Language requirements for Hungarian citizenship

Hungarian citizenship procedures and language requirements

Based on your individual conditions, you might be eligible for one of three distinct Hungarian citizenship procedures. Language requirements will depend on these.

1. Verification: No Hungarian required

If your parents or grandparents were Hungarian citizens and certain additional conditions are met (e.g. regarding when and how your parents left Hungary), you might be eligible for Hungarian citizenship through a verification process. If you meet every condition, you are in luck! You do not need to speak Hungarian at all to apply.

The forms you need to fill in are in Hungarian, but we would be happy to help with that.

2. Simplified naturalization: conversational level (B2)

If your parents, grandparents, great-grandparents, or any other ancestors were Hungarian (and you do not qualify for verification), you may still be eligible for simplified naturalization. In this case, however, you will need to speak Hungarian at a conversational level.

Beside the forms being in Hungarian, you must submit a handwritten CV that also functions as a cover letter, stating your connection to Hungary. You can write this CV at home, while you are filling in the forms, but you might be required to rewrite it at the consulate. Moreover, during the application, you will need to talk to the Hungarian consul in Hungarian about your plans in Hungary and your connection to the country, similar to what have written in your CV. This is not a language exam, so it is okay if you are slow or if you have an accent.

We would be happy to help you learn Hungarian at the level this requires.

3. Regular naturalization: conversational level (B2) with specialized knowledge

If you are applying for Hungarian citizenship based not on your ancestry but on your time spent in Hungary, you will go through regular naturalization. In this case, you will need to speak Hungarian at a conversational level, and you will also need some specialized knowledge.

To become a Hungarian citizen, not only are you required to fill in forms and write a CV, but you must also pass a so-called constitutional exam. This is a written test, during which you are asked about public administration systems both in Hungary and the EU as well as the history and culture of Hungary. This is still not a language exam, but it is in Hungarian and it requires that you are familiar with the topics and relevant terms in addition to the language.

If you are going through this route, you have probably been living in Hungary for some time, and there is a chance you already speak at least some Hungarian. If you are fluent, you can try tackling the textbook on your own, or just take a few lessons with an expert to extend your knowledge. Whatever level you are at, we would be happy to help you get through the exam.

Meet the language requirements with our help

While the Helpers Team specializes in consultancy and with administrative support throughout the citizenship application process, we have a long-standing partnership with a Hungarian language school that specializes in preparing students for the citizenship interview and the constitutional exam. With our combined help, your Hungarian citizenship application will be a breeze.

Do you already know which citizenship procedure you will need and how well you will need to speak Hungarian? Whether you need help with only the language requirements or the entire application procedure, feel free to reach out to us. We would be happy to guide you on your way toward Hungarian citizenship.

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