Slovenian Citizenship Through Ancestry
Slovenia is a small but striking country known for its mountains, lakes, and long history of cultural pride. Tucked between Italy, Austria, Hungary, and Croatia, it has long served as a crossroads of languages, traditions, and migration. Over the past century, many Slovenians left the region to seek opportunity elsewhere—building new lives, but often losing their legal connection to their homeland in the process.
Today, Slovenia offers descendants of those citizens a path to reclaim what was once theirs. If your parent or grandparent held Slovenian citizenship at the time of your birth, you may be eligible to restore your own citizenship through ancestry
Eligible Generations
Up to grandparents
Travel Required?
No (apply via consulate)
Ways to Apply
3 ways
Language requirement?
No
A passport to Europe. A return to your roots.
Slovenian citizenship offers more than just a way to reconnect with your family’s homeland. It also gives you access across the European Union, including healthcare, education, and visa-free movement across the continent.
Why Does Slovenia Offer Citizenship by Descent?
For much of the 20th century, Slovenia was part of shifting borders and changing regimes—first under the Austro-Hungarian Empire, then Yugoslavia. During these years, many Slovenes emigrated, and their descendants lost citizenship along the way.
Today, Slovenia acknowledges that history and offers descendants a legal way to reclaim what their families never meant to lose. If your parent or grandparent was a Slovenian citizen when you were born, the law may allow you to restore it no matter where you live now.
Live, work, and study in any of the 27 countries throughout the European Union with no restrictions.
Who Can Apply?
You may be eligible for Slovenian citizenship if you can answer yes to this question:
- Did one of your parents or grandparents hold Slovenian citizenship when you were born – and never lose or renounce it?
If so, you might be eligible to reclaim your citizenship. Your first step is to take the assessment now.
Want to find if you are eligible for Slovenian 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 Slovenian 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
“I knew my grandmother was born in County Mayo, but I wasn’t sure if I could actually get Irish citizenship. Citizenship.EU walked me through the whole eligibility check. I received my Irish citizenship certificate last month and my passport is on the way”!
Maeve O’Sullivan
New Hampshire, USA
Get the Slovenian citizenship guide
Unlock detailed information on timelines, required documents, and legal pathways all in one place.
Frequently asked questions
Who is eligible for Slovenian citizenship by descent?
Individuals with at least one Slovenian parent or grandparent may be eligible. Eligibility depends on the ancestor’s citizenship status and the applicant’s age at the time of application.
Can I apply through my great-grandparents?
Typically, eligibility is limited to parents and grandparents. Applications through great-grandparents are generally not accepted unless specific conditions are met.
What documents are required for the application?
Required documents include birth certificates, marriage certificates, proof of Slovenian ancestry, and valid identification. Additional documents may be needed based on individual circumstances.
Is residency in Slovenia required?
Residency is not mandatory for citizenship by descent. However, establishing ties to Slovenia, such as cultural or linguistic connections, can strengthen the application.
Is there a language requirement?
There is no language requirement for citizenship by descent. However, knowledge of the Slovenian language may be beneficial.
What are the benefits of Slovenian citizenship?
- EU Citizenship: Live, work, and study in any EU/EEA country or Switzerland.
- Visa-Free Travel: Slovenian passport holders can access 169+ countries without a visa.
- Access to Education: Free or low-cost education in Slovenia and EU countries.
- Healthcare: Universal public healthcare coverage if residing in Slovenia.
- Business and Banking: Access to EU financial systems and the ability to start a business with ease
- Quality of Life: Slovenia offers a clean, safe, and high-standard living environment.
Does Slovenia allow dual citizenship?
Slovenia permits dual citizenship in certain cases, including citizenship by descent. Applicants should verify the policies of their current country of citizenship.
How can Citizenship.EU assist me?
Citizenship.EU can help assess your eligibility for Slovenian citizenship by descent and connect 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.
