Depending on your legal status, you might be able to apply for Hungarian citizenship after living and working in the country for a certain period of time. Your eligibility for Hungarian nationalisation will also depend on a range of factors. On this page, we’ll be helping you understand the Hungarian Citizenship program better and also assisting you with the process of applying for citizenship in Hungary.
All about applying for Hungarian Citizenship
If you want to become a legal Hungarian resident, you will need to apply for a Hungarian residence permit at the local Immigration office before your visa expires. You can also apply for residency by applying for a Registration Card if you are an EU citizen. You will need proof of income and employment to do so, as well as proof of your current legal status before you can obtain a residency permit.
Expatriates looking to apply for Hungarian citizenship will have to do so, in person, with the Registrar at Local Council. If you live outside of Hungary, you will need to submit your application with the Hungarian Consulate or Embassy within your country of residence.
The documentation you need to apply for Citizenship in Hungary
- Valid immigration card
- Clean criminal record
- Certificate of valid and legal accommodation
- The Hungarian Citizenship Exam, which has to be taken in the Hungarian language
Who can apply for Hungarian Citizenship?
Generally speaking, individuals who have continuously resided in Hungary for a period of 8 years can apply for citizenship. In some special cases, the general rule of thumb can be waived. The exceptions to the rule are as follows:
- Individuals that were born in Hungary may apply for citizenship after continuously living in Hungary for at least five
- Those who are married to Hungarian citizens or are parents of children who are Hungarian nationals can apply for citizenship after living in Hungary for three
- Individuals that are minors and those who have refugee status can also apply for citizenship after living in Hungary for at least three
- People that profess themselves to be Hungarian and that have proof of Hungarian ancestry can apply for Hungarian Citizenship immediately after they receive their Immigration Card.
- Individuals that applied for certificates of neutralisation or certificates of repatriation can apply for Hungarian Citizenship. The President of Hungary has to approve these certificates, which then act as legal documents for the acquisition of Hungarian citizenship. After the neutralisation process has been approved, applicants swear oaths of citizenship and become Hungarian citizens.
Need more help?
We have a team of professional, highly-skilled immigration lawyers that can help you with the process of moving to Hungary and applying for residency as well as citizenship status. If you feel like you need a helping hand in this department, feel free to get in touch with one of our dedicated team members today. They will be happy to help you explore your options and learn more about the legal process of moving to and living in Hungary on a permanent basis!
An American citizen, my great grandfather and grandmother immigrated to the US from Hungary and Czech Republic in the 1800s. I spent six months living in Budapest in 2014, attempting to learn language. Would like information on how to apply for citizenship, requirements, timing and cost.