1. What is the process of obtaining citizenship by investment in Slovakia?

The process of obtaining citizenship by investment in Slovakia involves the following steps:

1. Choose an investment option: Applicants must first choose one of the available options for investment in Slovakia, such as through a financial investment, real estate investment, or creation of a new business.

2. Meet eligibility requirements: Applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements, including being at least 18 years old, having a clean criminal record, and having sufficient financial resources to support themselves and any dependents.

3. Submit an application: The next step is to submit an application for citizenship by investment to the Slovakian Ministry of Interior. This application should include all required documents and supporting evidence, such as proof of investment and background checks.

4. Attend an interview: Once the application is received, applicants may be required to attend an interview with authorities to discuss their background and intentions for obtaining citizenship by investment.

5. Wait for approval: After the interview, applicants will need to wait for their application to be processed and approved by the Ministry of Interior.

6. Make the required investment: Once the application is approved, applicants must make the required investment according to their chosen option.

7. Receive naturalization certificate: Upon successful completion of the above steps, applicants will receive a naturalization certificate proving their new Slovakian citizenship.

2. What are the available options for investing in Slovakia for citizenship?
There are several options available for investing in Slovakia in exchange for citizenship:

1. Financial Investment: Under this option, applicants must make a non-refundable contribution of at least €500,000 (or €750,000 shared among multiple investors) into designated funds or businesses that benefit the Slovakian economy.

2. Real Estate Investment: Applicants can invest at least €300,000 into real estate located in designated areas within Slovakia as determined by the Ministry of Economy.

3. New Business Creation: Foreign investors can also obtain citizenship by investing at least €500,000 into a new business venture that benefits the Slovakian economy and creates jobs.

3. How long does it take to obtain citizenship by investment in Slovakia?
The process of obtaining citizenship by investment in Slovakia can vary depending on individual circumstances, but it generally takes around 6-8 months from the time of application submission to receiving a naturalization certificate. However, this timeline can be longer if there are any delays or issues with the application.

4. Can family members be included in the citizenship by investment application?
Yes, family members can be included in the citizenship by investment application in Slovakia. Spouses and dependent children under the age of 18 can be included in the main applicant’s application for no additional investment required. Children between ages 18 and 26 who are studying full-time may also be included, but an additional contribution of €50,000 is required for each child.

5. Is knowledge of Slovakian language required for citizenship by investment?
No, knowledge of Slovakian language is not a requirement for obtaining citizenship by investment in Slovakia. However, applicants must pass an interview with authorities where their intentions and background will be discussed.

6. How long does a Slovakian citizenship obtained through investment last?
A Slovakian citizenship obtained through investment is permanent and does not expire as long as the conditions for maintaining citizenship are met, such as not committing any crimes or engaging in activities that could harm the country’s national interests. Upon receiving citizenship, individuals will also receive a passport which is valid for 10 years and can be renewed thereafter.

2. What are the main benefits of obtaining citizenship through investment in Slovakia?

1. Access to the European Union: Obtaining citizenship through investment in Slovakia grants individuals the right to live, work, and study in any of the 27 countries of the European Union.

2. Visa-free travel: Slovak citizens can travel visa-free to over 180 countries, including popular destinations such as Canada, the United States, and Japan.

3. Political stability: Slovakia is a politically stable country with a strong democracy, offering a safe environment for investors and their families.

4. Fast track process: The citizenship by investment program in Slovakia has a relatively fast processing time of 3-4 months compared to other countries that offer similar programs.

5. Generous investment requirements: The minimum investment required for obtaining citizenship in Slovakia is relatively affordable compared to other European countries.

6. Right to vote and hold public office: Citizens of Slovakia have the right to vote and stand for election, giving them a direct say in the government’s decisions.

7. Business opportunities: Becoming a citizen of Slovakia opens up opportunities for entrepreneurs and investors to do business within the EU without restrictions.

8. High quality of life: With its modern infrastructure, high-quality education system, and affordable healthcare, Slovakia offers a high standard of living for its citizens.

9. Inheritance benefits: Citizenship obtained through investment can be passed down to future generations, providing them with all the benefits of being a Slovak citizen.

10. Dual citizenship allowed: Slovak law allows dual citizenship, allowing individuals to hold both their original nationality and Slovak citizenship at the same time.

