Slovenia's citizenship law covers grandchildren of Slovenian citizens (2 generations) with a broader pathway for descendants of emigrants who left before June 25, 1991 (Slovenian independence). Dual citizenship permitted for descent applicants. Full EU citizenship.
Legal Basis
Citizenship of the Republic of Slovenia Act (ZDRS, as amended). Special provisions for descendants of emigrants who left Slovenia before June 25, 1991 (Slovenian independence from Yugoslavia).
Generation Limit
2 generations (grandparent) standard; broader for pre-June 25, 1991 emigrants
Zero — process handled at Slovenian embassies and consulates worldwide
Passport Rank
5th globally (Henley Index 2026)
Visa-Free Countries
190+ countries
Overview
Slovenian citizenship by descent is governed by the Citizenship of the Republic of Slovenia Act (ZDRS, as amended). The standard pathway covers individuals with a Slovenian parent or grandparent (2 generations). A broader pathway applies to descendants of emigrants who left Slovenia before June 25, 1991 (the date Slovenia declared independence from Yugoslavia). Dual citizenship is permitted for those acquiring citizenship by descent. The Slovenian passport provides full EU citizenship and visa-free access to 190+ countries.
Step-by-Step Process
1: Verify eligibility: confirm Slovenian ancestor is a parent or grandparent, or that ancestor emigrated before June 25, 1991 — Family records research · 1–4 weeks · ~$0
2: Gather vital records: birth, marriage, and death certificates for yourself and all Slovenian ancestors — Local vital records + Slovenian civil registry · 4–12 weeks · $100–$400
3: Have all foreign documents apostilled and officially translated into Slovenian — Secretary of State office + certified Slovenian translator · 4–8 weeks · $200–$600
4: Submit application at Slovenian embassy/consulate or Ministry of Interior in Ljubljana — Slovenian embassy/consulate or Ministry of Interior (Ljubljana) · 1 day · €200 application fee
5: Application reviewed and citizenship granted — Slovenian Ministry of Interior · 6–18 months · None directly
6: Apply for Slovenian ID card and passport — Slovenian embassy/consulate or in Slovenia · 4–8 weeks · ~€30–€50
Advantages
Full EU citizenship — live, work, and study across all 27 EU member states
Dual citizenship permitted for descent applicants
Slovenian passport ranks 5th globally with 190+ visa-free countries
Broader pathway for pre-1991 emigrants (beyond standard 2-generation limit)
Schengen Area access — borderless travel across 27 European countries
Relatively affordable process compared to other EU citizenship pathways
Considerations
Standard pathway limited to 2 generations (grandparent)
Slovenian civil registry records can be complex (Yugoslav-era records)
Processing times of 6–18 months
Slovenian language proficiency may be required for some pathways
Requirements
Applicant's birth certificate (apostilled)
Birth, marriage, and death certificates for all Slovenian ancestors in the lineage chain
For pre-1991 emigrants: proof that ancestor emigrated before June 25, 1991
Certified Slovenian translations of all foreign documents
Apostille stamps on all foreign documents
Completed application form
€200 application fee
Current valid passport (copy)
Tax Considerations
Non-resident dual citizens are taxed by Slovenia only on Slovenian-sourced income. Slovenia has a progressive income tax rate (16–50%). Tax residency is established by spending more than 183 days per year in Slovenia.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a generation limit for Slovenian citizenship by descent?
The standard pathway covers 2 generations (parent or grandparent). A broader pathway applies to descendants of emigrants who left Slovenia before June 25, 1991 (Slovenian independence from Yugoslavia) — this pathway may extend beyond 2 generations for those who can prove their ancestor emigrated before that date.
Does Slovenia allow dual citizenship?
Yes. Dual citizenship is permitted for those acquiring Slovenian citizenship by descent. You do not need to renounce your existing nationality.
What is the significance of June 25, 1991?
June 25, 1991 is the date Slovenia declared independence from Yugoslavia. The broader pathway for pre-1991 emigrants was designed to reconnect the Slovenian diaspora that left during the Yugoslav era. Descendants of emigrants who left before this date may have access to a broader pathway than the standard 2-generation limit.
Is there a language requirement?
Slovenian language proficiency may be required for some naturalization pathways. For the standard descent pathway, it is generally not required, but demonstrating some connection to Slovenian language and culture can strengthen an application.