Granting of citizenship based on merit

Question

Dear Sir or Madam,

I am interested in acquiring Slovak citizenship. I am a Slovak born in Romania and I hold Romanian citizenship. My great-grandparents emigrated from Czechoslovakia. I am a holder of a Certificate of a Slovak Living Abroad. I would like to inquire whether I am required to have permanent residence in Slovakia for a period of three years and be employed here in order to apply for Slovak citizenship. At the same time, I am able to demonstrate my 20-year active involvement in the cultural and economic life of Slovaks living abroad, specifically within our community.

Answer:

Dear Sir or Madam,

Pursuant to Section 7(3)(b) of Act No. 40/1993 Coll. on Citizenship of the Slovak Republic:

“A person who has been issued a certificate proving the status of a Slovak living abroad may be granted citizenship of the Slovak Republic without fulfilling the condition referred to in paragraph 1(a), provided that they have been granted residence in the territory of the Slovak Republic and have made a significant contribution to the community of Slovaks living abroad from which they originate, in the economic, scientific, technical, cultural, social, or sports field.”

It follows from the above that Slovak citizenship may be granted to holders of a Certificate of a Slovak Living Abroad even without meeting the condition of continuous residence in the territory of the Slovak Republic for at least three years, provided that they have been granted residence in the territory of the Slovak Republic and have made a significant contribution to the community of Slovaks living abroad from which they originate.

It is important to note, however, that there is no legal entitlement to the granting of citizenship based on contribution to the community of Slovaks living abroad. Each application is assessed individually based on the information provided.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at the email address recepcia@akmv.sk or by phone at +421 915 046 749.