From Roots To Rights

HARVEY LAW GROUP REVEALS HIDDEN PATHWAYS TO SLOVAK CITIZENSHIP FOR DESCENDANTS

Many people are surprised to learn that it is possible to obtain European Union (EU) citizenship without having been born in Europe or ever having lived there. For those with European roots, this opportunity often comes through Citizenship by Ancestry programs. Among them, Slovakia now offers one of the most generous and accessible options in the EU.

Nestled in the heart of Central Europe, Slovakia is a culturally rich country known for its beautiful natural scenery, particularly the High Tatras mountains, and laid-back lifestyle. Rich folk traditions are evident in Slovakia’s music, traditional crafts and well-preserved medieval towns, and it has the highest density of castles per capita in the world. Slovakia’s capital, Bratislava, straddles both banks of the Danube River; it’s just an hour from Vienna and about two hours from Budapest, making it a well-connected hub with easy access to major European cities.

In Slovakia, citizenship can be granted through jus sanguinis, or the right of blood. This means eligibility may be granted based on ancestry, regardless of where you were born, what language you speak, or how closely you’ve remained connected to Slovak culture. If you have a parent, grandparent, or even a great-grandparent who was a Czechoslovak citizen born in the modern-day territory of Slovakia, you may qualify to apply for Slovak citizenship by ancestry. You are not required to pass any language, history, or cultural tests. Even if your ancestor lost or renounced Czechoslovak citizenship due to emigration, you may still be eligible.

Obtaining Slovak citizenship offers significant benefits, particularly in terms of mobility and opportunities within the EU. You can live, work, or study in any of the EU member states without needing a visa or meeting strict stay requirements. A Slovak passport also opens up visa-free or visa-on-arrival travel to 164 countries around the world. And because Slovakia allows dual citizenship, you can keep your current nationality while enjoying the freedoms that come with being an EU citizen.

Slovakia is currently ranked number 7 in the world on the Global Ancestry Index (https://globalancestryindex.org), reflecting its strong Citizenship by Ancestry program. This ranking emphasises Slovakia’s commitment to inclusivity, enabling descendants of Slovak nationals to apply for citizenship even if several generations have passed since their ancestors left the country.

Many individuals may not realise that they qualify for Slovak citizenship. With over 1.7 million Slovaks and their descendants living overseas, as reported by the Office for Slovaks Living Abroad, a vast global diaspora exists. Many of these individuals may be eligible for citizenship through their ancestry, even if they have never set foot in Slovakia. A thorough examination of family records, such as birth certificates or citizenship documents, can often uncover an ancestor who qualifies them for this opportunity.

DNA tests provided by consumer ancestry websites like MyHeritage are not accepted by Slovakian authorities as legal proof to claim citizenship by descent. Instead, establishing ancestral legitimacy requires official documents that prove a direct bloodline to a Czechoslovak citizen born within the territory of present-day Slovakia. The processing time for ancestral citizenship applications can take up to two years.

For those unsure where to begin or how to navigate the application process, seeking legal guidance can make all the difference. Harvey Law Group, with over 30 years of experience in global residency and citizenship programs, can assist in confirming your eligibility, preparing the necessary paperwork, and guiding you through each step toward obtaining Slovak citizenship.

What sets Harvey Law Group apart is its partnerships with genealogy companies that specialise in locating historical documents across more than 100 countries. This support helps individuals without lineage documents find essential evidence for their applications. Additionally, Harvey Law Group works closely with apostille companies and government-approved translators in Slovakia, ensuring that all documents comply with application standards and are accurately translated.

With the support of the dedicated team at Harvey Law Group, those interested in exploring their Slovak roots and unlocking new opportunities in the EU can embark on the exciting journey of applying for Slovak citizenship by ancestry with confidence.

SHOUT-OUT TO READERS:

In the coming months, Harvey Law Group will be sharing a series of articles with Around DB readers exploring popular CBA programs. These articles will delve into various aspects, from eligibility criteria to the application process, p roviding ins ight s to help you navigate the often complex landscape of citizenship options and discover how your heritage might open new doors.