Citizenship
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All paths to Hungary citizenship: from naturalisation to investment

Hungarian citizenship provides the right to work and reside in any EU country, access to high-quality healthcare and education, and the freedom to travel without visas to more than 170 countries worldwide. This makes the Hungarian passport one of the most desirable.

Explore all the ways to obtain Hungarian citizenship, from investment programs to options like naturalisation, repatriation, marriage or family ties. Each path has its characteristics, requirements, and steps that must be completed to become a full citizen of the country.

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Author • Zlata Erlach

Told about the advantages and ways of obtaining Hungarian citizenship

Fact checked byIgor Buglo

Reviewed byVladlena Baranova

How to obtain Hungarian citizenship in 2024

All paths to Hungary citizenship: from naturalisation to investment

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Ways to obtain a Hungarian passport

Hungary offers several paths to citizenship, each unique and meeting specific requirements and conditions. The choice depends on individual circumstances, such as Hungarian roots, family connections, investment opportunities or even the length of residence in the country.

Here is a list of the main paths available to those who want to become a Hungarian citizen:

  1. Right of birth: for children born in Hungary or from Hungarian parents.

  2. Naturalisation: requires long-term legal residence in Hungary.

  3. Repatriation: for people with Hungarian roots.

  4. Marriage: for foreigners married to a Hungarian citizen.

  5. Family reunification: for family members of Hungarian citizens.

Declaration: special cases, including refugees and stateless persons.

In 2023, the Hungarian government published a bill that said investors would be able to obtain a Hungary residence permit by investing at least €250,000.

Those interested in the investment program can purchase residential property, invest in local real estate funds, or donate to a higher education institution. The investor can become eligible for citizenship by naturalisation several years later.

Hungary citizenship by birth

Hungarian citizenship by birth can be obtained by:

  • children if at least one of the parents is a Hungarian citizen, regardless of the child’s place of birth;

  • children under 18 adopted by Hungarian citizens;

  • children under 18 found on Hungarian territory whose parents have not been identified.

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

  • application for citizenship, Honosítási, Visszahonosítási kérelem;

  • application for registration of the birth of a child, A születés hazai anyakönyvezéséhez;

  • birth certificate translated into Hungarian and certified by a notary;

  • parents' marriage certificate;

  • a copy of the passport of one of the parents if he is not a Hungarian citizen.

Hungary citizenship by naturalisation

To obtain Hungarian citizenship by naturalisation, applicants must have lived in Hungary for 3 years with a temporary residence permit and 8 years with permanent residency. You also cannot spend more than 45 days a year outside the country.

Other requirements for applicants for citizenship by naturalisation:

  • knowledge of the Hungarian language;

  • absence of criminal records and other problems with the law;

  • compliance with all public and national security requirements of Hungary;

  • passed the citizenship test;

  • having a stable source of income;

  • having a permanent address in Hungary.

Only foreigners with a permanent residence card can obtain a permanent registration address in Hungary. To become a permanent resident of Hungary, one must live there for at least 3 years.

When a foreigner gets a permanent residence card and registers at their living place, the countdown for naturalisation starts. To qualify for citizenship, a permanent resident must live for another 8 years in the country. Coupled with temporary and permanent residence permits, the term is over 11 years.

In some cases, the period of residence in Hungary with a permanent residence card is reduced from eight to five or three years.

A 5-year naturalisation period is established for foreigners who were born in Hungary or received a residence permit before the age of 18. Fast-track naturalisation process within a period of 3 years is available for:

  • refugees;

  • stateless persons;

  • spouses of Hungarian citizens;

  • children under 18 whom Hungarian citizens adopted;

  • foreigners whose children are Hungarian citizens.

Minor children obtain Hungarian citizenship with their parents, regardless of how long they have lived in Hungary. Children are included in the naturalisation application submitted by their parents.

Children whom Hungarian citizens adopt immediately receive the right to citizenship, regardless of their residence.

The citizenship application is submitted in person to the Hungarian Ministry of the Interior or the Single Customer Service Office in Budapest.

It is necessary to submit a package of documents, such as:

  • Honosítási kérelem statement in Hungarian;

  • international passport;

  • two photographs 3,5 × 4.5 cm;

  • confirmation of successful completion of a test of knowledge of the state language and the basics of the Constitution or a diploma of education in the Hungarian language;

  • marriage and divorce certificates, even if the spouse is not a Hungarian citizen and does not claim citizenship;

  • certificates of official work in Hungary;

  • income certificate from the Hungarian Tax Service or income certificate from the employer;

  • contract for the purchase and sale or rental of housing in Hungary;

  • an extract of registration at the place of residence, which confirms the minimum period of residence in the country;

  • receipt of payment of the duty €6 to 26.

