Recognition of same-sex unions in Slovakia

Slovakia does not recognise same-sex marriage or civil unions. The Constitution of Slovakia has limited marriage to opposite-sex couples since 2014. Bills to recognise same-sex civil partnerships were introduced several times, in 1997, in 2000, in 2012, in 2018, in 2021 and in 2022, but were all rejected. There is some legal recognition for unregistered cohabiting same-sex couples, however. Limited rights for a "close person" are recognised under civil and penal law. Per a June 2018 European Court of Justice ruling, same-sex spouses have their freedom of movement and residency rights recognised. This applies only if at least one partner is a European Union (EU) citizen and if their marriage was performed in an EU member state. Slovak authorities announced compliance with the ruling. Unregistered cohabitation Since 2018, Slovak civil and penal law has recognised a "close person", defined as a sibling or a spouse. A family member or a person in a relationship shall be considered under law as a "close person" "if an injury suffered by one of them is reasonably felt by the other person as an injury suffered by him or her." Only limited rights are granted, namely in the area of inheritance. In August 2022, the Freedom and Solidarity (SaS) party introduced a cohabitation agreement bill to the National Council, which would grant couples various rights including co-ownership, inheritance, access to health documentation, the right to a widow's and widower's pension, and the right to nursing allowance.