Eligibility quiz
Do you have a child who is a Hungarian citizen and is still a minor?
Benefits
Benefits for youBenefits for you
Hungarian passport and ID
Hungarian citizens can have a passport and identity card, both of which prove citizenship.
An expired passport can prove citizenship for one year after it expires, but documents must be replaced when they expire.
Live in Hungary for life
Hungarian citizenship gives you the right to live in Hungary indefinitely, with no minimum stay.
You can enter and return without conditions, and leave with a valid travel document, although a court or criminal case can restrict travel.
Work in Hungary
Hungarian citizens can work or run a business in Hungary without a work permit.
Get help abroad
Hungarian consulates may help in emergencies, including lost documents, detention, illness, accidents or evacuation.
If Hungary has no accessible consulate outside the EU, another EU country's consulate may help.
Fees may apply, and personal costs are not necessarily paid.
Vote and run for office
Adult Hungarian citizens can vote and stand in parliamentary, local and European Parliament elections, subject to address, registration and court restrictions.
Citizens abroad without a Hungarian home address can vote by post in parliamentary elections after registering.
Those with one generally vote at a Hungarian mission after registering there.
Use public healthcare
You can use public healthcare if you have the required health entitlement, such as through work, a pension, certain benefits or health-service contributions.
Citizenship alone does not guarantee free care.
Receive social support
You may qualify for social insurance payments, such as sickness or maternity benefits, if you are insured.
Pensions, family benefits, education support and other assistance have their own conditions, such as residence, income or insurance history.
How to apply
Applying at a district officeApplying at a district office
Find your district office
Find the district office responsible for your registered address in Hungary.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “Which district office in your city handles Hungary preferential naturalisation applications?”
Download the application form
Get the naturalisation application form prescribed in Annex 1.
Get the formFill in the form
Fill in the naturalisation application form in Hungarian. Sign it at the office before handing it in.
Get form guidanceSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I fill in the Hungary preferential naturalisation application form?”
Gather your documents
Prepare the required documents for the district office.
See required documentsHand in your application
Ask the district office how to arrange your visit, then go in person with your completed form and your original documents and copies. Sign and hand in your application and answer the office's identity and Hungarian-language questions.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “How do I submit a Hungary preferential naturalisation application at the district office in your city?”
Wait for the decision
Wait for the citizenship authority's decision and respond if it asks for more information or documents.
See decision informationSearches DuckDuckGo for “How long does a Hungary preferential naturalisation decision take?”
Take the citizenship oath
If your application is approved, attend the citizenship oath or affirmation at the time and place you are given. You become a Hungarian citizen and can then apply for a Hungarian passport.
Learn about the oathSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I take the citizenship oath after Hungary preferential naturalisation?”
Documents needed
Family certificates and recordsFamily certificates and records
Birth certificates
Bring your birth certificate and your minor Hungarian child's birth certificate or another official record showing that you are their parent. Bring the originals or officially certified copies, plus copies if the office asks for them.
Marriage certificates *
Bring records showing your current and previous marital status. If a marriage ended, bring the relevant divorce or death record too.
* Only if you are or have been married.
May need translationMay need apostille/legalisationChild's citizenship records *
Bring a record showing that your minor child is a Hungarian citizen, such as a Hungarian citizenship or civil-status record. Bring the original or an officially certified copy, plus a copy if the office asks for one.
* Only if your child's Hungarian citizenship cannot be checked in Hungarian registers.
Considerations
Things to think aboutThings to think about
Citizenship and tax residence
Hungarian citizenship can make you a tax resident, generally bringing tax on worldwide income.
A citizen with another citizenship and no registered home in Hungary is an exception to that citizenship rule.
Tax residence and treaties also affect liability.
Defence and military service
In a state of war, adult men with a permanent home in Hungary may have to serve in the military; those who object on grounds of conscience may serve unarmed.
Adult citizens with a permanent home in Hungary may also be assigned defence or civil-defence work under emergency rules.
Citizenship can be lost
You can give up citizenship if you already have or can acquire another citizenship, once the President issues a certificate.
It can be taken away if obtained unlawfully, but not after 20 years.
If you also hold citizenship from outside the EU, it may be suspended for up to ten years for conduct threatening public order, public safety or national security.
Discuss
Online communitiesOnline communities
Immigration Forum Hungary for Foreigners /nVisa/
English Facebook group for people living in Hungary interested in Hungarian citizenship
Join on FacebookImmigration Journey in Hungary
English Facebook group for people living in Hungary interested in Hungarian citizenship
Request to joinHungarian Citizenship Exam (Alkotmányos alapismeretek vizsga)
English Facebook group for people interested in Hungarian citizenship
Request to joinConsultation
Talk to a professionalTalk to a professional
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