Civic duties of a Hungarian citizen

What are civic duties?

Civic duties are the obligations and responsibilities you are expected to observe as a participant in society. When you move to a new place or become a citizen of a new community, you should get familiar with the civic duties that will apply to you from then on.

Obeying the law

Hungarian law applies within the territory of Hungary. Whether you are a citizen, a resident, or a visitor, while you are in Hungary, you will be required to abide by Hungarian law. Of course, when you are not in Hungary, the laws of your current location will apply to you.

Paying taxes

By becoming a Hungarian citizen, you will not automatically become a tax resident, so you might not be required to pay or even file taxes in Hungary. Becoming a tax resident is determined by various factors, so in many cases it is best to consult a specialist (you can learn more about tax residency here). Most probably you will not become a tax resident in Hungary unless you move here to spend most of your time here and/or start generating income in Hungary (e.g. by starting a job or a business).

Jury duty

Jury duty is not a thing in Hungary, so you do not have to worry about it. In the Hungarian judicial system, it is the judge who makes the decision, sometimes with the help of an assessor. The function of an assessor is similar to that of a jury, but their power is limited, they are employed in just a few types of cases, and participation is completely voluntary.

Voting in elections

As a Hungarian citizen, you will be allowed to vote in parliamentary elections, which are held every 4 years in Hungary. While voting is a civic responsibility, it is not an obligation, so failure to participate is not penalized in any way. At the same time, voting is the most basic thing you can do to make your voice heard.

Voter registration is automatic in Hungary for every citizen above the age of 18, and you are supposed to be notified before upcoming elections. Watch the news, and check your registration here or get registered here. If you are a citizen living abroad, you can ask the local Hungarian embassy about your options.

Defending the country

During peacetime, there is no conscription, and only volunteers serve in the army of Hungary. Under special circumstances, however, men aged 18 to 50 can be conscripted.

Education

If you move to Hungary with your family, your children will be expected to attend some form of education. Regardless citizenship, children living in Hungary should start kindergarten at the age of 3, and primary school at the age of 6. Education is compulsory until the age of 16, although high school graduation is typically at the age of 18.

Public schools are free of charge, although more and more paid options are becoming available. Higher education is free in the sense that government scholarships are widely available beside the many paid programs.

Staying healthy

A healthy population contributes to a productive nation, and public health is supported by the free healthcare system of Hungary. Regular health checkups are strongly recommended but missing them is not really penalized. Specific vaccinations are mandatory for children at specific ages. Drinking alcohol and smoking are prohibited under the age of 18.

Mind you, you will be eligible for the “free” healthcare only if you contribute to social security. For that, you need to be generating income through performing work or doing business in Hungary. If you cannot enroll in social security but you want to stay in Hungary, you are supposed to get private insurance. These are readily available, while paid services are generally more accessible and affordable than in the U.S.

Fulfil your civic duties as a Hungarian citizen

Once you obtain Hungarian citizenship, the most obvious change will be that you will be able to vote in parliamentary elections. Other civic duties will apply to you only if you move to Hungary, such as obeying Hungarian law or paying taxes to Hungary. To take advantage of Hungarian healthcare, you need to pay social security or buy a private insurance plan.

Obtain Hungarian citizenship

The Helpers Team is ready to help you obtain Hungarian citizenship based on your ancestry. Whether you base your application on your parents, grandparents, or great-grandparents, we will be happy to guide you through the procedure and assist with collecting the required documents.

Got you interested? Fill in our free online survey and see if you are eligible.