Hungary Citizenship for Indians

With a Hungarian PR or citizenship, Indians are allowed to live in the country and work as required. However, there are a few key differences between these two options when moving to Hungary:

• If you have a PR status, you are allowed to work and stay in the country for a set period only.

• With Hungarian citizenship, you can stay in the country forever and enjoy the same rights as Hungarian citizens. You also qualify for a Hungarian passport.

• Additionally, for citizenship, a PR status helps with the citizenship application as it adds to the overall eligibility. You qualify for Hungarian citizenship after 8 years of continuous residence (temporary or permanent).

Hungarian citizenship can be obtained using different methods for Indians. Thus, the specific requirements and eligibility criteria can vary based on the choice of citizenship process you choose.

However, to help with a basic understanding, here is a list of standard eligibility criteria that are taken into account when a citizenship application is submitted.

• You need to be at least 18 years of age to apply as an applicant.

• You should have no pending or ongoing criminal investigations in your name.

• You should have all the original identification documents to prove your identity.

• You need to provide evidence to prove your financial capacity to live a stable life when in the country.

• You need to have a continuous residency (temporary or permanent) of 8 years within the country.

• Proof of one or both parents as Hungarian citizens (for citizenship by descent).

• Marriage certificate to prove relations with a Hungarian citizen (for citizenship by marriage).

Here is a list of all the best ways to apply for citizenship in Hungary for Indians.

1. Hungary Citizenship by Marriage - For non-**Hungarian spouses, citizenship by marriage is an effective way to apply. If you are married to a Hungarian citizen, you can apply via this method under the following conditions.

• You have been married for at least 10 years.

• You have been married for at least 5 years and have a child.

• You are willing to share the same household as your Hungarian citizen partner.

• You are willing to attend a short interview with the administrator to prove your willingness to move.

2. Hungary Citizenship by Naturalisation - The most common way to get citizenship in Hungary is by naturalisation, also called an application method. The eligibility criteria for this process include:

• The applicant must be 18 years old or above.

• The applicant has a clean criminal record.

• The applicant is of good character.

• The applicant passes the basic constitutional studies test.

• The applicant must have permanent residency in Hungary.

• The applicant must have stayed in the country for -

  • 8 years of continuous residence in Hungary as an Indian.

  • 5 years for citizens of Hungary.

  • 3 years for all spouses of Hungarian citizens, parents of a Hungarian citizen, adopted by Hungarian citizens or as a refugee.

3. Hungary Citizenship by Investment - Another way to get PR status and then apply for Hungarian citizenship is by investment. With this method, Indians can invest in the Golden Visa Program and gain residency in the country for 10 years. The investment options include:

• €1 million in non-**refundable Public Trust Donation.

• €500,000 in real estate acquisition.

• €250,000 in a real estate investment fund.

4. Hungary Citizenship by Descent - Another way to gain Hungarian citizenship as an Indian is by descent. If a child has one or both parents of Hungarian citizenship at the time of the child’s birth, they can apply for citizenship under this process.

• However, if the child can speak the Hungarian language and have proof of ancestral relations, they can also apply via the naturalisation process.

5. Hungary Citizenship by Birth - Non-**Hungarian children can also gain citizenship if:

• If either of the parents or both are Hungarian citizens.

• A Hungarian citizen adopts them.

• If the child was born in the Hungarian Republic and the parents are stateless.

Hungary Citizenship Process - Resident Permit

To apply for Hungary citizenship for Indians, you need to prove your residency in the country for at least 8 years, and thus, all applications for long-term visas and resident permits must be completed in person at the Hungarian Embassy or Consulates only.

At present, there is no online process to complete any short-term, long-term visa or resident permit submission.

How to Download Application Forms?

• For both short and long-term visa requirements (student visa, work visa, etc.), you can download the forms from the VFS Global website. Just select your visa type and then download the relevant form.

• Alternatively, you can visit the official website of the National Directorate-General for Aliens Policing to download D Type visas for resident permits.

  • On the homepage, locate the “Administration” section. To proceed, choose “Category” from the “Forms” dropdown menu and then “Purpose of Application” before clicking on “Submit”.

  • Now, you will be able to view the direct download link for the form you require.

  • Download it and print it out.

