Hungarian Citizenship Through Ancestry
Nestled in the heart of Central Europe, Hungary is known for its thermal baths, it’s vibrant capital, Budapest, and a cultural legacy that stretches back centuries. But for millions around the world, it also represents a lost connection: a family story interrupted by war, migration, or shifting borders.
If you can trace your ancestry to a Hungarian citizen, you may be eligible to restore that connection and reconnect to your family’s roots.
Eligible Generations
Great-grandparents or more
Travel Required?
No (apply via consulate)
Ways to Apply
2 ways
Language requirement?
Yes
Your ancestry runs through Hungary. So can your future.
For many families Hungarian citizenship was lost not by choice. Today, you can reclaim it and unlock full rights to live, work, and travel across the European Union.
Why Does Hungary Offer Citizenship by Descent?
Over the past century, Hungary’s borders (and its people) have shifted dramatically. War, emigration, and changing political regimes led many Hungarian families to lose their citizenship, often without a clear path to reclaim it. Some left during the world wars, while others were affected by postwar treaties or government transitions.
Today, Hungary acknowledges those disruptions by offering descendants a way to restore their citizenship. It’s a chance to reconnect with a heritage that was interrupted by history.
Live, work, and study in any of the 27 countries throughout the European Union with no restrictions.
Who Can Apply?
You may be eligible for Hungarian citizenship if you can answer yes to all of the following:
- Do you have a parent, grandparent, or great-grandparent who was born in Hungary and held Hungarian citizenship (even if they lost it)?
- Can you speak basic Hungarian?
Want to see if you qualify? Take the eligibility assessment:
Want to find if you are eligible for Hungarian Citizenship?
Simple 3-step process to discover your eligibility
1. Tell us (or your genealogist) about your family
Share your family details. Enter them yourself or connect with a genealogist for help.
2. We analyze with AI + experts
AI processes fast. Experts ensure your case is as accurate as possible.
3. Receive your report
Get your eligibility analysis. Follow the steps. Start your path to citizenship.
What You'll Receive
A comprehensive eligibility report tailored to your family history
Your Eligibility Report Includes:
- Assessment of all EU countries based on your lineage
- Clear eligibility decision for each country
- Detailed reasoning and relevant laws explained
- Specific next steps and requirements
Eligible for dual citizenship? We can help you achieve it
If you find out you are eligible for dual citizenship with our report, we offer additional services to assist with document collection and application processing
Your guide to Hungarian Citizenship
We cover essential information regarding applying for and achieving EU nationality through ancestry. This blog also explores relocation resources, citizenship programs outside of the EU, and more.
"The idea of applying for Hungarian citizenship always felt overwhelming—until I found Citizenship.EU. They helped me figure out if I could qualify through my great-grandfather and put me in touch with professionals who handled everything".
James Nagy
Chicago, USA
"My grandfather was born in Sicily, and I always dreamed of reclaiming that part of my identity. I had no idea where to start or whether I even qualified. Citizenship.EU made the process so much less intimidating".
Elena G
New York, USA
“I knew my grandmother was born in County Mayo, but I wasn’t sure if I could actually get Irish citizenship. Citizenship.EU walked me through the whole eligibility check. I received my Irish citizenship certificate last month and my passport is on the way”!
Maeve O’Sullivan
New Hampshire, USA
Get the Hungarian citizenship guide
Unlock detailed information on timelines, required documents, and legal pathways all in one place.
Frequently asked questions
How do you qualify for Hungarian citizenship by descent?
You may qualify for Hungarian citizenship by descent if you can prove that at least one of your ancestors was a Hungarian citizen and did not lose that citizenship prior to the birth of the next generation. There is no strict generational limit, meaning even great-grandchildren and beyond may be eligible, provided they can prove an unbroken line of descent. The process requires official documents to demonstrate this lineage and, depending on the case, a basic understanding of the Hungarian language.
How do I prove my Hungarian citizenship?
To prove Hungarian citizenship, you must submit documentation that confirms both your ancestor’s citizenship and your direct familial connection to them. This typically includes your birth certificate, as well as the birth and marriage certificates of your parents and grandparents, and any official documents proving that your ancestor was a Hungarian citizen—such as a passport, naturalization record, or a citizenship certificate. All documents must be translated into Hungarian and legalized if issued outside Hungary. In some cases, the Hungarian authorities may also conduct a registry check to verify past citizenship records.
How strong is the Hungarian passport?
The Hungarian passport is considered one of the strongest in the world. As of 2025, it offers visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 185 countries, including the entire European Union, the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. In addition to international mobility, holding a Hungarian passport grants you full EU citizenship rights, such as the ability to live, work, study, and access healthcare and social services anywhere in the European Union.
Can I get Hungarian citizenship through a grandparent?
Yes, Hungarian citizenship can be claimed through a grandparent, as long as you can prove that your grandparent was a Hungarian citizen and that your parent did not lose or renounce that citizenship before your birth. Unlike many countries that limit eligibility to two generations, Hungary allows for transmission of citizenship through several generations, as long as the chain of citizenship is uninterrupted. You must provide documentary evidence of each generation’s connection and status.
What are the benefits of Hungarian citizenship?
Hungarian citizenship gives you full rights as a citizen of the European Union. This includes the freedom to live and work anywhere in the EU, access to public healthcare and education across Europe, the ability to buy property without restrictions in Hungary, and eligibility for various grants and social benefits. It also allows you to apply for a Hungarian passport, vote in elections, and pass citizenship to your children.
Does Hungary allow dual citizenship?
Yes, Hungary allows dual or even multiple citizenships. You can obtain Hungarian citizenship by descent without having to renounce your existing nationality, provided your country of current citizenship also permits it. This makes Hungary particularly attractive for diaspora communities, as you can retain your heritage while gaining full EU rights and benefits.
How can Citizenship.EU help me acquire Hungarian citizenship by descent?
Hungarian citizenship gives you full rights as a citizen of the European Union. This includes the freedom to live and work anywhere in the EU, access to public healthcare and education across Europe, the ability to buy property without restrictions in Hungary, and eligibility for various grants and social benefits. It also allows you to apply for a Hungarian passport, vote in elections, and pass citizenship to your children.
Can Jewish descendants of Hungarian citizens apply for citizenship by descent?
Yes, Jewish descendants of Hungarian citizens—including those whose ancestors fled due to anti-Semitic persecution during the 20th century—can apply for citizenship by descent. Hungarian law does not discriminate based on religion or ethnicity when determining eligibility. The key requirement is proving that the ancestor held Hungarian citizenship and that there is a direct line of descent. In cases where documentation was lost or destroyed, archival research may be required. Citizenship.EU can assist with these more sensitive and historically complex cases.
Start with your past.
Start building your future.
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Still have questions? Let’s talk
Have a specific question about your case, documents, or eligibility? We’d love to hear it and it might even help us shape new resources.
