Originally published on HowToHungary.com

I’ve lived in Hungary since 2017 and - brace yourself - I still struggle to learn Hungarian in 2025.

Yes, I have a Hungarian name. Yes, I carry the passport. But my vocabulary? Patchy. Grammar? Creative. Confidence? Depends on whether I’ve had coffee or wine first.

Still, I get by. I can fumble my way through a phone call, ask for chicken thighs at the butcher, and greet the neighbours politely. But if you dropped me into a town hall meeting or asked me to explain why we’re paying a kommunális adó - I’d be Googling like mad.

So when Hungary introduced a mandatory cultural exam in 2025 for permanent residency, I felt a wave of sympathy for every expat trying to stay long-term. Because now, learning Hungarian isn’t just a personal challenge. It’s a legal one.

What’s Changed in 2025?

If you’re applying for a National Residence Card (permanent residency for third-country nationals), you now need to pass a written cultural knowledge exam.

And no, it’s not a gentle multiple-choice quiz.

The key points:

• The test is written, by hand, and entirely in Hungarian.

• It’s currently only held once a month in Budapest (1138 Budapest, Váci út 174).

• You register via form from BFKH and pay 20,000 HUF via bank transfer.

• You get three chances. Fail them all, and you’re disqualified from applying.

• No exemptions (yet), even for applicants over 60.
   

You can find the full official study material here, covering Hungarian history, national holidays, laws, and geography.

So… Do You Really Need to Learn Hungarian?

If you’re planning to stay more than a few seasons, the answer is yes.
If you want long-term residency? Definitely.
Living in the countryside? Absolutely.

And even if your plans don’t require the cultural exam, learning Hungarian will help you: 

Understand bills, doctors, and official documents
Build rapport with neighbours and civil servants
Feel less like a lost tourist, and more like you belong

It won’t solve Hungary’s love of paperwork - but it will help you navigate it.

How Much Hungarian Do You Actually Need?

A1 or A2: Daily life - shopping, small talk, basic admin.
B1: Enough for the cultural exam (you’ll need to read and write).
B2: Required for full citizenship.

How to Start Learning Hungarian in 2025

Hungarian isn’t your average European language. There are 18 cases. Logic often vanishes. But don’t panic - just start here:

1. Language Apps

Duolingo – Hungarian
Drops – Excellent visuals
Mondly – Voice recognition & grammar focus

2. AI Tools

DeepL – best for nuance
Google Translate – great with camera for signs, letters, menus

3. Real Teachers

Search expat Facebook groups
Try Italki or local tutors
Some even focus specifically on cultural exam prep

4. Daily Immersion

Watch Hungarian TV with subtitles
Read kids’ books (yes, really—it helps!)

A Word to “Returnees”

I was born to Hungarian parents in Canada. I grew up hearing the language, but speaking mostly English and French. Now I live in the land of my ancestors… and still need subtitles at the cinema.

Even if you’re half-Hungarian, learning the language in 2025 takes real work. And that’s okay.

Final Thoughts: Progress Over Perfection

Hungarian is hard. There’s grammar. There’s bureaucracy. There are vowels that haunt your dreams.

But every word you learn builds a bridge. Every phrase brings you closer to feeling at home.

Some expats live here for years without learning more than köszönöm. And that’s fine, if you’ve got Google Translate and a helpful Hungarian friend.

But if you want to take the cultural exam or simply feel more independent—learning Hungarian is worth the effort.

Bonus Resource for 2025: Free Help + My Ebook

If you’re applying for residency or just want real-world help navigating life here, check out my ebook: HOW TO HUNGARY: Budapest and Beyond

It’s packed with practical advice, including:

50+ vetted language resources
How to pass the cultural exam
Residency checklists
Insider insights from someone who’s been through it all

For more info on the exam - including forms and notices - check out the official sites:

Information Notice
Application Form
Study Guide PDF

About the Author

Anikó Woods is a Canadian-born marketing and technology specialist who moved to Hungary in 2017. She’s the author of HOW TO HUNGARY: Budapest & Beyond - a practical, witty guide for expats, holiday homeowners, and anyone navigating life in Hungary.

With Hungarian roots and a name no one can pronounce abroad, she now splits her time between Budapest and the Balaton Highlands, running a smart home technology business with her British husband and wrangling Hungarian bureaucracy like a pro (on most days).

Find her writing, resources, and real-life advice at howtohungary.com