How to obtain Hungary dual citizenship:
who is eligible

Is dual citizenship available in Hungary?

Hungary officially allows dual citizenship. This means individuals can hold Hungarian citizenship alongside other nationalities.

Legal framework. Hungary’s laws on dual citizenship were primarily shaped by a 2010 amendment to the Hungarian Citizenship Act. This amendment simplified the process for ethnic Hungarians living abroad to obtain citizenship.

Dual vs. second citizenship. Hungary’s legislation does not distinguish between dual and second citizenship. The country lacks specific bilateral agreements on dual citizenship with any nation. As a result, Hungary recognizes each passport holder solely as a Hungarian citizen, granting them the corresponding rights and obligations under national law.

Multiple citizenships. Hungary permits both dual and multiple citizenships. There are no restrictions on the number of additional passports one can hold alongside a Hungarian one. This makes Hungary one of the most flexible countries in the European Union, allowing individuals to benefit from Hungarian citizenship without renouncing their original nationality.

Pathways to Hungarian dual citizenship are regulated by the country’s Immigration Law and include:

• proving lineage to a Hungarian ancestor;
• marriage to a Hungarian citizen;
• naturalisation.

To become eligible for citizenship by naturalisation, a foreigner must live in the country with a qualifying residence permit for three years, followed by eight years of permanent residency. 

One of the quick ways to Hungarian residency, which can eventually lead to citizenship, is participation in the Hungary Golden Visa program.

Hungary dual citizenship through the Golden Visa program

5 benefits of dual citizenship in Hungary

1. Legal benefits. Dual citizens in Hungary enjoy the legal rights and protections of both Hungary and their other country of citizenship. This includes access to social services, healthcare, and the right to own property without restrictions. For example, the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) provides access to state‑provided healthcare during temporary stays in 29 EU countries, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland.

2. Political benefits. Dual citizens gain the right to vote in Hungarian elections, influence local governance, and participate in Hungary’s political life, while retaining political rights in their other country of citizenship.

3. Economic and business advantages. Dual citizenship offers economic flexibility, including the ability to work, start a business, or invest in Hungary and other EU countries without needing additional permits. This provides access to the European trade, service, and labour markets.

4. Travel and mobility perks. Hungarian dual citizens benefit from freedom of movement within the European Union. They can visit 171 countries worldwide, including the USA, Canada, Australia, and Japan, without a visa or with simplified visa arrangements.

5. Consulate protection. Dual citizens can seek consular protection and assistance from both Hungary and their other country of citizenship, ensuring greater security while travelling or living abroad.

Ways of obtaining Hungary dual citizenship for foreigners

Obtaining dual citizenship in Hungary is possible through several legal pathways, each with specific requirements and processes.

Ordinary naturalisation. To qualify, foreign nationals must meet several conditions, including: 

• eight years of continuous residency in Hungary; 
• a clean criminal record; 
• sufficient financial means.

Applicants must also pass a citizenship test in Hungarian and pose no threat to public order or national security. 

More favourable conditions apply to family members of Hungarian citizens, minors, and individuals with refugee or stateless status.

5 ways to obtain Hungary citizenship

Simplified naturalisation. Since 2010, non‑Hungarian citizens with Hungarian ancestry or those able to prove their Hungarian origin can apply for simplified naturalisation.

This process requires proficiency in the Hungarian language but does not require continuous residency in Hungary, proof of financial means, or a place of residence.

Marriage. Spouses of Hungarian citizens can apply for citizenship by ordinary or simplified naturalisation, depending on the country of the couple’s residency. 

If spouses live in Hungary, the ordinary naturalisation process applies and takes at least 5 years. After being married to a Hungarian citizen for at least 2 years, the foreign spouse can obtain permanent residency. After 3 more years, they become entitled to citizenship. To qualify, they must continue the marriage, prove accommodation in Hungary, have a means of subsistence, and pass the citizenship test.

