How to get a second Slovak passport?

Sometimes Russians want not only to change the situation and go on vacation somewhere abroad, but to radically change their lives, for example, to go for permanent residence in another country. The process of obtaining citizenship is not as simple as it seems at first, but if you understand everything before going to the authorities, you can avoid possible problems and risks.

Residents of Russia are invariably attracted to Europe - it offers more attractive living conditions, high salaries and more opportunities for self-realization. But those who are not yet ready for “big Europe” can consider emigrating to the countries of the Southeast. In particular, in Slovakia, not much is required to obtain citizenship.

Benefits of Slovak citizenship

This state is a member of the European Union, so moving will require a lot of time and a whole package of documents. But in the end, citizenship of Slovakia for Russians justifies itself because it has a number of beneficial advantages:

• the Slovak state has a high standard of living;
• the economic crisis practically did not affect this country;
• has a number of similarities with the culture and mentality of Russia and the CIS countries;
• profitable investments in the country's economy;
• Slovakia is part of the Schengen zone;
• high quality medicine and education;
• good chance of employment even for emigrants;
• There are many possible grounds for obtaining permanent residence.

In addition, Slovakia has a very favorable climate, beautiful nature, and many interesting sights. And the percentage of refusals for Russians to obtain permanent residence is extremely low and is not comparable with many other European countries. The only peculiarities or negative features include the relatively high cost of utilities, as well as communication services. Otherwise, obtaining Slovak citizenship will bring only positive aspects and improved quality of life.

A universal way to obtain Slovak citizenship

So, we decided above that in any case you will have to start with a residence permit, even if the ultimate goal is citizenship of Slovakia .

There are different ways to obtain a residence permit, including, for example, family reunification or through education (residence permit for students). But there are also difficulties associated with such methods. For example, it will not be possible to obtain permanent residence on the basis of a student residence permit. And if you further obtain permanent residence on a different basis, then only half of the number of years spent in Slovakia under a student residence permit will be counted.

Therefore, the most universal and proven method is to obtain a residence permit while simultaneously opening a business in Slovakia.

We are proud to note that Slovakia is one of the most promising countries for developing your own business. According to Site Selection magazine, in 2021 Slovakia was among the leaders in the ranking of investment attractiveness. Here it is possible to build a truly profitable business and, of course, a stable one in Europe. Many world-famous companies from various industries have located their enterprises in Slovakia, for example: Heineken, Volkswagen, Hyundai, Kia, Continental, Embraco, US Steel, Osram, Samsung, IBM. And you know what’s especially nice about this list? The enterprises of the listed companies are located outside Bratislava. That is, business activity, even in such a small country as Slovakia, is in full swing throughout its entire territory. If you add metropolitan enterprises, the list will be replenished with such famous brands as Henkel, ING, Nestle, HP, Dell, Lenovo and many others. In general, there are many good employers in Slovakia who employ the local population, thus ensuring their high purchasing power. On the other hand, in many business sectors competition is still low, which allows you to develop your business quite quickly. And we have seen more than once how well migrants from Russia, Ukraine and other CIS countries do this. The point here is not only resourcefulness, but also a fresh look at local markets: very often a business created by a native of another country offers Slovaks new services or products, simultaneously opening up additional consumer niches.

This is what the migration police building in Banska Bystrica looks like. To obtain Slovak citizenship you will have to contact this authority many times, or contact us once

Fortunately, according to Slovak law, it is possible to obtain a residence permit simultaneously with the establishment of a company or registration of an individual entrepreneur. This will require a properly prepared business plan in Slovak and prompt submission of the necessary documents to the departments.

Being an individual entrepreneur is cheaper in terms of organizational costs than having your own company as a founder. But private entrepreneurs cannot engage in any business (about 180 types of activities are available - this is a lot, but for some types of activities a company is needed). It is also possible to obtain the status of co-founder in an existing company. In general, there are really many ways to get a residence permit by opening a business in Slovakia. And we thoroughly understand all the nuances, so if you contact us and describe your situation in detail, then we will be able to choose the best option for you (with a minimum of organizational costs).