3. How much is the minimum required investment for citizenship in Slovakia?

The minimum required investment for citizenship in Slovakia is 100,000 EUR.

4. Are there any residency requirements for citizenship through investment in Slovakia?

Yes, to qualify for citizenship through investment in Slovakia, you must be a resident of the country for a minimum of eight years. In addition, you must have a valid residence permit during this time.

5. What types of investments are accepted for citizenship in Slovakia?

In Slovakia, the following types of investments may be accepted for citizenship:

1. Business investment – This includes establishing a business, buying shares or assets of an existing business, or making a significant contribution to the development of a business in Slovakia.

2. Real estate investment – Applicants can invest in real estate projects such as buying and renovating properties, developing new buildings, or investing in commercial or residential projects.

3. Government bonds – Investors can purchase government-issued bonds that contribute to the development of the Slovak economy.

4. Investment fund shares – Applicants may invest in shares of investment funds that are focused on promoting economic development in Slovakia.

5. Innovation and research activities – Investing in research and innovation projects approved by the Ministry of Economy can also be considered for citizenship.

6. Capital investments – This includes investing capital into Slovak banks, insurance companies, securities firms, venture capital funds, and other financial institutions.

It’s important to note that the specific requirements and conditions for each type of investment may vary and are subject to change by the government.

6. Is dual citizenship allowed in Slovakia?

Yes, dual citizenship is allowed in Slovakia under certain conditions. According to the Slovak Nationality Act, a person can acquire Slovak citizenship by birth, descent, naturalization, or through marriage to a Slovak citizen. This means that a person can have multiple citizenships as long as they fulfill the requirements for citizenship in both countries and do not have their Slovak citizenship revoked. However, there are some limitations on dual citizenship for citizens of non-EU countries.

7. Are there any language or cultural requirements for obtaining citizenship through investment in Slovakia?

Yes, applicants must pass a basic Slovak language test and have basic knowledge of Slovakia’s history, geography, and culture in order to obtain citizenship through investment. This requirement can be waived for applicants over the age of 65 or with certain disabilities. Additionally, it is recommended that applicants integrate into Slovak society and participate in social activities in order to demonstrate their commitment to the country.

8. Do I need to have a job offer or business plan to qualify for citizenship by investment in Slovakia?

Yes, you will need to have a job offer or business plan in order to be eligible for citizenship by investment in Slovakia. The Slovakian government requires applicants to invest in the country through either creating a business or purchasing real estate. Therefore, having a job offer or a well-developed business plan is essential for demonstrating your commitment and contribution to the country’s economy. Additionally, these investments must lead to the creation of new jobs for Slovakian citizens.

9. Can my family members also obtain citizenship through my investment in Slovakia?

No, your family members are not automatically eligible for citizenship through your investment in Slovakia. They would need to meet the individual eligibility requirements and go through the naturalization process separately. However, if they are included in your residence permit as dependents, they may be able to obtain permanent residency along with you.

10. What is the timeline for obtaining citizenship by investment in Slovakia?

The timeline for obtaining citizenship by investment in Slovakia varies depending on individual circumstances and processing times. Generally, the process can take anywhere from 6 months to 2 years.

Here is a general timeline of the main steps in the application process:

1. Preparing necessary documents and submitting an application: This can take 1-3 months depending on how quickly you are able to gather all required documents.

2. Background check and security clearance: This typically takes 2-4 months.

3. Investment deposit: If your initial application is approved, you will be required to make an investment deposit within a specified time frame (usually 60 days).

4. Investment approval and payment: Once the investment has been approved, you will receive a confirmation letter from the Ministry of Economy stating that your investment has been received. The actual payment may take additional time depending on the type of investment chosen.

5. Issuance of temporary residence permit: Once all necessary documents have been submitted and verified, you will receive a temporary residence permit, which will allow you to reside in Slovakia while your citizenship application is being processed.

6. Naturalization ceremony and issuance of citizenship certificate: After all requirements have been met, including passing the language test and demonstrating knowledge of Slovak culture and history, you will attend a naturalization ceremony where you will take an oath of allegiance to Slovakia and receive your citizenship certificate.

