Are you considering getting Hungarian citizenship? This article will answer your questions.
Hungarian citizenship is advantageous in many ways, thanks to its advanced health services, educational opportunities, and favorable economic conditions. Moreover, there are opportunities for getting Hungarian citizenship by descent, birth and marriage.
Hungary is a member of the European Union, the OECD, NATO, the Visegrád Group, and Schengen.
Once naturalized, you have the right to live, work, use health services, and receive education in the EU. You can also enter 187 countries with a Hungarian passport without a visa.
What’s more? You can keep your dual citizenship by becoming a citizen.
So, how can you become a citizen?
Take it from us: Hungary has the most simplified citizenship options among EU countries.
Let’s take a closer look at Hungarian citizenship and find you a rich key to unlock the doors of the EU.
Overview of Hungarian Citizenship Law
The 1993 Hungarian Citizenship Act was enacted to increase the loyalty of Hungarian citizens to their Republic. Both international treaties and the traditions of Hungarian law were taken into account when enacting the law.
The 2011 law simplified the process of obtaining citizenship for people outside Hungary who are Hungarian by origin and speak the Hungarian language.
Let’s now look at the general principles of Hungarian citizenship law to understand the law.
- Firstly, if you were born in Hungary to Hungarian parents, you are a Hungarian citizen from the first moment.
- Also, according to the principle of Jus Sanguinis, if you were born to Hungarian parents, you can obtain Hungarian citizenship by proving your origin.
- If you are a foreign citizen, you can gain Hungarian citizenship by fulfilling the residence requirements and proving your language proficiency.
- Hungary also allows you to maintain your dual citizenship. In other words, you can have 2 different citizenship rights, both in your own country and in Hungary.
Historical Context
Many people of Hungarian origin live in Romania and Ukraine, Hungary’s neighboring countries. But they do not have Hungarian citizenship.
This is an issue for both Hungary and people of Hungarian origin. Therefore, in 2011, Hungary introduced simplified citizenship processes with the regulation.
The changes made in the Hungarian Citizenship Law from past to present are as follows:
- Law L of 1879 on the Acquisition and Loss of Hungarian Citizenship
- Law XVII of 1922 on the Regulation of Citizenship
- Act V of 1957 on Hungarian Citizenship
- 1993 Hungarian Citizenship Act LV
- Amendment to the Citizenship Act 2011 (CCXI Act 2011)
Current Legal Framework
You can acquire Hungarian citizenship by being born to Hungarian parents. If you’re planning to start the process to get Hungarian citizenship, see the current legal rules below before taking action:
- Birth: If at least one of your parents is a Hungarian citizen, you are a naturalized citizen, regardless of which country you were born in.
- Simplified citizenship: You can apply for simplified citizenship if you can speak the Hungarian language and can prove your Hungarian origin.
- Adoption: If you are a foreigner adopted by Hungarian parents, you can apply for citizenship.
- Dual citizenship: If you qualify for Hungarian citizenship, you can also retain your citizenship in your home country.
- Naturalization: As part of the general conditions, it is also expected that you have no criminal background. You must also have sufficient financial means to live in Hungary.
Types of Hungarian Citizenship
The Hungarian government recognizes citizenship by marriage, birth, and descent.
- Hungarian Citizenship by Marriage
- Citizenship by Birth
- Citizenship by Descent
You can find better answers to your questions under the following headings.
Citizenship by Marriage
To obtain Hungarian citizenship through marriage, you must be married for at least three years. At the same time, you and your spouse must have an official residence in Hungary.
You must also have sufficient language skills to live in Hungary and respect the country’s culture and social values.
Finally, after completing the minimum living period of 3 years and proving your language proficiency with documents, you can apply for Hungarian citizenship through marriage. These are extremely easy and simple steps.
Citizenship by Birth
Citizenship by birth is a simple type of citizenship. That is, you simply need to be born to a Hungarian citizen parent.
However, if both parents are not Hungarian citizens, you are not automatically a citizen.
Citizenship by Descent
In Hungary, citizenship by descent is a principle also known as ‘Jus Sanguinis.’ This means that an individual’s citizenship directly depends on their mother, father, grandmother, and grandfather.
However, to prove your claim of ancestry, you must provide verifiable official documents such as a birth certificate, marriage certificate, etc. If you have Hungarian ancestry and can prove it, there is a very high probability that you will be granted citizenship.
Naturalization Process
The experience of naturalization can be different for everyone. For example, if you are married, the process is shorter, but naturalization through foreign residency is a rather longer process.
Firstly, you should start by collecting the documents.
