Applying for citizenship in Hungary: eligibility criteria and the overall process

Hungary offers various pathways to citizenship, depending on an individual's background, residency status, and familial ties. If you are considering applying for Hungarian citizenship, this guide will walk you through the eligibility requirements and the application process.

Eligibility criteria for Hungarian citizenship

To apply for Hungarian citizenship, applicants must meet one of the following eligibility criteria:

Naturalization: Foreign nationals who have legally resided in Hungary for at least eight years and meet additional requirements, such as having no criminal record, demonstrating proficiency in the Hungarian language, and proving financial stability, may apply for naturalization.
Simplified naturalization: Ethnic Hungarians with Hungarian ancestry or those who have a Hungarian parent, grandparent, or ancestor may apply for citizenship under a simplified process. This category does not require residency in Hungary.
Spousal citizenship: Foreigners married to a Hungarian citizen for at least ten years (or five years if they have children together) may qualify for citizenship.
Children: Children born to Hungarian citizens automatically acquire citizenship. Those born abroad may need to register their birth at a Hungarian consulate.
Restoration of citizenship: Former Hungarian citizens who lost their citizenship due to historical or political reasons may apply for reinstatement.

The citizenship application process

The application for Hungarian citizenship involves multiple steps, including document submission, interviews, and approval by the Hungarian authorities. Below is a breakdown of the process:

-Prepare required documents: Applicants must gather essential documents, including a valid passport, proof of legal residence, birth certificate, marriage certificate (if applicable), and proof of Hungarian ancestry (if applying through descent).

-Language requirement: Applicants for naturalization must demonstrate Hungarian language proficiency through an interview or language test.

-Submit the application: The application must be submitted in person at the relevant Hungarian authority. For those applying from abroad, submissions can be made at a Hungarian consulate.

-Background checks: The authorities will conduct background checks to verify the applicant’s legal status, financial situation, and criminal record.

-Citizenship oath: Once the application is approved, the applicant must take an oath of allegiance to Hungary before officially receiving their citizenship certificate.

Immigration OFfices in Budapest

Applicants may visit the following offices for assistance with their citizenship application:

Országos Idegenrendészeti Főigazgatóság (National Directorate-General for Aliens Policing)
Address: Budafoki Út 60, 1117 Budapest
Website: www.oif.gov.hu
Immigration Office - Budapest 13th District
Address: Szegedi út 37, 1135 Budapest
Website: https://enterhungary.gov.hu/eh/?en

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