In this article, we provide an overview of all the changes and a complete list of holidays for 2026, as well as an updated list of days on which the ban on retail sales will apply.
On 1 November 2025, an amendment to Act No. 241/1993 Coll. on Public Holidays, Days of Rest and Memorial Days takes effect, bringing fundamental changes as to which days will be working days from 2026 and which will remain days of rest.
The amendment mainly changes the number of days of rest, which has an impact on employees, employers, retailers and the planning of working time.
1. The most important changes from 1 November 2025
Some public holidays cease to be days of rest, which means that these days will be ordinary working days.
The changes concern the following holidays:
• 15 September – Our Lady of Sorrows
→ from 2026, no longer a day of rest
• 8 May – Victory over Fascism Day
→ from 2026, no longer a day of rest
• 17 November – Struggle for Freedom and Democracy Day
→ remains a public holiday, but is not a day of rest
• 1 September – Constitution Day of the Slovak Republic
→ likewise remains a public holiday, but is not a day of rest
From 2026, these days will therefore be regular working days.
2. Overview of public holidays from 1 November 2025 / 2026
- 1 January – Day of the Establishment of the Slovak Republic
- the holiday is a day of rest: yes
- 5 July – Saints Cyril and Methodius Day
- the holiday is a day of rest: yes
- 29 August – Anniversary of the Slovak National Uprising
- the holiday is a day of rest: yes
- 1 September – Constitution Day of the Slovak Republic
- the holiday is a day of rest: no
- 28 October – Day of the Establishment of Czechoslovakia
- the holiday is a day of rest: no
- 17 November – Struggle for Freedom and Democracy Day
- the holiday is a day of rest: no
3. Days of rest from 2026
Days of rest mainly include religious holidays, Christmas and selected public holidays.
List of days of rest
- 1 January – Day of the Establishment of the Slovak Republic
- 6 January – Epiphany (Three Kings)
- Good Friday
- Easter Monday
- 1 May – Labour Day
- 5 July – Saints Cyril and Methodius Day
- 29 August – Anniversary of the Slovak National Uprising
- 1 November – All Saints’ Day
- 24 December – Christmas Eve
- 25 December – Christmas Day
- 26 December – St Stephen’s Day (Second Day of Christmas)
4. Ban on retail sales from 1 November 2025 (and for 2026)
The amendment also affects the number of days on which an employer may not order or agree on work in retail.
The ban on sales will apply only to the following days:
- 1 January – Day of the Establishment of the Slovak Republic
- Good Friday
- Easter Sunday
- 24 December after 12:00 – Christmas Eve
- 25 December – Christmas Day
- 26 December – St Stephen’s Day (Second Day of Christmas)
The ban on sales does NOT APPLY to:
- petrol stations,
- pharmacies,
- sales at airports, ports, stations and hospitals,
- sales of travel tickets,
- sales of souvenirs.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
- How many days of rest will Slovakia have in 2026?
- After the amendment, their number decreases, as some public holidays cease to be days of rest.
- Will there be more “work interruptions” during the week in 2026?
- No. The number of working days will increase and fewer holidays will fall on the working week.
- On which days will shops be closed in 2026?
- Only on selected holidays – see the list above. For example, Our Lady of Sorrows (15 September) and 8 May are no longer among them.
- Does the amendment also affect employers outside retail?
- Yes – the days of rest are changing, which affects the planning of shifts, wages, wage compensation and holidays.
Need advice?
The amendment to the Public Holidays Act may have an impact on employment relationships, working time planning, wages, compensation, operating schedules and companies’ internal policies.
If you need legal assistance or a consultation in this area, do not hesitate to contact us.
