Slovakia postpones cashless payment obligation

Slovakia has postponed the obligation for sellers to accept cashless payments for transactions over €1 from March 1 to May 1, 2026, subject to presidential approval. The delay gives small businesses additional time to implement payment solutions such as QR payments or card terminals and avoids overlap with spring tax deadlines. Sellers must still provide at least one cashless option once the rule takes effect, while cash remains fully accepted.

The National Council of the Slovak Republic has approved a delay in the obligation for sellers to accept cashless payments over one euro. Originally set to begin on March 1, 2026, the requirement will now take effect on May 1, 2026, pending the president’s signature.

The extension gives businesses—especially small traders, sole proprietors, and craftsmen—more time to prepare. Many of them need to install new systems, such as QR payment software or card terminals, to comply with the law. The timing also avoids overlap with other major tax obligations due in the spring.

Banks cannot charge for notifications of non-cash payments if they use the Financial Directorate’s system. Also, the Financial Administration has prepared QR payment solutions, with major banks expected to launch their systems by May.

While sellers must offer at least one cashless option, cash payments remain fully accepted.

Official Statement:

“The postponement gives sellers more time to prepare and aligns with the tax return period, ensuring smooth implementation,” said Jozef Kiss, President of the Financial Administration.