Global Citizen Solutions

Hungary Citizenship by Descent: The Ultimate Guide to EU Citizenship

Hungary citizenship by descent is available to those that fall under the legal term “jus sanguinis”, meaning right of blood. Individuals that are descended from Hungarian citizens can apply, provided they can prove their familial lineage.

Obtaining Hungarian citizenship by descent provides a fantastic opportunity to obtain EU citizenship, establish a cultural connection with your past, and obtain a second passport.

Hungary Citizenship by Descent: Key Takeaways

  • Hungary citizenship by descent is available to anyone who can prove direct Hungarian ancestry under the principle of jus sanguinis (right of blood).
  • There is no generational limit, as long as you can provide clear documents such as birth and marriage certificates.
  • The process requires proving lineage, meeting basic Hungarian language expectations, showing good character, and submitting properly translated and certified documents.
  • Applicants typically provide birth and marriage records, proof of the ancestor’s citizenship, a clean criminal record, and a completed naturalization application.
  • Benefits of Hungarian Citizenship by Descent include EU citizenship, visa-free travel, access to Hungary’s public systems, dual citizenship, and the ability to pass citizenship to family members.
  • Processing usually takes six months to one year.

What is Hungarian citizenship by descent?

family with hungary citizenship by descent

Hungarian citizenship by descent is a legal process that enables individuals with Hungarian ancestry to acquire citizenship. Hungarian citizenship can be acquired through descent under the principle of jus sanguinis, or the “right of blood.”

Hungarian citizenship by descent offers an easier route for those with Hungarian ancestry—such as parents or grandparents—to obtain citizenship without living in Hungary. This simplified naturalization process focuses on proving your Hungarian lineage and demonstrating basic language skills. Compared to the standard naturalization pathway, which requires several years of residency, this option provides a much faster and more straightforward way to become a Hungarian citizen.

There is effectively no generational limit to Hungarian Citizenship by Descent, provided applicants can present clear, documented proof of their lineage, such as birth or marriage certificates.

Hungarian Citizenship by Descent Benefits

Holding Hungarian citizenship grants you the full rights and benefits of a Hungarian national. This includes the freedom to live and work anywhere within the European Union, access to Hungary’s public healthcare and education systems, and the advantage of visa-free travel to more than 170 countries worldwide with a Hungarian passport.

Obtaining Hungarian Citizenship by Descent offers a range of compelling benefits, including:

BenefitDescription
European Union membershipAs a Hungarian citizen, you gain membership in the European Union through EU citizenship by descent, allowing you to enjoy the privileges of free movement, work, and residence within EU countries.
Access to social servicesHungarian citizens have access to comprehensive social services, including healthcare, education, and social welfare programs.
Cultural connectionEmbrace your ancestral heritage and immerse yourself in Hungary’s rich cultural traditions, festivals, and historical sites.
Democracy participationExercise your right to participate in Hungary’s democratic processes, including voting in elections and having a say in the country’s governance.
Dual citizenshipHungary embraces dual citizenship, permitting individuals to uphold their current citizenship while simultaneously accessing the advantages of being a Hungarian citizen. This duality grants flexibility, broader prospects, and the capacity to nurture ties with multiple nations.
Enhanced travelBenefit from visa-free or simplified travel to over 180 countries worldwide with a Hungarian passport.
Family benefitsThe Hungarian official citizenship document can extend to your immediate family members, allowing them to reap the advantages of citizenship.
Business and work opportunitiesGain the ability to work, start a business, or invest more efficiently in Hungary and the broader EU market.
Strong legal protectionAccess the legal rights and protections offered to Hungarian citizens by the Hungarian court, ensuring your rights are upheld within the country.
National identityDevelop a sense of belonging and pride in being part of Hungary’s history, culture, and ongoing narrative.

Who is eligible for Hungary Citizenship by Descent?