Children under 14 and citizens over 60 are exempt from testing.

Number of foreign citizens residing in Hungary in 2019—2023

Foreigner’s origin

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

Europe

117,552

131,291

124,422

131,431

144,102

Asia

49,056

53,099

54,730

55,000

64,945

America

6,850

7,631

6,933

7,454

7,591

Africa

6,660

7,278

7,748

8,028

9,041

Australia and Oceania

655

658

658

612

588

Total

180,773

199,957

194,491

202,525

226,267

Hungary citizenship by investment

It is not possible to obtain Hungary citizenship directly by investment. However, starting in 2024, a new residence permit by investment program, also called the Golden Visa, will begin to operate in Hungary.

3 investment options are offered under the Golden Visa program:

  1. Purchase of investment fund units in the amount of €250,000+. The certificates must be approved by the Central Bank of Hungary, Magyar Nemzeti Bank, and issued by the Hungarian Real Estate Fund.

  2. Purchase of residential real estate for €500,000+.

  3. 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.

Investment holding period. Investment must be maintained for a minimum of 5 years.

Requirements for applicants are the following:

  • possession of a valid passport;

  • confirmation of investment intentions in a written statement;

  • availability of insurance for the full range of medical services;

  • sufficient funds to live in Hungary;

  • investment agreements or certificates;

  • evidence of financial solvency and origin of funds;

  • the applicant is not a citizen of the EU or the EEA.

Investing process. First, the applicant is issued a Guest Investor Visa for up to 2 years, allowing them to enter Hungary to apply for a residence permit. With the Guest Investor Visa, one can stay up to 90 days in Hungary and enter and leave the country multiple times.

Investments must be made within three months of first entering Hungary on the Guest Investor Visa.

The investor can include their family in the Golden Visa application: spouse and children.

An application for a residence permit is submitted to the competent migration service authority in Hungary or online.

A residence permit by investment is issued for 10 years, after which it can be extended for the same period or, in the future, apply for citizenship. Holders of a residence permit can live in Hungary, conduct business and enjoy all the rights granted to residents.

Individual cost calculation for residence by investment in Hungary

Individual cost calculation for residence by investment in Hungary

Hungary citizenship through ancestry

Hungary citizenship by repatriation is a special path for descendants of ethnic Hungarians. Applicants must prove kinship with ancestors who were born or lived in the territories of Southern Slovakia, Transylvania, the modern Transcarpathian region of Ukraine or Vojvodina before 1920 or from 1938 to 1945.

It is necessary to provide documents confirming Hungarian origin. It can be:

  • the applicant’s birth certificate;

  • birth certificates of the applicant’s parents and all ancestors through whom the applicant obtains Hungarian citizenship;

  • marriage certificate of the applicant’s parents and their ancestors.

Although the requirements may be less stringent than for naturalisation, knowledge of the Hungarian language and culture is still important for successfully obtaining citizenship by repatriation.

The process of obtaining citizenship involves applying to the relevant Hungarian government authorities, accompanied by the necessary documents:

  • statement;

  • international passport;

  • the applicant’s birth certificate;

  • certificate of marriage, divorce, birth of children;

  • birth, death, and marriage certificates of parents and their ancestors;

  • two photographs 3,5 × 4.5 cm;

  • certificate of basic knowledge of the Hungarian language for all applicants over 14.

Hungary citizenship by marriage

Foreigners apply for Hungarian citizenship if they have lived in an officially registered marriage with a country citizen for at least 3 years.

Citizenship applicants must prove that they have resided in Hungary with their Hungarian spouse for a 3-years. They must also meet the general requirements for applicants for citizenship in Hungary: have no criminal record, no tax debts, and a basic understanding of the Hungarian language.

Applying for citizenship involves providing documents, such as:

  • marriage certificate with a Hungarian citizen;

  • application for naturalisation Honosítási kérelem in Hungarian;

  • international passport;

  • two photographs 3,5 × 4.5 cm;

  • birth certificate;

  • certificates of official work in Hungary;

  • income certificate from the Hungarian Tax Service or income certificate from the employer;

  • contract for the purchase and sale or rental of housing in Hungary;

  • an extract of registration at the place of residence, which confirms the minimum period of residence in Hungary;

  • receipt of payment of duty.

