Hungary citizenship: 7 ways to become a Hungarian citizen

Hungary citizenship law

Hungary provides several pathways to citizenship, each tailored to specific criteria and circumstances. Individuals can choose the most suitable option based on factors like ancestral ties, familial connections, investment prospects, or duration of residency.

The basic rules for obtaining Hungarian citizenship are established in Act LV of 1993 on Hungarian Citizenship.

The primary routes available for individuals seeking Hungarian citizenship are as follows:

1. Birth: available for children born to Hungarian parents.
2. Naturalisation: requires a period of legal residency in Hungary.
3. Descent: designed for individuals with Hungarian ancestry.
4. Marriage: applicable to foreign nationals wedded to Hungarian citizens.
5. Family reunification: open to relatives of Hungarian citizens.
6. Declaration: special cases, including refugees and stateless persons.

Hungarian citizenship cannot be obtained by investment, but foreigners can get a Hungary Golden Visa which can eventually lead to citizenship. This type of visa was introduced in 2023, enabling third-country nationals to acquire a residence permit in Hungary by investment of at least €250,000. 

Participants of the investment program can invest in local real estate funds or make donations to higher education institutions. After 11 years of living in Hungary, investors may become eligible for citizenship by naturalisation.

7 benefits of being a citizen of Hungary

1. EU passport benefits. Hungarian citizens can live and work in Hungary and any EU country without additional permits or visas.

2. Access to social services. Citizens have access to various social services the Hungarian government provides, including healthcare, education, and social welfare programs. Citizens obtain a European Health Insurance Card, EHIC, and seek medical treatment in 29 EU countries, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland, and the UK.

3. Influence on local politics. Citizens have the right to vote and serve in public office in Hungary, which allows them to participate fully in the country’s political processes.

4. Consular protection. Hungarian citizens can seek assistance from Hungarian embassies and consulates abroad if they encounter legal or other difficulties while travelling or residing in different countries.

5. Travel benefits. Hungarian citizens can travel freely within the EU and enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 171 nations, encompassing many destinations such as the US, the UK, Japan, and Singapore.

6. Economic opportunities. Citizenship provides access to economic opportunities in Hungary, including opening bank accounts, taking out loans and mortgages, and investing in securities with the help of European banks. It also allows individuals to work and establish a business in Hungary and other EU countries.

7. Family reunification. Hungarian citizens can sponsor family members for immigration to Hungary and facilitate family reunification.

Hungary citizenship by investment: how to get a Hungarian passport after the Hungary Golden Visa

In 2024, Hungary offered a new residence permit by investment program called the Golden Visa. The program includes two investment options:

1. Purchase of investment fund units for €250,000+. The chosen investment fund must be approved by the Central Bank of Hungary, Magyar Nemzeti Bank, and have at least 40% of its assets invested in real estate.
2. A financial donation of €1,000,000+ to a higher education institution that is a member of the Foundation for Asset Management in the Public Interest.

A residence permit by investment is issued for 10 years, after which it can be extended for the same period once. Although the Hungary Golden Visa program does not oblige investors to move to the country, those seeking Hungarian citizenship must live in Hungary on a permanent basis. 

To qualify for a passport, investors meet standard requirements for naturalisation, including maintaining a permanent residency status for 8 years and passing a citizenship test in Hungarian. They also need to have a permanent address in Hungary which can be registered at the real estate purchased under the Golden Visa program or any other owned or rented property.

Hungarian citizenship by naturalisation

Residency requirements. Applicants for Hungarian citizenship by naturalisation must live in Hungary for 3 years with a temporary residence permit and 8 years with permanent residency. 

When a foreigner receives a permanent residence card, they can register their permanent address, and the countdown for naturalisation begins. To qualify for citizenship, one must live in permanent residence status for another 8 years. Coupled with temporary and permanent residence permits, an individual must live in Hungary for over 11 years. 

To maintain the permanent residence status, foreigners must not leave Hungary for more than 6 consecutive months. If they plan to leave Hungary for a longer period, they must notify the Immigration Office of Hungary. If the applicant has spent at least 180 days in Hungary during the 365 days before the notice, they will most likely be granted a permission to stay outside Hungary for up to two years without forfeiting permanent residency.

Other requirements for applicants for citizenship by naturalisation include the following:

• knowledge of the Hungarian language;
• absence of criminal records and other convictions;
• compliance with all public and national security requirements of Hungary;
• passing the citizenship test;
• a stable source of income;
• a permanent address in Hungary.

Simplified naturalisation. Certain categories of foreigners are eligible for a simplified naturalisation, including descendants or spouses of Hungarian citizens, as well as refugees and stateless persons. Favourable conditions also apply for children of foreigners who live in Hungary — only 5 years of continuous residence is requested from the applicant, if they were born in the territory of Hungary or had established residence in Hungary before reaching adulthood.

