Nationality of Hungary: all obtaining pathways
Hungary requires eight years of legal residence with permanent residency, plus Hungarian and a basic constitutional exam. Marriage to a Hungarian citizen opens the pathway at three years, and descendants of Hungarian citizens have a simplified naturalization with no residence requirement.
1Naturalization by residence
Naturalization by residence
Requirements
- 8 years of continuous residence in Hungary (§ 4(1)(a))
- Clean criminal record and no ongoing criminal proceedings
- Secured livelihood and housing
- Naturalization must not harm public or national security
- Constitutional knowledge in Hungarian (state exam)
Documentation
- Naturalization application
- Passport and permanent residence permit
- Criminal record certificates from Hungary and the country of origin
- Hungarian language proficiency certificate
- Proof of income and housing
- Legalized birth and marriage certificates
- Photographs
2Naturalization through marriage
Naturalization through marriage
Requirements
- Preferential with residence (§ 4(3)): 3 years of continuous residence + valid marriage of ≥3 years to a Hungarian citizen (or widowhood)
- Preferential WITHOUT residence in Hungary (§ 4(3a)): 10 years of marriage to a Hungarian, or 5 years with a common child
- Other requirements of § 4(1) (integrity, means, language)
- Minor children of Hungarians or adopted by a Hungarian: 3 years of residence
- Recognized refugees: 3 years
Documentation
- Naturalization application
- Marriage certificate
- Residence permit
- Criminal record certificate
- Hungarian language proficiency certificate
- Proof of means of subsistence and housing
- Birth certificate
3Simplified naturalization for descendants of Hungarian citizens
Simplified naturalization for descendants of Hungarian citizens
Requirements
- Be a descendant (child, grandchild) of a Hungarian citizen
- Command of Hungarian
- Residence in Hungary is not required
- Proven means of subsistence in Hungary are not required
- No criminal record
- Dual nationality is permitted
Documentation
- Simplified naturalization application
- Birth certificate of the Hungarian ancestor
- Documentary proof of the chain of descent
- Hungarian language proficiency certificate
- Criminal record certificate
- Passport
4Citizenship by descent (ius sanguinis)
Citizenship by descent (ius sanguinis)
Requirements
- At least one parent is a Hungarian citizen at the time of birth
- The child acquires Hungarian citizenship automatically regardless of place of birth
- Children born abroad must be registered at the Hungarian consulate
Documentation
- Birth certificate of the child
- Birth certificate of the Hungarian father/mother
- Hungarian passport of the father/mother
- Consular registration certificate (if born abroad)
Frequently asked questions about the nationality of Hungary
How many years of residence does Hungary require to naturalize?
According to the main pathway of Hungary (Naturalization by residence), the term is 8 years of continuous residence in Hungary. The complete details of requirements and exceptions appear in the fact sheet.
Can the nationality of Hungary be obtained by marriage?
Yes, through the Naturalization through marriage pathway (3 years of residence + ≥3 years of marriage to a Hungarian; preferential without residence: 10 years of marriage (or 5 with a common child)). The complete requirements appear in the fact sheet of that pathway.
What documentation does naturalization in Hungary require?
The Naturalization by residence pathway requires: Naturalization application; Passport and permanent residence permit; Criminal record certificates from Hungary and the country of origin; Hungarian language proficiency certificate; Proof of income and housing; among 2 more documents.
What pathways exist to obtain the nationality of Hungary?
Hungary provides 4 pathways: Naturalization by residence, Naturalization through marriage, Simplified naturalization for descendants of Hungarian citizens, Citizenship by descent.
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Anything to correct or add about Hungary?
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