Do I Qualify for Citizenship by Descent (CBD)?

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Slovak citizenship by descent is determined by your ancestors' place of birth, which must fall within the current borders of Slovakia and pertains to Czechoslovak citizenship. There are no language or physical residency requirements for citizenship by descent. Additionally, if you are living outside Slovakia, obtaining a Slovak Living Abroad certificate might be beneficial. Answer the following questions to find out if you qualify for a Slovak residency permit!

If you have Slovak heritage, most of our ancestors were born in 'Austria', 'Hungary', 'The Kingdom of Hungary', the 'Austro-Hungarian Empire', or 'Czechoslovakia'. The crucial question is, 'Were they born within the present-day borders of what is now Slovakia?' If they were, you may be eligible for citizenship by descent. If not, you should check if you qualify for a Slovak Living Abroad certificate or a Slovak residency permit.

When was their final departure from the 'Old Country'? October 28, 1908, is the earliest they could have left and still be eligible for citizenship by descent as your anchor ancestor. Keep in mind that it is their final departure date that matters. Meaning, if they first left in 1905 but went back to visit and left again in 1910, then 1910 is the relevant year for establishing eligibility for a Slovak residency permit.

If they left before October 28, 1908, the next questions are - Were they under the age of 24, and did their parents remain in the 'Old Country'?

If your answers are 'yes', then keep reading. If your answers are 'no', skip to 'Do I qualify for SLA?' and consider how it may affect your application for a Slovak Living Abroad certificate.

NOTE: Please see the "New Ministry of Interior Interpretation - June 2025" below.

They must not have naturalized before 1918. If they naturalized after 1918, and you answered yes to the previous questions, then you may qualify for citizenship by descent. If they naturalized before 1918, please proceed to the section titled 'Do I qualify for SLA?' to explore options like the Slovak Living Abroad certificate or the Slovak residency permit.

NOTE: Please see the "New Ministry of Interior Interpretation - June 2025" below.

In June 2025, a well-known Slovak immigration law firm had a client whose application was denied by the Ministry of Interior (MOI).  The client’s ancestors left Europe for the United States in the early 1900s and later acquired U.S. citizenship, before the creation of Czechoslovakia in 1918. Under the previous interpretation, this disqualified the applicant. However, the law firm felt that the original ruling was flawed and filed an appeal with the Minister of the Interior. The Minister agreed with their opinion, overturned the prior decision, and referred the matter back to the Ministry of the Interior, which subsequently approved the application. 

It's vital to understand that this is not a change in the law, but rather, a change in how the law is being interpreted. Under the original interpretation, the applicant needed evidence that not only was their ancestor born within the present-day borders of Slovakia, but that they had also been citizens of Czechoslovakia. Under the new interpretation, if the ancestor was born within the present-day borders of Slovakia (a legal requirement for CBD), and they were still alive at the creation of Czechoslovakia on October 28, 1918, it is now presumed that they would have become citizens of Czechoslovakia.

Under the new interpretation, many more Slovak descendants will be eligible to apply for citizenship. We can help you navigate the process! Fill out our client intake form today to get started on changing your future!

The Slovak Living Abroad certificate (SLA) is essential for obtaining a Slovak residency permit, allowing individuals to live in Slovakia. After three years of physical residency in Slovakia, you can also apply for citizenship by descent. While there is no language requirement for the SLA, applicants must fulfill a cultural awareness requirement, which we can help you meet. 

Here are the key differences between the SLA and citizenship by descent (CBD): 

- The location of birth is irrelevant. It doesn't matter if you were born within the current borders of Slovakia, Ukraine, Hungary, Poland, Austria, Czechia, or elsewhere. 

- Immigration and naturalization dates do not affect eligibility. 

- Generational lineage is also irrelevant, meaning you can claim eligibility through your grandparent, great-grandparent, great-great-grandparent, or even further back.

You need evidence that your ancestor was of Slovak ethnic origin to pursue citizenship by descent. This can be shown if they identified as Slovak or spoke Slovak. Generally, a ship manifest or census stating 'Slovak' will satisfy this requirement. Additionally, if you are applying for a Slovak Living Abroad certificate or a Slovak residency permit, this documentation will be essential.

The Slovak Living Abroad certificate (SLA) entitles you to obtain a Slovak residency permit. After three years of physical residency in Slovakia, you become eligible to apply for citizenship by descent. Notably, there is no language requirement for this pathway to citizenship.