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.

If spouses of Hungarian citizens live abroad, they can also obtain Hungarian citizenship after 10 years of marriage. If a couple has children, the period before filing documents is reduced to 5 years from the marriage date. They must also demonstrate knowledge of the Hungarian language.

Hungary citizenship by family reunification

Hungary citizenship through family reunification is granted to foreign family members of Hungarian citizens. They obtain the appropriate residence permit, and after five years of living in the country, they apply for citizenship.

The relatives of foreigners whom Hungary has officially recognised as refugees can also exercise this right.

It is necessary to provide documents confirming family ties that arose before the applicant arrived in Hungary. For example:

  • birth, adoption and marriage certificates, that is, certificates of relationship with a sponsor, minor or incapacitated relative;

  • certificate of incapacity for the applicant’s relatives;

  • a bank statement or income certificate as a commitment from the sponsor to support the applicant.

Hungary citizenship by declaration

This path is available to three categories of persons:

  1. Applicants who lost their citizenship due to emigration between September 15th, 1947 and May 2nd, 1990.

  2. Applicants under 19 years of age who were born in Hungary but do not have citizenship. The person must lived in the country for five years before filing the declaration.

  3. Applicants who were born before October 1st, 1957, to a Hungarian mother and a foreign father, and therefore did not become citizens by birth.

The applicant submits an official application to the Hungarian Ministry of the Interior; other than the declaration, no documents are required.

How hard is it to get a Hungarian passport

A Hungarian passport is the key to new opportunities in the EU

6 benefits of Hungary citizenship

1. Global mobility. Hungarian passport holders are entitled to visa-free travel to 171 countries, including most European countries, the USA, the UK, Japan, Singapore, and many others.

2. Membership in the EU. With a Hungarian passport, you can live in any EU country. In addition, Hungarian citizenship opens access to the labour market and educational resources of all EU member states.

3. Prospects for work and business. A Hungarian passport gives you the right to work and do business throughout the EU, as well as access to European organisations and support services, including EURES, an online job search platform, the European Innovation Council and venture capital funds.

4. Quality healthcare system. Hungary citizenship provides free access to quality medical care in public clinics and hospitals after taking out a health insurance policy. Citizens can also obtain a European Health Insurance Card, EHIC and use medical services in any EU country.

5. Opportunity to study at European universities. Hungarian citizens can study in public schools and universities in the Hungarian language free of charge. They also have the right to enrol in any university in the EU on favourable terms.

6. Access to European banks. Hungarian citizens have the opportunity to open accounts, make payments, take out loans and mortgages, and invest in securities with the help of European banks.

How to get a Hungarian passport

Lake Balaton is known as the "Hungarian Sea". It is Central Europe’s largest freshwater lake and a popular destination for swimming, sailing, and relaxing on its beaches

Visa-free countries for Hungarian citizens

Holders of a Hungarian passport travel visa-free to 171 countries worldwide, making it one of the most powerful passports for international travel. These countries include the USA, the UK, Japan, and Australia.

In addition, holders of a Hungarian residence permit can freely travel throughout the EU and the Schengen Area and visit more than 35 European countries, including Georgia, Montenegro, Serbia and Turkey, without visas.

