Can Your Children Get Slovak Citizenship by Default If You Have a Residence Permit?
The residence permit gives you the right to legally reside in Slovakia. It does not automatically confer citizenship on children. Slovak citizenship and resident status are distinct categories. The law clearly distinguishes between the rights of residents and the rights of citizens.
How Can Children Become Slovakian Citizens?
Slovakia follows the principle of “jus sanguinis.” A child acquires the citizenship of their parents, not that of the country of birth.
Children of foreigners with a residence permit or permanent residence do not automatically become citizens. Exceptions are possible only as provided by law, such as if the child would otherwise be left stateless. If the parents later obtain Slovak citizenship, the child may acquire it through the established procedure.
The process depends on:
- the child's age;
- family circumstances;
- the grounds on which the parents obtained citizenship.
Each application is reviewed separately by the relevant authorities, in accordance with the requirements of the law.
What Documents are Required to Establish a Child's Status?
To apply for a residence permit for a child, you’ll need some basic documents. These typically include a birth certificate, a passport, and proof of the parents’ legal residence.
If the documents were issued outside of Slovakia, an official translation into Slovak is required. Additionally, you may need to have them certified in accordance with international standards.
