Who is eligible to get Hungarian citizenship by descent?
Individuals of Hungarian descent, even those living abroad, can apply for citizenship of Hungary through a simplified naturalisation process. To qualify, applicants must prove that their ancestors were Hungarian citizens or lived in Hungary’s former territories before its borders changed.
The simplified naturalisation process is faster and less demanding than regular naturalisation. Applicants are not required to live in Hungary for several years before applying, making it more accessible to those who qualify through descent.
Qualification requirements are straightforward. Applicants need to provide proof of their Hungarian ancestry, such as birth and marriage certificates, and demonstrate basic proficiency in the Hungarian language.
For those without Hungarian ancestry, Hungary offers other routes to citizenship, such as naturalisation through residency by investment, which allows applying for a passport after several years.
The Hungary Golden Visa Program allows individuals to obtain residency, and eventually citizenship, by making significant investments in the country. This investment program serves as an alternative for those who cannot qualify through descent but are seeking to benefit from Hungarian citizenship and EU membership.
Legal pathways to Hungarian citizenship by birth and descent
Like most EU countries, Hungary grants citizenship based on jus sanguinis — the right of blood — rather than jus soli — the right of the soil. This means citizenship is passed down through descent, not by birthplace. If you have Hungarian ancestry, such as a parent or grandparent who was a Hungarian citizen, you may be eligible for Hungarian citizenship by birth or descent.
Children of Hungarian citizens obtain citizenship by birth. Citizenship is granted automatically, regardless of the child’s birthplace. This ensures that Hungarian nationality is passed down through generations, maintaining ties to the country even for those born abroad.
Direct descendants of Hungarian citizens can acquire citizenship by descent. In this case, citizenship can be acquired through simplified naturalisation. If one of your grandparents or great grandparents was of Hungarian origin, you may be eligible for citizenship by proving your ancestry.
Under simplified naturalisation, applicants are not required to live in Hungary for an extended period. However, a basic to intermediate level of Hungarian language proficiency is needed.
Required documents and language proficiency for Hungarian citizenship by descent
Documents. Along with a filled-in application form, applicants must submit their valid identification, such as an ID or passport, their birth and name change certificates, and documents proving their Hungarian descent.
Acceptable documents for proving Hungarian origin include:
- birth, marriage, and death certificates;
- a citizenship certificate;
- a residence certificate;
- a naturalisation or renaturalisation certificate;
- a valid work book;
- a name change or dismissal document;
- a school certificate;
- current address registration;
- a military book;
- a valid Hungarian passport;
- a certificate from the parish priest or pastoral priest, if proving relation to an ancestor born before 1895.
All foreign-language documents must be accompanied by a certified Hungarian translation.
Language requirement. In most cases, applicants for Hungarian citizenship are required to demonstrate at least a basic level of Hungarian. Language proficiency is usually assessed with the citizenship test, but descendants of Hungarians are exempted from passing it. Instead, they demonstrate their knowledge of Hungarian during the citizenship interview.
The language requirement ensures that applicants have a connection to the culture and can integrate into Hungarian society. However, exceptions are made for individuals with limited capacity, who are not required to meet this language criterion.
Costs and other expenses for obtaining Hungarian citizenship by descent
The process of obtaining Hungarian citizenship by descent is entirely free of charge, but applicants may face certain expenses depending on their circumstances and location. These costs may include:
- Legal fees — €1,000+. While hiring an immigration lawyer or professional service is optional, it can significantly increase costs, especially for complex cases.
- Document and translation costs — €100+. Applicants may need to pay for certified or notarised copies of documents like birth and marriage certificates. Documents issued outside Hungary may require apostilles or legal certifications. Certified Hungarian translations are also required, adding to the expense, particularly for multiple documents.
- Additional costs. Travel and accommodation expenses may arise if an applicant needs to attend an interview at a Hungarian consulate.
How to get Hungarian citizenship by descent step-by-step
Applications for naturalisation may be submitted to any Hungarian registrar, a regional directorate of the Office of Immigration and Naturalization, or a consular officer at Hungary’s foreign diplomatic missions. Below is a step‑by‑step guide on how to navigate the process.
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1+ weeksGather and legalise documents
The applicant must collect all required documents, such as birth and marriage certificates, and have them translated into Hungarian. Translations can be done in Országos Fordító és Fordításhitelesítő Iroda (OFFI), The National Translation and Certification Office in Hungary, or by the Hungarian consul abroad.
The Hungarian authorities can also accept documents provided by EU translators with authentic translation rights.
Gather and legalise documents -
1+ dayFill out the application form
The application form is completed in Hungarian. Applicants can download it from the official website of the Consular Service of Hungary.
Fill out the application form -
1+ weeksFile an application, undergo an interview
During the interview, consulate officials may ask about your family history and ties to Hungary. The interview is typically conducted in Hungarian to assess your basic language proficiency, although this requirement may be waived under specific circumstances.
File an application, undergo an interview -
3+ monthsWait for the decision
There is no fixed maximum timeframe for naturalisation. The Minister responsible for citizenship submits the application proposal to the President of Hungary within 3 months of receiving the application, with a possible 3-month extension if necessary.
Certain periods are excluded from this timeframe, such as the time taken to supply missing information, suspension of proceedings, or waiting for opinions or data from other authorities.
When a decision is made, the applicant gets a naturalisation certificate approved by the president of Hungary and an invitation to take an oath.
