Kossuth Lajos utca 7-9, Budapest, Hungary, 1053
27 January, 2025
Reading Time: 6 min

Hungarian citizenship by descent: how your ancestry can open EU doors

James Carter — author of the article

In 2010, Hungary amended its nationality law to allow citizenship by descent for “Hungarians beyond the borders,” without residency requirement. The initiative became highly popular: in the first nine years, over 1 million foreigners applied for Hungarian citizenship by descent.

For those with Hungarian roots, obtaining citizenship not only reconnects them with their heritage but also unlocks benefits of an EU passport. With EU citizenship, ethnic Hungarians gain visa-free access to over 170 countries and the right to live, work, and study across the 29 EU member states.

Let’s explore the qualification requirements, application process, and advantages of Hungarian citizenship by descent.

Hungarian citizenship by descent

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.

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Requirements for Hungary Digital Nomad Visa

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.

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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:

  1. Legal fees — €1,000+. While hiring an immigration lawyer or professional service is optional, it can significantly increase costs, especially for complex cases.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.

PT4M
  1. 1+ weeks
    Gather 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
  2. 1+ day
    Fill 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
  3. 1+ weeks
    File 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
  4. 3+ months
    Wait 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
  5. 1 day
    Take 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.

Hungarian citizenship by descent great grandparent
Hungary is considered a safe and stable country with low crime rates. This sense of security contributes to a peaceful lifestyle for its inhabitants

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.

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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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. Hungary allows dual citizenship, enabling applicants to retain their original nationality while becoming Hungarian citizens.
  5. 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.

Frequently asked questions

To obtain Hungarian citizenship by descent, you must prove your Hungarian ancestry, typically through a grandparent or even a great-grandparent. You will need to gather documentation, such as birth and marriage certificates, that establish your lineage. 

Once eligible, you can submit an application at a Hungarian consulate or embassy. Upon approval, you’ll receive confirmation of your citizenship, allowing you to apply for a Hungarian passport.

The main requirements for Hungarian citizenship by descent include:

  • proof of Hungarian ancestry via birth and marriage certificates linking you to a Hungarian ancestor;
  • showing a clean criminal record;
  • demonstrating basic command of the Hungarian language, unless exceptions apply;
  • filling out an application form and submitting it to the Hungarian consulate, registrar, or immigration office.

Yes, if your grandfather was a Hungarian citizen and you can provide the necessary documentation proving your descent, you may be eligible for Hungarian citizenship. Once your citizenship is confirmed, you can apply for a Hungarian passport.

The difficulty of obtaining Hungarian citizenship depends on your ability to prove your ancestry and meet the requirements. If you have the required documents, the process is generally straightforward but may take time due to application processing.

In most cases, a basic understanding of Hungarian is required for citizenship by descent. However, exceptions exist for legally incapacitated individuals or those applying under special circumstances. Language proficiency is typically more critical for ordinary naturalisation.

Yes, Hungary allows dual citizenship. You can retain your original nationality while becoming a Hungarian citizen, provided your home country also recognizes dual citizenship.

To get Hungarian citizenship through grandparents, you must provide documentation proving that one of your grandparents was a Hungarian citizen. This includes their birth certificates, marriage records, and any proof of their Hungarian citizenship. Once these documents are collected, you can submit your application to obtain citizenship.

You can typically claim Hungarian citizenship as far back as your great‑grandparents, provided you can prove their Hungarian citizenship with the necessary documentation.

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