Hungary has a powerful passport and one of the most sought passports in the world. If you are looking for a second passport and nationality you can apply for Hungarian citizenship. The fastest route to gain Hungary citizenship is by descent. So, if you are a lucky person whose ancestors are from Hungary then you claim your right by going through the process of citizenship by descent.
The passport of Hungary allows you to travel visa-free the whole of Europe. The united states and Canada and more countries. Moreover, as a member of the European Union allows you to live and work in European Union countries without any hassle. So, if you think you are eligible for Hungarian Citizenship by descent you should claim it.
Just like Italy Hungary has the right to a blood system to determine the eligibility of getting citizenship by descent. Moreover, there is no limit you can go back to as far as the third generation of your ancestry to claim the blood right. All you have to do is create a family tree that allows you to determine if you are eligible for Hungarian citizenship.
Today in this article we are going to take a look at the Hungarian citizenship by descent program. The way you can claim your citizenship and second passport without losing the current one as Hungary allows you to have dual citizenship.
How does it work?
The Hungarian law for citizenship by descent is determined by the right of blood which is similar to the Italy descent program. However, unlike Italy, you can go back as far as the 19th century to claim your right of blood for Hungarian citizenship. Meaning you can get Hungarian citizenship if one or both of your parents, grandparents, or even great-grandparents are from Hungary and holds citizenship of Hungary. If you can prove that your parents or ancestors are from Hungary and have citizenship in Hungary you are entitled to citizenship in Hungary by going through a simple naturalization process.
Hungary allows you to go through a simple and basic naturalization process without forcing you to live in Hungary. To get citizenship in Hungary by descent you do not have to live there. Moreover, you do not have to hold a bank account in Hungary. Also, you do not have to prove that your livelihood depends on Hungary. All you have to do is to prove that you are born to the people who are descendants of Hungary.
Hungarian Citizenship By Descent for Jews
Hungary and the Jews have a large and long history of being together. Jews from all over the world with their ancestors from Hungary can claim citizenship by the descent of Hungary. So, if you are Jewish getting Hungarian citizenship will be very easy for you. As Hungary is very touchy about the minorities living in the world that are connected with them. The Jews only have to go through the simplified naturalization process.
Citizenship Procedure
There are three major types of procedures that you have to go through to claim citizenship by descent.
1. Simplified Naturalization
This is the basic procedure that you have to go through to claim citizenship by descent. This process allows you to claim your citizenship by proving that your ancestors are from Hungary. Meaning, your parents are citizens of Hungary and you are born to them without losing the nationality of Hungary. If you can prove that you will go through this process which is very simple. Moreover, you also need to speak basic Hungarian to claim this process.
2. Naturalization
This process is for those who are already living in Hungary. If you are eligible for citizenship by descent and already in the country you have to go through this process. Ensure that you are in the country for a few years. Moreover, you need to prove that you are eligible for the descent program. Moreover, you need to pass the citizenship exam. Also, if you are married or have children you have to show the documents to them as well.
3. Citizenship by declaration
If you are from ancestors who lost their Hungarian citizenship by leaving the country between September 1947 to May 1990. Then you have to go through this process. Moreover, This procedure is applicable to people who are stateless and under the age of 19 but are residents of Hungary for the last five years.
So these are the few procedures you need to go through to claim citizenship by descent. Now let’s take a look at what types of documents are required to get Hungarian Citizenship by descent.
What documents do you need?
The documents you need vary according to the heritage you have. However, the basic documents are the same for all the cases. First, you need to verify that you are eligible for the program by providing the family tree that shows you have the blood right. The basic documents you need are the birth certificate of your ancestors and the death certificate of your ancestors. Moreover, you need to provide the schooling certificate, synagogue documents, and employment registration.
Now after submitting all the documents you need to prove that you have no criminal record. You are not wanted in any Hungarian court and you have no criminal record anywhere in Hungary. You cannot claim citizenship in Hungary if you have any criminal record. After submitting the documents the Hungarian police will verify that you have no criminal record. So, ensure that you are clear of any criminal charges that can jeopardize your citizenship by the descent program.
Now if all the documents are submitted and verified you will become eligible for citizenship in Hungary. Note that you have to go through a lengthy paper trial and you need to wait for a lot of time. As bureaucracy is involved. The process can take up to 6 months to 2 years to get citizenship. So, patience is the key here. Also, to avoid any issues I would highly recommend you get the legal help that can fulfill all the documents on your behalf.
