Do I really need to speak Hungarian?
Yes, for simplified naturalization. It’s the main condition. If your Hungarian parent was a citizen when you were born, though, you’re probably Hungarian already and this test doesn’t apply to you.
How far back can my Hungarian ancestor be?
There’s no set limit. What matters is proving they were a Hungarian citizen. Borders have moved a lot since 1918, so ancestors from areas now in Slovakia, Romania, Serbia or Ukraine can count if they were Hungarian citizens.
Can I keep my current passport?
Yes. Hungary allows dual citizenship, and so do the UK, US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.
Do I need to live in Hungary?
No. You can apply from abroad at a Hungarian consulate.
Can my husband or wife apply too?
There’s a separate simplified route for spouses of Hungarian citizens: after 10 years of marriage, or 5 if you have a child together. The language condition applies to them too.
Will I have to do military service?
No. Hungary ended peacetime conscription in 2004.
Living there
A Hungarian passport lets you live and work in any EU country, and in Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland.