meta_id 3329103

On July 6, 2026, the National Bank of Slovakia (NBS) published methodological guidance for applicants seeking permission to provide consumer credit under Act No. 312/2025 on Consumer Credit. The guidance, issued as Methodological Guidance No. 5/2026, clarifies the scope of information and documentation required to demonstrate compliance with licensing conditions established by Slovak consumer credit legislation. The guidance specifies requirements for three categories of lenders: those seeking unrestricted permission to provide consumer credit; those seeking permission with limited scope (both legal entities and natural persons); and those seeking permission to provide consumer credit as a supplementary activity. For unrestricted lenders, requirements include legal form (joint-stock company, limited liability company, or European company), supervisory board establishment, minimum capital of €500,000, transparent funding sources, and competence and integrity assessments of proposed officers and beneficial owners. Limited-scope lenders face reduced requirements, while natural persons seeking limited-scope permission must demonstrate €5,000 in own funds. All applicants must establish systems for assessing consumer repayment capacity, implement anti-money laundering procedures, create complaint procedures, and establish internal control systems proportionate to their complexity and risk profile. The guidance also addresses loan servicers and loan purchasers, requiring them to establish specific internal procedures for loan management, debt collection, and anti-money laundering compliance. Applications must be submitted in paper form to the NBS's Financial Market Supervision Department, Consumer Protection and Financial Stability Section. The methodological guidance becomes effective November 20, 2026, replacing prior guidance issued April 2, 2025.