FAQs About Czech Citizenship by Descent

Czech law states that you must be a “direct descendant” to qualify for ancestral citizenship. Although it doesn’t specify how many generations that entails, it is generally interpreted as children and grandchildren, and sometimes beyond with proper proof of lineage. Make sure you check your eligibility first before investing time into your application form and the recognition of documents required by the government.

Yes, you can. As of 2014, Czech citizenship legislation allows Czech nationals to hold dual/multiple nationality. This means you can have a Czech passport and another one for travel or job purposes. Holding dual citizenship can also provide access to European universities, education, and income opportunities across the EU.

Yes, you can include your minor child in your declaration, or you can choose to have an individual declaration submitted on your child’s behalf. If you are declaring alone, the child’s other parent must consent. Furthermore, children of deceased parents (when both parents are deceased) can still be declared by an adult if that adult is the child’s legal guardian. This method of family reunification helps preserve connections across generations.

Yes, children aged 15 and older must personally consent to acquiring Czech citizenship by descent. This has to be in the form of writing with an officially certified signature, unless the child appears before the authorities in person to sign. Families often consult the department or organization responsible for processing applications to ensure the filled application form meets all confirmation and fee requirements.

Individuals living abroad with a historic connection to Czechia can qualify to reclaim citizenship by descent. Those who previously resided permanently in Czechia and held Czech citizenship but emigrated to foreign countries can make a declaration through their local center or Czech diplomatic mission in their country of residence.

In short, the answer is no. The important thing is being able to prove your Czech lineage and being able to prove that you are not a citizen of Slovakia. While permanent residence status in Czechia is not required, obtaining a permanent residence card can make it easier for investor applicants, graduates, and independent persons to access government aid, pension contributions, and income tax benefits later.

If you’re applying for lineage citizenship through declaration, you’ll have to show proof of your lineage and your ancestor’s loss of Czech citizenship. This includes your own birth certificate, as well as your parents’, grandparents’, etc. birth certificates. You must also have documented proof of how and when the ancestor lost their Czech citizenship.
Applicants should provide a description of their family history, pay the relevant payment of duty, and ensure all licenses, indemnity, and fines related to previous citizenships or periods of residence are properly cleared.

The key restriction to Czech citizenship by descent is Slovak citizenship. If you have held or currently hold Slovak citizenship, you do not qualify for lineage citizenship in the Czech Republic. Applicants even have to show proof of non-citizenship of Slovakia. This ensures compliance with naturalization laws and prevents conflicts with Slovak government regulations on income tax and labor obligations.

In addition to documents proving your Czech descent, you’ll need to complete a declaration of non-acquisition of citizenship of the Slovak Republic. This ensures that you do not meet the key exclusion factor for Czech citizenship by descent and is especially important for applicants tracing their lineage to Czechoslovak ancestors. Supporting papers often include your permanent residence card, confirmation from the Czech as a Foreign Language testing center, and recognition of documents issued by your country of residence.

For many, obtaining Czech citizenship is about reconnecting with family roots, improving knowledge, or seeking better education and university access in Europe. Others view it as a long-term investment in mobility, job opportunities, and a better quality of life. Whether for travel, purchase of property, or cost of housing considerations, a Czech passport opens many doors.
Additionally, Czech citizenship offers security in cases of pregnancy, illness, or labor relocation within the EU, thanks to social aid, healthcare, and pension contributions supported by the Czech government.

Within the Czech Republic, the Ministry of the Interior is responsible for handling Czech citizenship applications. When applying from abroad, applicants will deal with Czech diplomatic missions in their countries of residence. For U.S. residents, this includes the embassy in D.C. and three Consulate Generals of the Czech Republic in New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles. These offices manage permit renewals, license verification, and confirmation of your application form status.