Hungarian citizenship: a complete guide for applicants in 2026

Hungarian citizenship can be obtained through naturalization after 8 years of residence in the country with a residence permit. This is the most popular route among foreigners. Those with Hungarian roots have the right to obtain citizenship through repatriation within 3 months outside of Hungary. There are also options for obtaining the status through marriage or declaration; however, these are not available to everyone. In most cases, proficiency in the Hungarian language is required to obtain citizenship.

A Hungarian passport is a strong EU passport, allowing visa-free travel to 173 countries. Starting in 2025, you can visit the United States with an electronic visa authorization. However, be aware that Hungary has complex, strict laws, so citizenship can be revoked or suspended. For this reason, many choose to immigrate to more lenient EU countries, such as Spain, France, Portugal, and Greece.

Hungarian citizenship fraud

The sale of Hungarian citizenship documents was a popular scam until 2020. Previously, ethnic Hungarians often sold their naturalization certificates and identity cards. Since both documents were issued without photos, buyers could use them to obtain an EU passport. Fraudsters profited because authorities did not conduct additional checks.

However, in 2019, the Hungarian police began monitoring such violations, and individuals who used fraudulent methods to obtain the status lost their citizenship. Advertisements for the sale of these documents still exist, with prices ranging from EUR 1,500 to EUR 30,000. Authorities are now more stringent in screening all applicants, though, and forged documents can land you in jail.

Statistics also indicate that passports by descent are being issued less frequently, a trend that the Hungarian authorities view as evidence of their successful efforts to combat fraud. From 2010 to the end of 2023, approximately 1,175,934 passports were issued, reaching the 1 million mark in 2017. Since 2017, just over 175,000 foreigners have received citizenship by descent.

Scammers often offer to help people acquire Hungarian citizenship. Specifically, they promise to expedite the application process through connections in government agencies. For instance, in 2021, Hungarian police reported a fraudster who demanded EUR 5,000 from 2 individuals for his «help» in obtaining the status. After meeting with the individuals and receiving the money, he stopped communicating. According to the Citizenship Law, applications can only be submitted in person. Therefore, an intermediary cannot submit an application on your behalf.

Fraudsters may offer to expedite the processing of Hungarian citizenship applications. According to the law, the Minister of the Interior must submit a citizenship proposal to the President of Hungary within 3 months of receiving the application. These are set deadlines that cannot be altered.

Another scheme offered by scammers is Hungarian citizenship by investment. However, Hungary does not have such a legal program. Investments can provide a 10-year residency permit, also known as the Hungarian Golden Visa. To obtain a Hungarian passport, investors must have lived in the country for 8 years and meet the standard requirements.

Collaborating with scammers will result in the loss of your money. Even if the perpetrator is brought to justice, it may not be possible to recover your funds. In Hungary, document forgery is punishable by up to 3 years in prison. There is also a risk of deportation and an entry ban, which may result in other European Union countries denying visas and residence permits.

Legal ways to become a Hungarian citizen

The Citizenship Act of 1993, as amended, regulates the options for obtaining Hungarian citizenship. These include:

Applying for Hungarian citizenship is free of charge in all cases. Upon approval, all applicants must take an oath of allegiance.

Citizenship by birth

Children of Hungarian citizens receive Hungarian citizenship at birth (by right of blood). Only one parent needs to hold a Hungarian passport. The child’s place of birth is irrelevant; they automatically acquire citizenship, even if born abroad.

There are 2 other cases in which citizenship can be obtained at birth in Hungary: if the parents are unknown, or if the parents are stateless and reside in Hungary.

To receive Hungarian citizenship, children must be registered at the civil registry office in their place of birth. If the child was born abroad, this can be done through the Hungarian consulate. Parents may need the following documents to register their children:

• An identity card confirming the Hungarian citizenship of the mother or father.
• The child’s birth certificate. If the birth took place abroad, a translation into Hungarian is required.
• A marriage certificate. If the marriage took place abroad, a similar document must be obtained in Hungary.
• An application to choose a surname for the newborn.
• An application to establish paternity/maternity, if the parents are not married.

A Hungarian birth certificate is issued free of charge within 8 days.

If Hungarian citizens have not obtained citizenship for their child, even in adulthood, the child can apply for it through repatriation.