For now, let’s just briefly say that if you are going to buy and rent out real estate in Slovakia, or if you plan to work as an employee (which an individual entrepreneur can also do legally), then the most accessible option for you will be private entrepreneurship. Our service of registering an individual entrepreneur along with obtaining a residence permit costs €2,060 + fee.

Next, you will learn how to obtain Slovak citizenship for a citizen of Russia or Ukraine and find answers to the most frequently asked questions about obtaining citizenship.

Reasons for receiving

The reasons for obtaining citizenship in this country can be several factors. This can be either naturalization (long-term and legal residence in the country), or other circumstances, for example, investing in the economy of Slovakia, marrying a citizen of the country, etc. Below we will look at each point in more detail.

By right of birth or descent

If a child was born into a family on the territory of Slovakia, then of course he becomes a citizen of this country. However, even in other situations, some children may be assigned this status. For example, if the baby was found on the territory of the state, where and how he came from, as well as the identities of his parents, have not been established.

The child also receives Slovak citizenship if:

• was born to refugees living in the country;
• was adopted by a Slovak family (or citizen) - in this case, the child must live in the country for at least 3 years under a residence permit;
• at least one of his biological parents is a citizen of Slovakia (even if the birth took place in another country).

There is also the possibility of moving to Slovakia by descent or “by right of soil”. In these circumstances, the status of citizen is assigned to a person under the following conditions:

• he was already a citizen and currently resides in Slovakia for 2 years or more;
• was born in the Slovak state and lived there for at least 3 years;
• is a relative of a resident of Slovakia up to the third degree in the first line.

If at least one of these conditions is met, the citizen has the right to obtain permanent residence in Slovakia.

As a result of marriage

If you marry a citizen of a country, this will help you obtain citizenship and live legally in Slovakia. However, the country's authorities carefully screen out emigrants and pay special attention to potentially fictitious marriages. In order to obtain Slovak citizenship, you must provide evidence of your union with your spouse. This may require joint photographs and property.

An important requirement is the duration of the marriage, which must be at least three years before filing the application. Both spouses are required to undergo interviews, where they are asked questions designed to reveal the formality or truth of the newlyweds’ relationship. If any are found, the emigrant is deported to his home country. The same thing happens if the spouses divorce within three years after marriage.

Family reunification

This method includes not only marriage or the birth of a child from a Slovak, but also direct relationship with a citizen of Slovakia. This may be the applicant's parent, grandparent or child. The country’s authorities also meet halfway in the event that a particular Russian is dependent on a citizen of Slovakia, for example, adult children under 25 years of age with disabilities who are dependents.

Investments and business

One of the most popular and not particularly difficult ways to move to Slovakia for permanent residence is investment in business or so-called business immigration.

The amount of investment in the Slovak economy must be from 1 million euros or more. Of course, the more money given, the greater the likelihood of success in this matter. The investor does not pass a mandatory exam on knowledge of the national language, as in other cases.

For those who do not have a large amount to invest, but have a desire or need to go and live in Slovakia, there is another way to obtain citizenship of this country. To do this, you need to open your own enterprise in the state. In this case, the following conditions must be met:

• there is a detailed, professional business plan;
• a company bank account has been opened with an amount of at least 3,800 euros;
• personal account with a deposit of at least 2300 euros;
• the citizen has lived on the territory of Slovakia for 5 years with a residence permit;
• and then another 3 years for permanent residence.

Refugee status

If a Russian citizen needs political asylum, he can obtain refugee status and obtain citizenship of the Slovak state after 4 years of permanent residence in the country.

By naturalization

This option is the longest way to obtain Slovak citizenship. In total, this journey takes about 8 years. For a positive result, the applicant must:

• find a reason for entering the country and prove it (for example, family reunification, employment, training, etc.);
• legally cross the border and apply for a residence permit in Slovakia;
• obtain a residence permit and live in the state for five years;
• then apply for permanent residence and live in Slovakia for another 3 years;
• apply for citizenship.