In general, the documents you need to submit:
- Proof of identity: Have your valid identity card or passport with you.
- Birth certificate: Present your birth certificate in original or certified copy with a Hungarian translation.
- Marriage certificate: Present your marriage certificate with a translation and, if necessary, an apostille.
- Criminal record: Prove that you have no criminal record.
- Passport: Present an international passport.
- Proof of residence: Provide proof of your official residence address in the country.
- Certificate of language skills: Present a certificate that your knowledge of the Hungarian language is sufficient.
You can increase your chances of being accepted by translating all documents into Hungarian and submitting them completely.
Once you have the documents, you are ready to apply. At this stage, you can apply to the Interior Ministry or citizenship directorates.
You are asked to speak good Hungarian at the application interview. It can help you if you rehearse your answers before you go in case you’re not totally confident.
Finally, when the application is processed, the waiting period varies between 8-12 months.
Eligibility Criteria for Hungarian Citizenship
Hungarian citizenship requirements are as follows:
- Completing the minimum life expectancy in Hungary (8 years for foreigners without Hungarian family, 3 years for married persons)
- Proof of a clean criminal record
- Passing the language exam successfully
- Having stable and sufficient financial resources
- Obtaining a permanent residence address in Hungary
- Collecting documents according to the type of citizenship (marriage, proof of birth or origin, etc.)
- Sending the documents to the Hungarian Consulate (passport, two photos, certificates of employment and residence, rental and housing purchase contracts).
Important information: Children under 12 and over 60 years of age are exempt from taking the language test.
How to Apply for Hungarian Citizenship
You fulfill the criteria, but you need an answer to the question ‘How to get Hungarian citizenship?’.
When applying for citizenship, you must (1) fulfill the requirements listed above, (2) collect the requested documents, and (3) submit them to the relevant authorities of the Hungarian government. These are 3 basic and main steps.
Then, you have to apply to the official institutions to start the application.
You can submit your application in Hungary or at a Hungarian Consulate abroad.
Please remember that you will speak Hungarian during the application. So you should use your language skills both when you make an appointment and when you go to the consulate.
Finally, the processing time for applications varies between 8 and 12 months. Once they approve your application, it takes 1 to 2 months for them to prepare your passport and send it to your address.
Benefits of Hungarian Citizenship
When applying for Hungarian citizenship, you benefit from simplified application steps.
But there is more:
- You can travel to 187 countries without a visa (especially free entry to the USA, Canada, Japan, and China).
- You benefit from Hungarian dual citizenship.
- You gain the right to reside in any EU country.
- You have the right to vote.
- You make broad cultural contacts.
- You benefit from free education and advanced health care in European clinics.
- You are close to job opportunities in the center of Europe.
- You can apply for family reunification.
Hungarian Residency
It is indisputable how good it feels to live right in the center of Europe. That is why people are looking for ways to become a resident in Hungary.
Well, if you are interested, you should also know about the fastest and most effective residency gain management.
Hungary Golden Visa
The Hungarian Golden Visa entitles you to reside in the EU. You can complete the application steps in 4 to 8 weeks.
Although it basically gives the right of residence, this is not the only benefit.
Here are some more advantages of Hungary Golden Visa:
- It is renewed every ten years.
- The approval period is short.
- There is no residency requirement.
- It offers visa-free travel in the EU Schengen area.
More for updates in 2024: “Hungary Golden Visa: Residence by Investment“
Conclusion
Whether you are of Hungarian descent, planning to marry a Hungarian citizen, or simply want to put down roots in the country, there are accessible routes to become a Hungarian citizen.
Hungarian citizenship is more than a legal status—obtain it and gain access to new opportunities, freedom of movement, and a vibrant community in one of Europe’s most historically rich countries.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Americans become Hungarian citizens?
Since the US law concerning the acquisition of another nationality was changed in 1990, US citizens can become Hungarian citizens and they do not loose their US citizenship.
Can you get Hungarian citizenship by descent?
If you can establish a direct ancestral link to at least one parent or grandparent who is or who was a Hungarian citizen, you can qualify for Hungarian citizenship by descent.
Does Hungary accept dual citizenship?
Hungary allows dual citizenship without restriction and does not immediately grant tax residency to new citizens. When applying for Hungarian citizenship, make sure to check if your present home nation also accepts multiple citizenships.
How many years does it take to get Hungarian citizenship?
After staying in Hungary for 8 years, temporary or permanent, you may be able to apply for Hungarian citizenship. You must pass a basic constitutional studies examination in Hungarian.