In Hungary, children of foreign parents are not automatically granted citizenship at birth. However, other countries currently have programs with a legally enshrined «jus soli» (right of soil) that allow a child and their parents to obtain citizenship through birth.

Hungarian citizenship by descent (repatriation)

Descendants of Hungarians are eligible for Hungarian citizenship through repatriation (simplified naturalization). They can refer to great-grandparents and more distant generations. To apply, you must:

• Speak Hungarian: an interview will be conducted upon application submission.
• Have no criminal record under Hungarian law. No outstanding cases may be pending against you in Hungarian courts during the application review.
• Not pose a threat to public or national security.

The repatriation application must be completed in Hungarian and submitted in person. Indicate in which Hungarian city or embassy you wish to take the oath of office. You will also need to provide a handwritten biography (CV).

The repatriation application review period is 3 months. This period is extended if the applicant is asked to supplement their file. Upon approval, a naturalization certificate, an identity card, and an address registration card will be issued.

Citizenship by naturalization

In most cases, Hungarian citizenship by naturalization can be obtained after 8 years of continuous residence in the country with a temporary residence permit. Individuals born in Hungary who settled in the country before reaching adulthood can naturalize after 5 years. Refugees and stateless persons can naturalize after 3 years.

Additional requirements for citizenship by naturalization applicants include:

• no criminal record in Hungary, and no past or current court cases;
• proof of employment, business, or other source of income, as well as proof of housing;
• no threat to the country or its residents;
• successful completion of the Constitutional Fundamentals Test in Hungarian.

The Hungarian Citizenship Act does not specify how long an immigrant may be absent from Hungary during the 3-, 5-, or 8-year period. However, if a foreigner obtains an EU residence permit 5 years after moving to Hungary, they cannot leave Hungary for more than 6 years or the European Union for more than 12 months. In this case, the residence permit will be revoked, and the person will not be able to apply for Hungarian citizenship.

The naturalization procedure in Hungary typically includes the following steps:

1. Obtaining a visa.
   Before immigrating to Hungary, you must obtain a long-term category D visa. This visa is issued by a Hungarian consulate for employment, investment, self-employment, remote work, study, or family reunification. A Hungarian national D visa is valid for 90 days and is issued for 15-70 days. You must enter the country within this period. This visa permits you to stay in Hungary for up to 30 days. After that, you will need a residence permit card. If you do not need a visa to enter Hungary, you can apply for a residence permit card directly in Hungary through the Enter Hungary government service.
2. Registering your place of residence and applying for a residence permit.
   Upon arrival in Hungary, you must register your place of residence. The most convenient way to do so is through the Enter Hungary platform. You will need documents proving ownership of your property, such as a lease agreement or title deed. You will then be issued a residence registration certificate. Your Hungarian residence permit card will be mailed to the address you provided in your application. With a residence permit, you can live in Hungary and enjoy the rights it grants. The permit must be renewed.
3. Cultural exam.
   Applicants for permanent residence in Hungary must pass an exam on Hungarian history and culture. You can register for the exam at the Budapest Government Office (Budapest Főváros Kormányhivatala, or BFKH). You can also find out what the test will cover at the BFKH.
4. Obtaining permanent residence.
   There are 2 types of permanent residence permits in Hungary. A national card is issued after 3 years of residence in the country. This permit is not available to students, self-employed individuals, digital nomads, or certain other categories of people. After 5 years, these immigrants can apply for an EU residence card. In any case, applications for permanent residence are processed through Enter Hungary, and biometrics must be submitted at an immigration office. Applications are processed within 70 days, and documents are issued for 10 years.
5. Applying for citizenship.
   Applicants for Hungarian citizenship must take a test on the fundamentals of the constitution and register for it through the BFKH. Next, applicants must prepare and submit an application (Honosítási kérelmet) in person to one of the authorized bodies. Once approved, an applicant must take an oath. You will then receive a certificate of naturalization and a Hungarian national passport.

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Citizenship by marriage

You can obtain Hungarian citizenship through marriage if you and your spouse live in Hungary or abroad. The first option takes less time.

In Hungary, citizenship based on marriage is granted 3 years after the marriage. You can also submit an application in the event of your spouse’s death. As with regular naturalization, you must have no criminal record and pose no danger to society. You will also need to prove your source of income and pass an exam on the fundamentals of the Constitution.

