Many Slovaks and their descendants live abroad in countries like the U.S., Canada, and nations in Western Europe. If you’re a part of this rich Slovak diaspora, you may be able to reconnect with your Slovak roots by acquiring Slovak citizenship by descent and thus, EU citizenship.
The laws governing Slovak citizenship and population can be complex and at times difficult to understand under Slovak law, so we’ve compiled this guide. We answer frequently asked questions about who is eligible for ancestral citizenship, where applications are submitted, and how the application procedure works, among others.
Slovakian Citizenship by Descent: Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible?
Citizenship by descent applies to individuals who:
Qualify via jus sanguinis (citizenship by blood) and have a parent or grandparent who was recognized as a Slovak citizen.
Have at least one parent who was a Slovak citizen at the time of their birth (automatic and regardless of birthplace).
Have a grandparent who held Slovakian citizenship (must apply via naturalization and prove Slovak ethnicity through birth certificate or census records).
Our complete guide to Slovakian citizenship by descent details eligibility in depth and how to support your claim through Genealogical research and document acquisition.
Can I hold dual Slovakian citizenship?
It depends. You may be able to have double citizenship, but there are restrictions. Slovaks who voluntarily naturalize abroad may lose citizenship. However, recent amendments to the Citizenship Act have eased this for EU Member State and NATO countries, promoting family reunification and protecting Slovak identity.
What are the benefits of acquiring Slovakian citizenship by descent?
Slovakia is a member of the European Union, which means that gaining Slovakian citizenship grants you EU citizenship, as well. EU citizenship rights include access to EU healthcare benefits, reduced tuition rates and fees at EU universities, and the ability to live and work across the EU. Furthermore, you get the benefit of Slovakian heritage recognition.
Can I get a Slovakian passport?
Yes, but only after your Slovak citizenship application is successful. Once approved, you can apply for a Slovak passport through your local district office or nearest Slovak embassy or diplomatic mission.
What are the fees?
When granted citizenship, there are certain administrative fees that apply under Slovak law:
Citizenship granted to a person over 18 years old – EUR 1000.
Citizenship granted to a child up to 15 years old – EUR 140.
Citizenship granted to a child 15-18 years old – EUR 210/220
Additional fees may apply depending on your marital status, residence permit, or Living Abroad Certificate. Other fees are detailed here.
Where do I apply?
If residing in Slovakia, you’ll handle application matters with Slovakia’s Ministry of the Interior or the local district office. If you are applying from abroad, you’ll direct your application through the relevant diplomatic (consulate or embassy) mission based on your location. In the U.S., there are offices in New York and Washington, D.C. The Slovak embassy or consulate will guide you through citizenship proceedings and may schedule an interview to verify your identity documents and language skills.
Which documents do I need to submit?
Applicants for Slovak citizenship by descent must submit the following with citizenship applications:
Proof of ancestry (birth certificate, marriage certificates, and notarized copies tracing lineage to a Slovak or Czechoslovak ancestor).
Proof of Slovak language proficiency.
Valid passport or ID.
Criminal record certificate from your country of residence.
Completed permanent 5 years residency application
2 passport-style (3 x 3.5 cm) photos.
Documentation showing your direct line to your ancestor who was a Czechoslovakian citizen.
Proof of residence in Slovakia (if applicable).
Completed application form.
Do great-grandchildren qualify for Slovakian citizenship by descent?
No, not unless the chain of Slovak citizenship was preserved in the lineage – unbroken lineage confirmed through verifiable census records and other official documentation.
How long does it take to get Slovakian citizenship?
The answer varies from one applicant to the next, but it can take up to 1–2 years or longer. Time frame setbacks may occur if it proves difficult to acquire or verify documentation for your application. It becomes increasingly harder to prove ancestry the more distant you go back in your lineage.
Summary
Whether you’ve already begun gathering documents or aren’t yet sure of your Slovak citizenship eligibility status, we can help you navigate every step — from document acquisition and citizenship proceedings to consular legalization and EU passport issuance.
Sign up today to get the help of our EU citizenship experts and put yourself one step closer to reconnecting with your Slovak roots and your rightful place in the European Parliament’s wider European Union community.