Slovak citizenship by descent

Slovak citizenship by descent, also known as citizenship by ancestry or jus sanguinis, is a way for individuals to acquire Slovak citizenship based on their family lineage and ancestry. If you have Slovak ancestors, you may be eligible to apply for Slovak citizenship and obtain a Slovak passport.

How to get citizenship by descent in Slovakia

There are some general guidelines that are typically involved in the process:

1. Ancestral Connection. You must have a direct ancestor who was a Slovak citizen. Typically, this means that at least one of your parents, grandparents, or great-grandparents was a citizen of Slovakia at the time of your birth.
2. Documents and Evidence. You will need to gather documentation that proves your ancestral connection to Slovakia. This may include birth certificates, marriage certificates, and other relevant documents. These documents should be officially translated into Slovak and may require apostille or legalization depending on the country where they were issued.
3. Application Process. You will need to submit an application for Slovak citizenship by descent to the appropriate authority, which is usually the Slovak embassy or consulate in your country of residence. The application form, supporting documents, and any required fees will need to be submitted as per the specific requirements of the authorities.
4. Language and Knowledge Test. Depending on the circumstances, you may be required to demonstrate a basic knowledge of the Slovak language and have an understanding of Slovak culture, history, and constitution. This requirement can vary, so it’s best to check with the authorities on the specific language and knowledge test requirements.
5. Waiting Period. The processing time for citizenship applications can vary, so you should be prepared for a waiting period before a decision is made on your application. It’s advisable to follow up with the embassy or consulate if you haven’t received any updates within a reasonable time frame.

Documentation and Application

Here is an overview of the typical documentation and application process:

1. Proof of Ancestry. Gather documents that establish your direct ancestral connection to Slovakia. This may include birth certificates, marriage certificates, and other relevant documents for your Slovak ancestors.
2. Proof of Identity. You will need to provide documents that prove your own identity, such as your birth certificate, passport, or national identification card.
3. Application Form. You can usually obtain this form from the Slovak embassy or consulate in your country of residence. Fill out the form completely and accurately.
4. Supporting Documents. Include any additional supporting documents required by the authorities.
5. Application Fee. Pay any required application fees.
6. Submitting the Application. Submit your completed application, along with all supporting documents and the application fee, to the appropriate Slovak embassy or consulate in your country of residence.
7. Application Processing. The processing time for Slovak citizenship applications can vary. It may take several months or longer for a decision to be made on your application. During this time, the authorities may conduct background checks and verify the information provided.

Dual Citizenship

Slovakia allows dual citizenship, which means that you can hold Slovak citizenship alongside the citizenship of another country. This means that you can acquire Slovak citizenship by descent without having to renounce your current citizenship, if your country of citizenship also permits dual citizenship.