Citizenship Guide
Hungarian Citizenship & Naturalization
A simplified guide to the honosítás (simplified naturalization) process and how the Honorary Consulate supports your application.
Simplified Naturalization
Honosítás — Citizenship by Descent
Since 2011, Hungary has offered simplified naturalization — egyszerűsített honosítás — to anyone who can demonstrate Hungarian ancestry and has some connection to the Hungarian language. Hundreds of thousands of Hungarian-Americans have used this pathway to reclaim citizenship, secure an EU passport, and maintain a formal connection to their heritage.
The process is managed by the Embassy of Hungary in Washington DC. The honorary consul's role is document preparation: Sylvia can authenticate the supporting documents you need before submission — locally, at a Monday appointment in Derry, NH.
Processing Time
8–10
months typical
No expediting
There is no way to accelerate the process. Submit well before any deadline.
Confirm Your Eligibility
Simplified naturalization — honosítás — is available to anyone who can prove Hungarian ancestry (parent, grandparent, or great-grandparent) and demonstrates some connection to Hungarian language or culture. You do not need to have lived in Hungary.
Gather Your Documents
Consul assistsYou will need certified copies of birth certificates, marriage certificates, and any documents tracing your Hungarian lineage. These may need to be authenticated if they were issued outside Hungary.
› Sylvia can authenticate these documents locally. Bring the originals and copies to a Monday appointment.
Authenticate Supporting Documents
Consul assistsAmerican-issued documents destined for the Hungarian citizenship application require consular authentication or apostille. Which process applies depends on the document type.
› See the Authentication vs. Apostille guide for which process applies to each document.
Submit to the Embassy
Citizenship applications are submitted to the Embassy of Hungary in Washington DC — not to the honorary consul. Sylvia can help you understand the process and authenticate documents, but cannot accept or forward applications.
Wait for Decision
Citizenship verification typically takes 8–10 months. There is no expediting process. The Embassy will contact you with the outcome.
Role Clarity
What the Honorary Consul Can and Cannot Do
Can Help With
- ›Authenticate supporting documents for citizenship applications
- ›Certify copies of birth, marriage, and death certificates
- ›Authenticate powers of attorney related to citizenship matters
- ›Provide guidance on the document preparation process
- ›Refer you to Hungarian language resources and legal contacts
Cannot Do
- ›Accept citizenship applications (submitted to the Embassy in Washington DC)
- ›Expedite or check the status of applications
- ›Provide legal advice on eligibility
- ›Issue Hungarian identity documents
Ready to authenticate your documents?
Monday appointments in Derry, NH. Bring your original documents and copies. Sylvia will verify what needs authentication and perform it in the same visit.
Honorary consuls do not work in a formal office, nor do they have fixed working hours or schedules. They do not receive compensation from Hungary for their duties and therefore cannot be held accountable for their work schedules.