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.
I May Be Eligible
What Are Next Steps?
Confirm your Eligibility and Begin Your Application Today!
Step 1.
Sign Up and Assess Eligibility
Use our free eligibility assessment tool to learn if your EU lineage is potentially qualifying. For more complex lineages, subscribe for access to our Eligibility Report where we will verify your eligibility to apply.
Step 2.
Complete Citizenship Application Your Way
Whether you are looking for DIY-application instructions, additional genealogy research, or a vetted citizenship expert to help you file your citizenship application, our network of providers and tailored packages are ready to assist you.
Step 3.
Obtain Citizenship
Do you have questions about your recently obtained citizenship? Our network of country-specific experts can advise you about next steps related to your dual citizenship.
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
“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”!
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New Hampshire, USA
Get the Slovak citizenship guide
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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
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