Slovenian nationality law

Slovenian nationality law is based primarily on the principles of Jus sanguinis, in that descent from a Slovenian parent is the primary basis for acquisition of Slovenian citizenship. However, although children born to foreign parents in Slovenia do not acquire Slovenian citizenship on the basis of birthplace, place of birth is relevant for determining whether the child of Slovenian parents acquires citizenship.

Slovenia became independent from Yugoslavia on June 25, 1991, and transitional provisions were made for the acquisition of Slovenian citizenship by certain former Yugoslav citizens.

Dual citizenship is permitted in Slovenia, with the exception that those acquiring Slovenian citizenship by naturalisation are normally required to renounce any foreign citizenship they hold.

Transitional provisions on independence - 25 June 1991

Prior to independence in 1991, Slovenians were citizens of Yugoslavia. However, within Yugoslavia an internal "citizenship of the Republic of Slovenia" existed, and at independence any Yugoslav citizen who held this internal "Slovenian citizenship" automatically became a Slovenian citizen.

Certain other former Yugoslav citizens were permitted to acquire Slovenian citizenship under transitional provisions:

• a Yugoslav citizen connected with another republic who was resident in Slovenia on 23 December 1990 and remained resident in Slovenia until the coming into force of the Slovenia Nationality Act, together with that person's children aged under 18
• a person aged between 18 and 23 who was born in Slovenia, with parents who originally held internal Slovene citizenship within Yugoslavia but switched to citizenship of another Yugoslav republic.

Citizenship by birth and adoption

A child born in Slovenia is a Slovenian citizen if either parent is a Slovenian citizen

Where the child is born outside Slovenia the child will be automatically Slovenian if:

• both parents are Slovenian citizens; or
• one parent is Slovenian and the other is stateless; or
• the child does not have any other citizenship.

A person born outside Slovenia with one Slovenian parent who is not Slovenian automatically may acquire Slovenian citizenship through:

• an application for registration as a Slovenian citizen made at any time before age 36; or
• taking up permanent residence in Slovenia before age 18

Children adopted by Slovenian citizens may be granted Slovenian citizenship.

Citizenship by naturalisation

A person may acquire Slovenian citizenship by naturalisation upon satisfying the following conditions:

• a total of 10 years residence in Slovenia, including 5 years continuous residence before the application
• renunciation of foreign citizenship (or providing proof it will automatically be lost).
• competency in the Slovenian language
• good character
• aged at least 18
• sufficiently established in Slovenia so as not to require welfare payments

Exceptions to the requirements for naturalisation

• those who have emigrated from Slovenia (and those of Slovenian ancestry up to the third generation) may be naturalised after one year's residence in Slovenia. Renunciation of foreign citizenship is not required under this concession.
• a person who is married to a Slovenian citizen for at least two years may be naturalised after one year's residence in Slovenia
• the requirement to renounce foreign citizenship may be waived upon special application.
• a general waiver to the naturalisation requirements can be made based on the national interests of Slovenia
• a person of "Slovenian origin" or a former Slovenian citizen may be naturalised without any residence requirements

Children aged under 18 can normally be naturalised alongside their parent, if resident in Slovenia. Those aged 14 or over must normally give their own consent.

Loss of Slovenian citizenship

A Slovenian citizenship who possesses another nationality may be deprived of Slovenian citizenship based on "activities ... contrary to the international and other interests of the Republic of Slovenia". These are generally defined as:

• if the person is a member of any organisation engaged in the activities to overthrow the Constitutional order of the Republic of Slovenia; or
• if a person is a member of a foreign intelligence service and as such jeopardises the interests of the Republic of Slovenia or if he/she harms such interests by serving under any government authority or organisation of a foreign State;
• if the person is a persistent perpetrator of criminal offences prosecuted ex officio and of offences against public order;
• if the person refuses to carry out the duty of the citizen of the Republic of Slovenia prescribed by the Constitution and the Law

Slovenian citizens who possess another nationality may normally renounce Slovenian citizenship if resident outside Slovenia.

Dual citizenship

Dual citizenship is generally permitted in Slovenia, except for certain persons seeking to become Slovenian citizens by naturalisation. However Slovenian citizens who have another nationality may be deprived of Slovenian citizenship in certain circumstances.

See also

• Izbrisani

External links

• Slovenia Citizenship Act