The number of naturalised citizens in Hungary over the past 10 years

Hungarian citizenship by birth

Children of Hungarian citizens acquire Hungarian nationality irrespective of the place of their birth. 

A child can obtain Hungarian citizenship by birth under one of the following conditions:

• at least one of their parents is a Hungarian citizen;
• they are under 18 and adopted by Hungarian citizens;
• they are under 18 and found on Hungarian territory, with unidentified parents.

In cases where it is necessary to confirm citizenship by birth, parents must submit an application on behalf of the child. They have to obtain a certificate of citizenship using a simplified procedure, as well as submit the following documents:

• an application form for citizenship, which is called Honosítási, Visszahonosítási kérelem in Hungarian;
• an application form for registration of the birth of a child — Születés hazai anyakönyvezéséhez;
• a birth certificate translated into Hungarian and certified by a notary;
• the parents’ marriage certificate;
• a copy of the passport of one of the parents if they are not a Hungarian citizen.

Hungarian passport by marriage

Hungarian citizenship by marriage can be obtained in two ways: either through ordinary naturalisation or through simplified naturalisation. Ordinary naturalisation applies to couples living in Hungary, while simplified naturalisation is for those residing outside the country.

Ordinary naturalisation. To qualify for citizenship by marriage through ordinary naturalisation, the applicant must first obtain permanent residency in Hungary. This involves living in lawful marriage with a Hungarian citizen for at least 2 years.

After another 3 years, citizenship is granted if the foreign spouse of the Hungarian citizen meets the following criteria:

• continues to be in lawful marriage;
• ensures that the 3-year residence in Hungary is continuous;
• has a place of accommodation in Hungary and means of subsistence;
• passes the citizenship test, which includes written and oral elements in Hungarian.

In case of ordinary naturalisation, the total period from marriage to acquiring Hungary citizenship would be at least 5 years.

If the marriage was registered outside of Hungary, the applicant provides a certificate confirming the registration of the marriage within the country — Adatlap házasság hazai anyakönyvezéséhez.

Simplified naturalisation. To qualify for Hungary citizenship by marriage through simplified naturalisation, the applicant must:

• live in lawful marriage with a Hungarian citizen for at least 10 years, or at least 5 years if there is a child born to the couple;
• ensure that the spouse holds Hungarian citizenship at the time of application, regardless of when or how it was obtained;
• prove knowledge of Hungarian.

Under the simplified naturalisation process, the country of residence does not matter. The applicant also is not required to continuously reside in Hungary, have a place of accommodation there, prove sufficient means of subsistence, or pass the citizenship test.

Hungary citizenship by descent

Hungary offers citizenship by descent to individuals who can prove their direct lineage to a Hungarian ancestor. Applicants can apply through a simplified naturalisation process, which considers ancestors as distant as great-grandparents or older generations. 

Eligible ancestors include those who were Hungarian citizens or lived in Hungary’s former territories before its borders changed. Such territories include the modern Southern Slovakia, Transylvania territories, Transcarpathian region of Ukraine, or Vojvodina before 1920 or between 1938 and 1945.

The simplified naturalisation process is faster and less demanding than regular naturalisation, and applicants are not required to live in Hungary before applying. However, knowledge of the Hungarian language is still required.

The process of getting a Hungarian passport involves applying to the relevant Hungarian government authorities and submitting the necessary documents:

• a personal statement;
• an international passport;
• the applicant’s birth certificate;
• certificates of marriage, divorce, and birth of children;
• birth, death, and marriage certificates of the applicant’s parents and their ancestors through whom citizenship is obtained;
• two photographs 3.5 × 4.5 cm;
• certificate of basic knowledge of the Hungarian language for applicants over 14.

Hungary citizenship by family reunification

Hungarian citizenship through family reunification is available  to foreign relatives of Hungarian citizens. After obtaining a residence permit, they can apply for citizenship following three years of residency in Hungary. This right also applies to relatives of individuals recognised as refugees by Hungary.

To qualify, applicants must provide the following documents verifying family connections established before they arrived in Hungary:

• birth, adoption, and marriage certificates, demonstrating relationships with providing family members or dependents;
• a certificate of insolvency for the applicant’s relatives;
• a bank statement or income certificate as evidence of financial support.

Hungary citizenship by declaration

Hungarian citizenship by declaration can be obtained by certain categories of foreigners who may not qualify through a standard naturalisation process. Eligible applicants include:

• former Hungarian nationals who lost their citizenship due to emigration or other circumstances between September 15th, 1947, and May 2nd, 1990;
• refugees;
• stateless persons.

Individuals officially recognised as refugees or stateless under Hungarian law may apply for citizenship by declaration. They must have lawfully resided in Hungary for at least three years before applying. To be granted citizenship, they must demonstrate basic knowledge of the Hungarian language.

A child born in Hungary to stateless parents can also acquire citizenship by declaration. This ensures that the child does not remain stateless.

Individuals who lost their Hungarian citizenship under historical circumstances may declare their intention to regain it. This includes those whose citizenship was revoked or forfeited due to political reasons or border changes.

