Granting of Slovak Citizenship for Athletes

Question

Greetings,

I would like to ask whether it might still be possible to obtain citizenship through sports. During high school, I represented Slovakia in Taekwon-Do at international competitions, including the European Championships and the World Championships. While representing Slovakia, I also managed to win a bronze medal at the World Championships in Dublin. Therefore, I would like to ask whether it would be possible to acquire citizenship through this sport.

Thank you.

Answer:

Greetings,

As for the possibility of being granted citizenship based on sporting achievements, the relevant provision is Section 7(2)(b) of the Act on Citizenship. According to this provision, an applicant who has been granted residence in the territory of the Slovak Republic may be granted Slovak citizenship without fulfilling the condition set out in paragraph 1(a), unless otherwise provided by this Act, if the person has made a significant contribution to the Slovak Republic in the field of economics, science, technology, culture, social affairs, or sports, or if it is otherwise in the interest of the Slovak Republic.

In accordance with the above, it is sufficient that you have been granted residence. It is not necessary to have had the residence registered in the territory of the Slovak Republic for a certain period of time, as is required for other types of applications for citizenship. This means that once residence is granted, you may apply for citizenship. More information is available on our website: https://www.akmv.sk/en/granting-of-slovak-citizenship-for-athletes/

Along with the application, it is necessary to submit several attachments, such as a curriculum vitae, birth certificate, and especially documents proving the grounds for granting citizenship, such as diplomas, certificates of achievements, recommendations from sports associations, or statements from clubs.

However, it is important to note that there is no legal entitlement to citizenship based on sporting achievements. Each application is assessed individually, based on the submitted documents and recommendations from sports organizations.

In case of any questions, do not hesitate to contact us at the email address recepcia@akmv.sk or by phone at +421 915 046 749.