Pollypaprika

Hi everyone,

Does anyone here have experience of applying for Hungarian citizenship (the non-preferential route see https://www.hungary-immigration.com/...n-citizenship/)

If so, what was your experience?

Many thanks in advance!

Jack_Russells4ever

I cannot answer this question but I want to know if anyone knows if the Hungarian language requirement for applicants over 65 is still waved or is proficiency required even for applicants over 65 since we are on this topic? Thanks

PaulinEger

It's something I've been wanting to do for a long while but I'm nervous about the language side of things.
I'd be going down the route of simplified naturalisation so no need to learn about history or the constitution and there would only be a conversation, not a language exam. Even so, I'm still nervous.
Also, I thought the age was 60 when you don't need to learn the language.

Pollypaprika

I think that if you have been resident in Hungary for 8 years and are over 60 or maybe 65 then the language test is waived.

Pollypaprika

Yes - I think there is an age waiver as long as you have lived here for 8 years. The language 'interview' puts most people off but I understand there are courses/books that can help you prepare.

PaulinEger

I enquired about studying online to prepare for the interview but the woman was charging about £30 an hour. My wife speaks Hungarian and I get by on a daily basis but I'm not confident when I'm being tested.
I have worked for a guy for 5 years who personally knows the woman who would interview me and said that he'd introduce me if I apply. Maybe that would make it a little easier. I don't know.

Pollypaprika

I understand it is more of an interview than a test - so if you know the sort of thing that will be asked beforehand it may give you some confidence. I have taken two Hungarian Language exams and got to B1 level - I couldn't get any further and kind of gave up - which is daft of me I know. Also, there were other external factors. Now I am trying to boost my language skills again. At least if your wife speaks Hungarian and you can get by - you can ask for the appropriate forms to complete - I don't even know that! Our local 'government window' is not in English. For me, the time for excuses is over :-)

Jack_Russells4ever

We have been here over 3 years so we have some time to learn more but I am not a good student and never was. We will both be over 65 by the time we have been here 8 years and don't intend to return home whether or not we can obtain citizenship. We will be applying for Permanent Residency status next when it is time to renew our residency. Thanks for letting me derail the thread.

PaulinEger

This attachment is the form that I downloaded for citizenship application so no need to go and ask for one

Pollypaprika

Thank you so much for this!

Pollypaprika

You didn't - and if you like dogs - it's okay anyway :-)

cathyg

My understanding is that if you apply on residency basis ie. eight years then the language requirement is waived if you are over age 60. There is a very good FB group called HUN Citizenship Journey which is full of people applying in various different ways.

Jack_Russells4ever

I guess I better like them since there are now 4 of them here. They are great companions.

jameswm

Just to mention for anyone's future reference (not directly relevant to your question) but I noticed it's not written on that link @pollypaprika,

but for anyone married to a Hungarian for 10 years, or 5 years with a child, can apply for Simplified Citizenship.

KORMÁNYHIVATALOK - Budapest Főváros Kormányhivatala - Járások

I recently did this; it took 2 hours at a Kormanyablak.

Worth noting: as well as taking your photo in a photobooth, they want you to bring a passport sized photo from within the last 3 months.

davidchannon

Do you know if "married to a Hungarian for X years" mean:
- Time since the marriage occurred in any jurisdiction
- Time since the marriage was registered in Hungary
- Time since the married couple both became resident in Hungary
- Or something else......