There are many communities of Czech emigrants in countries such as the U.S. due to Czechia’s complex political history and mass emigrations in the 19th and 20th centuries. Because of this displacement of former Czech and Czechoslovak nationals, many people with Czech/Czechoslovak descent living abroad want to know if and how they may qualify for Czech citizenship by descent.
The answer is nuanced, but essentially, the Czech government has legal provisions in place for such descendants to reacquire citizenship and repair the strained cultural connections that occurred with expat communities. This legal framework is grounded in the citizenship law of the Czech Republic, which aligns with broader EU rights established within the European Union.
In this guide, we break down who qualifies for Czech citizenship by descent, the relevant stipulations in Czech legislation, and the next steps you can take.
Czech Citizenship by Descent: Who Is Eligible?
Individuals Who Lost Citizenship Before the Law
Individuals who specifically lost their Czech or Czechoslovak citizenship prior to the enactment of the Czech Citizenship Act No. 186/2013, can reclaim citizenship via formal declaration.
Stipulations to this pathway to citizenship include:
- Citizenship cannot have been lost due to the Constitutional Decree of the President.
- Citizenship cannot have been lost due to international treaties (such as treaties concerning Transcarpathian Ukraine).
This process has historical roots dating back to the Austro-Hungarian Empire, where shifting borders and Austro-Hungarian legislation affected the nationality status of many Central Europeans, including those who later became part of Czechoslovakia or held Austrian citizenship.
Former Czechoslovak Citizens with Previous Czech Residence
Individuals who used to reside permanently in Czechia or the Czech Socialist Republic before emigrating can also make citizenship reclamation declarations. The key stipulation for this pathway is that you cannot be a Slovak citizen.
This eligibility rule remains one of the most important distinctions recognized by Czech authorities, ensuring that Czech heritage is maintained within national identity law.
Descendants of Former Czechoslovak Citizens
If you’re a child or grandchild of a former Czechoslovak citizen, you are eligible to acquire Czech citizenship by descent through declaration. The law requires that you cannot be a Slovak citizen when applying and must show proof of non-citizenship of Slovakia.
For example, if your paternal grandparents or great-grandparents held Austrian citizenship or were registered in the former Austro-Hungarian Empire, their historical records may still help verify your Czech heritage and lineage.
Proof of ancestry generally includes a birth certificate, marriage records, or other civil documentation to support your claim.
Conditions for Eligibility
Certain conditions relating to time frame and resident status apply when taking the ancestry pathway to Czech citizenship by descent:
- The ancestor you’re applying through must have been a citizen of the Czech and Slovak Federal Republic (ČSFR) on December 31, 1992.
- The ancestor you’re applying through must not have been a citizen of the Czech Republic OR Slovakia at the time.
- The descendant who is applying for citizenship must be a direct descendant of the ancestor.
- The descendant who is applying must not have previously been a Czech or Slovak citizen.
Note that “direct descent” implies children, grandchildren, and possibly more distant ties, although it becomes much harder to prove lineage with supporting documentation verified by Czech authorities beyond a grandparent-grandchild relationship.
FAQ
Do I have to live in the Czech Republic to qualify for citizenship by descent?
No. There are no residence obligations for applicants pursuing Czech citizenship by descent.
How do I prove non-citizenship of Slovakia?
According to the checklist for Czech citizenship by declaration provided by the Czech government, proof of non-citizenship of Slovakia is shown with a declaration of non-acquisition of citizenship of the Slovak Republic.
Can I declare citizenship for my child?
Sometimes. If a parent is applying for citizenship by declaration, they can either include their child in their declaration or submit a separate declaration for the child. If only one parent is submitting, consent of the other parent is required. Legal guardians may declare on behalf of children in exceptional cases.
Can older children declare citizenship?
Yes. Children who are 15 years old or older can submit a citizenship declaration provided that they give consent in writing with an officially certified signature (unless appearing before the administration in person).
Where do I apply for Czech citizenship through ancestry?
If residing in Czechia, you apply through the Ministry of the Interior of the Czech Republic (Dept. of Asylum and Migration Policy). If residing abroad, you apply through the diplomatic missions of Czechia in your Czech consular district.
Required Documents and Certification
Applicants must submit proper documentation, such as:
- A valid birth certificate;
- Proof of lineage through parents or grandparents;
- Identification and Czech Citizenship Certificate, if applicable.
All paperwork must be officially verified and translated according to Czech legal standards before submission to Czech authorities.
Reconnecting with Ancestry Through Czech Citizenship by Descent
Reclaiming Czech citizenship by descent not only restores family ties but also opens the door to life, travel, and work opportunities throughout Europe. The Czech embassy, Czech consulate, and Czech authorities play a key role in facilitating the process for eligible applicants worldwide.
Through historical recognition of lineage under the Austro-Hungarian Empire, Czechia continues to honor those with Czech heritage, preserving their rights under modern citizenship law.
By obtaining your Czech passport or Czech Citizenship Certificate, you affirm your place in the European community and ensure that your ancestral legacy remains a living part of the European Union.
Getting Started
If you think you or your child may be eligible for Czech citizenship by descent through one of these pathways, the next step is to take our eligibility assessment. Our team of citizenship experts has a proven track record of helping people achieve EU citizenship across the world.
We can assist you through every step, from preparing your Czech Citizenship Certificate to helping you obtain a Czech passport, granting full access to EU rights as a citizen of the European Union.
Whether you’re reclaiming your Czech heritage or verifying connections through Austro-Hungarian legislation, this process is an opportunity to reconnect with your family’s past while securing a future grounded in dual identity and dual citizenship.
We recommend starting with our $250 full service guide and kickstarting your path to citizenship in the Czech Republic.