Slovak Citizenship Through Ancestry
Slovakia is a culturally rich country that often goes overlooked by travelers to the region. Tucked in the heart of Central Europe, it’s known for its thermal springs, deep caves, towering peaks, and centuries of folk tradition. From the High Tatras to Bratislava, Slovakia’s cultural heritage is tightly woven into its natural beauty and cherished among its far-reaching diaspora.
If your parent, grandparent, or great-grandparent was born in what is now Slovakia before 1990, you may be eligible to reclaim Slovak citizenship and enjoy more than 1300 thermal mineral springs, universal healthcare, free education, seemingly endless caves, mountains, and national parks.
Eligible Generations
Up to your great-grandparents
Travel Required?
No (apply via consulate)
Ways to Apply
1 way
Language requirement?
No
Honor your family’s origin. Open your future in Europe.
Slovak citizenship lets you reclaim your family history, and gives you legal access to live, work, and study in any of the 27 EU countries.
Why Does Slovakia Offer Citizenship by Descent?
Slovakia’s history is shaped by migration, resilience, and changing borders. Following the upheaval of World War II and the constraints of life under communism, many Slovak families left their homeland in search of economic opportunity or political stability. Many settled in the United States, Canada, and parts of Western Europe, often disconnected from citizenship due to legal or geographic distance (but not by cultural ties).
Today, Slovakia acknowledges that heritage. By offering a path to reclaim citizenship through descent, the government recognizes that national belonging can endure across continents and generations. It’s a way to formally restore a connection that many never meant to lose, and to invite Slovak descendants to become part of the country’s future once again.
Live, work, and study in any of the 27 countries throughout the European Union with no restrictions.
Who Can Apply?
You may qualify for Slovak citizenship if you can answer yes to this question:
- Was one of your parents, grandparents, or great-grandparents born in what is now Slovakia before 1990?
If you’re unsure, you can take the assessment to confirm your eligibility.
Want to find if you are eligible for Slovak Citizenship?
Simple 3-step process to discover your eligibility
1. Tell us (or your genealogist) about your family
Share your family details. Enter them yourself or connect with a genealogist for help.
2. We analyze with AI + experts
AI processes fast. Experts ensure your case is as accurate as possible.
3. Receive your report
Get your eligibility analysis. Follow the steps. Start your path to citizenship.
What You'll Receive
A comprehensive eligibility report tailored to your family history
Your Eligibility Report Includes:
- Assessment of all EU countries based on your lineage
- Clear eligibility decision for each country
- Detailed reasoning and relevant laws explained
- Specific next steps and requirements
Eligible for dual citizenship? We can help you achieve it
If you find out you are eligible for dual citizenship with our report, we offer additional services to assist with document collection and application processing
Your guide to Slovak Citizenship
We cover essential information regarding applying for and achieving EU nationality through ancestry. This blog also explores relocation resources, citizenship programs outside of the EU, and more.
"The idea of applying for Hungarian citizenship always felt overwhelming—until I found Citizenship.EU. They helped me figure out if I could qualify through my great-grandfather and put me in touch with professionals who handled everything".
James Nagy
Chicago, USA
"My grandfather was born in Sicily, and I always dreamed of reclaiming that part of my identity. I had no idea where to start or whether I even qualified. Citizenship.EU made the process so much less intimidating".
Elena G
New York, USA
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Maeve O’Sullivan
New Hampshire, USA
Get the Slovak citizenship guide
Unlock detailed information on timelines, required documents, and legal pathways all in one place.
Frequently asked questions
Who is eligible for Slovak citizenship by descent?
Individuals with at least one parent, grandparent, or great-grandparent who was a Czechoslovak citizen born in the territory of present-day Slovakia may be eligible. Proof of lineage and the ancestor's citizenship is required.
Can I apply through my great-grandparents?
Yes, the law allows applications through great-grandparents, provided they were born in Slovakia and held Czechoslovak citizenship. Documentation proving this lineage is necessary.
What documents are required for the application?
Typically, you'll need: your birth certificate; birth and marriage certificates of your Slovak ancestors; proof of ancestor's Czechoslovak citizenship; criminal background check; and translations of documents into Slovak.
How long does it take to become a citizen of Slovakia?
It varies depending on the pathway you choose, but it can range from 12 months to 8 or more years.
Is there a language requirement?
No, applicants for citizenship by descent are exempt from the Slovak language proficiency requirement.
Does Slovakia allow dual citizenship?
Slovakia does not offer a direct citizenship-by-investment program. However, investors can:
- Obtain residency permits by establishing or investing in businesses
- After 8 years of continuous permanent residency (5 years if married to a Slovak citizen), apply for naturalization
- Slovak language proficiency
- Integration into Slovak society
- A lawful income source and clean legal record
What are the benefits of Slovak dual citizenship?
EU Citizenship
- Live, work, and travel freely in 27 EU countries, plus Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Switzerland.
- A Slovak passport grants access to 180+ countries visa-free or with visa-on-arrival
- Education Benefits
- Healthcare Access
- Consular Protection
- No automatic taxation
- Ancestral connection
How can Citizenship.EU assist me?
Citizenship.EU helps assess your eligibility for Slovak citizenship by descent and connects you with trusted professionals to guide you through the application process.
Start with your past.
Start building your future.
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Still have questions? Let’s talk
Have a specific question about your case, documents, or eligibility? We’d love to hear it and it might even help us shape new resources.