Step-by-Step Process at the Hungarian Embassy/ Consulates

• You need to book an appointment with the Embassy of Hungary, New Delhi or Consulate General of Hungary, Mumbai, by sending an email to visahungary.del@mfa.gov.hu and appointments.mum@mfa.gov.hu

• After booking the appointment, fill out the downloaded application form carefully, ensuring no errors.

• Once done, collect the following documents to take with you for the interview at the Embassy.

  • Duly filled and signed application form.

  • Current passport with a validity of at least 6 months and all the other old passports.

  • 2-3 passport-sized photographs clicked no later than 3 months ago.

  • Insurance document (health, travel, etc.).

  • Proof of income.

  • Aadhaar card.

  • Police clearance certificate.

  • Accommodation proof.

  • Birth and/or marriage certificate.

  • Employment or education proof (acceptance letter, employment letter, etc.).

  • Language test certificate (for some visa categories).

  • After collecting these documents, go to the Embassy as per the appointment date and time and submit the same.

• Along with this, also make the visa payment using only a credit or debit card at the Embassy.

• Now, sit for the interview with the designated officer and answer all the questions asked accurately.

• The final step is to wait for the final decision on your application once the verification is completed.

Please note -

• Only original documents are accepted.

• You need to carry an extra set of coloured photocopies of all the documents attached to the application form and your passport.

• You can only enter the Embassy with a mask and gloves.

• Applicants may be requested for a quick medical examination (temperature checks) at the time of entry.

Useful Links -

• D Type Long Term Resident Permit Application Details

• D Type Visa

• Hungarian Immigration Office

• Embassy of Hungary, New Delhi

• Consulate General of Hungary, Mumbai

• An attested copy of your valid Indian passport.

• Proof of permanent residency in Hungary.

• Proof of income (bank statements, salary slips, employment contracts, etc.).

• Travel insurance document.

• Police clearance certificate.

• Medical examination certificate (Depending on the visa category).

• Proof of accommodation in Hungary (relative residence address, personal residence address, etc.)

Visa-Free Entry to 154 Countries - The Hungarian passport is one of the most powerful passports, allowing Hungarian citizens to travel visa-free to not just the countries in the Schengen area but also 128 others, including the Philippines, Guatemala, Hong Kong, etc.

Free Education - The public education system in Hungary is very adamant about ensuring free education for all citizens to maintain a high literacy rate in the country. With the help of free education, you can enjoy high-quality education and increase your career opportunities in the long run.

Universal Healthcare - The healthcare system in Hungary is very inclusive of all income groups, ensuring all citizens, regardless of their income, receive proper healthcare services. Additionally, the healthcare facilities are affordable, promising the well-being of all citizens.

Strong Community - The Hungarian community is very close-knit and the people are all very warm and welcoming to everyone. When shifting to Hungary permanently, you can be assured of strong network circles and interpersonal relationships.

Dual Citizenship - Hungary permits dual citizenship. This allows you to retain your Indian citizenship while enjoying the benefits of the Hungarian rights and freedoms. Additionally, you can maintain your Indian roots and heritage.

Affordable Cost of Living - Hungary offers an affordable cost of living due to free education, endless work opportunities, and overall low cost for day-to-day living.

Employment Opportunities - With Hungarian nationality, you can work and live in any of the EU member states without any restrictions. This increases the inflow of job opportunities you can explore, ensuring you benefit from professional growth and development.

The processing time for Hungary citizenship applications can be anywhere between 12 months to 18 months.

The timeline of processing your citizenship application decision depends on different factors, including type of application, eligibility, workload of the authorities, resident country, etc.

The other Hungary citizenship consular fee is around ₹14,570 for a D Visa.

Also Read: Consular Fees

Hungary Consulate in Kolkata

Hungary Consulate in Chennai

For short-term and long-term visas applied online, you can track your application using the VFS Global website.

• Go to the official VFS Global website.

• Find “Apply for Visa” and click on “Start Now” under it to proceed.

• Now, on the webpage, scroll down till you see “Track your Application” Option and select “View More”.

• Click on “Track Your Visa Application Status Online”.

• On the new window, enter your application reference number and date of birth before entering the captcha code.

• Next, click on “Submit” to view your application status online.

• You can also contact the Embassy of Hungary, New Delhi via email or call to get an update on your application status. Ensure you keep your application reference number handy, as you need to provide this information for either of the methods.

