Very few South Africans, who have some kind Hungarian Ancestry, are aware that they have the right to apply for Hungarian Citizenship! On 26 May 2010, the Hungarian National Assembly approved with an overwhelming majority the amendment of Act LV of 1993 on Hungarian citizenship and introduced a simplified naturalisation procedure. The amended version of the Hungarian Citizenship Act also granted preferential acquisition of Hungarian citizenship. The procedure commences upon individual request, with Hungarian authorities processing each application in the context of a well-regulated procedure. This new regulation has simplified the procedure and reduced the administrative burden.

This dynamic Hungarian nationality law, allows every person with a Hungarian ancestor (Including those who were citizens before 1920 or between 1941 and 1945) to claim citizenship. This would allow South Africans with a Hungarian heritage to claim Hungarian citizenship through their Parents, Grandparents, Great Grand Parents and even through their ancestors – This provided that you can trace your ancestry.

Every non-Hungarian citizen is eligible for preferential naturalization if:
• He or She or any of their ancestors was a Hungarian citizen or if he or she serves reason to believe his or her origin is from Hungary
• He or She proves their knowledge of the Hungarian language, • Has no criminal record and is not under prosecution, and naturalisation does not violate the public and national security of Hungary.

Simplified naturalisation procedure does not automatically provide a Hungarian passport; however every citizen has the right to apply for a passport in the appropriate procedure, after the acquisition of citizenship. Upon acquisition of the citizenship, the administrative procedure in applying for a Passport, is straight-forward and should not prove to be complicated.

Applications for naturalization may be filed with any Hungarian registrar, any regional directorate of the Office of Immigration and Naturalisation, or any Embassy / Consular officer at Hungary’s foreign diplomatic missions. [Hungary has an Embassy in Pretoria, and has a Consular facility in Cape Town.] Applications shall be adjudged by the President of the Republic on the recommendation of the Minister of Public Administration and Justice.

Citizenship is the chance to make a difference to the place where you belong.- Steve Handy

So How does one proceed?

Firstly – Research: Undertake some of your investigation into your family tree to ascertain if you indeed have or had Hungarian ancestors. There is sure to be a family member, especially amongst the older generations who might remember of have some details. [Refer to the section ‘Genealogy’ in the next section of this website for some amazing online research websites, that have a massive wealth of available data, that is sure to be of great value to you & your family] Draw up a Family Tree with as much details and backup documentation as possible.

Secondly – Acquire Proof of Hungarian Citizenship of your Ancestors: In addition to this, it would be advisable to request the assistance of a professional genealogist to assist you; especially where you don’t find enough information or appropriate documentation. A visit or request to National Archives and Associations linked to these institutions, can also provide some meaningful results.

Thirdly – Make an Appointment with the Hungarian Embassy to begin the Application Process: Once you are armed with all the relevant information and backup documentation, you can approach the Embassy Consular staff, for assistance with your application process. This will start with their assessment of your documentation. They will be able to inform you if any additional documentation is required and what documents will need to be officially translated into Hungarian. Once all these requirements are met then, the Application procedure can begin.

Fourthly – Hungarian Language Assessment and preparation: There are a few useful Hungarian language learning Text Books, as well as some online Language Training sites training sites. [You will find some useful links to these free language training sites and language Apps in the “Language” section on this website. ] You would also be able to request a framework or list of Basic Hungarian that would tested or assessed while undertaking the application process. It is comforting to know that in the Simplified Naturalisation Procedure (for those with Hungarian ancestry), you typically would only be expected to speak basic elementary Hungarian, with the Embassy consular official / administrator, as part of the overall application process.

To Note – Your Children’s Application Procedure: Once your Simplified Naturalisation Procedure application is successful; your children (minors under 18 yrs) will have less complicated application procedure and they would not be expected to go through the basic language proficiency assessment.

Every good citizen makes his country’s honor his own, and cherishes it not only as precious but as sacred. He is willing to risk his life in its defense and is conscious that he gains protection while he gives it. Every good citizen adds to the strength of a nation – Andrew Jackson

The Benefit of acquiring this Citizenship

There are major benefits in applying for Hungarian citizenship through the facilitated naturalisation procedure for people with Hungarian ancestry. Hungarian citizenship comes with European Union (EU) citizenship and, together with it, the right to travel and live anywhere in the European Union. In addition, Hungarian citizenship provides the opportunity to apply and acquire a Hungarian Passport, which is in essence an EU passport, providing the holder to the right of free movement in the EU and hassle free International Travel.

However over and above these Hungary provides:

• An unbeatable value-for-money lifestyle in the heart of Europe
• Christian based state, with family friendly policies
• Stable government with excellent fiscal policies
• Secure, Safe environment being one of the safest places in the World
• Quality of Education with wealth of Technological Innovation
• Growing Developing Economy
• Great investment destination with supporting incentives
• Excellent Business environment and Work opportunities
• Rich Cultural Heritage and Traditions
• The Capital – Budapest is acknowledged as one of THE most beautiful cities in the World
• Beautiful countryside and landscapes
• and much more