It is immediately worth noting that dual citizenship of Slovakia is unacceptable for Russians. Since 1981, an agreement on this was concluded between the USSR and Slovakia, which is still in force. In accordance with it, one can become a citizen of the Slovak state only by renouncing a Russian passport.

Purchase of real estate

If you consider the purchase of real estate in Slovakia as an investment, then, unfortunately, this will not help you obtain citizenship of the country. On this basis, you can only obtain a residence permit.

other methods

It is also possible to move and obtain Slovak citizenship under special conditions. To do this, the applicant must have outstanding, distinctive talents or merits that are recognized internationally. For example, an applicant can provide evidence of victories in various international competitions or tenders, and prepare an impressive portfolio of their works in the field of science and art. Also, athletes who have great achievements and awards in their sport have a chance to obtain citizenship.

Do you even need citizenship to legally reside in Slovakia?

In order to live comfortably, work, earn a decent living and even raise children in Slovakia, you do not have to obtain Slovak citizenship . You can remain a citizen of Russia, Ukraine or another non-EU country, but first obtain a residence permit (RP) and then a permanent residence permit (PR) in Slovakia. This will give you all the necessary opportunities for a comfortable life in Europe.

If you are striving to obtain Slovak citizenship, then one day this flag will become native to you, but let us remind you once again that with the status of a residence permit and, moreover, permanent residence, you can officially and comfortably live in Slovakia, build a business in Europe, and give your children the best education

You can stay in Slovakia for as long as you want: you can live permanently (during the entire validity period of the residence permit), or you can not come at all. In many other European countries, in order to maintain a residence permit, it is required to spend at least six months in the country that issued it. Having a residence permit in Slovakia, you will be able to freely move around the Schengen countries, as well as apply for visas or apply for a residence permit in other countries. Residence permit holders also have the right to free school, preschool and even higher education in Slovakia. The right to permanent residence (PR) brings you even closer to a citizen of Slovakia in terms of opportunities (and responsibilities). With permanent residence you will not need to separately obtain a work permit; you will be able to participate in elections (not only as a voter, but also as a candidate), claim various social benefits and even a pension. At the same time, we will help you obtain the right to long-term or even indefinite permanent residence.

Another important nuance: according to the agreement “On the Prevention of Cases of Dual Citizenship”, concluded back in Soviet times, between Czechoslovakia and the USSR (note that both countries have already sunk into oblivion, but Slovakia and Russia are the successors of that agreement), Russian citizens are prohibited from having dual citizenship. citizenship in Slovakia. That is, if a Russian wants to get a Slovak passport, he will have to give up the Russian one. This is why some Russians live with permanent residence status in Slovakia for 10 years or more. Without changing citizenship (although they already have the right to do so under Slovak laws).

There are no such agreements between Ukraine and Slovakia (as, incidentally, there are no reverse agreements on the admissibility of dual citizenship), but practice shows that, at least in 2017, Ukrainians who have received Slovak citizenship have no problems with Ukrainian citizenship - people fully use both passports.

Registration procedure

After collecting all the important documents for immigration to Slovakia, the applicant needs to undergo an interview to prove proficiency in the national language, as well as confirm the intention to move. The officer will ask special questions about the potential citizen of Slovakia’s knowledge of the history, geography, cultural and social characteristics of the country. A written exam to master grammar and vocabulary is also possible.

Globally, the stages of obtaining citizenship can be divided into three stages:

1. Arrival in Slovakia on a non-tourist visa on the basis of employment, admission to a university, reunion with relatives, etc.).
2. Residence under residence permit and permanent residence from 3 to 10 years.
3. Beginning of the procedure for conferring citizenship of the Slovak state.