Getting Hungarian Citizenship by Descent requires applicants to meet eligibility criteria. The eligibility criteria for Hungarian Citizenship by Descent includes:

  • Direct lineage: Applicants who can establish a direct familial link through a Hungarian grandparent, parent, or even great grandparent who is or was a Hungarian citizen are eligible for Hungary Citizenship by Descent.
  • Limited generational links: Obtaining Hungarian Citizenship by Descent is not limited to a number of generations, for example grandparent or great grandparent. However, it is essential that the applicant can provide documents to prove this lineage.
  • Documentation: Applicants must be able to provide verifiable documentation to prove ancestral lineage. This can include marriage certificates and birth certificates.
  • Valid lineage: Hungarian Citizenship by Descent is extended to those that are born inside or outside Hungary as long as they can prove the ancestral lineage. Eligibility depends on verifying the authenticity of lineage, whether through biological or legal connections.

If you don’t meet the above, the Hungary Golden Visa offers foreign nationals the chance to obtain residency in Hungary which can then lead to citizenship after eight years.

view of Budapest and the Danube river in Hungary
icon-logo-star

Read our Hungary Golden Visa Guide

Hungary Citizenship by Descent Requirements

Under Hungarian citizenship law, the following is required for acquiring Hungarian Citizenship by Descent:

  • Proof of ancestry: Providing documented evidence of a direct lineage to a Hungarian citizen, typically through birth certificates, marriage certificates, or other official records that establish the familial relationship.
  • Language proficiency: Demonstrating a basic understanding of the Hungarian language, usually at a conversational level may be required. Some applicants may need to attend an interview with the Hungarian Consulate before their application is approved and this is conducted in Hungarian.
  • Character prerequisites: Meeting specific character and background requirements, including having a clear criminal record and adhering to specific ethical standards.
  • Application process: Following the designated application procedure, which involves submitting the required documents, undergoing background checks, and fulfilling other administrative steps.
  • Financial obligations: Being prepared to cover various costs associated with the application, such as administrative fees, translation expenses, and language proficiency test fees.
  • Legal understanding: Understanding Hungarian citizenship’s legal implications and responsibilities, including rights and obligations as a citizen. Working with a Hungary immigration lawyer is highly recommended.
  • Documentation: Ensuring all necessary documents are correctly translated, authenticated, and submitted according to the guidelines provided by Hungarian authorities.

Required Documents for Hungarian Citizenship by Descent

To apply for Hungarian Citizenship by Descent, you’ll need to provide a collection of official documents that prove your Hungarian ancestry and verify your personal details. These documents help establish your family connection and confirm your eligibility for citizenship.

Typically, you’ll need:

  • Birth certificates: A series of birth certificates tracing your lineage back to your Hungarian ancestor.
  • Marriage certificates: Marriage certificates for yourself and your ancestors to demonstrate the family link.
  • Other official Hungarian documents: Any records confirming your ancestor’s Hungarian citizenship, such as passport copies, national ID cards, or archival extracts.
  • Application form: A completed Hungary citizenship by descent application, such as the Honosítási, Visszahonosítási kérelem (Application for Naturalization or Re-naturalization).
  • Your birth certificate: Your own birth certificate, translated into Hungarian and notarized.
  • Parents’ documents: Depending on your circumstances, you may need your parents’ marriage certificate and a copy of one parent’s passport if they are not a Hungarian citizen.
  • Certificate of no criminal record: A document from your country of residence confirming you have no criminal convictions.

In addition to the documentation, applicants are expected to demonstrate a basic understanding of the Hungarian language, which is part of the simplified naturalization process. Ensuring that all documents are correctly translated, certified, and complete will greatly improve your chances of a smooth application process.

How to Apply for Hungarian Citizenship by Descent

person checking applying for hungarian citizenship by descent
  1. Gather required documents: Collect all necessary documents, including birth certificates, marriage certificates, proof of Hungarian ancestor’s citizenship, and other supporting materials.
  2. Document translation: If any of your documents are outside of Hungarian, ensure an official translator accurately translates them.
  3. Complete application forms: Fill out the official applications provided by Hungarian authorities accurately and thoroughly to prove your Hungarian heritage.
  4. Submit application: Send your completed application forms and all supporting documents to the relevant Hungarian authorities (National Directorate General of Immigration). Per the guidelines, this can usually be done in person or through mail.
  5. Background checks: Undergo any necessary background checks to meet character requirements, a clean criminal record, or prove your Hungarian descent by providing the relevant documents as needed.
  6. Pay applicable fees: Pay the required fees for the application process, including administrative fees, translation fees, and others.
  7. Wait for processing: Once your application is submitted, patiently await the processing period, which can vary depending on the volume of applications and other factors.
  8. Notification of decision: You will receive a notification regarding the decision on your application. You’ll receive a Hungarian document with instructions on the next steps if approved.
  9. Complete any additional requirements: If requested, fulfill any other conditions or provide further information as directed by the authorities.
  10. Collect citizenship documentation: If your application is successful, you will be issued with a valid Hungarian citizenship certificate, confirming your Hungarian citizenship. You can then also obtain a Hungarian passport by descent.

