Does Hungary Offer Citizenship By Investment?

General Requirements for Naturalization in Hungary

Non-Hungarian citizens may apply for naturalization if they meet the following conditions:

• Have resided continuously in Hungary for at least 8 years before applying.
• Have no criminal record in Hungary and are not involved in any ongoing criminal proceedings at the time of application.
• Have stable employment and a place to live in Hungary.
• Their naturalization must pose no threat to Hungary's public safety or national security.
• Demonstrate proficiency in the Hungarian language, either by passing an exam on basic constitutional knowledge or by meeting other legal exemptions.

Preferential Conditions for Obtaining Citizenship

Non-Hungarian citizens may qualify for naturalization under preferential conditions if they:

Have resided continuously in Hungary for at least three years before applying AND meet conditions 2-5 listed above AND fulfill one of the following criteria:

• Have been married to a Hungarian citizen for at least three years or were widowed while married to a Hungarian citizen.
• Have a minor child who is a Hungarian citizen.
• Were adopted by a Hungarian citizen and have reached the age of majority.
• Have been recognized as a refugee by a Hungarian authority.
• Are stateless.

Conclusion

Obtaining Hungarian citizenship through the Golden Visa program isn't a direct path. While the program can grant you residency, it doesn't automatically lead to citizenship. To become a Hungarian citizen, you'll need to fulfill the naturalization requirements, which include a significant period of residency, language proficiency, and other criteria.

The Golden Visa can be a stepping stone towards your goal, but it's crucial to understand the distinction between residency and citizenship. If Hungarian citizenship is your ultimate objective, careful planning and adherence to the naturalization process will be key.

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