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Electronic invoicing in Slovakia: a complete overview

04.09.26
Blog

Electronic invoicing in Slovakia: a complete overview

Electronic invoicing is becoming mandatory in Slovakia for domestic transactions from 1 January 2027.

For companies, this is not just a change in invoice format — it is a change in invoicing, accounting and VAT management processes that requires tools built for the new rules over the long term. The law has already been approved and is in force, voluntary testing launches during 2026, and the mandatory phase arrives on 1 January 2027. Those who start preparing their systems early will gain an advantage and avoid last-minute pressure..

Where does e-invoicing stand today?

The Financial Administration of the Slovak Republic launched the eInvoice (eFaktúra) project in cooperation with experts, software companies, providers of accounting systems and the business sector.

The goal is to introduce electronic invoicing that enables automated processing of invoices, simplifies administration and increases efficiency.

The Financial Administration began implementing the system on 11 December 2025; nothing changes for the general public, as the obligation will apply to companies and entrepreneurs.

Timeline: key dates

Date Milestone Scope
1 January 2026 E-invoicing legislation takes effect The register of certified delivery service providers is maintained by the Financial Administration
Q2 2026 Voluntary use and testing of eInvoice Companies, entrepreneurs and software developers
1 January 2027 Legislation becomes effective — mandatory e-invoicing Domestic B2B and B2G transactions between taxable persons
1 July 2030 Extension to cross-border B2B and B2G within the EU Gradual replacement of the control statement and recapitulative statement with automated data reporting

What exactly is an electronic invoice?

An electronic invoice under the new system is not just a PDF file, nor a scanned or photographed paper invoice.

It is a structured file in XML format containing all mandatory data,  invoice number, date of issue, subject of the sale, amount and recipient details,  in a form that a computer can automatically read and process. This eliminates errors caused by manual re-keying of data.

This means that a PDF sent by e-mail is no longer sufficient under mandatory e-invoicing. PDFs can still be used in cases outside mandatory e-invoicing (e.g. B2C).

Peppol and the "Digital Postman": how it will work

Slovakia has chosen Peppol,  the European network for the secure electronic exchange of business documents between companies.  as its official infrastructure for exchanging electronic invoices. Peppol works like a «digital post office» for invoices, orders and other documents.

Key technical elements of the Slovak solution:

1. Peppol eDelivery Network

Is a secure network for real-time delivery of electronic documents with guaranteed delivery.

2. Peppol BIS format

Is a secure network for real-time delivery of electronic documents with guaranteed delivery.

3. Certified delivery service provider

Also referred to as the «Digital Postman» –  through it, companies send and receive invoices via an accounting program, web or mobile application. The list of certified providers is published and regularly updated by by the Financial Administration.

The Financial Administration of the Slovak Republic also acts as the Peppol Authority of the Slovak Republic (PASR) and, from 1 January 2026, maintains the register of certified providers. To be identified in the network, a Slovak Peppol identifier is used in the form 0245:TAX ID (DIČ).

Who is affected by the obligation?

From 1 January 2027, the obligation to issue electronic invoices will apply to VAT payers for domestic transactions between taxable persons (B2B).

For companies supplying goods or services to public administration (B2G), e-invoicing will be mandatory, and state and public institutions will be obliged to receive and process e-invoices.

The obligation to receive electronic invoices applies to all legal entities and entrepreneurs who are taxable persons under Slovak law. According to the Financial Administration, this includes, for example:

  • sole traders and persons with a trade licence,
  • persons in liberal professions (lawyers, notaries, architects, etc.),
  • self-employed farmers,
  • landlords of real estate.

To receive invoices, it is essential to contract a certified delivery service provider.

Technical and legislative elements specific to Slovakia

To manage the transition to e-invoicing, it is important to understand the Slovak legal and technical framework.

Legislative basis

Electronic invoicing is part of the amendment to the VAT Act. Specifically, it is Act No. 385/2025 Coll., which amends and supplements Act No. 222/2004 Coll. on value added tax. The provisions concerning e-invoicing are contained in Section 76a of the VAT Act. Some provisions take effect from 1 January 2026, the key obligation from 1 January 2027, and a further extension from 1 July 2030.

Format and readability

Electronic invoices must be created in a structured XML format according to the Peppol BIS profile (based on EN 16931 and UBL 2.1). Under Section 76a(2)(c) of the VAT Act, the readability of the invoice in XML BIS format must be ensured. The European delivery standard that meets the requirements of Section 76a is the standard of the organisation OpenPeppol AISBL.

