Nearly 50,000 self-employed individuals in Slovakia have ceased operations since 2025, primarily those with lower incomes. While approximately 20% of those who left found employment, a similar proportion have seemingly disappeared from the labor market, potentially indicating a shift towards the informal economy or emigration. This trend coincides with the implementation of three government austerity packages aimed at stabilizing public finances. Despite these measures, Slovakia’s public debt remains uncontrolled. The closures suggest a broader economic pressure impacting small businesses and individual entrepreneurs. The data highlights a concerning shift in the Slovak economic landscape, with implications for employment and the formal sector. Further investigation is needed to determine the full extent of the informal economy’s growth.