The entire process usually takes between six months to two years, but this may vary based on individual circumstances. It is important to note that delays can occur due to factors such as incomplete or incorrect documentation or a high volume of applications. It is recommended to consult with an experienced immigration lawyer for assistance throughout the process.

11. Can I invest in any industry or sector for citizenship purposes in Slovakia?

Yes, you can invest in any industry or sector in Slovakia as long as your investment meets the minimum requirements set by the government for the citizenship by investment program. However, it is recommended to consult with a professional advisor or immigration lawyer to ensure that your investment aligns with the requirements and eligibility criteria of the program.

12. Is there a limit on the number of people granted citizenship by investment each year in Slovakia?

There is currently no set limit on the number of people granted citizenship by investment each year in Slovakia. However, the government reserves the right to limit the number of applicants if necessary. It is recommended to check with the relevant authorities for any updates or changes to this policy.

13. What level of due diligence is conducted when applying for citizenship through investment in Slovakia?

The level of due diligence conducted when applying for citizenship through investment in Slovakia is high. The Slovakian government conducts thorough background checks on all applicants to ensure they meet the strict requirements for citizenship, including a clean criminal record and good moral character. Applicants are also required to provide detailed financial information and prove that their investment capital was obtained legally. In addition, applicants must provide proof of language proficiency and pass a history exam on the history, culture, and political system of Slovakia. The entire process can take up to several months or even longer depending on the individual circumstances of each applicant.

14. Are children born to citizens through investment automatically granted citizenship?

No, children born to citizens through investment are not automatically granted citizenship. They must go through the same naturalization process as any other non-citizen in order to obtain citizenship.

15. Are there any restrictions on which countries can apply for citizenship by investment in Slovakia?

Currently, there are no restrictions on which countries can apply for citizenship by investment in Slovakia. However, applicants must pass background checks and meet the eligibility criteria set by the government.

16. Does receiving citizenship through investment grant me voting rights and access to government services?

Yes, obtaining citizenship through investment typically grants you all of the rights and privileges of a natural-born citizen in terms of voting and access to government services. However, the specific rights and privileges may vary depending on the country you are investing in. It is important to research and understand the specific laws and regulations related to citizenship through investment in your chosen country.

17. Is it possible to lose my newly acquired citizen status if I fail to maintain my initial investment?

There are certain opportunities for investors to lose their citizenship status if they fail to maintain their initial investment. For example, if the investor’s business fails or they withdraw their investment before a specified time period, their citizenship status may be revoked. However, this largely depends on the specific terms and conditions of the citizenship program. It is important to carefully review all requirements and obligations before investing in a citizenship program.

18. Can I include dependents such as parents or siblings on my application for citizenship by investment in Slovakia?

No, only the primary applicant and their spouse or partner and any unmarried children under the age of 18 can be included on an application for citizenship by investment in Slovakia. Parents or siblings cannot be included as dependents.

19. Does holding another passport affect my eligibility for gaining full citizen status through investing in Slovakia?

No, holding another passport does not affect your eligibility for gaining full citizen status through investing in Slovakia. As long as you meet all the necessary requirements, such as investing the required amount and passing the language and history exam, you can still be eligible for citizenship regardless of any other citizenships you may hold. However, it is important to note that some countries do not allow dual citizenship, so it is best to check with your home country’s laws before proceeding with the application process.

20. Are there any tax implications associated with gaining economic residency and/or full nationality through investing in Slovakia?

Yes, there are potential tax implications associated with gaining economic residency and/or full nationality through investing in Slovakia. Some potential tax implications include:

1. Tax on investment earnings: If you invest in a business or assets in Slovakia, any income or gains generated from those investments may be subject to taxation.

2. Tax on dividends: If your investment in Slovakia includes ownership of shares in a company, you may be subject to taxation on any dividend payments received from the company.

3. Capital gains tax: If you sell your investments in Slovakia for a profit, you may be subject to capital gains tax on the gain realized.

4. Gift and inheritance tax: If you become a full citizen of Slovakia through naturalization or purchase of citizenship, you may be subject to gift and inheritance taxes on any assets transferred to you as part of the process.

5. Double taxation: Depending on your country of origin and the tax treaties between that country and Slovakia, there may be a risk of double taxation on your investment income or gains.

It is important to consult with a qualified tax professional both in your home country and in Slovakia to understand the specific tax implications that may apply to your individual situation.