However to acquire the Hungarian citizenship complex conditions are still required considering the fact that together with the nationality the applicant will be part of Hungary and for this reason he/she will be entitled to several related benefits such as the right of exercise public affairs, the active and passive election right, certain social rights, and the right for protection by the Hungarian State in case of abroad residence.

In the followings I intend to present the currently effective system, giving particular emphasis to the rules insuring preferential conditions to those having a particular status.

I. Obligation to a continuous residence in Hungary

The fact of the residence of the applicant in itself is not sufficient, because an appropriate title has to be matched thereto. Therefore the applicant shall have the status of immigrant or resident or need to have an EEA residence permit.

According to the general rule the applicant shall live in Hungary continuously for at least 8 years. However 5 years of residence is sufficient for instance for those who were born in Hungary, or those who had already a domicile in Hungary when they were minors.

Furthermore 3 years of residence is sufficient for those who have been married with a Hungarian citizen for at least 3 years, or those who have minor child(ren) having Hungarian citizenship as well as for those who were adopted by Hungarian citizens.

Minors may be dispensed from these periods, in the event they apply for the acquisition of the citizenship together with their parents or one of their parents has already acquired the Hungarian citizenship.

II. Further conditions

A clean criminal record is naturally a basic requirement as well as the applicant shall have a domicile and some kind of income source in Hungary which shall be justified.

III. Successful exam in basic Hungarian constitutional knowledge

If all conditions are met the applicant shall pass an exam in basic Hungarian constitutional knowledge. The exam contains some questions concerning the most important historical events and literary works in Hungary. I would mention here that an average Hungarian citizen probably could not answer these questions without preparation.

However this exam may be substituted with any degree acquired in a Hungarian educational institution, furthermore minors, old or physically ill people or those who have not got the necessary intellectual ability are dispensed from the exam.

Dr. Szegő Judit Law Firm’s activities cover the whole area of civil law, including the following areas: company law, property law, family law, labour law, inheritance law, and litigation. Furthermore the office has wide experience in representing foreign investors in Hungary with full authority in English and German.

H-1026 Budapest, Gábor Áron köz 6. fszt. 1.
Phone: +36-1-7863-156
Mobile: +36-30-9-896-046
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Website: www.drszegojudit.hu