• Email - mission.del@mfa.gov.hu

• Contact Number - (+91) 11-2688-1135

Incomplete Application Form - One of the main reasons why your application can get rejected is an incomplete application form. By adding incorrect information or missing information on the form, the authorities will not process the application.

Incorrect Documents - While submitting the documents based on eligibility, submitting an incorrect or incomplete list of documents can lead to application rejection for Hungarian citizenship.

Moreover, submitting fake documents just for the sake of application can result in immediate rejection and other consequences post-verification.

Financial Gaps - One key factor taken into account when verifying any citizenship application is the proof of financial stability. In case you have heavy financial loans and penalties against your name or low funds to sustain in Hungary, your application will be rejected.

Language Proficiency - During the application interview, the officer assesses your basic language skills to determine your ability to fit into the new country. However, poor language proficiency can result in application delays and rejections.

Be Honest and Transparent - While filling out your application form, remember to be honest and transparent with all your answers to ensure no fabricated information is put across.

Fill out the Application Form Carefully - Spend ample time reading and understanding the different sections on the citizenship application form to ensure your answer inputs are in line with what is asked.

Learn about the Culture - Take some time out to study the culture and traditions of Hungary before the interview for citizenship application to showcase your knowledge and your willingness to align with the cultural norms.

Practice the Hungarian Language - Even though B2 level language proficiency is required for the citizenship application, learning a few common words and phrases before your final interview can increase your chances of getting approval.

Cross-Check Eligibility - Always research the eligibility criteria and match your abilities and documents to the same to ensure you meet the requirements for Hungary citizenship for Indians.

• The first ever subway line introduced in Europe was built in Budapest, Hungary.

• The Hungarian language consists of 44 letters, and some of the pronunciations consist of different letter combinations.

• Hungary is home to the largest synagogue in Europe, called the Dohany Street Synagogue. It also holds the second-largest synagogue rank in the world.

• Hungary is famous for its hot thermal springs, and rightly so, as it has approximately 1300 different thermal water springs.

• The Rubik’s cube was invented in 1974 by a Hungarian architect, Erno Rubik.

• Hungary is one of the leading producers of paprika and has over 40 different varieties of paprika. The popular categories are sweet, smoky and hot paprika.

• Hungary boasts a population literacy rate of 99%.

• 13 Nobel Prizes have been awarded to the Hungarian citizens.

• The lucky number of the Hungarian population is 7, and thus, their traditions and superstitions consist of this number.

Do’s

• Even though Hungary offers an affordable cost of living, using public transportation is the best way to commute on a daily basis.

• Spend extra time learning the Hungarian language to reduce the language barrier with all the locals.

• Do not speak too loudly in public places, as the citizens of the country are very polite and poised.

• Always dress modestly to avoid unnecessary attention and hurting the sentiments of others.

Don't's

• Do not assume that all citizens speak English.

• The citizens of Hungary are very calm and embrace a slow-paced lifestyle, so do not rush them, as this can be considered disrespectful.

• Do not limit yourself to the known circle of people. Engage with the community as a whole to become culturally aware and respectful towards everyone.

• Do not misuse the rights provided under Hungarian citizenship, and follow the local customs and traditions.

• Do not litter public places.

Hungary is one of the 26 countries that are covered under the Schengen visa. For all these countries, travellers need to buy travel insurance plans to apply for a visa.

So, when travelling to Hungary, having a valid travel insurance policy is not only mandatory but also ensures a hassle-free experience. With the help of travel insurance, you can safeguard your out-of-pocket expenses in case of unexpected or out-of-control events.

Tata AIG’s travel insurance for Hungary ensures the best provision of financial security in case of flight delays and cancellations, complete trip assistance, passport and other personal documentation protection, personal and third-party liabilities, and much more.

Additionally, when you buy travel insurance online from our website, you also have the flexibility of customising the plan of your choice and comparing different plans to find the best fit.

So, secure your trip and enjoy the beautiful Hungary stress-free with us.

By completing the Hungary citizenship process and getting the approval, you will enjoy numerous perks and benefits for a better professional and personal life in the future.

You can live and work in Hungary or go to any of the other EU member states to settle for career enhancement without any hassle. Additionally, you can retain your Indian citizenship after obtaining Hungarian citizenship with no restrictions, making it an excellent opportunity for you to get the best of both worlds.

Always remember to understand the process and eligibility requirements before applying and enjoy a new life in Hungary as a citizen.