Costs and Fees for Hungarian Citizenship by Descent

  • Application fee: Applying to acquire Hungarian Citizenship by Descent is free of charge when done directly through the Hungarian consulate.
  • Translation expenses: Costs for translating documents that are not in Hungarian, ensuring Hungarian authorities officially recognize them (€50-€300 depending on document volume).
  • Legalization and certification fees: Fees for obtaining official certifications or legalizations for documents that are not initially issued in Hungary (€50-€100 per document).
  • Background check fees: Expenses related to obtaining the necessary background checks and clearances to meet the character requirements (Dependent on country).
  • Travel and accommodation: If you need to travel to Hungary for any part of the application process, you should budget for travel expenses, accommodation, and related costs.
  • Notary fees: Charges for notarizing certain documents, as required by Hungarian immigration regulations (€10 to €50 per document).
  • Document issuance fees: Costs associated with obtaining certain documents, such as copies of birth or marriage certificates (Dependent on country).
  • Miscellaneous charges: Additional expenses might arise during the application process, such as mailing fees or fees for obtaining documents from other institutions.

Hungary Citizenship by Descent Processing Time

Obtaining Hungarian Citizenship by Descent can take anywhere between six months to a year, depending on how complete the application is and how far back the ancestral lineage goes. For example, applying for Citizenship by Descent when you have your parent’s birth certificate showing Hungarian origin will take shorter than if you’re applying for Hungarian ancestry citizenship with a marriage certificate from a great-grandparent.

Alternative Pathway to Hungarian Citizenship: Hungary Golden Visa

If you want to obtain foreign citizenship but don’t qualify for Hungarian Citizenship through Ancestry, there’s an alternative option.

The Hungary Golden Visa offers a pathway to obtain Hungarian residency. The program is designed for investors, and can eventually lead to Hungarian citizenship. Once Hungarian citizenship is obtained, applicants can get a Hungarian passport. The GCS Global Passport Index 2025 ranks the Hungary passport 33rd.

Under this program, you can apply for Hungarian residency by investing in one of the following:

  • Real estate investment fund: Applicants can invest €250,000 in a state-approved real estate investment fund, which must be held for a minimum of five years.
  • Donation: Investors may choose to donate €1 million as a non-refundable donation to a higher education institution in Hungary.

Once the investor has met the minimum holding period and specific program requirements, they may be eligible for Hungarian citizenship after eight years through a simplified naturalization process.

How Can Global Citizen Solutions Help You?

Global Citizen Solutions is a boutique migration consultancy firm with years of experience delivering bespoke residence and citizenship by investment solutions for international families. With offices worldwide and an experienced, hands-on team, we have helped hundreds of clients worldwide acquire citizenship, residence visas, or homes while diversifying their portfolios with robust investments. 

We guide you from start to finish, taking you beyond your citizenship or residency by investment application. 

contact us

Add Your Heading Text Here

Share this post:

Explore More Resources

Upcoming
Hungary Dual Citizenship: The Full 2026 Guide
Learn how to obtain Hungary dual citizenship in 2026, including eligibility, paths, benefits, tax rules, and guidance for US, UK, and Australian citizens.
Upcoming
Hungary Citizenship: Full 2025 Guide to Eligibility, Pathways, and Benefits
Explore our complete 2026 guide to Hungary citizenship: eligibility, pathways, benefits, language rules, dual citizenship, and application requirements.
Upcoming
181 Hungary Passport Visa Free Countries: All the Places You Can Go
Obtaining a Hungarian passport offers a world of opportunity for travel freedom and business opportunities. One such benefit is the 181 Hungary passport visa free countries, offering Hungarian passport holders the chance to e...
icon-logo-star-blue

Frequently Asked Questions

Hungarian citizenship by descent allows ethnic Hungarians to obtain citizenship through a simplified process. Applicants must usually prove Hungarian ancestry—showing that an ancestor was a citizen before 1920 or between 1941 and 1945—and demonstrate basic Hungarian language skills. A language exemption is available if the ancestor lived in Hungary after September 1929. The process requires submitting vital records, such as birth and marriage certificates, and applying either at a Hungarian consulate or in Hungary. Processing typically takes 8–12 months, and successful applicants gain EU citizenship without needing to reside in Hungary.

