Buy a Property in Slovakia - Real Estate Purchase Guide

If you want to buy a property in Slovakia, here is a guide created by our lawyers.They are also at your service during the pre- and post-purchase procedures.

Quick Facts
Specific legislation applicable (YES/NO)	Yes, the Slovak Civil Code
Possibility to acquire Slovak properties by foreigners (YES/NO)	Yes, foreign citizens can acquire properties in Slovakia
Types of properties that can be purchased in Slovakia	– Land; – houses; – apartments, etc.
Real estate due diligence required (YES/NO)	No, real estate due diligence is not mandatory, however, it is recommended
Documents to draft for property acquisition	– Sale-purchase agreement; – details of the buyer and seller.
Financing options availability (YES/NO)	Yes, there are various financing options available when buying a property in Slovakia
Special property acquisition programs for foreign citizens (YES/NO)	No, there are no special programs created for foreigners
Timeframe to acquire a property in Slovakia (approx.)	It can take between one and two months to complete the purchase
Taxes to consider upon a property purchase	– VAT; – legal fees; – notary and registration fees; – real estate agent fees (if any).
Land Registry registration requirement (YES/NO)	Yes, the new owner must register the property with the Land Register
Best cities to buy properties in Slovakia	Bratislava, Nitra, Kosice, Zilina, etc.
Residency requirements for foreign citizens buying real estate	Foreign citizens are not required to secure residency in order to buy properties in Slovakia
Possibility to appoint a Slovak representative during the transaction (YES/NO)	YES, it is possible to conclude the transaction through a proxy
Property tax rates in Slovakia	Real estate property tax which is calculated based on the size in sqm of the property
Support in buying a property in Slovakia (YES/NO)	Yes, we are at the service of those who want to buy real estate in Slovakia.

Can I buy real estate in Slovakia if I am a foreigner? Are there any restrictions that apply?

Yes, you can buy a property in Slovakia, no matter whether you are a resident or not. Certain restrictions apply to land plots. Our Slovak lawyers can help you verify this aspect, should it be necessary.

Are there any differences when buying a property in Slovakia as an EU and non-EU citizen?

Yes, there is one difference, and it consists of the documents associated with the transfer of the ownership rights after the purchase. Specifically:

if you are an EU citizen, you need the purchase contract, application form for the registration of the ownership rights, and the receipt of paying the administrative fee;
if you are a non-EU citizen, apart from these papers, you will also need an authenticated signature.

If you want to move to Slovakia by purchasing real estate, we are at your service.

Here is also our infographic on this subject:

What are the steps to buy a property in Slovakia?

The following:

1. Buyer and seller agree on a price and on the transaction terms;

2. The buyer lodges the entire property cost, or a deposit formerly agreed upon with the seller, in notarial custody or into a bank account where the funds are deposited until the real estate rights are transferred to the buyer;

3. An independent surveyor’s report is put together and sent to one of our lawyers in order to write the sale contract. All the documents are translated into the buyer’s language;

4. Both parties sign the contract. The seller’s signature has to be checked by the registry or a notary;

5. The buying cost is released to the seller after the buyer receives an extract from the cadaster, a procedure which generally lasts up to four weeks.

It is important for the buyer not to withdraw the funds prior to the property ownership transfer being completed.

Can I obtain a residence permit if I acquire a property in Slovakia?

No, you need to follow the usual Slovak residency route to obtain the permit.

Do I need to be present in Slovakia to purchase a property?

No, our lawyers can represent you in the procedure. All we need is a power of attorney.

Is real estate due diligence mandatory when buying a Slovak property?

No; however, it is recommended to make sure the property does not have encumbrances.

Are advance payments customary when buying properties in Slovakia?

Yes, you can expect to pay 5% to 10% of the purchase price to retain the property.

What is the currency I can make the purchase in?

Euro, in most cases. However, you can also pay in USD or GBP.

How long does it take to complete the acquisition procedure of a Slovak property?

At the level of 2026, you can expect the procedure to be completed in one to two months.

Do I need to complete any other process after I buy a property in Slovakia?

Yes, you need to register it with the Slovak Land Register, meaning you will transfer the ownership rights from the seller.

Here is also a video on this topic:

What are the property purchase costs in Slovakia?

If you want to buy a property in Slovakia, the cost is probably one of the most important things you will consider. From this point of view, here is some information:

you need to add the 23% VAT to the price of a new property (sales more than 5 years after first approval or use are generally VAT-exempt) (most real estate comes with the total price, therefore, VAT included);
the legal fees represent about 1% of the transaction cost;
the cadastral registration fee is EUR 100 (EUR 50 if the application is filed electronically), plus notary fees for authenticating signatures.

If you decide to use the services of a real estate agency, you can find it on the site of the National Association of Real Estate Agencies. An agent’s fee can range from 3% to 6% of the property price.

If you wish to acquire real estate in Slovakia, we can help. Please contact our law firm in Slovakia for assistance on this matter.