If the couple resides outside Hungary, the foreign spouse can apply for simplified naturalisation. In this case, spouses must be married for at least 10 years, or 5 years if they have a child. The spouse’s citizenship acquisition time or grounds is irrelevant; the length of marriage is the key criterion. The applicant doesn’t need to take the citizenship test, but must prove their Hungarian language skills.

Reinstatement of former citizenship. Individuals who were previously Hungarian citizens, or their descendants, can often restore their citizenship through a simplified process, provided they meet certain criteria.

The direct investment route to Hungary dual citizenship is not available. However, investors can obtain a Hungarian Golden Visa and apply for citizenship under the general rule after eleven years of continuous residency in the country.

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Eligibility for dual citizenship in Hungary

Period of residency. To qualify for Hungarian citizenship, a foreign national generally needs eight years of continuous residency in Hungary. This period begins from the registration of the applicant’s address after they receive an immigrant or permanent resident status, which is granted after three years of uninterrupted residency in Hungary.

Сertain groups of applicants can benefit from favourable conditions, requiring only three years of permanent residency instead of eight. These groups include: 

• refugees; 
• stateless persons;
• direct family members of Hungarian citizens.

Tests and commitments. Applicants for Hungarian citizenship must pass a citizenship test to demonstrate their knowledge of Hungarian culture, history, and laws. The test must be taken in person in Budapest.

Certain groups are exempt from this requirement, such as: 

• ethnic Hungarians; 
• those married to a Hungarian citizen for 10 years, or 5 years if they have a child together;
• incompetent persons; 
• those over 60;
• individuals with serious health issues.

The cost of the citizenship test is half the national minimum wage, or around €349 in 2024. 

All applicants must also take a citizenship oath or pledge of allegiance, affirming their commitment to Hungary’s laws and values. If the applicant is legally incompetent, their guardian may take the oath on their behalf.

Language requirements. Proficiency in Hungarian is essential for all naturalisation applicants. Language knowledge is evaluated through the citizenship test, which includes both written and oral components in Hungarian.

For applicants exempt from the citizenship test, other means are used to assess their Hungarian language skills.

Good conduct requirements. Applicants for Hungarian citizenship must maintain a clean criminal record to ensure they pose no threat to public order or public health. Relevant authorities verify the applicant’s criminal record directly, so no additional documentary evidence is required from the applicant.

Financial resources. Applicants for Hungarian citizenship must demonstrate sufficient financial means and a stable place of residence in Hungary. This requirement does not apply to those seeking simplified naturalisation. 

While no specific minimum income or asset level is set by law, applicants in the standard process must provide: 

• proof of residence, such as a property deed or rental agreement, to demonstrate housing stability;
• income verification, typically through tax certifications from the previous three years. 

Hungary dual citizenship with the USA

US citizens can obtain Hungarian citizenship without renouncing their American nationality. This allows them to live, work, and travel freely within the European Union while retaining all the rights and privileges of US citizenship. 

US citizens seeking Hungarian citizenship typically follow one of the available pathways, such as: 

• naturalisation, 
• descent, 
• marriage. 

However, US citizens must be mindful of tax obligations. Both the US and Hungary may require tax filings. US citizens living abroad must file income, estate, and gift tax returns and pay estimated taxes as if they were residing in the US.

Since January 1st, 2024, the double tax treaty between the United States and Hungary is designed to prevent double taxation of income earned by residents of both countries. It outlines which country has the right to tax specific types of income, such as dividends, interest, royalties, and capital gains. 

Hungary dual citizenship with Canada

Canadian citizens can also hold dual citizenship with Hungary, enjoying the benefits of both nationalities. This status allows Canadians to live, work, and travel freely within the European Union while retaining their rights in Canada.

To obtain Hungarian citizenship, Canadians can apply through various pathways such as descent, marriage, or naturalisation. The process involves fulfilling residency requirements, demonstrating proficiency in Hungarian, and meeting other legal conditions.

Canadians living abroad may still be obligated to pay Canadian federal and provincial or territorial income taxes. Dual citizens of Hungary and Canada who plan to be outside of Canada for an extended period should notify the Canada Revenue Agency, CRA, to determine their residency status. This status depends on whether the departure is permanent or temporary, and on the residential ties they maintain in Canada and establish in another country.