Visa-free, visa-on-arrival, and eTA countries with a Hungary passport

Country or territory

Conditions of entry

Duration of stay

Europe

Albania

Visa-free

90 days

Andorra

Visa-free

90 days

Austria

Visa-free

90 days

Belarus

Visa-free

30 days

Belgium

Visa-free

90 days

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Visa-free

90 days

Bulgaria

Visa-free

3 months

Croatia

Visa-free

90 days

Cyprus

Visa-free

3 months

Czech Republic

Visa-free

90 days

Denmark

Visa-free

90 days

Estonia

Visa-free

90 days

Faroe Islands

Visa-free

90 days

Finland

Visa-free

90 days

France

Visa-free

90 days

Georgia

Visa-free

1 year

Germany

Visa-free

90 days

Gibraltar

Visa-free

Unlimited time

Greece

Visa-free

90 days

Greenland

Visa-free

90 days

Iceland

Visa-free

90 days

Ireland

Visa-free

90 days

Italy

Visa-free

90 days

Kosovo

Visa-free

90 days

Latvia

Visa-free

90 days

Liechtenstein

Visa-free

3 months

Lithuania

Visa-free

90 days

Luxembourg

Visa-free

90 days

Malta

Visa-free

90 days

Moldova

Visa-free

90 days

Monaco

Visa-free

90 days

Montenegro

Visa-free

90 days

Netherlands

Visa-free

90 days

North Macedonia

Visa-free

3 months

Norway

Visa-free

3 months

Poland

Visa-free

90 days

Portugal

Visa-free

90 days

Romania

Visa-free

3 months

Russia

eTA

15 days

San Marino

Visa-free

90 days

Serbia

Visa-free

90 days

Slovakia

Visa-free

90 days

Slovenia

Visa-free

90 days

Spain

Visa-free

90 days

Sweden

Visa-free

90 days

Switzerland

Visa-free

90 days

Turkey

Visa-free

90 days

Ukraine

Visa-free

90 days

United Kingdom

Visa-free

6 months

Vatican City

Visa-free

90 days

North America

Bermuda

Visa-free

6 months

Canada

eTA

90 days

Mexico

Visa-free

180 days

USA

eTA

90 days

Central America

Belize

Visa-free

30 days

Costa Rica

Visa-free

90 days

El Salvador

Visa-free

90 days

Guatemala

Visa-free

90 days

Honduras

Visa-free

90 days

Nicaragua

Visa-free

90 days

Panama

Visa-free

3 months

South America

Argentina

Visa-free

90 days

Bolivia

Visa-free

90 days

Brazil

Visa-free

90 days

Chile

Visa-free

90 days

Colombia

Visa-free

90 days

Ecuador

Visa-free

90 days

Falkland Islands

Visa-free

30 days

French Guiana

Visa-free

90 days

Paraguay

Visa-free

90 days

Peru

Visa-free

90 days

Suriname

Visa-free

90 days

Uruguay

Visa-free

90 days

Venezuela

Visa-free

90 days

Asia

Bangladesh

Visa on arrival

30 days

Brunei

Visa-free

90 days

Cambodia

Visa on arrival

30 days

Hong Kong

Visa-free

90 days

Indonesia

Visa on arrival

30 days

Japan

Visa-free

90 days

Kazakhstan

Visa-free

30 days

Kyrgyzstan

Visa-free

60 days

Laos

Visa on arrival

30 days

Macau

Visa-free

30 days

Malaysia

Visa-free

90 days

Maldives

Visa on arrival

30 days

Mongolia

Visa-free

30 days

Myanmar

Visa on arrival

90 days

Nepal

Visa on arrival

90 days

Philippines

Visa-free

30 days

Singapore

Visa-free

90 days

South Korea

eTA

90 days

Sri Lanka

eTA

30 days

Tajikistan

Visa on arrival

45 days

Taiwan

Visa-free

90 days

Thailand

Visa-free

30 days

Timor-Leste

Visa-free

90 days

Uzbekistan

Visa-free

30 days

Caribbean

Anguilla

Visa-free

90 days

Antigua and Barbuda

Visa-free

90 days

Aruba

Visa-free

90 days

Bahamas

Visa-free

90 days

Barbados

Visa-free

3 months

Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba (Caribbean Netherlands)