If you live outside of Hungary, you can become a naturalized citizen 10 years after getting married. If you have children, the waiting period is reduced to 5 years. You must prove that you have no criminal record and do not pose a danger to society. You must also pass a Hungarian language test.

Citizenship through family reunification

Having relatives who are Hungarian residents or citizens does not automatically grant you citizenship. However, relatives can obtain a temporary residence permit through family reunification. Then, they can obtain a permanent residence permit and apply for a Hungarian passport through naturalization.

Typically, Hungarian citizenship for family members is granted after 8 years. However, parents of minor Hungarian citizens can apply after 3 years. Those adopted as children by Hungarians can also naturalize after 3 years.

Eligible individuals for family reunification include:

• Spouses and registered partners of residents and citizens.
• Minor children, including biological, adopted, and the spouse’s children from a previous marriage.
• Parents of a minor Hungarian citizen who live with them.

Family reunification is not possible if your relative lives in Hungary with a residence permit issued for seasonal work, study, an internship, or volunteer work. Digital nomads (White Card holders) cannot invite relatives. If you plan to work remotely and move to Europe with your family, consider Spain instead. A person with a guest residence permit for self-employment in Hungary must have lived in the country for at least 1 year before applying for family reunification.

Eligibility for a residence permit is determined by documents proving kinship, such as a marriage certificate, birth certificate, or adoption certificate. If a relative lives in Hungary with refugee status, DNA testing may be required. When a minor immigrates, consent from the parent who remains abroad is required.

Citizenship by declaration

You can obtain Hungarian citizenship by submitting an application to the president. Prior residence in the country and passing a language or constitutional exam are generally not required.

Eligible individuals include those who:

• Lost citizenship due to political reasons or outdated legislation between 1946 and 1990.
• Were born before 1957 to a Hungarian mother and a foreign father. Under old laws, such children could not obtain a Hungarian passport.
• Were born in Hungary and were unable to acquire the citizenship of their foreign parents. It is important that the parents were living in the country at the time of birth and that the applicant has lived in the country for at least 5 years immediately prior to submitting the application.
• Were born in Hungary and became stateless. The 5-year residence requirement also applies here.

Those who meet the last 2 requirements must apply before turning 19.

According to Hungarian law, there is no specified timeframe for processing a citizenship application based on a declaration. If the president approves the application, the applicant will receive a citizenship certificate within 60 days. You will be considered a citizen from the date of application.

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Citizenship by investment: what’s possible in 2026

Unlike some other countries, Hungarian citizenship by investment cannot be obtained immediately. However, starting in 2024, investors can apply for a visitor visa and a 10-year residence permit. After 8 years, they can apply for citizenship by naturalization.

There are 2 investment options for obtaining Hungarian residency:

• Invest EUR 250,000 or more in an investment unit issued by a real estate fund registered with the Hungarian National Bank. Such investments must be held in the country for at least 5 years.
• EUR 1 million or more donated to a university financed by a public fund.

To apply for a Hungarian residence permit, an investor must provide one of the following documents:

• a certificate from the real estate fund manager confirming the investment;
• a university certificate confirming receipt of a donation on your behalf;
• a declaration stating your future investment plans, plus bank statements confirming the required amount.

You will also need to confirm the legal origin of the funds you are investing. This may include documents confirming ownership of assets, income from work or business, or tax returns.

An investor’s visitor visa in Hungary is issued for 6 months. Within the first month of entry, you must apply for a residence permit card through the National Office for Foreigners (OIF) or Enter Hungary.

Your family members can also move to Hungary through family reunification. You will also receive a work permit.

Documents for Hungarian citizenship

List of documents needed for applying for Hungarian citizenship by naturalization:

• Passport or other identification document.
• 2 photographs, no older than six months, for all applicants aged 14 and over.
• A handwritten CV in the designated section of the application, required for all adults.
• Birth certificate and, if applicable, marriage certificate.
• A sheet of information required to register your birth and marriage in Hungarian registries.
• A certificate of income, pension payments, maintenance agreement, or employment contract to confirm your ability to provide for yourself.
• A home ownership certificate no older than 3 months or a lease agreement.
• A certificate showing that you passed the Constitutional Fundamentals Exam, or documents showing that you are exempt from taking it.
• A certificate of no criminal record.

