Slovakian financial administration launches QR payment pilot

Slovakia has launched an open pilot for QR payments, allowing businesses to test cashless payment options ahead of new rules effective 1 March 2026, which give customers the right to request a cashless payment for purchases over €1 while keeping cash as an option. The pilot, available to all businesses using online cash registers, supports multiple cashless methods and relies on bank instant payment confirmations, with exemptions applying in cases such as technical outages or specific protected activities.

The Slovakian Financial Administration has started an open pilot project for QR payments, giving entrepreneurs the chance to test cashless payment options before new rules take effect on March 1, 2026.

Under the new legislation, customers will still be able to pay in cash. However, for purchases over 1 euro, they will also have the right to request a cashless payment.

The system is available to all businesses using online cash registers and companies must check with their cash register supplier to confirm support for QR payments. Also, banks must activate instant payment notifications to the state’s NOP system. So far, Tatra banka and Slovenská sporiteľňa are ready to provide this service, allowing businesses to receive payment confirmations within seconds.

The pilot follows a smaller closed test involving 12 businesses and two banks, during which citizens made more than 1,000 QR transactions.

Entrepreneurs can choose the cashless payment method that suits them best:

• Traditional payment terminals (card, phone, watch, ring)
• Mobile apps displaying QR codes
• QR codes integrated into the eKasa system via the NOP or commercial providers

The obligation to offer cashless payment does not apply in cases such as internet outages, service unavailability, or for exempt entities (e.g., sales of valuables or goods by persons with severe disabilities).