Hungary Citizenship: Full 2025 Guide to Eligibility, Pathways, and Benefits

Getting Hungary citizenship offers a gateway to the European Union, providing visa free travel to over 180 and EU residency benefits.  

Whether you obtain Hungarian citizenship through naturalization, marriage, exceptional services, or by descent, we’ll guide you through the best way to obtain citizenship for your circumstances.  

In this guide you will learn about:  

• Hungarian Citizenship Statistics and Facts 
• 6 Benefits of Hungary Citizenship 
• How to Get Hungarian Citizenship 
• The Hungarian Language Test for Citizenship 
• Required Documents for Hungarian Citizenship 
• The Oath of Allegiance 
• Dual Citizenship in Hungary 

Hungarian passport holders have full EU citizenship, along with extensive global mobility. Some key benefits of Hungarian citizenship include: 

1. Hungary offers visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 180 countries, including the UK, Japan, and Canada. 
2. Freedom of movement across the Schengen Area. You are not required to provide visas or residence permits. 
3. Enjoy the right to live, work, and study in any of the 27 EU member states. 
4. Access to European healthcare and education systems. 
5. Ability to sponsor family members for residence and citizenship. 
6. Based on the GCS Global Passport Index, Hungary ranks 32^nd, putting it within the top 16% of passports globally.  

here are various way to obtain Hungary citizenship under the Act LV of 1993 on Hungarian Citizenship law, administered by the Ministry of the Interior (Belügyminisztérium).  

The main pathways include: 

• Citizenship by naturalization 
• Citizenship by descent 
• Citizenship by marriage 
• Citizenship by exceptional services 

Each route has unique requirements regarding residence, documentation, and integration. Let’s take a closer look:  

Hungarian Citizenship by Naturalization 

Hungarian Citizenship by Naturalization (honosítás) is the standard pathway for foreigners who have established long-term residence in Hungary. 

To claim Hungarian Citizenship by Naturalization you must have lived in Hungary for a minimum of eight years with permanent residency. Additionally, you should provide evidence of: 

• A stable income 
• A clean criminal record 
• Integration into Hungarian society 
• Pass a Hungarian language test (A2 level) 

How to get permanent residency in Hungary 

Before you can obtain citizenship, you need to become a permanent resident of Hungary. This is generally provided after three years of legal residency.  

Preferential (Reduced) Naturalization Periods 

Certain individuals may be eligible for reduced naturalization periods, if: 

• They are stateless individuals  
• Have provided exceptional services to Hungary 
• Are married to a Hungarian citizen or the parent of a Hungarian minor 
• Are born in Hungary or attended a Hungarian school 

Applications are submitted using the honosítási kérelem (official naturalization form) through a Hungarian government office or at a Hungarian embassy or consulate abroad. 

Hungarian Citizenship by Descent 

Hungary follows the jus sanguinis (right of blood) principle, meaning Hungary Citizenship by Descent is passed down through ancestry rather than birthplace. 

Anyone with a Hungarian parent, grandparent, or ancestor further back may qualify, provided the lineage can be proven through official documentation. There is no generation limit, but clear proof of ancestry is required. 

Key requirements for Hungary Citizenship by Descent  

All applicants need to provide: 

• Clear proof of ancestry (certified birth, marriage, or death certificates) 
• Show basic knowledge of the Hungarian language  

Residency in Hungary is not required for Citizenship by Descent. Once granted, applicants receive a Certificate of Citizenship and can apply for a Hungarian passport. 

Hungarian Citizenship by Marriage 

A foreign spouse of a Hungarian citizen can apply for citizenship after being married for ten years. If the couple has a child together, this is reduced to five years.  

The spouse must demonstrate knowledge of the Hungarian language at an A2 level and have good moral character.  

To be eligible, the couple must show proof of continuous cohabitation. The spouse with foreign citizenship will also go through an interview and background check from the relevant Hungarian authorities.  

Hungarian Citizenship by Exceptional Services 

While not common, the President of Hungary may grant citizenship to those that have made significant contributions to the country. This can be through economic, scientific, cultural, or sporting achievements. 

 Hungarian Citizenship by Exceptional Services is only provided under extraordinary circumstances and will forgo any waiting period or language testing.  

If you want to obtain a Hungarian residency permit but don’t fall into the above categories, the Hungary Golden Visa may be the ideal option. The Hungary Golden Visa offers a ten-year renewable residency permit in exchange for investment into the country.  

As of 2025, there are two eligible pathways, including: 

1. Investing a minimum of €250,000 in a government-approved real estate fund, of which at least 40% is allocated to Hungarian residential properties OR 
2. By making a non-refundable donation of €1 million to a public trust supporting higher education. 

One of the main benefits of the Hungary Golden Visa is that family members of the main applicant can be included. Additionally, the Residency by Investment program is a pathway to citizenship after eight years.  

Working with a trusted migration agency like Global Citizen Solutions or a Hungary Golden Visa lawyer is highly recommended to ensure a smooth and stress-free application process.  

Most applicants for Hungarian citizenship must demonstrate an A2 level of Hungarian proficiency, as defined by the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).  

The test evaluates basic speaking, reading, and comprehension skills and is typically conducted during the citizenship interview. 

However, there are some exceptions, including 

• Applicants over 65 years old, 
• Individuals with physical or mental disabilities, or 
• Those who completed schooling in Hungarian. 

A complete application to acquire Hungarian citizenship must include the following: 

• Completed honosítási kérelem (naturalization form) 
• Valid passport or national ID 
• Birth and marriage certificates (officially translated and legalized) 
• Proof of residence in Hungary (address card, residence permit) 
• Proof of income and accommodation 
• Police clearance certificates from Hungary and the applicant’s home country 
• Language certificate (if applicable) 
• Two passport-size photos 

All applications are reviewed by the Ministry of the Interior. Verification checks are done, and you may be requested to provide additional evidence based on Hungarian law.  

1. Step One: Determine eligibility: Based on your circumstances, select the best citizenship pathway for your needs.  
2. Step Two: Gather required documents: Collect all the necessary documents for your citizenship application. Including marriage and birth certificates (translated and certified). 
3. Step Three: Language knowledge: Applicants should ensure they can speak Hungarian at an A2 conversational level to prepare for the interview.  
4. Step Four: Submit the application: You can submit your application in person at the Hungarian Immigration Authority or online using the Enter Hungary portal. 

Once approved, applicants must take the Oath of Allegiance (Állampolgársági eskü) to complete the naturalization process. The oath is a symbolic declaration of loyalty to Hungary. 

Following the ceremony, the individual officially becomes a Hungarian citizen and may apply for a Hungarian passport. 

Hungary recognizes dual citizenship, meaning new citizens are not required to renounce their original nationality. Dual citizens enjoy the same rights as Hungarian born citizens, including property ownership, employment, and participation in elections. This open policy makes Hungarian citizenship particularly appealing to global investors, and expats.  

The time it takes to become a Hungarian citizen depends on the route you choose: 

• By descent or ancestry: Usually the fastest, since you only need to prove your Hungarian lineage and basic language skills. 
• By marriage: Can take 5–10 years, depending on whether you have children with a Hungarian spouse. 
• By naturalization: Requires at least 8 years of legal residence in Hungary, including permanent residency for the last 3 years. 
• Through investment (Golden Visa): Non-EU/EEA citizens can apply for citizenship after 10 years of residency, starting with a 3-year residence permit leading to permanent residency, then citizenship.