Hungary has one of the more inclusive citizenship by descent laws in Europe. For parents of Hungarian heritage, an important question is whether their children can also secure Hungarian citizenship by descent, either automatically at birth or through application. The answer is usually yes, but there are some unique requirements that families need to understand.
This guide explains how Hungarian nationality law applies to children, what documents are required, and what families should expect during the process.
Why Citizenship for Children Matters
For children, Hungarian citizenship is a long-term investment in their future. It opens up a huge network of options for them — not just in Hungary, but in the 26 other EU member nations as well. This can look like:
- EU rights: They can live, study, and work anywhere in the European Union.
- Education: Tuition at European universities is significantly reduced for EU citizens.
- Healthcare: Children are entitled to Hungary’s healthcare system and reciprocal EU protections.
- Travel freedom: A Hungarian passport provides visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to more than 180 destinations.
- Cultural ties: Citizenship recognizes children as part of the Hungarian nation, even if they grow up abroad.
For many families, applying for children alongside their own recognition ensures the whole household benefits together, and it’s often part of a broader citizenship application strategy.
How Hungarian Citizenship Passes to Children
Hungary’s system is based on jus sanguinis, or descent, which means it depends on ancestry rather than where they were born. That means children with Hungarian roots may be eligible for citizenship, even if they were born in another country or to foreign parents with Hungarian descent.
Children Born to Hungarian Citizens
If either parent is a Hungarian citizen at the time of the child’s birth, the child is also a Hungarian citizen, regardless of birthplace. For example, a child born in New York to a Hungarian mother is automatically Hungarian. However, the parent must register the birth of the child with the Hungarian government to be recognized and to receive a citizenship certificate.
Children Born Before Parents’ Recognition
If a parent is recognized as Hungarian later in life, it is less clear whether their child will automatically receive citizenship. If you reacquire Hungarian citizenship by descent while your child is a minor, you can often include the child in your citizenship application so that they gain citizenship through you. This is often allowed, but is not guaranteed in every case – make sure you have a trusted representative guiding you through your application form and verification process.
Adopted Children
Children under 18 adopted by a Hungarian citizen are also eligible for citizenship once the adoption is legally recognized. Just like with biological children, if you reacquire Hungarian citizenship by descent while your child is a minor, you may be able to include the child in your application so that they gain citizenship through you – but it’s important to have a trusted guide to look at the specifics of your case and confirm all supporting documents.
Legal Framework
The Act LV of 1993 on Hungarian Citizenship, amended in 2011, governs these rules under Hungarian law. The 2011 reform simplified recognition for people of Hungarian origin, especially those abroad, while also requiring basic language proficiency for some applicants. Children of recognized citizens, however, usually qualify without Hungarian language testing.
The Application Process for Children
Step 1: Parents’ Status
Confirm whether the parent is already recognized as a Hungarian citizen. If the parent is not currently a Hungarian citizen, their first step should be to determine their own eligibility, as children’s eligibility usually follows the parent’s recognition.
Citizenship.EU offers service packages to help you determine whether your specific case makes you eligible to claim Hungarian citizenship by descent. You can consult an embassy representative or start now with one of our service packages.
Step 2: Gather the Child’s Documents
When applying for citizenship for their children, parents should collect:
- The child’s long-form birth certificate listing both parents.
- Proof of the parents’ Hungarian citizenship.
- Proof of adoption (like adoption decrees), if applicable.
- Copies of all original documents translated into the Hungarian language.
Step 3: File the Application
Applications may be submitted at:
Parents need to apply on behalf of minors and include all supporting documents in the application form.
Step 4: Processing
Processing time is typically 12–18 months, though minors’ cases are often expedited. It’s often difficult to predict how long a particular case will take to process, and more documents or meetings might be required by the Hungarian government during that time for verification of identity and family lineage.
Step 5: Registration
Once their applications are processed and approved, children are entered into the Hungarian registry and can apply for passports.
After registration, they’ll receive their citizenship certificate and may then request their Hungarian passport.
Documents Checklist
- Child’s birth certificate.
- Parent’s Hungarian passport, ID, or certificate of nationality.
- Parents’ marriage certificate, including proof if your spouse is Hungarian, if relevant.
- Adoption or custody papers, if relevant.
- Passports for the parent and the child.
- Apostilles and certified translations into the Hungarian language.
- Supporting documents and copies of all relevant records.
Dual Citizenship for Children
Hungary allows dual citizenship, meaning children do not have to give up their original nationality and can hold passports from both countries. Families who meet residency requirements through naturalization may also qualify, especially if one spouse is already a Hungarian citizen.
Common Challenges
Language Requirements
For adult children applying independently, language proficiency in the Hungarian language may be tested. For minors, this is rarely required, but parents should be prepared.
Archival Records
Families sometimes struggle to obtain proof of Hungarian ancestry if the ancestor was born in the former Austro-Hungarian territories. Archival research may be needed, especially when tracing through great-grandparents for Hungarian descent.
Delays
Applications can take longer if names are inconsistent across records, if documents are incomplete, or missing key supporting documents.
Example Scenarios
- Born Abroad to a Hungarian Parent
Anna, a Hungarian citizen, gives birth in Toronto. Her son is automatically Hungarian, but she registers the birth at the local embassy to obtain documents and a citizenship certificate. - Parent Recognized Later
Peter, a U.S. resident, applied for Hungarian citizenship in 2023 based on his grandparents. His 10-year-old daughter applies with him. Once Peter is recognized, she is too, and later applies for her Hungarian passport. - Adopted Child
A Hungarian citizen adopts a 7-year-old abroad. Once the adoption is finalized, the child becomes Hungarian.
FAQs
Do children automatically qualify if one parent is Hungarian?
Yes, but registration of the birth is required if abroad.
What if the parent gains citizenship later?
Minors can be included (but it may vary in some cases); adults must apply separately using the official application form.
Do children need to speak Hungarian?
No, but adult applicants may need to show basic language proficiency.
How long does it take?
Usually 12–18 months, depending on document verification and embassy schedules.
Additional Note:
If your family is applying for Hungarian citizenship through Hungarian descent or great-grandparents, make sure your supporting documents, original documents, and copies meet Hungarian law standards. Applications submitted at an embassy or in Hungary should include a citizenship certificate, an application form, and proof of language proficiency when required. Understanding the residency requirements for naturalization — especially if your spouse or child is included — can simplify the citizenship application process and help verify your identity faster.
Final Overview
Children of Hungarian citizens are entitled to citizenship, whether at birth or through later recognition. By applying early, families can ensure their children enjoy the full benefits of EU rights.Sign up today to check your eligibility and see if your child qualifies for Hungarian citizenship.