Czech Citizenship by Descent: Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them

Applying for Czech citizenship by descent is often more straightforward than people expect – but every family story is unique, and so is every case. What feels like a "problem" to you may actually be a strong point in your application.

As Czech attorneys registered with the Czech Bar Association, we've helped hundreds of clients from the USA, Canada, and the UK reclaim their Czech citizenship. Here are some of the most common situations we see – and how we resolve them.

1. Your Parent or Grandparent Lost Czech Citizenship

Many people worry that if an ancestor became a U.S. or Canadian citizen or formally renounced their Czech citizenship, the case is over. In reality, this is often a big advantage.

Under current Czech law, descendants can reclaim the citizenship that was lost. We review the date and reason for the loss to confirm eligibility and prepare the reclaim application.

Tip: If this sounds like your family, fill out our Ancestry Citizenship Eligibility Check – we will review your answers and check your eligibility for free.

2. You're Not Sure Where Your Ancestor Was Born

You don't need to know everything before contacting us – we work with skilled genealogists who can find birth records even if you're missing details.

That said, the more information you provide, the faster the search will be. Before you get in touch, check the birthplace on Google Maps to confirm it's in today's Czech Republic, not Slovakia (we cannot assist with Slovak citizenship).

3. Completely Changed Names

A simple spelling difference (Novák → Novak) is normal and not a problem at all. But if an ancestor changed their name entirely (Jan Novák → John Smith), we'll need extra documentation to prove the connection.

We know which official records can bridge that gap and present the link clearly to the Czech Citizenship Office.

4. Missing Family Documents Abroad

Sometimes marriage, naturalization, or death certificates from the USA, Canada, or UK are missing or hard to locate. We guide you through requesting replacements or certified copies and ensure they're properly apostilled before use in the Czech Republic.

5. Unclear Emigration Timelines

If you're unsure when your ancestor left Czechoslovakia or what their citizenship status was at the time, we piece together the timeline using both Czech and foreign records. This helps confirm the correct legal pathway for your application.

Why These Challenges Don't Need to Hold You Back

Every one of the above situations is solvable – and in many cases, they're situations we see on a regular basis. With the right legal strategy, you can turn uncertainty into a strong application.

We handle the entire process in the Czech Republic:

• Obtaining all necessary Czech records
• Guiding you through the legalization of your foreign documents with apostille and recommending reputable advisors in Canada and the USA if needed
• Arranging all court-certified translations in the Czech Republic (no need to translate at home)
• Submitting your application directly to the Czech Citizenship Office and representing you as qualified attorneys-at-law registered with the Czech Bar Association, so you benefit from expert legal protection, professional standards, and complete peace of mind
• Registering your birth and marriage in the Czech system, building your official profile so you are ready to apply for your Czech passport without delay

Ready to see if you qualify?
Send us your details via our Ancestry Citizenship Eligibility Check and we will check your eligibility for free.