Administrative law

Administrative law in practice

The building authority has refused a permit, the police have imposed a fine you disagree with, the tax office has issued an additional assessment or the foreign police have turned down a residence application. In administrative law the other party is a public authority, and its decision arrives as a letter with instructions on how to appeal. Individuals and companies come to us when they disagree with a decision, or when proceedings are still ahead and they want to be prepared.

We start by studying the file and the contested decision to see whether the authority established the facts correctly and applied the right rules. Within the statutory deadline we prepare a reasoned appeal, objections or a statement. If the appeal body rules against you, we consider a claim for judicial review before an administrative court and, later, a cassation complaint. You sign a power of attorney once, and from then on we deal with the authority.

We act for individuals, businesses, developers and neighbours of building projects, and for foreign nationals who live or work in Slovakia. Our office is in Žilina and we represent clients before authorities and administrative courts throughout Slovakia. Consultations can take place in person or online, in Slovak, Czech or English, which makes it easier for clients based abroad.

What we help with

Appeals against decisions of public authorities
Building proceedings, neighbours' objections and unauthorised structures
Minor offence proceedings, including traffic offences
Tax audits and appeals against additional tax assessments
Temporary and permanent residence, family reunification, EU Blue Card
Expulsion and entry ban proceedings
Judicial review claims and cassation complaints
Objections in public procurement
Decisions of the Social Insurance Agency and labour offices

How we work

Deadline and file
First we establish when the decision was delivered and how much time is left. Then we inspect the file.
Assessing the prospects
We assess whether a remedy makes sense and what it would rest on. We will tell you plainly if the chances of changing the decision are slim.
Appeal and representation
We prepare a reasoned appeal or objections, propose evidence and represent you at any oral hearing before the authority.
Administrative court and invoice
If the appeal fails, we file for judicial review and, if needed, a cassation complaint. We invoice the fee agreed in advance.

Worth knowing

15 days to appeal

A decision of an administrative body can be appealed within 15 days of delivery (Section 54 of the Slovak Administrative Procedure Code, Act No 71/1967). Special laws, such as the Tax Procedure Code, may set a different deadline.

2 months for judicial review

Once appeals are exhausted, a claim can be filed with the administrative court within 2 months of delivery of the appeal decision (Section 181 of the Slovak Code of Administrative Judicial Procedure, Act No 162/2015).

Deadline for the authority

An administrative body should decide within 30 days, or 60 days in complex cases. If it fails to act, you can ask for measures against the delay.

Cassation complaint on points of law only

A decision of an administrative court can be challenged by a cassation complaint to the Supreme Administrative Court of the Slovak Republic, but only on points of law, not on how the facts were established.

Related specialisations

Common questions

Usually not. Judicial review is available only after ordinary remedies have been exhausted. The exception is where the law does not allow an appeal.
Yes, on the basis of a power of attorney. The lawyer files applications, objections and appeals for you and deals with the building authority.
It depends on the type and purpose of residence. The basics are a valid travel document, a photograph, proof of purpose such as an employment contract or confirmation of study, proof of accommodation and a criminal record extract.
You can appeal the payment assessment within 15 days of delivery. If the appeal fails, the next step is judicial review. An appeal should set out specific arguments rather than a general objection.

Articles are in Slovak.

Preparing for the consultation

What to prepare for your consultation

Tick what you already have. You can print the list or save it as a PDF. Your ticks are remembered only in your browser.

For every matter

documents: contracts, decisions, demand letters, invoices
correspondence with the other party or the authority
a short timeline of what happened and when
the questions you want answered and what outcome you hope for

Also for this area

the decision of the authority you want to challenge
the date it was delivered to you, ideally with the envelope
your correspondence with the authority
tax returns and records, if it is a tax audit
your passport and residence documents, if it concerns residence

0 of 9 ready

Discuss your matter with a lawyer

In a consultation we assess your situation, suggest a way forward and tell you what costs to expect.

€90 incl. VAT, 30 minutes, in person or online

This page is for general information, reflects Slovak law at the time of writing and is not a substitute for advice on your particular matter.

Administrative law