Hungarian nationality law
The Hungarian citizenship law is founded on the principles of jus sanguinis ("right of blood" in Latin), which states that a person obtains Hungarian citizenship through birth from a Hungarian citizen parent.
Applying for citizenship
Verification of citizenship
Citizenship verification is a procedure available to those who have been citizens of Hungary or who are eligible to obtain Hungarian nationality documents based on their family history.
Simplified naturalization of citizenship
In general, anyone with Hungarian ancestors or who lost Hungarian citizenship prior to 1957 is eligible to apply for simplified naturalization.
Marriage to a Hungarian citizen may also provide the opportunity to apply for citizenship.
Naturalization
After 8 years of living and working in Hungary, you can apply for Hungarian citizenship. The application requires you to take the national exam and provide proof of residency.
If you have Hungarian citizen children and live in Hungary for 5 years, you are eligible to apply.
The Great Immigration 1870-1920
One million Hungarians
During this time, many Hungarians left Europe in search of a better future. Families and children packed with a suitcase traveled on a ship for weeks to reach their desired new home.
Over one million Hungarians emigrated to the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand around the turn of the 20th century.
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These emigrants were in search of a better life, job opportunities, and feudal landlords who took advantage of the population. These ships were filled with people who hoped to provide a better future for their families.
When they arrived in the land of the free, they usually never returned and began a new life, sometimes dreaming of home or attempting to forget the oppression they had left behind.
New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Ohio, and Illinois had particularly high concentrations of Hungarian immigrants. It was important to live close to fellow countrymen who were already in America.
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The emigration waves continued after the Treaty of Trianon (effective 31st of July 1921), which established new borders for the former Hungarian Kingdom.
Due to border changes, over 3 million Hungarian citizens lost their citizenship.
Hungarians continue to call parts of Romania (Transylvania region), Ukraine, Slovakia, Serbia, and Austria home.
Hungary was occupied by Soviet forces during WWII in 1944.
Numerous people attempted to flee before and during the war when life became much more difficult.
Sadly, many were killed in the war and during the deportations.
The more fortunate ones were able to flee and seek refuge in Switzerland, Belgium, the Netherlands, Palestine, the United States, and South America.
Escaping oppression after the 1956 Hungarian Revolution. After the Soviet troops intervened about 200,000 people fled the country, mostly across the green border.
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The first refugees were allowed to return to Hungary in the mid-1960s, but only those who had not played a significant role in the uprising. However, true freedom fighters did not return to Hungary until more than 30 years later, after communism had fallen.
Present-day Hungarians and their descendants can be found all over the world, with many reclaiming their citizenship and discovering their heritage.