Hungary dual citizenship with the United Kingdom

UK citizens can hold dual citizenship with Hungary, which is particularly beneficial post-Brexit as it provides continued access to the EU. Hungary does not impose restrictions on dual nationality, allowing UK citizens to retain their British citizenship while acquiring Hungarian one. 

The acquiring of a Hungarian passport can be done through descent, marriage, or naturalisation, depending on individual circumstances. 

When pursuing dual citizenship, individuals should consider legal and tax obligations in both countries. For example, one can still be considered a UK resident for tax purposes while living abroad, especially if they spend more than 183 days in the UK within a tax year. In such cases, they must continue to pay taxes on income and gains from selling assets like shares as usual.

Hungary dual citizenship with Australia

Australian citizens are permitted to hold dual citizenship with Hungary, enabling them to enjoy the rights and privileges of both countries. One of the most streamlined processes is through Hungary’s simplified naturalisation program, which is available to those who can prove Hungarian ancestry. This pathway does not require continuous residency in Hungary. 

For those seeking citizenship through residency, ordinary naturalisation is available after completing eight years of continuous residency in Hungary.

Applicants must meet all necessary legal, language, and residency requirements. Additionally, dual citizens should be aware of any tax obligations or legal considerations in both Hungary and Australia. If an individual moves to Hungary but remains an Australian tax resident, they must file an Australian tax return.

Is it possible to get Hungarian citizenship by investment?

As of now, Hungary does not offer a citizenship-by-investment program. However, the Hungary Golden Visa program, officially known as Guest Investor Residence Permit, provides a pathway to residency for those who invest in the country.

The program offers a 10-year residence permit, which can be extended for the same period, through one of the following investment options:

• purchase of real estate fund units — €250,000+;
• residential property purchase, becoming available on January 1st, 2025, — €500,000+;
• donation to an institution of higher learning — €1,000,000+.

While the Golden Visa does not grant immediate citizenship, it enables investors and their families to live in Hungary and offers the potential for citizenship after 11 years of continuous residency. To qualify for citizenship, additional criteria, such as language proficiency, must be met.

To qualify for national permanent residency in Hungary after the Golden Visa, you must meet the following criteria:

1. Prove a clean criminal record, sufficient means of subsistence, a place of accommodation in Hungary, and comprehensive healthcare insurance.
2. Live in Hungary for 3 years with a temporary residence permit.
3. Not leave Hungary for more than 4 consecutive months during these 3 years.
4. Spend no more than 270 days outside Hungary in total during the 3 years. 
5. Prove that granting you permanent residency aligns with Hungary’s national interests.

Permanent residency is granted for life, but the ID card must be renewed every five years. To maintain the status, you cannot not leave Hungary for more than 6 months.

To qualify for Hungary citizenship by naturalisation after the Golden Visa, you must meet the following criteria:

1. Reside in Hungary for 8 years with a permanent residence permit. 
2. Prove a clean criminal record, sufficient means of subsistence, and a place of accommodation in Hungary.
3. Pass the citizenship test, which includes written and oral elements in Hungarian.

Thus, the total period of living in Hungary would be at least 11 years: at least 3 years to obtain permanent residency and then another 8 years to qualify for citizenship.

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Key points about Hungarian dual citizenship

1. Hungary allows dual and even multiple citizenships without requiring renunciation of the original nationality. This flexibility makes it an attractive option for those seeking an additional passport.
2. Citizenship can be obtained through naturalisation, descent, marriage, or the Golden Visa program, which grants residency with the potential for citizenship after 11 years.
3. Applicants for Hungarian dual citizenship must meet residency, language proficiency, and good conduct requirements. Exemptions exist for specific cases, such as family members or ethnic Hungarians.
4. The citizenship process involves submitting documents, undergoing background checks, and taking a citizenship oath. Though thorough, the process offers significant long-term benefits.
5. Benefits of a Hungary dual citizenship include legal protections, political participation, economic opportunities, freedom of movement within the EU, and consular support from both countries.