Eligibility quiz
Will you be married to a Slovak citizen when you apply?
Benefits
Benefits for youBenefits for you
Slovak passport and ID
A Slovak passport proves identity and citizenship, and citizens can also hold a Slovak identity card.
Adults may hold two passports, normally valid for 10 and 5 years; passports for minors have shorter validity.
A valid passport or identity card can be used to travel in the EU and Schengen area.
Live in Slovakia for life
Slovak citizens can enter, live in and return to Slovakia without renewing a residence permit.
Study in Slovakia
Slovak citizens have a right to free primary and secondary education.
Publicly supported higher education is also available, depending on legal conditions and available places.
Work in Slovakia
Slovak citizens can work for any employer or work for themselves in Slovakia.
Get help abroad
Slovak missions can help in emergencies, including after a passport is lost or stolen, and provide a replacement document for return.
Outside the EU, where Slovakia has no representation, citizens can seek help from another EU country.
Vote and run for office
Slovak citizens can take part in public life, vote and have equal access to elected and other public offices.
Voting is generally from age 18, with conditions depending on the election.
Use public healthcare
Slovak citizens have a right to public healthcare and medical aids under the rules for health insurance and care.
Get social support
Slovak citizens in material need have a right to help with basic living conditions.
Pensions and other social benefits depend on the relevant insurance, residence, income, family or disability rules.
How to apply
Applying at a local officeApplying at a local office
Find your district office
Find the district office in your region's main town that serves the place where you live.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “Which Slovak region-seat district office handles citizenship applications for your city?”
Gather your documents
Prepare the required documents for the district office.
See required documentsGet the application forms
Get the Slovak citizenship application form and applicant questionnaire from your district office's forms or notices page.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “Where can I get the Slovak citizenship application form and applicant questionnaire from the district office for your city?”
Fill in your forms
Complete and sign the application and questionnaire. Prepare, date and sign a detailed CV covering your education, work, language knowledge, abilities and interests.
See how to completeSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I complete the Slovak citizenship application, questionnaire and CV?”
Arrange an appointment
Arrange an appointment if your district office requires one. If you book through the Ministry's reservation system, keep your PIN and enter it at the office kiosk within the time shown.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “How do I book an appointment for a Slovak citizenship application at the district office for your city?”
Hand in your application
Go to your district office in person with your signed application, questionnaire, CV and documents. Bring originals or officially certified copies.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “How do I submit a Slovak citizenship application at the district office for your city?”
Complete the language test
At your visit, complete the Slovak interview, reading and writing test unless the office accepts a document in its place.
See the language testSearches DuckDuckGo for “What happens at the Slovak language test for a Slovak citizenship application?”
Wait for the decision
Wait for the Ministry of the Interior to decide your application. Respond if the office asks you questions or requests more documents.
See what happens nextSearches DuckDuckGo for “What happens while I wait for a Slovak citizenship application decision?”
Receive your citizenship document
If approved, follow the issuing office's instructions to attend in person, take the citizen's oath and receive your citizenship document. You can then apply for a Slovak passport.
See how to collectSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I take the oath and receive my Slovak citizenship document after approval?”
Documents needed
Family certificates and recordsFamily certificates and records
Birth certificate
Bring your birth certificate. Submit the original or an officially certified copy.
Marriage certificate
Bring the certificate for your marriage to your Slovak spouse. If you were previously divorced, also bring the final divorce judgment or divorce confirmation; if a previous spouse died, bring their death certificate. Submit originals or officially certified copies.
Spouse's citizenship records
Bring proof that your spouse is a Slovak citizen. Ask the office where you apply which records it accepts.
Considerations
Things to think aboutThings to think about
Reporting another citizenship
Some citizens who acquire another citizenship must notify Slovak authorities.
Military service for men
All Slovak citizens have a duty to defend Slovakia.
Men may be called for armed or alternative service from 1 January of the year they turn 19 to 31 December of the year they turn 55.
The duty can end earlier for legal reasons; an objection based on conscience or religion does not necessarily remove alternative service.
Identity card duties
Slovak citizens over 15 with permanent residence in Slovakia must hold a Slovak identity card.
A lost or stolen card must be reported promptly and replaced within the required period.
Citizenship can be lost
Slovak citizenship can end by voluntary release or acquiring another citizenship through an express act of will.
Exceptions include citizenship acquired by birth, adoption, as a minor, or from a spouse during marriage.
Discuss
Online communitiesOnline communities
Foreigners in Bratislava
English Facebook group for people living in Slovakia interested in Slovak local life
Join on FacebookForeigners & Expats in Slovakia
English Facebook group for people living in Slovakia interested in Slovak local life
Join on FacebookForeigners in Slovakia
English Facebook group for people living in Slovakia interested in Slovak local life
Join on FacebookConsultation
Talk to a professionalTalk to a professional
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