Requirements for citizenship by declaration include:

• proof of identity and current residence;
• relevant documentation to support the claim, such as refugee status or statelessness recognition;
• knowledge of Hungarian language.

Dual citizenship in Hungary

Hungary allows dual citizenship, so foreigners can acquire a Hungarian passport without renouncing their original one. 

However, the rules regarding dual citizenship may vary depending on the laws of the applicant’s country. For example, China does not recognise dual citizenship. Chinese citizens who acquire foreign citizenship must renounce their first citizenship.

Hungary citizenship test

A citizenship examination is mandatory in the standard naturalisation process for Hungarian citizenship. This exam assesses the applicant’s knowledge of Hungarian history, culture, and language. 

The required level of language proficiency assumes intermediate-level communication skills in Hungarian, which includes comprehension and verbal expression.

Exemptions from the citizenship test are:

• children under 14;
• citizens over 60;
• applicants obtaining citizenship by descent or through the simplified naturalisation process.

For those applying by descent or simplified naturalisation, language proficiency is assessed through alternative methods, such as interviews with officials during the application process.

Why can Hungarian citizenship be denied?

Hungary can deny citizenship applications for various reasons. The decision is based on legal and security considerations and the applicant’s compliance with the Hungarian citizenship requirements.

Lack of eligibility. Applicants must meet the required period of lawful residence, for example, 11 years for naturalisation or 3 years for refugees and stateless persons. Insufficient residency time is a common ground for denial. Failure to demonstrate basic Hungarian language skills, unless exempt, can also lead to rejection. For those applying based on Hungarian descent, inability to provide sufficient proof of Hungarian ancestry or ties can result in denial.

Criminal background. Applicants with a history of serious criminal offenses or ongoing criminal proceedings in Hungary or abroad are typically denied citizenship. Any indication that the applicant poses a threat to public order or safety can also result in rejection.

National security risks. Citizenship may be denied if authorities determine that the applicant poses a risk to national security or Hungary’s international relations. This may include:

• association with extremist groups;
• involvement in espionage or activities against the state;
• past affiliations with organisations considered hostile to Hungary.

False or misleading information. Providing false, incomplete, or misleading information in the citizenship application can lead to immediate denial and, in some cases, legal consequences. Submission of falsified documents, such as fake birth certificates or residence permits, can disqualify the applicant.

Administrative or procedural issues. Missing or incomplete documentation may result in the application being denied or delayed. Not adhering to the application timeline, failing to attend interviews, or not taking the citizenship oath can lead to rejection.

If an application is denied, the decision can often be appealed. Applicants must provide additional evidence or rectify issues identified in the rejection. Meeting all legal and procedural requirements is essential to avoid denial of Hungarian citizenship.

Validity period of a Hungarian passport and how to renew it

The Hungary passport validity periods are as follows:

• 10 years for passports issued to citizens over 18;
• 5 years for passports for children aged 6 to 18, 
• 3 years for passports for children under 6.

The following documents are required to renew a Hungarian passport:

• a current passport;
• a Hungarian ID card or proof of citizenship, like citizenship certificate or birth certificate;
• proof of address;
• a birth certificate and parental consent for minor applicants;
• passport-sized photos, typically taken at the application center;
• police report, if renewing due to loss or theft;
• proof of the name change, if the passport holder has changed their name. 

Renewal applications for minors must be signed by their legal guardian.

Passport renewal process can be started 6 months before the passport’s expiration date. Applications for renewal can be submitted in Hungary at the local government or passport offices, as well as abroad at a Hungarian embassy or consulate.

Applications for passport renewal are typically processed within 8 weeks. Expedited processing can be as fast as 1—7 business days for urgent cases. Passports can be picked up in person or delivered to a specified address, depending on the location and service options.

Key takeaways: how to obtain Hungary nationality

1. The Hungarian citizenship law, outlined in Act LV of 1993, provides such pathways to citizenship as descent, naturalisation, repatriation, marriage, family reunification, and declaration. 
2. Hungary does not offer citizenship directly by investment. However, investors can obtain a Hungary Golden Visa, which allows legal residence in the country and can eventually lead to citizenship by naturalisation. The minimum investment under the Hungary Golden Visa program is €250,000.
3. Hungarian citizenship allows individuals to live, work, study and access healthcare and social services in Hungary and any other EU country. It also provides visa-free travel to over 170 countries and can be passed to future generations. 
4. For citizenship by naturalisation, applicants must reside in Hungary for at least 11 years, including 3 years with a residence permit and 8 years with permanent residency, pass a citizenship exam, and prove intermediate proficiency in Hungarian.
5. Foreigners applying for Hungarian citizenship by descent, marriage, or declaration are required to meet shorter residency requirements and do not typically have to take the citizenship test.
6. Hungary permits dual citizenship, allowing individuals to hold Hungarian citizenship with that of another country.