Required documents

The list of documentation required for moving is as follows:

1. Russian Federation passport.
2. International passport.
3. Birth certificate.
4. Application (in Slovak).
5. Driver's license.
6. Documents for real estate in the country.
7. 4 photos in color 3.5 by 4.5 cm on a white background.
8. Certificate from the hospital confirming the absence of infectious or dangerous diseases.
9. Residence permit and permanent residence cards.
10. A certificate from the tax office confirming the absence of debts to the homeland.
11. Medical insurance (from 30,000 euros).
12. Certificate from the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Slovak police about no criminal record.
13. Bank account statement (annual income per adult from 2.4 thousand euros, per child from 1.2 thousand euros).

If someone wants to take a child to Slovakia, then additional documents will also be required:

1. Written consent of one of the parents (if he remains in another country).
2. Permission to guardianship (if necessary).
3. Certificate of birth of a minor child.

For business immigration, in addition, it is important to present the following documents:

1. Certificate of company registration in Slovakia.
2. An account statement indicating the amount of the authorized capital of the LLC at 19 thousand euros, or 4 thousand for a private enterprise).
3. Business plan.

In this case, the immigration officer has the right to request additional documents or certificates in accordance with the regulations.

You will also need a certificate of removal of your first citizenship, because dual citizenship of Slovakia cannot be obtained. All of the above documents are translated into Slovak and certified by a notary.

Cost and processing time

For all applicants for citizenship there is a single consular fee of 700 euros. The candidate pays only after a positive decision on his application. If a person wishes to restore previously acquired citizenship, then the fee for him will be only 20 euros. The only category of emigrants who can count on free travel to Slovakia are refugees.

The time frame for obtaining Slovak citizenship varies depending on the grounds and circumstances. On average, this period can take from 5 to 10 years. It takes such a long time to live in the country under a residence permit, and then permanent residence. If the candidate submitted an application on the basis of family reunification, then this period can be reduced to 3 years.

Registration of Slovak citizenship by naturalization

Since Slovakia is a member of the European Union, a citizen of this country is a citizen of the European Union and has the right to free movement, the right to be elected to the European Parliament and to apply to the European Ombudsman. This is a very significant advantage of becoming a citizen of Slovakia.

It is possible to obtain Slovak citizenship if the following conditions are met:

• Slovakia is a permanent residence for at least eight years. The exception is marriage with a citizen of Slovakia, obtaining asylum, etc.;

  

• Sufficient level of proficiency in the Slovak language and evidence of knowledge in other areas (culture, history, literature). Compliance with this condition is verified at the time of application. A commission of three people conducts an interview with the applicant, during which questions are asked about him and his relatives, as well as questions about geography, history and socio-political development of the country;
• Legal impeccability of the applicant (no criminal record). Confirmed by a certificate of good conduct issued in Slovakia or the country of origin. Also, the applicant must not be under investigation in his own country or expelled from it by a court decision;
• Additionally, documents are submitted that prove compliance with the legal norms of stay on the territory of Slovakia, namely: medical and social insurance;
• for pensioners – savings and a pension certificate;
• for students - a certificate from the place of study;
• for workers – place of employment and proof of payment of taxes, deductions and fees;

  

  Work at the KIA car plant in Slovakia

Each application is considered individually, and additional conditions may be imposed. The application is submitted in person to the district department of internal affairs at the place of residence in the Slovak Republic or to the consulate at the place of residence. An application with the applicant’s case is sent to the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Slovakia. The Ministry may consider the issue of granting citizenship within two years from the date of delivery of the application.

Legally, Slovak citizenship comes into force after the issuance of a certificate of acquisition of citizenship and the taking of the citizen's oath.

By law there is no legal right to obtain citizenship in the Slovak Republic, and even if the conditions established by law are met, the Ministry of the Interior may refuse the application.

Who can be refused

The current government of Slovakia is quite democratic and loyal to new residents and emigrants, but nevertheless, you can be refused citizenship if:

• the applicant serves in the army of a foreign country;
• is an intelligence officer outside Slovakia;
• has an open criminal record in his home country;
• were involved or suspected of being involved in terrorism;
• have already been noticed in violations of Slovakian immigration policy.