Wait for the decision -
1 dayTake an oath of allegiance
Once approved, applicants receive an invitation to take the oath of allegiance. Hungarian citizenship is granted on the day of the oath. If the oath is not taken within one year, the naturalisation document becomes void.
Take an oath of allegiance
7 advantages of Hungarian citizenship
1. Travel freedom. Hungarian citizens have visa-free, visa-on-arrival, or eTA access to over 170 countries, including the UK, Japan, and most of South America. This makes the Hungarian passport highly powerful, offering extensive mobility and bypassing many visa restrictions faced by non-EU passport holders.
2. Economic opportunities. As EU nationals, Hungarian citizens can live and work across the European Union without restrictions. This opens doors to the entire EU labour market, which consists of over 200 million workers.
EU citizens also enjoy strong worker protections, such as minimum wage standards, paid vacations, and social security benefits.
3. Access to high quality education. Hungarian citizens benefit from a publicly funded education system and reduced tuition fees or free higher education in countries like Germany, Sweden, and Austria. Hungary itself has prestigious universities, such as Eötvös Loránd University and Semmelweis University, attracting students from all over Europe and beyond.
4. Affordable real estate and living costs. Property prices, especially outside Budapest, are much lower than in Western Europe. Daily living expenses, such as dining, transportation, and entertainment, are 1.5 to 2 times more affordable compared to many other EU countries.
5. Dual citizenship. Hungary allows dual citizenship, enabling foreigners to retain their current nationality while becoming a Hungarian citizen. For example, the United States and Canada both recognize dual citizenship, so if you’re a citizen of these countries, you can hold Hungarian citizenship simultaneously.
6. Family legacy. Hungarian citizenship by descent can be passed down to future generations, allowing your children and grandchildren to inherit the benefits of EU citizenship. This ensures that your family retains access to European opportunities in education, healthcare, and employment.
7. Favourable tax regime. Hungary offers the lowest corporate tax rate in Europe at just 9%, attracting foreign investors and companies. For individuals, the country has a flat income tax rate of 15%, which is competitive compared to other EU countries. Various tax incentives are also available, making Hungary attractive for both professionals and retirees.
Other ways to obtain Hungarian citizenship
Aside from citizenship by descent, Hungary offers several pathways for foreigners to obtain citizenship.
Citizenship by marriage. Foreigners married to a Hungarian citizen for at least 10 years can apply for citizenship through simplified naturalisation. If the couple has a child together, this period is reduced to 5 years.
If the couple lives in Hungary, citizenship can be obtained by ordinary naturalisation in 5 years, even without children. After two years of marriage, the foreign spouse gains permanent residency in Hungary, and after 3 more years of continuous residency, they can apply for citizenship.
In both cases, applicants must demonstrate basic Hungarian language proficiency.
Citizenship by naturalisation after long‑term residency. Applicants who have lived in Hungary for at least 8 years with a permanent residence permit can apply for citizenship through naturalisation. Permanent residency is typically obtained after 3 years of residence with a qualifying permit, such as one for high-skilled employment, a National Card, or through the Hungary Golden Visa.
The Hungary Golden Visa is granted to non-EU and non-EEA nationals who invest at least €250,000 in the Hungarian economy. Investment options include real estate fund investment, property purchase, or donation to higher education. Investors, along with their families, receive 10-year residence permits. After 3 years of continuous residency, they can apply for permanent residency, followed by citizenship after 8 more years.
Hungarian dual citizenship by descent
Hungary permits dual citizenship, meaning individuals who acquire Hungarian citizenship by descent can keep their original nationality and enjoy the benefits of both passports.
While Hungary fully recognizes dual citizenship, it is essential to check the laws of your other country of citizenship. For example, Austria generally does not allow dual citizenship, so Austrian citizens who acquire Hungarian citizenship may need to relinquish their Austrian nationality.
The most significant advantage of obtaining Hungarian dual citizenship by descent is that there is no residency requirement. Unlike ordinary naturalisation, Hungary allows descendants of Hungarian nationals to apply for citizenship without living in the country, making it an accessible option for individuals around the world with Hungarian roots.
Special considerations for Austrian nationals seeking Hungarian citizenship
Before 1920, Hungary was part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, which spanned much of Central Europe. The empire, established in 1867, combined Austria and Hungary under a shared monarch, while each country maintained sovereignty over domestic matters. In 1920, after World War I, Hungary’s borders were significantly reduced, and many ethnic Hungarians became citizens of Austria.
Although only 20% of the empire’s population was ethnically Hungarian, many Hungarians lived in regions that are now outside Hungary’s borders. So, Austrian citizens whose ancestors identified as Hungarians may qualify for Hungarian citizenship.
Key insights on obtaining Hungarian citizenship by descent
- To qualify for Hungarian citizenship by descent, applicants must prove a direct lineage from a Hungarian citizen, using documents such as birth and marriage certificates to establish ancestry.
- Applicants for Hungarian citizenship by descent do not need to reside in Hungary or pass a citizenship test. Basic Hungarian language proficiency is demonstrated during an interview with a government official.
- Once citizenship is granted, applicants receive the same rights as Hungarian‑born citizens, including the ability to live, work, and study anywhere in the EU, along with visa-free travel to over 170 countries.
- Hungary allows dual citizenship, enabling applicants to retain their original nationality while becoming Hungarian citizens.
- Other pathways to Hungarian citizenship include marriage and naturalisation. Naturalisation requires 8 years of residency as a permanent resident, which can be obtained after 3 years with a qualifying residence permit, such as the Hungary Golden Visa.