Slovak nationality law
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Slovak nationality law is based on the principles of Jus sanguinis. Slovak citizenship is primarily acquired on the basis of descent from a Slovak parent, rather than birth in the territory of Slovakia.
Slovakia allows dual citizenship in most circumstances, with some restrictions for those seeking to acquire Slovak citizenship by naturalisation.
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[edit] Acquisition of Slovak citizenship - 1 January 1993
Prior to 1993, the Slovak Republic was part of the former state of Czechoslovakia. However, since 1968 most Slovaks had held citizenship of the Slovak Republic alongside Czechoslovak citizenship.
At the time (and up to 1993), Slovak citizenship was simply an internal distinction within Czechoslovakia. However, at the formation of the independent Slovak Republic on 1 January 1993, this was the basis for conferral of citizenship of the Slovak Republic upon citizens of Czechoslovakia
A citizen of Czechoslovakia as of 31 December 1992 who was not a citizen of the Slovak Republic had one year from that date to apply for Slovak citizenship. This generally caused loss of Czech citizenship.
[edit] Citizenship by birth and adoption
Slovak citizenship is acquired based on birth to a Slovak parent, whether the child is born in the Slovak Republic or elsewhere.
Persons born in the Slovak Republic to non-Slovak parents do not acquire Slovak citizenship unless the child would otherwise be stateless.
Children adopted by a Slovak citizen may be granted Slovak citizenship.
[edit] Citizenship by naturalisation
A person may be naturalised as a Slovak citizen based on:
- 5 years residence in the Slovak Republic as a permanent resident
- ability to speak the Slovak language
- good character of the individual
- in some circumstances, proof of having lost or renounced any other citizenship may be required
Exceptions to the residence requirements can be made in the case of:
- persons married to a Slovak citizen; and
- cases where a "great benefit to the Slovak Republic" is at stake
- certain former citizens of Czechoslovakia
Children aged under 18 may be naturalised at the same time as a parent, however consent of both parents is normally required.
[edit] Loss of Slovak citizenship
It is not possible to lose Slovak citizenship involuntarily. Slovak citizens who have another citizenship may be able to renounce Slovak citizenship on a voluntary basis.
[edit] Dual citizenship
Dual citizenship is therefore generally permitted for Slovak citizens. The only exceptions may concern certain persons who become Slovak citizens by naturalisation.
