Slovaks living abroad

Stories about Slovaks living abroad, Slovak citizenship, Slovak regions that faced heavy emigration in the past, and the descendants of Slovak emigrants. These stories are brought to you thanks to the FALATH & PARTNERS law firm.

John Layton, Cynthia Layton, Randy Layton at Štrbské pleso

Hope arrived in my inbox: How I reclaimed my Slovak roots

A single document unearthed in a Slovak archive became the key to my family’s citizenship — and to understanding who we are.

John Layton
Peter Hinds during training in Alaska.

Born in Alaska, racing for Slovakia: A skier chases his Olympic dream

Peter Hinds is learning the rhythm of European skiing.

Nikola Černáková
Entire families crammed into small houses and factory chimneys outside their windows - that was the everyday life of Slovak immigrants to America. Despite the difficult life and later the economic crisis, their new homeland offered them better earnings and prospects. The photo shows the town of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, in 1935 (LC-USF342-001165-A)

Despite adaptation, Slovak immigrants to America preserved their culture, identity

The preservation of traditions can be seen especially during holidays.

Kristína Chromeková
Brezno, central Slovakia

Brezno: a hidden alpine gem poised to become the ‘Slovak Semmering’

From the Gašperák family’s coffee roastery to the hospitality of Salaš Zbojská, Brezno blends homecoming warmth with highland tradition.

Salaš Zbojská, central Slovakia

Things to do in Brezno: mountains, trails and a town on the rise

Discover hiking, culture and cafés in Brezno, a Slovak town reborn as a gateway to the Low Tatras.

Slovak roots: on keeping the heritage in the family

Learn how the Slovak emigrants created their first communities in the US.

Kelsey Yurek visiting White Desert National Park in her 100th country, Egypt, on 19 June 2023.

How I met my motherland

After traveling to more than 100 countries, I’m applying for citizenship in one I’ve never visited: the homeland of my ancestors.

Mary Knight.

Going through the process of getting Slovak citizenship helped me learn, says Slovak American

Mary Knight on the importance to keep the heritage in the family.

Thomas Klimek Ward (left) and the installation of the bronze statue in Habovka (right)

‘They carried Slovakia in their hearts’: US donor funds statue to emigrants in northern Slovakia

Thomas Klimek Ward returns to his ancestral village with a lasting gift of remembrance.

The Irish don’t mourn their emigrants. Neither should we.

Slovakia can learn from Ireland’s example: diaspora is not absence, but presence.

The port of Hamburg was one of the intermediate stops for Slovak emigrants, a photo from 1919 (LC-A6195- 7514).

How Slovak immigrants to America created a community for themselves

Pennsylvania became the actual centre of American Slovaks.

Kristína Chromeková
Illustrative photo

When America built Slovakia

Remittances from Slovak emigrants reshaped villages, bought land and funded schools. Today, their descendants could help the country confront its brain drain.

Nové Zámky

Exploring Nové Zámky: A town bombed by Americans, yet devoid of the castles it is named for

This southern Slovak town offers visitors a mix of museums, sacred sites and quiet green spaces.

Sihoť Park in Nové Zámky

At Slovakia’s edge, a region of surprises

In Nové Zámky, oil drilling uncovers thermal waters, cycle paths cross into Hungary, and winemakers stake on organic vintages — a mosaic of discoveries.

I discovered the hero my grandfather was, in an old box of clippings

I knew him only as family. In the archives, I met the wrestler, rescuer and fighter who shaped our history.

David M. Baron

FAQ: State citizenship of the Slovak Republic

The Slovak Spectator brings you the set of the most frequently asked questions with regard to acquiring and losing Slovak state citizenship.

Slovak roots: coming full circle

The Slovak Spectator celebrates its 30th anniversary.

Sara Holmes and her father at her wedding.
Slovak border

FAQ: Non-EU citizens - dealing with immigration authorities

The Slovak Spectator brings you the set of the most frequently asked questions with regard to dealing with immigration authorities, in this case with the Foreign Police.

Slovensko je Európa protest in Prague on February 7, 2025.

Slovaks abroad build civic spaces to stay politically engaged

"We still care" says expats in Prague, London, Krakow and elsewhere who want to maintain links and participate in Slovak public life.