Slovak citizenship by descent is a way to gain citizenship in Slovakia if you have Slovak ancestors. If your parents, grandparents, or great-grandparents were citizens of Slovakia, you may be eligible to apply for Slovak citizenship. In this article, we will explore the requirements for obtaining Slovak citizenship by descent and the application process.
Who is Eligible for Slovak Citizenship by Descent?
In order to be eligible for Slovak citizenship by descent, at least one of your ancestors must have been a citizen of Slovakia before their emigration. The specific requirements depend on the generation of your Slovak ancestor.
If your parents were Slovak citizens at the time of your birth, you are already a Slovak citizen and do not need to apply for citizenship by descent. If your grandparents were Slovak citizens, you are eligible for Slovak citizenship by descent, but you must meet certain requirements.
You must have a clean criminal record, be able to prove your Slovak ancestry, and have knowledge of the Slovak language. If your great-grandparents were Slovak citizens, the requirements are even more stringent.
Proving Your Slovak Ancestry
Proving your Slovak ancestry is an important part of the application process for citizenship by descent. You will need to gather documents such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, and naturalization records to prove your ancestry.
If your ancestor emigrated from Slovakia after 1993, you will need to obtain a certificate of citizenship from the Slovak Embassy in the country where they emigrated to. This certificate will prove that your ancestor was a Slovak citizen before their emigration.
The Application Process
Once you have gathered all the necessary documents, you can begin the application process for Slovak citizenship by descent. You will need to submit your application to the Ministry of the Interior of Slovakia.
The application will need to be filled out completely and accurately, and all of the required documents should be included. The processing time for the application can vary, but it generally takes several months.
Benefits of Slovak Citizenship
Slovak citizenship offers many benefits, including the ability to live and work in Slovakia without a visa, the ability to travel freely throughout the European Union, and access to social services and benefits in Slovakia.
In addition, as a citizen of Slovakia, you will be able to participate in the democratic process by voting in elections and running for public office.
Conclusion
If you have Slovak ancestors, obtaining Slovak citizenship by descent is a great way to connect with your heritage and gain access to the many benefits of citizenship. While the process can be lengthy and require a lot of documentation, it is worth the effort to become a citizen of Slovakia.