Hungarian citizenship
Hungarian nationality law is based on the principle of jus sanguinis, which means the “right of blood” in Latin. Therefore, Hungarian citizenship can be acquired by naturalization or ancestry. Getting Hungarian citizenship comes with countless benefits, including visa-free travelling in the Schengen Area, the right to work and live anywhere in the EU, and access to the state-funded public health system in Hungary. Learn more about getting Hungarian citizenship and a passport!
The benefits of getting a Hungarian citizenship
1. Visa-free travelling
Hungarian citizens may travel visa-free to any of the Schengen Countries, Canada, the USA, and other destinations. All in all, 187 countries can be visited visa-free by Hungarians. According to the Guide Passport Ranking Index, the Hungarian passport currently ranks in 10th place. Obtaining a Hungarian passport allows instant travel opportunities all over the world. While visiting Australia requires a visa, the procedure is simplified for Hungarian citizens.
2. Access to the Hungarian healthcare system
The Hungarian healthcare system is financed by the National Health Insurance Fund of Hungary (Nemzeti Egészségbiztosítási Alapkezelő, NAEK) and taxes.
Hungarian citizens are entitled to receive medical care in public health care institutions. Medical care in Hungary is mostly free. Rehabilitation, pharmaceuticals, and dental care may not be covered by national health care.
3. The right to work and live anywhere in the EU
All Hungarian citizens are also citizens of the EU. Getting Hungarian citizenship allows you to work and live in any of the EU and EFTA member states.
Hungarian citizens can work and live in any of the following countries:
- Austria
- Belgium
- Bulgaria
- Croatia
- Republic of Cyprus
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Ireland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Netherlands
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Iceland
- Norway
- Liechtenstein
4. Multiple citizenships
Multiple citizenships (also called multiply nationality) means that a person is a national of more than one country at the same time. The Hungarian law permits multiple citizenships, so you don’t have to renounce your other citizenships.
Hungarian citizenship by marriage
Getting Hungarian citizenship by marriage is not a straightforward process. Spouses of Hungarian nationals may apply for the naturalization process under the following conditions:
- at least 3 years of residence in Hungary, minimum 3 years of marriage or
- at least 10 years of marriage or
- minimum 5 years of marriage and having children together.
Hungarian citizenship by naturalization
After continued 8 years of residency in Hungary, you can apply for the naturalization process. Passing the Hungarian citizenship test, having a stable livelihood, and having no criminal records are required. Getting Hungarian citizenship by naturalization may be easier and quicker if you were born in Hungary or have a Hungarian spouse.
Hungarian citizenship by adaptation and birth
A person acquires Hungarian citizenship by descent from a Hungarian parent. In other words, the kid of every Hungarian national becomes a Hungarian national by birth. The place of birth is irrelevant as the Hungarian Nationality Law does not recognize the acquisition of citizenship by birthright. Underage children adopted by Hungarians are granted Hungarian citizenship in most cases.
Hungarian citizenship by ancestry
Do you speak Hungarian fluently? Were some of your ancestors Hungarian? We have some good news. Under the Hungarian citizenship law of 2011, ethnic Hungarians can apply for simplified naturalization. Getting Hungarian citizenship by ancestry is the most popular option to become a Hungarian national. By 2019 more than a million people have applied for simplified naturalization.
Frequently asked question
Is the Hungarian citizenship test obligatory?
For those who apply for the standard naturalization process, the Hungarian citizenship test is obligatory. It consists of basic constitutional studies.
What is the Hungarian citizenship language requirement?
Getting Hungarian citizenship by ancestry requires applicants to have at least an intermediate level (B2) Hungarian language knowledge.
What is the Oath of allegiance?
At the end of the Naturalization process, Hungarian citizens are asked to take the Oath of allegiance.
The Oath of allegiance in English:
“I swear that I regard Hungary as my country. I will be a faithful citizen of the Republic of Hungary. I will respect and obey the Constitution and laws of this country. I defend my country to the utmost of my strength, I serve it to the best of my abilities. So help me God.”
The Oath of allegiance in Hungarian:
“(…) esküszöm, hogy Magyarországot hazámnak tekintem. Magyarországnak hű állampolgára leszek, az Alaptörvényt és a jogszabályokat tiszteletben tartom és megtartom. Hazámat erőmhöz mérten megvédem, képességeimnek megfelelően szolgálom. Isten engem úgy segéljen.”
How can we help?
Crystal Worldwide Group is an international business consulting firm which is specialized in business immigration, second citizenship, tax planning and asset protection. During our more than thirty years in operation, we have managed to earn the respect and trust of our clients by offering professionally sound and lawful solutions for tax savings and asset protection, together with fast and timely services provided at the highest level of discretion.