How to get Slovak citizenship in 2025 — requirements, language & family ties

Slovak citizenship in 2025 offers full EU rights, including freedom of movement, access to education and healthcare, and the ability to obtain a Slovak passport. Citizenship is permanent and regulated by the Act on Citizenship of the Slovak Republic. Applications are processed by the Ministry of Interior and, in some cases, by the President of Slovakia. This guide explains naturalisation, marriage, descent, and the latest updates for 2025.

Key terms to know

• Ministry of Interior — main authority managing Slovak citizenship applications.
• Naturalisation — process for long-term residents to obtain Slovak citizenship.
• Jus sanguinis — citizenship by descent from Slovak parents.
• Language requirement — applicants must demonstrate knowledge of the Slovak language.
• Presidential discretion — President may grant citizenship in exceptional cases.

Routes to Slovak citizenship

The following table summarises the main pathways in 2025:

Step-by-step naturalisation process in 2025

1. Maintain 8 years of continuous legal residence in Slovakia.
2. Prepare documents, including proof of income and accommodation.
3. Pass the Slovak language exam or attend interview with authorities.
4. Submit application at the Ministry of Interior with all supporting documents.
5. Await verification of background checks and integration proof.
6. Receive approval and Slovak citizenship certificate.

Step-by-step marriage route

1. Be legally married to a Slovak citizen for at least 3 years.
2. Maintain 5 years of continuous residence in Slovakia.
3. Provide marriage certificate and evidence of cohabitation.
4. Submit application with language and financial proof.
5. Receive decision within 12–18 months.

Citizenship by descent

Slovakia follows jus sanguinis, meaning children of Slovak citizens automatically acquire citizenship, regardless of birthplace. Descendants up to the second generation may apply if they can prove family ties. In 2025, digitalised archive access has accelerated descent-based recognition, especially for applicants abroad.

Documents checklist

• Valid passport or residence card
• Birth certificate (with certified Slovak translation)
• Marriage certificate (if applicable)
• Proof of residence and accommodation in Slovakia
• Language exam certificate or interview record
• Police clearance from Slovakia and country of origin
• Proof of income and tax compliance
• Application forms filed at Ministry of Interior

Costs and timelines

Application fees in 2025 range from EUR 100 to EUR 300. Processing times average 12–24 months for naturalisation, 12–18 months for marriage-based cases, and less than 6 months for descent-based recognition. Presidential grants vary widely.

Language and integration requirements

Naturalisation requires Slovak language proficiency, usually tested through interviews or official exams. Integration is also assessed by employment, tax history, and community ties. Failure to demonstrate integration is a common reason for rejection.

What changed in 2025

• Mandatory online pre-registration for citizenship applications.
• Faster processing for descent-based cases due to digitised archives.
• Stricter checks on marriage-based applications to prevent fraud.
• Language exams now standardised across all regions.

Did you know?

Bratislava, Slovakia’s capital, is the only capital city in the world that borders two countries — Austria and Hungary. This unique location makes Slovak citizenship particularly attractive for cross-border professionals and EU mobility seekers in 2025.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Applying before completing the required 8 years of residence.
• Failing to pass the Slovak language test due to poor preparation.
• Submitting incomplete or untranslated documents.
• Not proving genuine marital relationship in spousal cases.

FAQ about Slovak citizenship

• How many years of residence do I need? Normally 8 years, reduced to 5 for spouses of Slovak citizens.
• Do I need to speak Slovak? Yes, a language test or interview is required for naturalisation.
• Can I keep dual citizenship? Generally no, except in special cases approved by authorities.
• Do children of Slovaks automatically get citizenship? Yes, even if born abroad.
• Who decides on citizenship applications? The Ministry of Interior, with final approval sometimes by the President.

Expert opinion

“Slovak citizenship in 2025 demands clear proof of residence, integration, and language ability. Descent remains the fastest route, while naturalisation requires patience and preparation.” — VelesClub Int. Immigration Team

Next steps

Explore our platform and check the Residency & Citizenship hub for detailed guides. Visit our main page or go directly to the Residency & Citizenship hub.