×
Interested in our Partner Program for businesses or our Local Guide Program for experienced expats and digital nomads? Click here to learn more.
Expat Exchange
Free MembershipSign In

Simplified Naturalization Procedure/Requirements;

11 years ago
Hello, I've ran a search on the site for information/experiences with Hungary's relatively recent simplified naturalization procedure, allowing one with allegedly *any* Hungarian ancestry (specifically, relatives who were Hungarian citizens) to become himself a citizen if he "proves knowledge of the hungarian langauge" and is not a criminal.

As this route seems to be for me the best way of living in Europe long-term, I'm willing to put a lot of effort into making this happen. However, I need to find people with experience or more knowledge than I about the process to realistically inform me of what my chances are of sucessfully becoming a citizen.

And so, here is my situation: ****

My great-great grandfather (great-grandfather's father), as well as his wife and parents were born in Hungary, but their "mother tongue" was German, as listed on the 1910 and 1920 US census. At the moment these censuses are the only evidence I have that the ancestors of mine were Hungarian citizen's. I also do not have the originals, a relative of mine gave them to me from ancestry.com.

I am wondering, first of all, assuming I am able to provide reasonable evidence that these people are in fact my ancestors, will the US census be enough to establish that they were citizens of Hungary? Essentially two generations of my family, it seems, were in some way German but born and lived in Hungary, which I believe would have made them citizens.

Secondly, how much "knowledge of hungarian" does one need to have? At the moment I know very little Hungarian, but languages come easily to me and at the end of one year of study (I am also considering trying to get a residence permit and live in Hungary for some time, which will aid the process) my Hungarian will be decent. I will know enough to "get by" with the applications and basic conversation, but still be far from fluency.

***

So please, anyone with knowledge or experience, tell me what you think and what I need to know!

Many thanks–

Cigna Global Health
Cigna Global Health

GeoBlue
GeoBlue

Top-quality coverage for people who live, work, study and travel internationally.
Get Quote

GeoBlueGeoBlue

Top-quality coverage for people who live, work, study and travel internationally.
Get Quote

Living in Hungary GuideLiving in Hungary Guide

Guide to Living in Hungary covering expat life, local culture, finding a home, diversity and more.

Hungary Forum Hungary Forum
Join our Hungary forum to meet other expats and talk about living in Hungary.

Contribute to Hungary Network Contribute
Help other expats and newcomers by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Hungary.

Best Places to Live in Hungary Best Places to Live in Hungary

If you're thinking about living in Hungary, here are the 15 Best Places to Live in Hungary in 2023.

Healthcare in HungaryHealthcare in Hungary

If you're moving to Hungary or an expat living in Hungary, understanding the Hungarian healthcare system in important. This article offers an overview of the national healthcare system, private hospitals and healthcare, private health insurance for expats in Hungary, clinics with English-speaking doctors and the quality and cost of medical care in Hungary.

Cost of Living in HungaryCost of Living in Hungary

Expats offer insight into the cost of living in Hungary.

Moving to HungaryMoving to Hungary Guide

Expats share 8 things they which they had known before they made the big move to Hungary - from what to bring to finding a good bank, healthcare to deciding where to live.

Real Estate in HungaryReal Estate in Hungary

Real estate listings in popular cities and towns in Hungary.

Pros Cons of Living in HungaryPros & Cons of Living in Hungary

Take off your rose-colored glasses and learn what expats have to say about the biggest challenges and the greatest rewards of living in Hungary.

Retiring in HungaryRetiring in Hungary

Advice for people retiring in Hungary.

10 Tips for Living in Hungary10 Tips for Living in Hungary

If you've recently arrived in Hungary, here are 10 tips for digital nomads living in Hungary.

GeoBlue
GeoBlue

Top-quality coverage for people who live, work, study and travel internationally.
Get Quote

GeoBlueGeoBlue

Top-quality coverage for people who live, work, study and travel internationally.
Get Quote

Contribute to Hungary Network Contribute
Help others in Hungary by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Hungary.

Cigna Global Health
Cigna Global Health

Copyright 1997-2024 Burlingame Interactive, Inc.

Privacy Policy Legal Partners & Local Guides