For more information on naturalization, please visit https://magyarorszag.hu/szuf_ugyleiras?id=e8983a42-b941-421b-8b9c-920bf9520004.

Naturalization and citizenship applications can only be made by appointment and in person. Appointments are free of charge and will not be charged under any circumstances. Unfortunately, we will not be able to accept applications from clients who arrive unprepared and do not bring the correct forms and will have to reschedule their appointments.

 

APPOINTMENT

Simplified naturalization

A person may apply for simplified naturalization if:

  • whose ancestor (parent, grandparent, etc.) was a Hungarian citizen or can prove Hungarian origin, or
  • has maintained a valid marriage with a Hungarian citizen for at least ten years, or
  • has been in a valid marriage with a Hungarian citizen for at least five years and has a child from this marriage,
  • and can prove Hungarian language proficiency.

In any case, simplified naturalization is conditional on proof of Hungarian language skills! Regarding the language requirements, it is important that the applicant understands and speaks Hungarian well enough to communicate, is able to submit the naturalization application independently without assistance and is able to answer simple questions asked by the officer in short sentences. The application form includes a handwritten curriculum vitae in Hungarian. An intermediate level of communication in Hungarian is required. Communication is two-way, i.e. both understanding and expression should be at an intermediate level. If you do not reach the required level in the language proficiency test, a positive decision on your naturalization application cannot be expected.

You can download the application forms here:

  • Application for naturalization/return of citizenship
  • APPLICATION FORM for domestic registration of births abroad of applicants who acquired Hungarian citizenship through naturalization/re-naturalization
  • APPLICATION FORM for the domestic registration of marriages of applicants who have acquired Hungarian citizenship through naturalization/re-naturalization abroad
  • APPLICATION FORM for the registration of applicants who acquired Hungarian citizenship through naturalization/re-naturalization as Hungarian citizens living abroad

 

Documents required to submit an application:

  • completed application forms
  • valid passport or identity card
  • the applicant's original birth certificate and a certified Hungarian translation
  • applicant's original marriage certificate and certified Hungarian translation (if married)
  • If necessary, supporting documents proving your Hungarian origin, such as
  • birth, marriage and death certificates of parents, grandparents, great-grandparents, etc., from the state or church registry office, with a certified Hungarian translation,
  • military registration book of parents, grandparents, great-grandparents, etc., work registration book, school certificate, other official documents confirming the name, place and date of birth - in the case of documents issued in a foreign language, together with a certified Hungarian translation,
  • old passport, identity card, citizenship certificate,
  • other supporting documents
  • 1 color biometric photograph

It is important that the relationship between the applicant and the elder family member can be clearly demonstrated, supported by appropriate documentation. Therefore, please note that a family certificate (Civil Registry Record) issued by the Turkish authorities is not accepted on its own and does not prove Hungarian origin in the absence of other supporting documents listed above!

Naturalization of a minor child requires the consent of both parents. If only one parent can participate in the application, a notarized statement of consent of the other parent is required.

At the same time as the simplified naturalization procedure, an application for registration of the applicant's civil status events abroad (birth, marriage, divorce, death of spouse) must be submitted.

The time required for the finalization of your application is at least 6-7 months. With regard to the simplified naturalization procedure, please note that the consulate cannot provide information on the status of pending applications.

In case of a positive decision by the President, the applicant will be notified of the expected date of the oath of citizenship on the contact details provided upon receipt of the naturalization certificate.

After naturalization, you can apply for a passport by prior appointment at the Consulate General. Information on how to apply for a passport can be found under the heading “Passport procedures”.

 

Identification of Hungarian citizenship

The purpose of the procedure is to confirm the existence of Hungarian citizenship and issue a citizenship certificate upon application. Please note that during the procedure, the authorities will check that your or your descendants' (parents, grandparents) Hungarian citizenship has not expired, i.e. you have not lost it.

Ways to verify Hungarian citizenship:

  • a valid Hungarian identity card,
  • a valid Hungarian passport,
  • a valid proof of citizenship,
  • until proven otherwise - by naturalization certificate.

If the Hungarian citizen is unable to prove Hungarian citizenship by the above-mentioned documents, Hungarian citizenship can be proved by a Hungarian passport, which is invalid due to the expiry of its validity period, unless proven otherwise and for one year after the expiry of its validity period.

If you do not have any of the above documents and certificates, your citizenship will be examined upon request by the Naturalization and Citizenship Determination Department of the Budapest Capital Governmental Office (BFKH). A person can apply for a certificate of citizenship if both or one of his/her parents are Hungarian citizens or if there is a possibility that his/her ancestors were Hungarian citizens.

Documents required to submit an application:

  • application form for determination of citizenship (citizenship test form) (download here)
  • valid passport or identity card
  • Passport expired more than 1 year ago
  • Documents required for the registration of the applicant's marital status abroad: birth certificate or, if necessary, original marriage certificate, finalized divorce certificate for divorced persons, death certificate of the deceased spouse for widows or widowers
  • All documents (birth and marriage certificates) proving the existence of family ties between the applicant and his/her descendants who are Hungarian citizens: birth or death certificates and marriage certificates of parents; birth or death certificates and marriage certificates of grandparents, if applicable

Please note that a lot of information is needed to fill out the application form, so we recommend that you bring all available documents with you and fill out the form in advance. There should also be a certified translation of the foreign documents into Hungarian.

On average, the citizenship review takes 12-18 months and it is not possible for the consulate to expedite this process. Please contact the Hungarian competent authority for more information on the status of your application. An application for registration of the applicant's civil status events abroad (birth, marriage, divorce, death of spouse) must be submitted at the same time as the application for citizenship. In this case, once citizenship is established, the competent authority will also issue the Hungarian birth certificate and, if applicable, the marriage certificate.

The Certificate of Citizenship certifies the existence of Hungarian citizenship for three years from the date of issue.