Documents of your ancestors that will be needed for repatriation to Hungary:

• Birth, marriage, or death certificates.
• Church archival certificates stating Hungarian citizenship with exact information about the source (volume, page, and entry number).
• School certificates, military IDs, work record books, or other documents that can be used to determine the name, place, and date of birth of the ancestor.

If you are referring to a great-grandparent, for example, you will also need documents that allow you to trace the family connection, such as documents from one of your parents and your grandparents. If you are Hungarian on your mother’s side, you will need her marriage certificate to track any changes to her surname.

If your relative has already repatriated, you can simply cite their first and last name or attach a citizenship certificate.

Additional documents for obtaining citizenship by marriage:

• marriage certificate;
• birth certificates of any children they have together, if applicable.

A Hungarian citizen must consent to their spouse’s naturalization by signing a form in front of an authorized representative when submitting the application. A separate statement confirming that the marriage is valid and that the person consents can be made.

Documents issued abroad must be submitted as originals or certified copies. In some cases, an apostille may be required. An official translation into Hungarian is also required.

Processing times and costs

The fastest way for foreigners to obtain Hungarian citizenship is through repatriation. No prior residence in Hungary is required, so the process, including document preparation, typically takes up to 6 months. Citizenship can also be obtained quickly through a declaration process, which takes approximately 2 months. However, this program is only available to foreigners with Hungarian roots.

For those living in Hungary, marriage is another relatively quick path to citizenship. The process takes about 3.5 years.

Naturalization, including through family reunification and investment, is the longest but most realistic path. Typically, you must live in the country for at least 8 years. Processing the application itself usually takes 6 months.

The cost of obtaining Hungarian citizenship depends on the method, because the application itself is free. With standard naturalization, however, you will likely incur additional costs:

Preparing a dossier for a temporary/permanent residence permit or Hungarian citizenship will incur additional costs:

• Translation at the Hungarian consulate: EUR 35 per page.
• Legalization of submitted copies of documents at the consulate: EUR 15.
• Signature verification: EUR 30 to EUR 40.

Hungarian language proficiency exam

Applicants for Hungarian citizenship are not required to take a standard Hungarian language exam, as their knowledge is typically assessed during the application interview. This requirement applies to all legally and partially legally competent individuals over 14 years of age. Even if an application is submitted on behalf of a 13-year-old who will turn 14 before the passport is issued, an interview is required.

Becoming a citizen requires an intermediate level of Hungarian language proficiency, including basic Hungarian: you must be able to understand what is said to you and respond fluently. The interview will cover questions related to everyday life. For example, you may be asked about your hobbies. Questions about culture, national historical symbols, holidays, and customs are also common. Knowledge of literary Hungarian is not required; dialect is acceptable.

Another way to test language skills is to have the citizenship applicant complete an application form and write a resume in Hungarian.

By law, language testing is not limited to the interview. After receiving your passport, you must communicate with government agencies only in Hungarian. Otherwise, any official may inform the authorities that you do not speak Hungarian at an intermediate level. If this occurs within 20 years of being granted citizenship, you may be stripped of your status. However, this is almost never the case, practically speaking.

All applicants for naturalization must pass a test on the fundamentals of the Hungarian Constitution. Registration for the exam is handled by the BFKH, which administers it. Applications must be sent to [email protected] with a preferred date. The deadline is 15 days before the exam date. The exam schedule, questions, and application form can be found on the website kormanyhivatalok.hu.

The exam consists of a written and an oral section covering the constitution, culture, and civil rights. You can prepare using the textbook «Alkotmányos alapismeretek» by Mária Ugrocszy. You may also schedule a preliminary consultation at the BFKH.

The constitutional exam is not required for:

• Minors; those who are completely or partially incapacitated; those under guardianship by court order.
• Those who attended a Hungarian school or university.
• Persons over 60 years of age.

You can waive the exam if you are unable to pass it due to ongoing health problems.

Many countries offer language and legal literacy tests for applicants for dual citizenship. If you are looking for an easier way to obtain a passport, consider countries with active citizenship-by-investment programs. Typically, investors only need to transfer their investments and provide information about the origin of their funds. Residency in the country and additional tests are not required.

Dual citizenship in Hungary

Hungary allows dual citizenship. Therefore, when you are naturalized, you retain your original passport.