However, it is fair to note that the percentage of refusals for foreigners to obtain a Slovak passport is small. If you go through all the registration stages correctly and provide all the necessary documents, then there should be no problems.

Reasons for refusal of Slovak citizenship

Migration authorities in Slovakia rarely refuse to issue residence permits to Russians and Ukrainians, and, after a certain period of time, citizenship. But they can still refuse if the applicant:

• provided false information in documents;
• violated laws at home, in the SR or the EU;
• did not submit all the necessary documents;
• raises doubts about the existence or legality of his income.

If the verdict is negative, re-application for Slovak citizenship is possible only after 2 years. The refusal can be challenged in court no later than 2 months from the date of issuance of the negative decision.

Possibility of dual citizenship

Citizens who emigrated from Russia are subject to an agreement between the countries, according to which cases of dual citizenship of these two countries are unacceptable. Thus, the possibility of dual citizenship for Russians in Slovakia does not exist. Acquiring citizenship of the Slovak Republic is possible only upon renunciation of citizenship of the Russian Federation.

Sample passport of a citizen of Slovakia

For Ukrainian citizens who want to go to live in Slovakia, there is no clear answer about the possibility of dual citizenship. The Slovak Republic allows dual citizenship with a country that does not prohibit it. There is no clear prohibition in Ukrainian legislation, and, according to the testimony of many Ukrainians, they use two passports without the threat of deprivation of citizenship.

Who will not be granted citizenship?

The Slovak authorities make an exception to the general rules for certain categories of foreign citizens. They will never dare to issue a Slovak passport to those who:

• is serving in a foreign army;
• is an employee of a foreign intelligence service;
• has outstanding criminal records in his home country;
• associated with international organized crime;
• is suspected of terrorist activities;
• has systemic violations of the immigration laws of Slovakia.

Also, persons who are subject to criminal prosecution in their homeland under articles that are consistent with the Criminal Code of Slovakia should not apply for citizenship.

Slovak citizenship is relatively easy to obtain

The main ways to gain Slovak citizenship

Obtaining Slovak citizenship is considered relatively easy. Compared to most EU countries, of course. For example, making a French or Norwegian passport is much more difficult. Therefore, some use Slovak citizenship as a transitional stage to citizenship of other EU countries. If the immigration laws of these states allow dual citizenship, then a Slovak passport will not be superfluous.

The law allows for the granting of Slovak citizenship based on the following reasons:

• by right of birth;
• upon naturalization: upon marriage with a Slovak citizen;
• during family reunification;
• for labor or business immigration;

To optimize the process, you should consider all of these methods in more detail.

Birthright

A child born on Slovak territory and whose parents (both or one) have citizenship of the Republic will automatically receive Slovak citizenship. The child will become the owner of citizenship even if he was born outside the borders of Slovakia. Children of stateless persons (stateless persons) and children found on Slovak territory, if their parents have not been identified, can also count on a passport.

Adoption of children by Slovak citizens automatically grants them citizenship. In this case, the child must not be older than 16 years old and must completely sever ties with his former family and homeland.

Special mention should be made about children born on the territory of Slovakia, if their parents were not citizens of this country. The birth of a child in the Republic in itself does not in any way bring him closer to Slovak citizenship. Some people mistakenly believe that giving birth to an heir in Slovakia means that he will automatically receive citizenship of this country. It's a delusion. A child born in Slovakia, however, has a slight advantage. If he ever wants to visit the country of his birth, the Slovak authorities will be obliged to grant him entry permission on this basis. There are no more advantages.

Bratislava is the capital of Slovakia

Naturalization of a foreigner

This route is used by those who move to Slovakia for work, marriage or business, which is the majority of immigrants. Since Slovakia is part of the Schengen zone, to cross its border for the first time you must apply for a Schengen visa or a national long-stay visa. To do this, you need to contact the diplomatic missions of the Republic of Slovakia in the homeland of the future immigrant.

