Slovak Citizenship
by Descent
Claim your EU passport through your ancestry. A simplified, step-by-step guide to reclaiming your heritage.
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Slovak Passport
European Union
Passport Power
Top 10 Globally
Eligibility
Up to Great-Grandparents
Three Paths to Citizenship
Depending on your family history, you will likely fall into one of these specific legal categories.
Citizenship by Descent
The "Green" Route
- Parent/Grandparent was a citizen
- Born in present-day Slovakia
- No residency required
Living Abroad Certificate
The "Orange" Route (SLAC)
- Any direct Slovak ancestor
- Grants 5-year Residence
- Citizenship after 3 years stay
Child of Slovak Citizen
The "Blue" Route
- Parent was Slovak at your birth
- Simple registration process
- Fastest processing time
Do you qualify?
Answer 8 simple questions to discover your path to Slovak citizenship.
Where do you currently live?
Who qualifies for Slovak citizenship?
Since the amendment to the Citizenship Act in 2022, Slovakia has opened the door for descendants of Czechoslovak citizens to reclaim their heritage. Generally, you qualify if you have a direct ancestor (up to great-grandparents) who was born in the territory of present-day Slovakia and held Czechoslovak citizenship.
Green Route: Citizenship by Descent
This is the most sought-after path. It allows you to acquire Slovak citizenship without having to live in Slovakia for any period of time. It is based on the principle that your ancestor held citizenship which you are now "resuming" or having recognized.
- No physical residency requirement
- Keep your existing citizenship
- Full EU rights immediately
- Strict documentation requirements
- Ancestor must be born in SK territory
- Takes 18+ months
Orange Route: Living Abroad Certificate
If your ancestor was Slovak but you don't meet the strict criteria for the Green route (e.g., specific citizenship loss dates or birth outside territory), the SLAC is your alternative. It is a status document, not citizenship itself, but provides a pathway.
- 1.Prove Slovak ancestry (cultural or biological).
- 2.Obtain the SLAC card from the Office for Slovaks Living Abroad.
- 3.Apply for temporary residence in Slovakia.
- 4.Live in Slovakia for 3 continuous years.
- 5.Apply for full citizenship.
Blue Route: Children of Slovak Citizens
If at least one of your parents was a Slovak citizen at the moment of your birth, you are likely already a Slovak citizen by law, even if you were never registered.
This process is much simpler and involves registering your birth with the Special Registry in Bratislava to obtain your Slovak birth certificate and subsequent passport.
Process Timeline
6–12 mo
Fast Track / Blue Route
12–18 mo
Green Route (Prepared)
24+ mo
Archive Search / SLAC
Route Selection
Determine if you qualify for Green, Blue, or Orange route.
Documents Collection
Gather birth certificates, vital records, and proof of ancestry.
Translations & Apostilles
Official court translations and apostille authentication.
Application Submission
In-person meeting at the Slovak Embassy or Ministry in Bratislava.
Ministry Decision
Vetting by the Ministry of Interior. This is the longest wait.
Oath & Passport
Citizenship certificate issuance and passport application.
Document Checklist
Track your progress as you collect the documents required for the Slovak citizenship application.
Checking items here saves them only to your browser.
Important: Apostilles
Most foreign documents (birth certs, background checks) must be apostilled in the country of origin.
- State docs (US) → Secretary of State
- Federal docs (FBI) → US Dept of State
Official Translations
All non-Slovak documents must be translated by an official court translator accredited by the Slovak Ministry of Justice. Standard translations are not accepted.
1. Identity & Basic Personal Documents
2. Civil Status & Vital Records (You)
3. Documents Proving Your Slovak Ancestor
4. Documents Linking You to Ancestor
5. Criminal Background Checks
6. Social & Economic Documents
Typical Cost Expectations
Standard Assistance
For applicants who have most documents but need help with translations, reviews, and submission.
Full Service
Comprehensive genealogical research, document retrieval, apostilles, and full legal representation.
Complex Cases
Cases involving lost citizenship litigation, complex name changes, or multi-generational gaps.
Need a vetted professional?
We can match you with trusted Slovak citizenship lawyers based on your specific budget and case details.
Get matched based on your caseSlovak Expatriate Organizations
+421 Foundation
Promoting Slovak culture and heritage in the United States through events and educational programs.
Visit WebsiteGlobal Slovakia
A non-profit organization dedicated to sharing Slovakia's story with the world and connecting the diaspora.
Visit WebsiteSlovak American Cultural Center SACC
Preserving Slovak heritage and fostering cultural exchange in the New York tristate area.
Visit WebsiteSlovak Institute
A cultural and educational center serving the large Slovak community in Ohio.
Czech and Slovak Association
Connecting Czechs and Slovaks in New England through social and cultural events.
Visit WebsiteFirst Catholic Slovak Union
One of the oldest Slovak fraternal benefit societies in North America.
Visit WebsiteFirst Catholic Slovak Ladies Association
A fraternal benefit society providing insurance and financial products to the Slovak community.
Visit WebsiteCanadian Slovak League
Representing Canadians of Slovak heritage and promoting Slovak culture in Canada.
Visit WebsiteFrequently Asked Questions
Who qualifies for Slovak citizenship by descent?
Do I need to live in Slovakia to get citizenship by descent?
How long does the process usually take?
Can I keep my US/Canadian passport?
What is the Slovak Living Abroad Certificate (SLAC)?
About This Guide
This website is an independent, research-based resource created to help people with Slovak ancestry understand their options for obtaining Slovak citizenship.
We are not a law firm, and we do not provide legal advice.
Our mission is to:
- Explain the rules in clear, simple language
- Break down potential routes
- Help you understand which path may fit your family history
- Provide tools to estimate eligibility and document requirements
Because every case is unique, we collaborate with vetted Slovak immigration lawyers who specialize in citizenship-by-descent cases. If you choose, we can connect you with a professional for a deeper assessment — but only after you complete the eligibility check.
Our goal: Make a complicated process understandable and help you take the next step with confidence.
Get in touch
Have a specific question?
Every citizenship case is unique. If you couldn't find your answer in our guide, or need help finding the right expert, send us a message.
Transparency Notice
We are not a law firm. SlovakByDescent.com is an educational resource. We do not provide legal advice directly.
Vetted Professionals
We help connect you with verified Slovak attorneys and genealogists who can handle your application professionally.
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Czechoslovak Citizenship: How to Determine if Your Ancestor Qualified
Determining whether your ancestor was a Czechoslovak citizen is crucial. Learn about the 1918 laws, residence requirements, and how to prove eligibility.