To demonstrate Hungarian ancestry, you’ll need to gather official vital records—such as birth, marriage, and death certificates—that establish a clear line from you back to a Hungarian ancestor. These documents serve as proof of a direct family connection, typically through a parent, grandparent, or occasionally a great-grandparent, and are essential when applying for Hungarian Citizenship by Ancestry.

Yes, you can obtain a Hungarian passport if your grandmother was Hungarian, since Hungary permits citizenship by descent through parents or grandparents. You’ll need to provide official documents proving your lineage, and while full fluency in Hungarian may not be mandatory, some steps of the process could require basic conversational skills.

Yes, speaking Hungarian is generally required to obtain citizenship in Hungary, whether through descent, naturalization, or marriage. However, applicants claiming citizenship based on ancestry are not required to take a formal language test; instead, their Hungarian skills are evaluated during an interview.

To be eligible for Hungarian Citizenship by Descent, you need to demonstrate a Hungarian ancestor using a series of vital records and show basic conversational Hungarian. Residency in Hungary is not required—you can apply from abroad. This route is a simplified naturalization process and is generally much faster than the standard path, which typically requires eight years of living in Hungary.

You can qualify for Hungarian Citizenship by Descent as long as you can prove a Hungarian ancestor—there is no limit on how many generations back your lineage goes.

To apply for Hungarian Citizenship by Descent in 2025, you need to show proof of your Hungarian ancestry. This usually involves collecting documents like birth and marriage certificates. You can submit your application at a Hungarian consulate or embassy, along with the necessary forms. The process may include an interview and showing basic knowledge of the Hungarian language.

There is no set generational limit for obtaining Hungarian Citizenship by Descent. As long as you can prove an unbroken ancestral line with documents like birth and marriage certificates, you may apply for citizenship.

It can take between 6-12 months to obtain Hungarian Citizenship by Descent. You can reduce wait times by ensuring your application is complete and all documents are available.

As of January 2026, there is no age restriction for applying for Hungarian Citizenship by Descent. However, applications for minors must be submitted by a parent or legal guardian.

You can claim Hungarian citizenship through jus sanguinis by proving direct ancestry to a Hungarian citizen—there’s no generational limit. Applicants must submit official birth and marriage records, show basic knowledge of Hungarian (unless exempt), and apply via a Hungarian consulate. Successful applicants gain Hungarian and EU citizenship, with the right to live, work, and travel across the EU while keeping their current nationality.

Once you meet the requirements, you can submit your application at a Hungarian embassy or consulate. After approval, you’ll receive confirmation of your citizenship, which lets you apply for a Hungarian passport.

Yes, adopted children can apply for Hungarian citizenship if their adoptive parents are Hungarian citizens.

Yes, you may be eligible if you can prove an unbroken lineage to your Hungarian great-grandparent with official documents like birth and marriage certificates. Eligibility also depends on whether your ancestor kept their Hungarian citizenship under the laws at the time, and some applicants may need to show basic Hungarian language proficiency.

Hungarian citizenship by descent provides visa-free travel to over 175 countries, the right to live, work, and study anywhere in the EU, access to European healthcare and education, and the ability to hold multiple citizenships without renouncing your current one. It also offers a favorable tax environment and strong economic ties within the EU, making it a gateway to greater global mobility and opportunities.

Get in touch with a Citizenship by Descent specialist
gform_wrapper_68
Privacy Overview
Global Citizen Solutions logo featuring a stylized globe and modern typography in blue and green colors.

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.

Strictly Necessary Cookies

Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings.

Analytics

This website uses Google Analytics to collect anonymous information such as the number of visitors to the site, and the most popular pages.

Keeping this cookie enabled helps us to improve our website.