently used trades (UNREGULATED + REGULATED) for a construction s.r.o. — year 2026
| Type of trade | Name of trade | Brief description of activity | Professional competence |
|---|---|---|---|
| REGULATED | Construction of buildings (13b) | Complete construction works: family houses, buildings, renovations | Certificate + university/secondary education + practice |
| REGULATED | Construction of engineering structures (13c) | Roads, bridges, networks, infrastructure | Certificate + university/secondary education + practice |
| REGULATED | Performance of the activity of site manager or building supervisor (14) | Site management, control of works | Exam or certificate |
| REGULATED | Management of the execution of notified minor buildings (13) | Smaller buildings, maintenance, minor alterations | University or secondary education + practice |
| REGULATED | Building supervision for notified constructions (13a) | Monitoring quality and progress of works | University or secondary education + practice |
| REGULATED | Preparation of project documentation for a simple building (10) | Design of smaller buildings | Technical university education or secondary education + practice |
| REGULATED | Safety coordinator on construction sites (19) | Safety at work where several contractors operate | Certificate |
| REGULATED | Execution of blasting works (16) | Demolitions, blasting, tunnels | Blaster’s / blasting supervisor’s authorization |
| UNREGULATED | Preparatory works for the implementation of a construction | Excavation works, topsoil stripping, demolition works, earthmoving | No professional competence required |
| UNREGULATED | Finishing construction works in interiors and exteriors | Plastering, painting, plasterboard, tiling, flooring | No professional competence required |
| UNREGULATED | Cleaning and housekeeping | Cleaning after construction works, removal of rubble | No professional competence required |
| UNREGULATED | Earthmoving and excavation works (non-explosive) | Excavation of foundations, trenches, earthmoving | No professional competence required |
| UNREGULATED | Installation and maintenance of interiors and exteriors (without impact on static structure) | Installation of doors, door frames, terraces, elements | No professional competence required |
| UNREGULATED | Rental of machines and equipment without operator | Rental of excavators, mixers, tools | No professional competence required |
| UNREGULATED | Intermediation of services and production | Finding clients, subcontractors | No professional competence required |
| UNREGULATED | Purchase of goods for the purpose of their sale (retail/wholesale) | Sale of construction materials, tools | No professional competence required |
Why these trades in particular?
These trades:
- are among the most frequently used when setting up a construction s.r.o.,
- cover the entire construction cycle (preparation → implementation → completion),
- take into account the new Construction Act effective from 1 October 2025,
- correctly combine regulated trades (key for legal construction) and unregulated trades (supplementary and support services).
Most common mistakes when choosing business activities in construction in Slovakia
- The company chooses only unregulated trades but carries out construction works → illegal activity.
- Incorrect distinction between design and implementation.
- Missing specific professional competence.
- The company can’t prove practice for regulated trades.
Complete step-by-step process of establishing a construction s.r.o. in Slovakia
Drawing up founding documents
Drafting a Memorandum of Association or Foundation Deed, depending on whether the company has multiple partners or a single partner. The document must include: business name, registered office, partners, business activities, amount of share capital, names of managing directors.
Establishing the registered office of the company
The company must have its registered office at a specific address. If it’s a new s.r.o. that doesn’t yet own real estate, a lease or owner’s consent is sufficient. For the registration of the registered office, a lease agreement or written consent of the owner is required.
Obtaining business licenses – unregulated or regulated trades
According to the company’s business activities, the s.r.o. obtains a trade license. For regulated trades (e.g. construction), professional competence or a responsible representative is required.
Paying up the share capital
The minimum share capital in 2026 is set at (for example, €5,000) and must be paid up in accordance with the provisions of the Commercial Code.
Preparing documents for registration
These include, for example, the specimen signature of the managing director, declaration on paying up contributions, electronic signatures of managing directors.
Filing an application for registration in the Commercial Register
Electronic filing via the portal, attaching all annexes, paying the court fee. Once the conditions are met, the s.r.o. will be registered and the company can start its business.
What to arrange after registration
After the company is registered: automatic registration with the Tax Office, allocation of a tax identification number (DIČ), bookkeeping, possible VAT registration or registration of employees.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Do I need a regulated trade if I want to build family houses?
Yes. The trade “Construction of buildings (13b)” is essential.
2. Is it possible to establish a construction s.r.o. without a responsible representative?
Yes, if the partner meets the professional requirements.
3. How many unregulated trades can I have?
Unlimited, each costs €5.
4. Can I carry out demolition works without a regulated trade?
Yes, as long as it’s not blasting works.
5. Do I need a trade license for renting an excavator?
Yes, an unregulated trade: “Rental of machines without operator.”
6. Which trade is the most important for a construction company?
Construction of buildings – the basis for construction of houses and buildings.
Conclusion
Establishing a construction s.r.o. in Slovakia with a focus on the correct business activities in 2026 is significantly easier if the entrepreneur understands the differences between regulated and unregulated trades. The right combination of activities enables the company to legally carry out all services — from excavation works to complete construction of houses.
Business in construction is profitable, competitive, and with the upcoming changes in 2026 also more modern and transparent. If the entrepreneur chooses the right activities, ensures professional competence, and selects a suitable responsible representative, they can enter the market without problems and offer high-quality services.
Mgr. Dominik Ondrišeje
Dominik is co-founder of the SetupMART project. Dominik is responsible for corporate services and implementation of modern technologies in our services at SetupMART. Dominik is dedicated to the sale of ready-made companies since 2011. Dominik studied law at the Pan-European School of Law.