Visa-free

90 days

British Virgin Islands

Visa-free

1 month

Cayman Islands

Visa-free

6 months

Curaçao

Visa-free

90 days

Dominica

Visa-free

3 months

Dominican Republic

Visa-free

30 days

French West Indies

Visa-free

90 days

Grenada

Visa-free

90 days

Haiti

Visa-free

90 days

Jamaica

Visa-free

30 days

Montserrat

Visa-free

6 months

Puerto Rico

eTA

90 days

Saint Lucia

Visa-free

90 days

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Visa-free

90 days

St Kitts and Nevis

Visa-free

90 days

Trinidad and Tobago

Visa-free

90 days

Turks and Caicos Islands

Visa-free

90 days

US Virgin Islands

eTA

90 days

Oceania

American Samoa

eTA

90 days

Australia

eTA

90 days

Cook Islands

Visa-free

31 days

Fiji

Visa-free

120 days

French Polynesia

Visa-free

3 months

Guam

eTA

90 days

Kiribati

Visa-free

90 days

Marshall Islands

Visa-free

90 days

Micronesia

Visa-free

90 days

New Caledonia

Visa-free

3 months

New Zealand

eTA

3 months

Niue

Visa-free

30 days

Northern Mariana Islands

eTA

90 days

Palau Islands

Visa-free

90 days

Papua New Guinea

Visa on arrival

60 days

Samoa

Visa-free

90 days

Solomon Islands

Visa-free

90 days

Tonga

Visa-free

90 days

Tuvalu

Visa-free

90 days

Vanuatu

Visa-free

90 days

Middle East

Armenia

Visa-free

180 days

Bahrain

Visa on arrival

14 days

Iran

Visa on arrival

30 days

Iraq

Visa-free

30 days

Israel

Visa-free

90 days

Jordan

Visa on arrival

6 months

Kuwait

Visa on arrival

90 days

Lebanon

Visa on arrival

1 month

Oman

Visa-free

14 days

Palestine

Visa-free

Qatar

Visa-free

60 days

Saudi Arabia

Visa on arrival

3 months

United Arab Emirates

Visa-free

90 days

Africa

Botswana

Visa-free

90 days

Burkina Faso

Visa on arrival

30 days

Burundi

Visa on arrival

1 month

Cabo Verde

Visa-free

30 days

Comoros

Visa on arrival

45 days

Egypt

Visa on arrival

30 days

Eswatini

Visa-free

90 days

Gabon

Visa on arrival

90 days

Gambia

Visa on arrival

90 days

Guinea-Bissau

Visa on arrival

90 days

Madagascar

Visa on arrival

90 days

Malawi

Visa on arrival

3 months

Mauritania

Visa on arrival

30 days

Mauritius

Visa-free

90 days

Mayotte

Visa-free

90 days

Morocco

Visa-free

90 days

Mozambique

Visa on arrival

30 days

Namibia

Visa on arrival

90 days

Reunion Island

Visa-free

Rwanda

Visa on arrival

90 days

Saint Helena

Visa on arrival

182 days

Sao Tome and Principe

Visa-free

15 days

Senegal

Visa-free

3 months

Seychelles

Visa on arrival

90 days

Sierra Leone

Visa on arrival

1 month

Somalia

Visa on arrival

30 days

South Africa

Visa-free

90 days

Tanzania

Visa on arrival

3 months

Togo

Visa on arrival

7 days

Tunisia

Visa-free

90 days

Uganda

Visa on arrival

90 days

Zambia

Visa on arrival

90 days

Zimbabwe

Visa on arrival

3 months

How to get Hungary citizenship by investment: step-by-step process

It will take 11 years to obtain citizenship: the applicant receives a residence permit by investment, and after 3 years of residence in the country, they receive permanent residency, after which they apply for citizenship.

1

1 day

Preliminary Due Diligence

Immigrant Invest runs a check to reduce the risk of application refusal. A Certified Compliance Anti-Money Laundering Officer conducts a verification of the investor’s data against international databases.

The procedure is confidential.

2

2 weeks

Collecting documents

Immigrant Invest lawyers provide a document list for residence permit applications. The lawyers also assist in completing government forms and facilitate the translation and notarisation of necessary documents.

3

3 months

Obtaining a Guest Investor Visa

The applicant is initially granted a Guest Investor Visa for up to 2 years. This multiple-entry visa allows the investor to enter Hungary to apply for a residence permit.

4

Up to 3 months

Fulfilling the investment conditions

Investments should be completed within 3 months from the date of first entry into Hungary on a Guest Investor Visa.

5

1 day

Applying for a Hungary Golden Visa

The investor applies for a permit from the local immigration authority in Hungary or through an online process.

6

2 months

Receiving a residence permit card

The investor is required to visit the migration office at a designated time, present their passport and the original documents, provide biometric data, and have a photograph taken for the residence permit card.

The card is mailed to the investor’s address within 21 days.

7

Up to 6 months

Obtaining permanent residency

Investors can apply for permanent residency after 3 years of residence in Hungary based on a residence permit. Permanent residence status is issued for life.

8

8 years

Obtaining citizenship

An application for a Hungarian passport is submitted to the Ministry of Internal Affairs regional office or the Unified Customer Service Office in Budapest. After registration, the application is submitted to the Ministry of Internal Affairs for data verification; then, it is reviewed by the President of Hungary.

The fee for issuing an ID card is €5; a passport will be €6—26.

Grounds for denial of citizenship

When considering applications for Hungarian citizenship, various situations may arise in which the authorities may refuse the applicant. Here are some of the most common grounds for refusal.

Non-compliance with legal requirements: insufficient stay in the country, incorrect execution of documents or lack of necessary evidence.

Lack of knowledge of the Hungarian language: naturalisation requires knowledge of the Hungarian language at a certain level. Failure to demonstrate basic language proficiency may result in refusal.

Criminal record: having problems with the law or a criminal record, especially for serious crimes.

Threat to public safety or law: information indicating that the applicant’s presence in the country may threaten public safety or order.

