Parliament has finally approved a sweeping recodification of private law, which will replace the outdated 1964 law. The new code will affect everyone who lives, works, or rents housing in Slovakia, as it radically changes the approach to ordinary civil and property relations.
The changes will take full effect on July 1, 2027, giving citizens and businesses time to adapt. The need to replace the law arose because the old regulations were formulated in a completely different economic reality and no longer correspond to the complexity of modern market and social relations.
What Will Change in Property Law and Contracts
The new code aims to eliminate bureaucratic duplication and simplify interactions between citizens, entrepreneurs, and the courts.
Uniform statute of limitations. A standard three-year general limitation period for claims is being introduced, which should bring greater predictability to property disputes.
Matrimonial property regime. The traditional concept of undivided co-ownership (BSM) is being replaced by “spoločné imanie manželov,” which more accurately reflects the nature of joint property and debts.
Elimination of dual standards. The rigid distinction between separate rules for civil and commercial transactions is being eliminated, which will simplify the drafting of various contracts.
New Rules on Inheritance and Protection of Loved Ones
The reform significantly expands people’s ability to dispose of their own property in the event of death. Legal instruments are being introduced that were previously not provided for by Slovak law or were regulated only superficially.
Inheritance agreement (dedičská zmluva). This bilateral legal document will allow property to be transferred in advance to a person who commits to caring for the owner in old age. Unlike a standard will, it cannot be revoked unilaterally.
Shares of Mandatory Heirs. The legally guaranteed shares of the estate for children are changing: for minor children, the minimum share will be three-quarters of the statutory share, and for adult children, one-quarter.
New legal institutions. The legal framework now includes bequests, specific instructions, and official estate administrators, which should reduce the number of cases where unclaimed property passes to the state.
Amendments Regarding Pledges and Funds
During parliamentary deliberations, lawmakers also supported important amendments proposed by the opposition concerning the institution of liens and the creation of private funds. The latter are particularly relevant for protecting family businesses and preventing their fragmentation during the transfer to subsequent generations.
Those planning long-term investments, real estate purchases, or the signing of lease agreements in the near future should monitor the practical implementation of the new regulations until they are finally enacted.
Source: sita.sk