To enter the country you can use a Schengen visa

Embassy of Slovakia in the Russian Federation:

123056, Moscow, Julius Fuchik st., 17/19 (metro station Mayakovskaya or metro station Belorusskaya)

The building of the Embassy of the Slovak Republic in Moscow on the street. Julius Fucik 17/19

Tel.: +7–495 / 956–49–20, 007–495 / 956–49–22, 007–499 / 250–10–70

Embassy of Slovakia in Ukraine:

Address: 01901, Kiev, st. Patorzhinsky, 14

Phone: (+38 044) 272–03–10, 272–13–10, 272–62–03

Fax: (+38 044) 272–32–71

After arriving in Slovakia, you must apply for a residence permit in the country. The first three years on Slovak soil will pass in this status. Next, you will need to register for permanent residence, where you will live for five years. After eight years from crossing the Slovak border, you can apply for citizenship.

In this case, a mandatory condition will be the absence of a criminal record for intentional offenses in Slovakia during a five-year period of permanent residence.

When obtaining citizenship, the applicant is required to pass tests for knowledge of the Slovak language and integration into the country’s society. The state organized free 200-hour language courses for immigrants. A language test is taken to determine the applicant’s level of Slovak proficiency. The exam on integration into society includes knowledge of the main state symbols of the country, its traditions and customs. Only after successfully passing the test is it possible to submit an application for citizenship.

Marriage with a Slovak citizen

Entering into an official marriage with a citizen of Slovakia leads to obtaining a passport as a full-fledged citizen of the country after three years of permanent residence. This method is used by many residents of Russia and Ukraine. This method of immigration to Slovakia and obtaining its citizenship is in great demand. The country's authorities are very sensitive to the institution of family. Slovak law only recognizes official marriage. To obtain citizenship, the applicant must live in the country for at least three years.

Some particularly enterprising people enter into a fictitious marriage to obtain citizenship. Immigration authorities closely monitor foreigners who intend to become citizens of their country through marriage. In any case, the spouses will have to prove that the family union is not fictitious or formal, and the couple lives together, owns common property and runs the household together.

Marriage with a citizen of Slovakia allows you to obtain citizenship after three years

If the Slovak authorities recognize the marriage as formal or fictitious, then there is practically no chance of obtaining citizenship. A person who uses this method faces arrest, subsequent deportation and a permanent ban on entry into the country. In the worst case, the police may charge that citizenship was obtained through fraudulent means. This is fraught with staying in “places not so remote.”

A significant disadvantage of this method of obtaining citizenship is the possibility of divorce during these three years. In this case, the candidate is left with nothing; only the path of long-term naturalization can be open to him.

Family reunification

The family reunification program includes moving to close relatives who are citizens of Slovakia. For example, elderly parents in need of care for children or a child together with parents (or one of them). In addition to those indicated, close relatives include grandparents, siblings.

In order to benefit from the family reunification program, the applicant must provide irrefutable documentary evidence of kinship with Slovak citizens . The latter must give an invitation to their foreign relatives and, in an official letter, guarantee their support for the period of residence permit and permanent residence. This includes providing housing and guarantees if necessary. It should be understood that you will have to bear responsibility for foreign relatives.

I must say that since my first official salary, the first thing I bought was a bicycle (in Slovak - bicykel, in the Orava dialect - bicykeľ). It cost me €370, for which I received a wonderful bicycle from an almost local brand, Kellys Scarpe (the company's headquarters and assembly shop are located in the aforementioned Pestany). In general, Slovakia is a wonderful country for cycling. This, of course, is not Holland or Denmark with their wonderful cycling infrastructure, but outside the populated areas there are actually places to ride.

Andrey

https://habrahabr.ru/post/164791/

Business immigration

To date, the global economic crisis has not affected Slovakia much. It continues to firmly hold the top positions in the world ranking of countries with the highest investment attractiveness. Slovakia is one of the twenty leading countries in terms of openness to financial investments. The business immigration method for acquiring citizenship is the most popular. Slovakia has liberal legislation and has created a very favorable environment for private entrepreneurship. Business schemes are transparent, tax pressure is minimal, and a developed system of lending to small and medium-sized businesses. All this makes the republic very attractive not only for those who want to open fictitious companies and subsequently become its citizen. Real entrepreneurs also seek to register a private enterprise in Slovakia to optimize the tax burden and implement startups at the European level. They want to run and develop their business without constant stress.

