Slovakia Citizenship by Descent Program CITIZENSHIP BY DESCENT
You may be eligible for Slovak citizenship by descent if your parent, grandparent, or great-grandparent was a Slovak or Czechoslovak citizen.
visa-free countries
generations removed
months processing time
Slovak citizenship by descent allows individuals with Slovak heritage to claim citizenship based on having a parent, grandparent, or great-grandparent who was a Slovak or Czechoslovak citizen. The process involves proving this ancestral link through documentation and meeting certain criteria, which may include basic knowledge of Slovak language and culture.
Read moreSuccessful applicants gain the benefits of Slovak citizenship, including the right to live and work in Slovakia and other EU countries.
Those with at least one parent who is/was a Slovak citizen.
Individuals whose grandparent or great-grandparent was a Slovak or Czechoslovak citizen.
People whose ancestors lost their Slovak or Czechoslovak citizenship due to leaving the country or other historical circumstances.
In some cases, those whose ancestors were from territories that were once part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire and later became part of Czechoslovakia.
To obtain Slovak citizenship by descent, you aren’t required to donate, make an investment, or take a citizenship test. All that’s required is proof via documentation to support your claim. To be eligible, you need to meet the following requirements:
To qualify for Slovak citizenship by descent, you must have a parent, grandparent, or great-grandparent who was born in or became a citizen of Czechoslovakia. This can be proven through birth certificates showing birth in Czechoslovakia (on Slovak territory) or through passports demonstrating Czechoslovakian citizenship.
The process for obtaining Slovak dual citizenship involves two applications: one for permanent residency in Slovakia and another for citizenship, both submitted simultaneously
Key documents for the citizenship application include a completed application form and questionnaire, a brief CV, your current passport, birth certificate, and any relevant status documents (marriage, divorce, or death certificates if applicable). Documents proving your descent from a Slovak ancestor are crucial. All non-Slovak documents must be apostilled and officially translated. You’ll also need a criminal record search from all countries where you’ve resided in the last 15 years.
The process begins with obtaining a permanent residency permit in Slovakia, which is an administrative requirement for citizenship (and does not obligate you to reside in Slovakia). Along with proving your ancestral connection, you may need to demonstrate basic knowledge of the Slovak language and culture. The permanent residency application requires completed forms, passport photos, and documents showing your family lineage to your Czechoslovakian ancestor.
It’s important to note that while both applications are submitted together, the residency application is processed first within 90 days after submission, followed by the citizenship application once residency is approved which may take a further 24 months to process.
Our global team, operating across 12 offices and offering services in 14 languages, can assist in finding the perfect investment migration solution.
Our global team, operating across 12 offices and offering services in 14 languages, can assist in finding the perfect investment migration solution.
This is where we collect proof of Slovak/Czechoslovak ancestry, obtain your personal documents, assist with criminal background checks, and translate and legalize everything.
We will complete the permanent residency application form on your behalf.
Our firm will prepare your citizenship application form and questionnaire. We’ll also help you write a brief CV covering basic information, and gather all final documents—including those from step 1.
We’ll submit both your residency and citizenship applications simultaneously and pay any associated fees on your behalf. Your residency application will be processed first, usually in the 90 days after submission. Then, your citizenship application will be processed approximately 24 months later.
You can trace your ancestry back to a parent, grandparent, or great-grandparent who was a Slovak or Czechoslovak citizen.
While fluency is not required, you generally need to demonstrate a basic knowledge of the Slovak language. This is often assessed through a simple conversation or test to show you can communicate in everyday situations.
Slovakia allows dual citizenship, so in most cases, you won’t have to renounce your current citizenship. However, it’s important to check your current country’s laws regarding dual citizenship, as some countries may require you to give up your original citizenship upon acquiring a new one.
The process duration can vary significantly depending on individual circumstances and the completeness of your application. Generally, it can take a little more than 2 years. The initial step of obtaining permanent residency in Slovakia is usually processed first, followed by the citizenship application.
Our team operates in 12 worldwide offices, securing second citizenship in desirable locations and unlocking a brighter future.
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27+ month application processing time