Can My Child Gain Slovak Citizenship by Ancestry?

Slovakia applies jus sanguinis, or citizenship by blood. This means children of Slovak citizens are usually entitled to nationality, even if born abroad. But Slovak law is strict about timing. Whether your child qualifies for Slovak citizenship by descent depends on whether you were already recognized as a Slovak citizen at the time of their birth.

This article explains how Slovak citizenship by ancestry works — how it passes to children, how adoption is treated, and what steps families should take to secure recognition.

Why Citizenship for Children Matters

For families, acquiring Slovak citizenship by descent for children has both practical and symbolic value:

• EU citizenship – Access to live, study, and work across 27 European Union member states.
• Education opportunities – Lower tuition fees at Slovak and EU universities, often with Slovak language skills improving eligibility.
• Healthcare benefits – Eligibility for Slovak public healthcare, health insurance, and EU reciprocal rights.
• Heritage connection – A way to ensure Slovak heritage continues into the next generation, preserving Slovak roots.

If You Were Already Slovak at the Time of Birth

If you were a Slovak citizen when your child was born, your child automatically acquires Slovak citizenship by descent.

• Example: Lucia was born in Bratislava and later emigrated to Canada. She kept her Slovak citizenship. When her daughter Sofia was born in Toronto in 2015, Sofia was Slovak from birth. Lucia registered the birth with the Slovak consulate, and Sofia now has both Canadian and Slovak passports.

This is the simplest and most common case.

If You Became Slovak Later

If you acquired Slovak citizenship after your child was born (for example, by naturalization or confirmation of citizenship by descent) your child does not automatically qualify.

• Example: Martin applied for Slovak citizenship by descent as the grandchild of Slovak emigrants and succeeded in 2021. His son, born in 2010, did not automatically become Slovak because Martin was not Slovak at the time of the child’s birth.

In this situation, children may apply separately, often through naturalization or facilitated processes if they can show ties to Slovakia. Sometimes, they may also need to meet specific conditions under Slovak law, including language proficiency and good conduct verified through a criminal record check.

Adopted Children

Slovak law treats adopted minors the same as biological children.

• If the adopting parent is Slovak at the time of adoption, the child automatically acquires Slovak citizenship by descent.
• If the parent becomes Slovak later, the adoption does not retroactively transfer citizenship.
• Example: Jozef, a Slovak citizen living in Germany, adopted a seven-year-old in 2019. Because Jozef was already Slovak at the time of adoption, the child was automatically Slovak once the adoption was recognized under Slovak law.

Registration of Births Abroad

Even if your child qualifies for Slovak citizenship by descent, recognition is not automatic. Their birth must be registered with Slovak civil authorities (matrika).

Parents abroad typically complete this process at a Slovak consulate or district office. Required documents usually include:

• The child’s long-form birth certificate (apostilled or legalized).
• Parent’s Slovak passport or citizenship certificate.
• Parents’ marriage certificate (if relevant).
• Application forms provided by the consulate.

During this process, parents should ensure administrative fees are paid and all translations meet official standards. Once registered, the child is added to Slovakia’s civil registry and can apply for a passport or residence permit if necessary.

Common Scenarios

• Parent born Slovak → child is Slovak, provided the birth is registered.
• Parent naturalized later → child does not automatically qualify.
• Adopted child → automatically Slovak if adoption took place while parent was already Slovak.
• Parent with unconfirmed citizenship → the child’s status depends on whether the parent was legally Slovak at birth.

Dual Citizenship for Children

Slovakia generally allows children of Slovak citizens to hold dual nationality. The main restriction applies to adults who voluntarily naturalize in another country – they may lose Slovak citizenship. But children born with more than one nationality are not required to renounce it. Maintaining a valid residence permit abroad does not affect a child’s citizenship rights.

FAQs About Slovak Citizenship by Ancestry

Why Timing Matters

Slovakia is strict about timing. Slovak citizenship only passes if the parent was Slovak at the moment of the child’s birth or adoption. Unlike in some countries, you cannot retroactively pass citizenship once you become Slovak.

For parents planning to pass Slovak citizenship by descent on, it is best to confirm your own nationality before your children are born.

Important Note on Slovak Citizenship by Ancestry

Every child citizenship case is unique within the Slovak citizenship by descent application process. Even when the law seems clear, Slovak authorities may request additional documents or clarifications. Approval is not guaranteed.

We recommend starting with our $250 full service guide and consulting a trusted citizenship expert before registering your child.

Begin Your Slovak Citizenship Journey

Obtaining Slovak citizenship by descent offers not only legal status but a living connection to Slovak heritage. By following the correct process, submitting all required documents, and ensuring your language skills, criminal record, and residence permit details are complete, your family can successfully confirm nationality. Whether you’re abroad or in Slovakia, your district office or consulate can guide you through administrative fees and documentation, including your Living Abroad Certificate and any certificate of release needed for final approval.

Sign up today to kickstart your EU citizenship journey.