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.
In this guide you will learn about:
- What it means to be a Hungarian citizen
- What is Hungarian citizenship by descent
- Who is eligible for Hungary citizenship by descent
- Requirements for Hungarian citizenship by descent
- Documents for Hungarian citizenship by descent
- Costs and fees for Hungary citizenship by descent
- How to apply for Hungary citizenship by descent
- Benefits of becoming a Hungarian citizen
- Alternative pathways to Hungarian citizenship
What is Hungarian 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.
Benefits of Becoming Hungarian Citizens
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:
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| European Union membership | As a Hungarian citizen, you gain membership in the European Union through EU citiznehsip by descent, allowing you to enjoy the privileges of free movement, work, and residence within EU countries. |
| Access to social services | Hungarian citizens have access to comprehensive social services, including healthcare, education, and social welfare programs. |
| Cultural connection | Embrace your ancestral heritage and immerse yourself in Hungary’s rich cultural traditions, festivals, and historical sites. |
| Democracy participation | Exercise your right to participate in Hungary’s democratic processes, including voting in elections and having a say in the country’s governance. |
| Dual citizenship | Hungary 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 travel | Benefit from visa-free or simplified travel to over over 180 countries worldwide with a Hungarian passport. |
| Family benefits | The Hungarian official citizenship document can extend to your immediate family members, allowing them to reap the advantages of citizenship. |
| Business and work opportunities | Gain the ability to work, start a business, or invest more efficiently in Hungary and the broader EU market. |
| Strong legal protection | Access the legal rights and protections offered to Hungarian citizens by the Hungarian court, ensuring your rights are upheld within the country. |
| National identity | Develop 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.
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 application form, 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 Hungary Citizenship by Descent
- Gather required documents: Collect all necessary documents, including birth certificates, marriage certificates, proof of Hungarian ancestor’s citizenship, and other supporting materials.
- Document translation: If any of your documents are outside of Hungarian, ensure an official translator accurately translates them.
- Complete application forms: Fill out the official applications provided by Hungarian authorities accurately and thoroughly to prove your Hungarian heritage.
- 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.
- 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.
- Pay applicable fees: Pay the required fees for the application process, including administrative fees, translation fees, and others.
- 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.
- 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.
- Complete any additional requirements: If requested, fulfill any other conditions or provide further information as directed by the authorities.
- 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.
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