Reporting and replacement of statements

The reform also includes the electronic reporting of selected data from domestic supplies of goods and services to the Financial Administration. In the period from 1 January 2027 to 30 June 2030, VAT payers will be obliged to issue and receive invoices in the prescribed format and to report this data electronically. From 1 July 2030, the control statement and recapitulative statement should be gradually replaced, as invoice data will be sent to the Financial Administration automatically, almost in real time.

The state’s motivation

The Ministry of Finance of the Slovak Republic, in cooperation with the Financial Administration, states that sending structured invoice data is a tool for combating tax fraud, reducing the tax gap and making tax collection more efficient, while at the same time reducing the administrative burden on entrepreneurs.

The European context: Slovakia is not alone

Slovakia is joining the countries that are gradually introducing mandatory electronic invoicing. The system relies on a proven European model already in use in more than twenty EU countries and other states. Thanks to the Peppol network, Slovakia is connecting to a circle of 21 European countries, enabling seamless cross-border invoicing.

The reform is also linked to the upcoming European ViDA (VAT in the Digital Age) initiative, which aims to harmonise cross-border transactions and VAT reporting within the EU. This is precisely why the Slovak timeline anticipates an extension to cross-border B2B and B2G from 1 July 2030.

For companies with international partners, this means that alongside the Slovak rules it is advisable to monitor reforms in other countries as well. In Belgium, for example, structured e-invoicing for domestic B2B transactions is mandatory from January 2026, which shows the direction Europe is heading.

What benefits does e-invoicing bring to your company?

Although e-invoicing originated as a regulatory obligation, in practice it is an operational and strategic tool. According to the Financial Administration, its benefits include:

  • Automated invoice processing – eliminating manual entry and re-keying of data.
  • Time savings and lower error rates – automated processing reduces the risk of errors and duplicates.
  • Secure and efficient data transfer – invoices are transmitted via encrypted channels.
  • Invoicing across the entire EU – thanks to the Peppol network, exchange works across member states.
  • Compliance with Slovak and EU legislation – the system meets the legal requirements for electronic invoicing.

 

What to watch out for?

Data quality

E-invoicing relies on accurate and consistent data – customers, products, VAT rates, payment terms. It is often necessary first to clean up and complete master data in the system.

Software compatibility

Companies that currently issue invoices manually (Word, Excel) or via a solution that does not communicate with Peppol will have to switch to software capable of creating and receiving invoices in the Peppol BIS format. This may mean both investment and staff training.

Transitional invoices

Invoices for supplies made up to 31 December 2026 do not have to be electronic, even if you issue them as late as January 2027.

Choosing a provider

The choice of a specific certified delivery service provider is up to each entrepreneur. Several solutions meeting the technical, security and legislative conditions will be available on the market. The current list is maintained by the Financial Administration.

How to prepare right now?

The current period is ideal for planning, testing and securing the transition. We recommend:

  1. Map your invoicing flows and identify differences against the EN 16931 standard and the Peppol BIS format.
  2. Verify software readiness — contact the vendor of your economic/accounting system and confirm support for creating and receiving invoices in the Peppol BIS format.
  3. Select a certified delivery service provider and ensure registration of your Slovak Peppol identifier (0245:TAX ID).
  4. Test sending and receiving invoices before the go-live — use the voluntary testing period from Q2 2026.
  5. Train your accounting and operations teams and adjust internal processes (corrective documents, credit notes, rejections).

Conclusion

Electronic invoicing is already a reality under way in Slovakia – the legislation has been approved, voluntary testing launches in 2026, and the obligation arrives on 1 January 2027. This is not merely a legal requirement but an opportunity to secure processes, speed up payments and manage financial and tax flows more efficiently.

At Deveho Consulting Group, we help companies:

  • integrate electronic invoicing into ERP and accounting systems,
  • automate the issuing and receipt of invoices via Peppol,
  • ensure compliance with Slovak and European legislation,
  • prepare for both the testing period and the mandatory phase from 2027.

Contact us and find out how Deveho can help you deploy a smooth, secure and legally compliant electronic invoicing solution.

Want to know more about e-invoicing in Slovakia? Official website of the Financial Administration of the Slovak Republic on eInvoice