How to apply for Hungary citizenship

A step-by-step guide to claiming Hungary citizenship by descent through Ministry of Interior. Your exact documents and route are confirmed by the free eligibility check.

1
Trace your ancestry chain
Document each generation back to your Hungarian ancestor and flag chain-breakers (pre-1929 emigration, a pre-1957 marriage, Trianon-territory or communist-era issues) for attorney review.
2
Gather vital records
Collect certified birth, marriage, and death certificates for every link. Hungarian records (anyakönyvi kivonat) need no apostille or translation; ancestors born before 1895 need church records.
3
Apostille your US documents
Apostille each US vital record through the issuing state's Secretary of State (federal documents via the US Department of State).
4
Get OFFI translations
Have all US documents translated by OFFI or an OFFI-certified translator — budget roughly $60–$150 per document.
5
Order your FBI background check last
Request the FBI Identity History Summary, get a federal apostille, and have it OFFI-translated — it expires in a few months, so do this last.
6
Book a Konzinfo appointment
Book at the DC embassy or the New York or Los Angeles consulate through konzinfo.mfa.gov.hu; slots fill fast.
7
Attend your appointment
Submit your package, hold a conversational Hungarian interview, and handwrite your önéletrajz (a short autobiography) in Hungarian.
8
Wait, then take the oath
Budapest's Ministry of the Interior reviews the file (about 6–18 months); after approval you return for the fogadalom (oath ceremony) and can then get a Hungarian ID and passport.

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Not affiliated with Ministry of Interior or any government. A document-organization tool, not legal advice — always verify with the relevant authority.