Can I hold dual citizenship in Slovenia?
It depends on the direction: a Slovenian citizen generally does not lose Slovenian citizenship on acquiring a foreign one, while a foreigner naturalising must usually give up their old citizenship. The field is governed by the Citizenship of the Republic of Slovenia Act (ZDRS). For ordinary naturalisation a foreigner must, among other things, meet: age 18, release from the current citizenship (or proof it will be granted), 10 years of actual residence in Slovenia, of which the last 5 continuously, secured means and basic Slovenian. The myth that "Slovenia bans dual citizenship" is too sweeping – the law allows Slovenian citizens to hold several citizenships, while as a rule it requires release from foreigners on naturalisation. The release condition is deemed met if the foreign state does not grant release or does not decide within a reasonable time (two years). Some routes (for example naturalisation in the national interest, or eased rules for emigrants and their descendants) soften the release requirement.
📋 The rules
- A Slovenian citizen generally does not lose Slovenian citizenship on acquiring a foreign one – the law allows several citizenships.
- For ordinary naturalisation a foreigner must have release from the current citizenship or prove it will be granted if admitted.
- 10 years of actual residence in Slovenia are required, of which the last 5 continuously before the application, with a regulated status.
- Conditions also include secured means, basic Slovenian and meeting the requirements on criminal record.
- The release condition is deemed met if the person is stateless, the foreign state does not grant release, or does not decide within a reasonable time (two years).
🔓 Exceptions
- In naturalisation in the national interest and some eased routes (for example for Slovenian emigrants and their descendants) the release requirement is softened or not required.
- A child may acquire Slovenian citizenship by descent (birth) alongside a foreign one, which means dual citizenship from birth.
- For spouses of Slovenian citizens and some other applicants special, generally milder naturalisation conditions apply.
⚠️ Penalties & fines
With citizenship the "penalty" is not a fine but refusal, delay or even withdrawal of the status. If naturalisation was obtained through false data or concealment of facts, citizenship can be withdrawn, which also topples the rights derived from it. A foreigner counting on quick citizenship often stalls at the release condition: while the old state has not decided, the procedure stands still, and the reasonable time is set at two years. Dual citizenship brings double obligations – tax, sometimes military or other duties toward both states – that many overlook. The wrong expectation that an old passport will simply "stay" can end in the loss of the previous citizenship under foreign law or in the refusal of the Slovenian application. Because the applications are decided by a ministry in a demanding procedure, incomplete documents or an unregulated residence status mean refusal and lost time and costs.
📎 Official sources
- PISRS · legislation register (Citizenship of RS Act, naturalisation) →
- gov.si · citizenship (acquisition and termination) →
- e-uprava · admission to citizenship →
❓ Frequently asked
Does Slovenia allow dual citizenship?
The law lets Slovenian citizens hold one or more other citizenships alongside the Slovenian one, so a Slovenian generally does not lose it on acquiring a foreign citizenship. A foreigner, however, must as a rule give up their current citizenship on ordinary naturalisation.
How many years must I live in Slovenia for citizenship?
Ordinary naturalisation requires 10 years of actual residence in Slovenia, of which the last 5 continuously before the application. During that time the person must have a regulated foreigner status and meet the other conditions, such as means and language.
Do I have to give up my own citizenship?
For ordinary naturalisation the condition is release from the current citizenship, or proof it will be granted on admission. The condition is also deemed met if the foreign state does not grant release or does not decide on the application within a reasonable time of two years.
Are there exceptions for dual citizenship?
Yes, in naturalisation in the national interest and some eased routes, for example for Slovenian emigrants and their descendants, the release requirement is softened or falls away. A child can also acquire Slovenian citizenship by descent at birth alongside a foreign one.
Can I lose citizenship?
Yes, citizenship obtained through false data or concealment of facts can be withdrawn. Dual citizenship also brings obligations toward both states, so it is important to know the tax and other duties that follow from it.
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