Hungarian citizenship opens up numerous opportunities for expats - visa-free travel to 171 countries of the world, living in a country with a stable economy, and career prospects. Given that Hungary recognizes dual citizenship, it is possible to obtain a passport without giving up the documents of the country of origin. Learn about the requirements for representatives of different countries of the world and the advantages of Hungarian citizenship

Having citizenships of several countries usually opens up additional opportunities and prospects for an expat. That is why foreigners often seek to get it as a backup option in case of unforeseen situations, to simplify traveling around the world or to move to a country with a higher standard of living and business opportunities.

Considering that Hungarian legislation does not require expats to necessarily renounce the citizenship of their country of origin, this country is becoming more and more interesting for future bipatris.

We talk about the procedure for obtaining Hungarian citizenship in 2024 and its advantages for expats in this article.

Does Hungary allow dual citizenship?

Hungarian law allows foreign citizenship in addition to Hungarian citizenship. If a foreigner acquires Hungarian citizenship, he must not renounce his primary citizenship, unless prohibited by the laws of his home country.

Obligations of holders of dual citizenship in Hungary

Dual citizens may have an obligation to report income or even pay taxes in both countries, depending on the respective laws. The tax liability of foreign citizens in Hungary is limited and applies exclusively to income received from Hungarian sources, such as income from profitable activities carried out in Hungary or income that is taxed according to an international treaty.

Hungary has tax treaties with many countries to avoid double taxation, but it is important to understand how these treaties apply to your specific situation.

By what procedure can a foreigner obtain Hungarian citizenship?

Most often, foreigners obtain Hungarian citizenship through naturalization. The simplified procedure is designed for persons of Hungarian origin and those marrying a Hungarian. Others become EU citizens 8-11 years after receiving a residence permit.

The country does not offer citizenship directly through investment, it provides residency through the Golden Visa program, which can potentially lead to citizenship. Investors get the right to obtain Hungarian citizenship through naturalization after 11 years of residence in the country.

Advantages of Hungarian citizenship

As a member state of the EU, Hungary can offer its citizens the following advantages:

- Visa-free travel – Hungarian citizens have the right to travel without a visa to 171 countries of the world, including the Schengen area, Great Britain and Japan.

- Residence in the EU – as an EU member state, Hungary allows its citizens to live, work and open a business in any EU country without the need for a visa or residence permit.

- Access to the European health care system – access to free European medical care through the mandatory health insurance system.

- Free European-level education within Hungary and European education at a reduced cost.

- The right to work and do business in any EU country.

- Possibility to open a bank account in Europe.

- Citizenship for children.

How to get Hungarian citizenship for representatives of different countries of the world?

Dual Hungarian citizenship for Americans

Hungary and the USA recognize dual citizenship, provided that the foreigner complies with the laws of both countries - pays taxes, reports income, etc.

- Hungary allows US persons of Hungarian descent to apply for citizenship if they can prove their Hungarian ancestry and have a basic knowledge of the Hungarian language.

-Those who are not of Hungarian origin can obtain citizenship through naturalization. Usually for this it is necessary: ​​to have lived in Hungary for at least 11 years, to be integrated into the community, to know the Hungarian language and to know the Constitution of Hungary and basic legal norms.

Hungarian dual citizenship for Australians

Australia allows its citizens to hold dual or triple citizenship, which means that Australians can obtain Hungarian citizenship without losing their Australian passport.

- Australians with Hungarian roots can apply for citizenship by descent. This process usually requires proof of family ties and some knowledge of the Hungarian language.

- For those of non-Hungarian descent, obtaining citizenship through naturalization usually requires 11 years of residence in Hungary.

Australia and Hungary have a double taxation agreement, which generally prevents both countries from taxing the same income.

Hungarian dual citizenship for Canadians

Canadian citizens can obtain Hungarian citizenship without having to renounce their Canadian citizenship. Both Canadians with Hungarian roots and expats who have a Hungarian residence permit for more than 11 years can apply.

Canada and Hungary have a tax treaty for the avoidance of double taxation.

Dual citizenship of Hungary for citizens of Great Britain

British citizens can obtain Hungarian citizenship without having to give up their British passport.

It is available to representatives as a simplified procedure for expats with Hungarian roots. So is citizenship through naturalization, which requires continuous residence in Hungary for 11 years.

The UK and Hungary have a double taxation agreement.

How to get dual citizenship in Hungary through naturalization?

To obtain Hungarian citizenship, you must live in Hungary with a residence permit for at least three years, and then as a permanent resident for at least another eight years.

1. Get a visa to Hungary (work, study, golden visa, etc.).

2. Apply for a permanent residence permit – foreigners who apply for permanent residence in Hungary after a three-year period of residence in the country must ensure that they do not leave the country for more than four consecutive months. In addition, the total time of stay outside Hungary must not exceed 270 days. Applicants must also prove that granting them permanent residence is in the interests of Hungary.

3. Apply for dual Hungarian citizenship – after living in Hungary for at least 8 more years, individuals can apply for Hungarian citizenship through naturalization. The period of residence is calculated from the date of registration of the permanent address of residence in Hungary.

Hungary offers expats the prospect of living in a state with a high level of economic development and career prospects.

Read more about the Golden Visa program in Hungary in this article. The procedure for obtaining a digital nomadic visa of Hungary in 2024 at the link.

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Igor Usyk - Head of Migration department at VisitWorld

To ensure a safe move to a new country, I advise you to consult a specialist. My colleagues, qualified specialists with a legal education, will help you avoid unpleasant situations during migration.

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