Hungarian citizenship

Acquiring Hungarian citizenship can be a personal, family, or legal matter.
Whether it's naturalization, simplified naturalization, reinstatement of citizenship, or determination of citizenship, our law firm supports its clients in all types of proceedings – from obtaining the necessary documents, through preparing the applications, all the way to the conclusion of the procedure.

In recent years we have had many clients who had Hungarian ancestors, but whose family once moved abroad. In these cases the question often is:

• the applicant is considered a Hungarian citizen from birth, but this was never registered, or
• the applicant can acquire Hungarian citizenship through naturalization.

We work with extensive experience in both directions, and examine each case individually, based on the family history and the documents available.

Types of citizenship procedures we handle

Determination of citizenship

In cases where someone is likely to have been a Hungarian citizen by virtue of Hungarian ancestors, but this was not registered in the past, or the family was born abroad, making the status unclear.

Naturalization

For those who have been living in Hungary for an extended period, have long-term residence rights, and wish to obtain Hungarian citizenship.

Simplified naturalization

Hungarian law recognizes several situations in which naturalization can be requested with a shorter residence period or more favorable conditions. This may include, for example, if the applicant:

• is married to a Hungarian citizen,
• has a minor child who is a Hungarian citizen,
• has been adopted by a Hungarian citizen,
• has been recognized as a refugee or stateless person,
• has an ancestor who was a Hungarian citizen, or can plausibly claim Hungarian origin and demonstrate knowledge of the Hungarian language,
• was born in Hungary or moved here during childhood.

Restoration of citizenship

For those who were previously Hungarian citizens but lost their citizenship or had it taken away.

Investigation of ancestors – one of the key steps of the procedure

In matters concerning ancestors, the most important task:

1. Review of family documents

We examine in detail the documents provided by the applicant.

1. Identification of the Hungarian ancestor

It is necessary to determine which ancestor was a Hungarian citizen and during which period.

1. Obtaining missing documents

Many clients do not have all the necessary documents – we help to obtain them.

In practice, these documents may include:

• birth, marriage, and death certificates,
• old Hungarian passports, military documents, residence cards,
• foreign civil registry documents following emigration,
• any document that can be linked to a Hungarian ancestor.

Genealogical support

If the documents are incomplete, our office has for years worked with a reliable genealogical research partner who:

• locates the necessary documents in archives and official databases,
• reconstructs the parts of the family tree where the documentation was interrupted,
• helps to prove the citizenship status of the Hungarian ancestor.

This is especially useful for emigration family histories where the original Hungarian documents have been lost or are scattered across the records of several countries.

Language skills: when are they necessary and when not?

The two main categories of citizenship procedures:

1. Procedures where Hungarian language skills are not required

Typical examples include the determination of citizenship or naturalization by declaration. In such cases the emphasis is on ancestors, family data, and the consistency of documents.

2. Procedures where Hungarian language skills are required

In most naturalization procedures the applicant must:

• speak Hungarian at a basic level,
• understand his/her statements,
• must take a constitutional exam.

We work with a Hungarian language teaching partner

For clients who need to prove Hungarian language skills, our office cooperates with a Hungarian language teaching partner.

The language teacher:

• focuses on practical topics and those that appear on the exam,
• offers flexible online and in-person lessons.

This provides clients with confidence and significantly increases the likelihood of a successful procedure.

How do we work on citizenship cases?

We begin every case with the same method:

1. Consultation and assessment of the situation

We review:

• the family background,
• the documents relating to ancestors,
• the residence history,
• which type of procedure is realistic in the client's case.

2. Document supplementation and genealogical research as needed

If an important document is missing, our office will arrange for its procurement or the involvement of a genealogist.

3. Preparation of the application

We compile the application so that it is clear, well-founded and unambiguous for the authority.

4. Preparation for the personal appearance

We place special emphasis on linguistic and substantive preparation, if necessary.

5. Administrative procedure, communication

We monitor the case's progress, respond to inquiries, and handle requests for supplementary documents.

Common mistakes we help avoid

• submission of incomplete ancestral documents,
• incorrect family data or chain of relationships,
• submission of contradictory documents,
• unpreparedness for language requirements,
• submitting a hasty, incomplete application.

In the complex system of citizenship procedures, the key to success is well-considered, legally sound documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions