AKMV 
For thousands of citizens of Ukraine, Slovakia is not merely a neighboring state, but the land of their ancestors. Historical ties, particularly from the era of the First Czechoslovak Republic (1918–1939), when Subcarpathian Ruthenia formed an integral part of the common state, now open a unique pathway toward acquiring Slovak citizenship.
Thanks to an amendment to the Act effective as of 2022, this process is significantly simplified and expedited for descendants (children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren).
Read also:
Who is eligible for citizenship by descent?
The baseline for applicants from Ukraine is grounded in the provisions of the Act on Citizenship of the Slovak Republic. The Act allows for the granting of citizenship without requiring compliance with the condition of long-term continuous residence (standardly 8 years) in the following instance:
“An applicant who holds a residence permit in the territory of the Slovak Republic may be granted citizenship of the Slovak Republic without satisfying the condition set forth in paragraph 1, point (a)… provided that they have not been a citizen of the Slovak Republic and at least one of their parents, grandparents, or great-grandparents was a Czechoslovak citizen born in the territory of the Slovak Republic.”
In simplified terms: If you have an ancestor—up to the 3rd generation—who was a Czechoslovak citizen and was born in the territory of present-day Slovakia, the path to acquiring citizenship is open.
Legal services
Specific Provisions for Applicants from Transcarpathia
Many Ukrainian nationals have ancestors originating from the territory of former Subcarpathian Ruthenia. In this regard, it is essential to distinguish between two legal scenarios:
- An ancestor born within the territory of present-day Slovakia: If your ancestor was born, for example, in the vicinity of Snina, Sobrance, or Humenné and subsequently relocated to the territory of present-day Ukraine, you satisfy the direct statutory condition under the Act.
- An ancestor born within the territory of Subcarpathian Ruthenia (present-day Zakarpattia Oblast): In this instance, the procedure typically commences with obtaining the Certificate of a Slovak Living Abroad (Osvedčenie Slováka žijúceho v zahraničí – USŽZ). This certificate constitutes a crucial intermediary step that subsequently enables applying for citizenship under a streamlined statutory framework.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How can we assist you at AKMV Law Firm?
The process of acquiring citizenship from Ukraine may be complex due to the requirements for document authentication (Apostille), official sworn translations, and communication with Slovak authorities. Our law firm will provide you with comprehensive assistance:
- Archival Research: We will file requests for the issuance of vital statistics and registry records of your ancestors in Slovakia.
- Legal Counsel & Services: We will prepare a complete application fully compiled for official submission.
- Legal Representation: We will accompany and represent you throughout the entire statutory process up to the receipt of the certificate of grant of citizenship.
Obtain a European passport and reconnect with your ancestral roots. Learn more at www.slovakpassport.sk.