Slovak legislation provides support and a loyal attitude towards successful businesses that generate profits. Its standard has even been officially established: a private entrepreneur must show at least 3,800 euros in annual profit, and an analogue of an LLC must show at least 11,400 euros. If a registered company shows signs of being fictitious, it will definitely be checked and closed.

The time required to register your own enterprise in Slovakia is minimal, and this will take no more than two weeks. To obtain a residence permit (hereinafter referred to as permanent residence and citizenship), the applicant must be listed as the director of an enterprise with the right to make personnel decisions or simply an individual entrepreneur. Together with the newly minted Slovak businessman, members of his family can also count on the prospect of citizenship. They will receive Slovak citizenship under the family reunification program.

Video: business immigration to the EU is closest through Slovakia

Employment

Once employed, obtaining Slovak citizenship becomes the easiest for holders of the EU Blue Card. To do this, you must have a long-term contract with a Slovak employer and be in demand and indispensable on the labor market.

Labor in Slovakia is paid according to European standards. Of course, the average salary in the country does not reach the German or French, but in the capital of the country, Bratislava, it amounted to 1,100 euros in 2016. Foreign workers and specialists who have skills that are in acute shortage in Slovakia are especially in demand.

Video: work in Slovakia

Restoring lost citizenship

Slovak citizenship can be restored by persons who have lost it due to objective reasons. Repatriates are exempt from language proficiency and integration tests. There is also no mandatory period of residence for them. The main argument will be proof of Slovak citizenship in the past. These rules do not apply to descendants of repatriates who may obtain citizenship under another immigration program.

Registration of Slovak citizenship according to a simplified scheme is available to persons who fall into the category of “abroad Slovaks”. This is especially true for residents of some regions of Western Ukraine. They can obtain citizenship of the Republic in just three years. Today, many Ukrainians are looking for Slovak roots and strive to obtain a Slovak passport, along with the already existing Ukrainian one.

For citizens of the Czech Republic, which was once part of the federation, there are more preferential rules. They do not have to take an exam for language proficiency and integration into society, and they can expect to receive a passport after three years.

I came to the office of the Internet provider. I took a ticket in the electronic queue, a couple of minutes later I sat down at the table of a guy about 45 years old. He speaks English fluently, although the pronunciation is not like that of natives, but it is clear and understandable. Because It’s clear that I’m a foreigner, he asks: “Where are you from?” I told him: “from Ukraine.” He immediately said to me: “Oh, well, if it’s more convenient for you, I can do it in Russian.”

Well, if we talk about the general impression, then the people here are somehow calm, simple and friendly.

Alexey Trufanov

https://blog.trufanov.com/2012/04/17/ob-otnoshenii-slovakov-k-russkim-i-ukraincam/

Features for refugees

This category of foreigners includes persons covered by the international refugee protection program. A person is recognized as a refugee if he or his family members were persecuted in their homeland on religious grounds, political beliefs, professional activity, nationality or race. To do this, such facts must be proven and documented.

Refugees can bring their entire family with them; they are exempt from taking language and integration tests, as well as from paying state fees. Citizenship becomes available after five years of permanent residence in Slovakia.

Obtaining citizenship for special merits

The President can grant citizenship to foreigners who have provided significant services to the Slovak state. These could be athletes who have achieved international victories under the Slovak flag, outstanding scientists, politicians, etc. There are no special requirements for them to undergo the citizenship procedure.

Investments

A special case will be the provision of citizenship to large investors who will be able to invest about one to three million euros in the country’s economy. This category of applicants may not be allowed to maintain the required period of permanent residence in Slovakia, and they will not have to take language and integration tests.

Preferential conditions for obtaining Slovak citizenship are provided for large investors