Eligibility Quiz
Do you have a clean criminal record and pose no threat to Hungary's national security?
Application Process
To apply for Hungarian citizenship by descent, you must first determine which of the two legal pathways you qualify for. The Verification of Citizenship (Állampolgárság igazolása) is for those who are already citizens by birth but need formal recognition; this route has no language requirement. The Simplified Naturalization (Egyszerűsített honosítás) is for those whose ancestors lost their citizenship or were from former Hungarian territories; this route requires you to speak conversational Hungarian.
Step 1: Document Gathering and Research
Trace your lineage back to your Hungarian ancestor. You must collect a continuous chain of original or certified birth, marriage, and death certificates linking you to them. If you are using the Simplified Naturalization route, you must also write a handwritten curriculum vitae (CV) in Hungarian detailing your life and reasons for seeking citizenship.
Step 2: Legalization and Translation
Most documents issued outside the EU must receive an Apostille (a specialized certificate of authenticity) or consular legalization. Once legalized, you must have them translated into Hungarian. Hungary is very strict: translations should be performed by the Hungarian Office for Translation and Attestation (OFFI). While some consulates accept local "authorized" translators, OFFI is the only universally accepted provider.
Step 3: Submission and Interview
You must submit your application in person. You cannot use a representative or mail in your documents.
- If you are abroad: Book an appointment at your nearest Hungarian Embassy or Consulate.
- If you are in Hungary: Visit a Government Window (Kormányablak) or the National Directorate-General for Aliens Policing.
Note for Simplified Naturalization: During your submission, a consular officer will conduct a verbal interview in Hungarian. You must be able to communicate independently at a conversational level (roughly B1) to prove you can handle the process without a translator.
Step 4: Processing
Your application is sent to the Prime Minister’s Office and the President of the Republic for final review. They will verify your clean criminal record and ensure your naturalization does not pose a public security risk.
Step 5: The Oath
If approved, you will be invited to take the Citizenship Oath (Állampolgársági eskü) in Hungarian. You are not legally a citizen until this oath is administered. After the ceremony, you will receive your naturalization certificate or citizenship certificate, which allows you to apply for a Hungarian passport.
Fees
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Simplified Naturalization Application Fee | Free |
| Verification of Citizenship Fee | €40 – €100 |
| OFFI Translation (per page) | €40 – €80 |
| Apostille/Legalization (per document) | Varies by country |
| Consular Administrative Fees | €15 – €50 |
Total Estimate: While the application itself is low-cost or free, the total cost for a standard case (including translations and legalizations for 5-10 documents) typically ranges between €500 and €2,000.
Note: This does not include travel expenses to the consulate, professional genealogy research fees, or the cost of obtaining a Hungarian passport after citizenship is granted.
Processing Time
- Verification of Citizenship: Expect a wait of 6 to 12 months.
- Simplified Naturalization: The standard window is 9 to 18 months.
- Document Validity: Most vital records (birth/marriage) do not "expire" for this process, but police clearance certificates are typically only valid for 6 months from the date of issuance.
Variations: Processing times are often longer at high-volume consulates such as New York, London, or Miercurea Ciuc. If your lineage is complex or documents require additional verification from Hungarian archives, the process may exceed the 18-month estimate.