Slovak citizenship: read a 500-word newspaper article aloud, then write what it said in 30 minutes
Slovakia asks applicants for citizenship to show command of Slovak in speech and writing, and general knowledge of the Slovak Republic (ovládanie slovenského jazyka slovom aj písmom a všeobecných znalostí o Slovenskej republike). No CEFR level is named anywhere in the law.
There is no certificate to buy and no exam centre to book. The test happens in the procedure itself, before a three-member panel, and its format is written into the act. Everything below was read on 19 October 2026 in the version of Act No. 40/1993 on state citizenship in force from 15 July 2026 and the fees act No. 145/1995, both on Slov-Lex, and on the government portal slovensko.sk. The statute's wording is also in our citizenship requirements table.
Three parts, set by the act
Section 8(6) of the act sets the test in three parts. An interview, with questions about you and the people close to you and general questions mainly on the history, geography and socio-political development of Slovakia. Reading aloud a randomly chosen Slovak press article of at least 500 words, handed to you immediately before. Writing the content of that article within 30 minutes.
The check takes place while you fill in the applicant's questionnaire, at the district office in the regional capital or at a Slovak embassy or consulate, and section 8(5) says it must be done in a way that suits your health, education and age.
Who decides
A three-member commission appointed by the head of the district office, or by the ambassador or consul, runs the test. All three must take part, and a decision needs at least two votes (section 8(7)).
Written minutes are drawn up the same day with each member's assessment and the reasons, and the article and your written summary are attached (section 8(8)). The act does not publish a points scale or a pass mark, so the commission's judgement, recorded in those minutes, is the result.
Who is exempt
Section 7(1)(h) exempts applicants under 14, current or former Czech citizens, holders of the Slovak living abroad certificate, applicants over 65, and anyone who in the last ten years passed the maturita in Slovak, the state language exam in Slovak or a state university exam in a programme taught in Slovak.
Several routes skip the test altogether, including the new route added on 15 July 2026 (section 7(8)) for applicants whose parent, grandparent or great-grandparent was a Czechoslovak citizen born in what is now Slovakia. Neither of the 2026 amending acts (69/2026 and 128/2026) changed the language test.
Residence, and the 1,000-euro fee
The standard route needs at least eight years' uninterrupted permanent residence immediately before applying; a spouse of a Slovak citizen needs five years of marriage and living together in Slovakia. You apply in person at the regional district office, an embassy or a consulate.
The fees act sets 1,000 euros for an adult, 140 for a child under 15 and 210 for a child of 15 to 18, with 30 euros for former citizens and applicants with a Czechoslovak-citizen ancestor, and 560 for holders of the Slovak living abroad certificate. It is collected only after citizenship is granted. Applicants over 65, people granted asylum, invalidity pensioners and people with severe disabilities are among those exempt from the fee.
Mistakes worth avoiding
Looking for a Slovak certificate exam to book for citizenship.
Preparing for the interview, the reading aloud and the written summary the act describes.
The test is held by a commission at the district office or embassy during the procedure. The act names no external certificate.
Practising only conversation.
Practising reading long newspaper articles aloud and summarising them in writing against a 30-minute clock.
Two of the three parts in section 8(6) are reading a 500-word article aloud and writing its content.
Paying the 1,000-euro fee when you apply.
Expecting to pay once citizenship is granted.
The fees act says the fee is collected only after the act is performed.
Questions
What level of Slovak do you need for citizenship?
The act names no CEFR level. It asks for command of Slovak in speech and writing, and general knowledge of Slovakia, judged by a three-member commission.
What is in the Slovak citizenship language test?
An interview including questions on Slovak history, geography and society, reading aloud a randomly chosen press article of at least 500 words, and writing its content within 30 minutes (Act No. 40/1993, section 8(6)).
Who is exempt from the Slovak language test?
Applicants under 14 or over 65, current or former Czech citizens, holders of the Slovak living abroad certificate, and people who passed the maturita, the state language exam or a Slovak-taught university exam in the last ten years, among others.
How much does Slovak citizenship cost?
1,000 euros for an adult under the fees act, collected only after citizenship is granted. Lower fees apply to children, former citizens and some applicants of Slovak descent, and some groups are exempt.
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