Eligibility quiz
Do you have a valid certificate proving your status as a Slovak living abroad?
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 local office
Find the district office in a regional capital that serves your address in Slovakia.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “Which Slovak district office in a regional capital handles citizenship applications for your city?”
Obtain your status certificate
If you do not already have one, apply on paper for a certificate proving your status as a Slovak living abroad. You can apply to the Office for Slovaks Living Abroad or, from abroad, to a Slovak embassy or consulate in the country where you live.
Find certificate applicationSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I apply for a Slovak living abroad status certificate?”
Download the application form
Download the Slovak citizenship application form and the applicant questionnaire.
Find the formsSearches DuckDuckGo for “Where can I download the Slovak citizenship application form and applicant questionnaire?”
Fill in the application
Complete and sign your citizenship application. Fill in the applicant questionnaire if you are applying separately.
Find form instructionsSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I fill in the Slovak citizenship application and applicant questionnaire?”
Gather your documents
Prepare the required documents for the district office.
See required documentsArrange your visit
Follow your district office's instructions to arrange a visit to hand in your application in person.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “How do I arrange an appointment for a Slovak citizenship application at the district office serving your city?”
Hand in your application
Bring your signed application, questionnaire, original documents and required copies to your district office. Ask the office about any fee and how to pay it.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “How do I submit a Slovak citizenship application at the district office serving your city?”
Wait for the decision
Wait for the Ministry of Interior to decide your application. Respond if it asks you for more information or documents.
Learn about the decisionSearches DuckDuckGo for “How long does a Slovak citizenship application take at a district office?”
Documents needed
Family certificates and recordsFamily certificates and records
Relative's Slovak nationality records *
Get an official record showing your Slovak parent, grandparent or other direct-line relative's Slovak nationality. This can be a birth or baptismal certificate, a registry extract, a citizenship certificate or a residence certificate that states their nationality.
* Only if you need the Slovak living-abroad certificate and rely on a direct-line relative's Slovak nationality.
May need translationMay need apostille/legalisationConsiderations
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
r/SlovakCBD
English Reddit group for people interested in Slovak citizenship and visas
Join on RedditForeigners 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 FacebookConsultation
Talk to a professionalTalk to a professional
Adavia doesn't provide advice, but we're building a directory of professionals who do. If you'd like, we can notify you when help is available.
Updated