Misrepresentation: providing false information or attempting to deceive during the application process may result in denial and even legal consequences.

To minimise the risk of refusal, we recommend carefully preparing all necessary documents, strictly following procedures and ensuring full transparency and truthfulness of all data provided.

Initiate the process now: ensure your spot is secured within the program’s limited quota.

Hungary dual citizenship

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

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

Validity period and renewal conditions for the Hungarian passport

The passport validity period is:

  • Hungarian passports issued to citizens over 18 usually have a validity of 10 years;

  • passports for children aged 6 to 18 are issued for 5 years and children under 6 — for 3 years.

When your passport expires, you must apply to renew it. This can be done at the local authorities responsible for issuing passports or at Hungarian diplomatic missions abroad.

The payment of a state fee accompanies passport renewal; the amount may vary. After submitting all the necessary documents and paying the fee, the application process begins, which lasts about 8 weeks. Upon completion, a new passport is issued.

Key takeaways: how to obtain Hungary nationality

  1. Benefits of Hungarian citizenship include visa-free travel to 171 countries, the right to live and work in the EU, access to quality healthcare and education, and the ability to launch business in the EU.

  2. One becomes a Hungarian citizen by birth, naturalisation, repatriation, marriage, family reunification and declaration.

  3. To obtain a Hungarian passport by naturalisation, you need to live in the country for at least 11 years.

  4. The program for investors offers several options for obtaining a residence permit with a minimum investment amount of €250,000 and the prospect of obtaining citizenship.

  5. Hungary allows dual citizenship, which means retaining original citizenship while obtaining Hungarian.

Immigrant Invest is a licensed agent for citizenship and residence by investment programs in the EU, the Caribbean, Asia, and the Middle East. Take advantage of our global 15-year expertise — schedule a meeting with our investment programs experts.

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • How can I get Hungarian citizenship?

    To acquire Hungarian citizenship, you must typically fulfil certain eligibility criteria and follow specific procedures. The process may vary based on your circumstances, such as your ancestry, residency status, or marriage to a Hungarian citizen.

  • Does Hungary allow 3 citizenships?

    Yes, Hungary allows multiple citizenships. This means that Hungarian citizens are generally permitted to hold citizenship in other countries simultaneously without having to renounce their Hungarian citizenship.

    However, the laws and regulations regarding multiple citizenships can vary between countries. Hence, it’s advisable to check the specific rules of each country involved to ensure compliance with their respective laws.

  • What are the conditions for citizenship in Hungary?

    To apply for Hungarian citizenship through naturalisation, you need:

    • to be a legal resident of Hungary for a certain period, which is usually eight years;

    • to demonstrate proficiency in the Hungarian language. This requirement can vary depending on factors such as age, education, and integration into Hungarian society;

    • to have a clean criminal record and demonstrate good conduct during their residency in Hungary;

    • to demonstrate financial stability and the ability to support themselves and their dependents;

    • to demonstrate knowledge of Hungarian history, culture, and the legal system, as well as an understanding of democratic principles and values.

  • Is it hard to get Hungarian citizenship?

    It depends on individual circumstances and the pathway through which citizenship is sought. Marriage is the fastest way to obtain a Hungarian passport.

    Hungary’s Golden Visa offers the safest path to EU citizenship after obtaining a residence permit.

  • How many countries can you enter with a Hungarian passport?

    171 countries currently. The exact number of countries a Hungarian passport holder can enter without a visa or with a visa on arrival may vary due to changes in international relations, visa policies, and diplomatic agreements.

  • How can Transcarpathians obtain Hungarian citizenship?

    Transcarpathians with Hungarian roots can apply for citizenship through repatriation, providing evidence of their origin and meeting other requirements.

  • How long do you need to live in Hungary to obtain citizenship?

    Typically, obtaining citizenship through naturalisation requires residence in Hungary for 11 years. For example, the period may be reduced in some cases when marrying a Hungarian citizen.

  • Is it possible to travel around Europe with a Hungarian passport?

    Yes, Hungarian passport holders can travel freely throughout Europe, including Schengen countries, without a visa.

  • How strong is a Hungarian passport?

    According to our passport rankings, the Hungarian passport ranks 33rd in travel freedom out of 193 countries, allowing visa-free travel to 171 countries.

  • How much Hungarian do you need to speak for citizenship?

    Basic knowledge of the Hungarian language is required to obtain citizenship through naturalisation. Knowing the language will also make life and integration in Hungary easier.