However, in 2025, the Hungarian president signed a bill allowing for the suspension of citizenship. This applies to Hungarian citizens who are also citizens of countries outside the European Economic Area (EEA) and who pose a threat to national or public security. This could apply to someone who volunteers for military service in a country that is not an ally of Hungary or who is accused of collaborating with terrorist organizations, treason, or genocide.

Citizenship can be suspended for up to 10 years. The person will be notified of the suspension and the reasons for the decision. They can appeal the decision, which is likely to result in the reinstatement of their citizenship.

Common reasons for rejection and how to avoid them

Hungarian citizenship may be denied for one or more of the following reasons:

• Inaccurate information. A problem can arise if you enter the wrong date or misspell your first or last name, for example. The information may also be incomplete. In this case, you will be advised of the additional documents needed to complete your application.
• Interruptions of residence. For example, if your permanent residence permit was revoked due to a prolonged absence from Hungary, and you reapplied later. In this case, it is important to explain why you were abroad, such as for medical treatment or illness. If there are interruptions in your registered address, you can prove continuity of residence by providing bank statements showing purchases made in Hungarian stores.
• Failed exam. You must receive a satisfactory grade on the Constitutional Fundamentals exam; otherwise, you will need to retake it. If you have an interview, consider working with a tutor, as the questions may be unexpected and unusual.
• Criminal record. If you have a criminal record, you must provide proof of acquittal. Accusations that a foreigner may pose a threat to the public can be appealed.

Where to apply and how to track your case

There are several places where you can apply for Hungarian citizenship:

• a district or regional government office;
• a Kormányablak (government office);
• a Hungarian consulate abroad (suitable for repatriation or marriage purposes, for example);
• a Budapest government office: contact the Citizenship and Civil Registry Office.

You can schedule an appointment in Hungary using a special online service. For appointments abroad, schedule an appointment through your embassy’s website or by using their current contact information.

Prepare a complete application and full file for your visit. The form can be downloaded from the Kormányhivatalok website. Bring the original documents with you in case any information needs clarification.

There are no services for tracking citizenship applications in Hungary. However, once the president signs the decree, a citizenship certificate will be issued.

The rest of the procedure involves the following steps:

1. Within 15 days of issuance, the citizenship certificate will be sent to the institution where you will take the oath of office, which is often your city’s mayor’s office.
2. The mayor’s office will set a date within 30 days.
3. You may request a change of location up to 5 days before the ceremony.
4. After taking the oath of office, you will receive a citizenship certificate within 60 days.

If you fail to take the oath in Hungary within a year, your citizenship will be revoked.

What are the benefits of Hungarian citizenship?

A Hungarian passport grants EU citizenship and opens many doors within and beyond the EU.

5 disadvantages of Hungarian citizenship

Only 1,742 people received Hungarian citizenship in 2024, which is why it’s unpopular. The 5 main disadvantages of a Hungarian passport are:

1. Risk of revocation or suspension. Citizenship can be revoked if a person applies to a government agency and is unable to communicate in Hungarian because citizens are required to speak the language. Citizenship can also be suspended due to charges related to terrorism or other serious crimes.
2. Citizenship does not establish tax residency. Hungary has the lowest corporate tax rate in the EU at just 9%, and the income tax rate is 15%. However, citizenship does not determine tax residency in Hungary. To qualify as a resident for tax purposes, you must live in the country for at least 183 days a year.
3. Language and bureaucracy. Hungarian is a very complex language. Naturalization requires passing a test on the constitution in Hungarian, completing an application in Hungarian, and attending an interview. In 2024, Hungary also ranked second among the most bureaucratic countries in Europe.
4. Difficulty obtaining services. To open a bank account or apply for social benefits in Hungary, you need an address card in addition to an ID card. You must also register your address immediately after moving.
5. New responsibilities. After receiving a passport, men may be called up for military service or mobilized in the event of a military conflict.

If Hungary’s appeal to you is only its EU membership, consider other EU countries where citizenship is easier to obtain and has fewer drawbacks. Consult with immigration specialists to choose such a destination. There are many relocation options, and the best one is the one that suits you best. Lawyers will thoroughly examine your situation, capabilities, and wishes and then offer the best options.

Immigration specialists can help you prepare your documents, significantly reducing the risk of refusal. If you’re planning a business relocation, our lawyers can help you develop a business plan, register your company, and find startup financing. The iWorld team operates exclusively within the legal framework to help you maximize your benefits. Leave your contact information in the form to sign up for a free consultation.

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