Hungary: Information on whether a person of Hungarian origin who is not a Hungarian citizen can obtain citizenship
| Publisher | Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada |
| Author | Research Directorate, Immigration and Refugee Board, Canada |
| Publication Date | 1 February 1994 |
| Citation / Document Symbol | HUN16373.E |
| Cite as | Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, Hungary: Information on whether a person of Hungarian origin who is not a Hungarian citizen can obtain citizenship, 1 February 1994, HUN16373.E, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/3ae6ac743f.html [accessed 18 May 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
According to a representative of Embassy of Hungary in Ottawa, under a new law adopted in October 1993, applicants of Hungarian origin can apply for Hungarian citizenship after they have lived in Hungary for a minimum of one year (17 Feb. 1994). The representative also indicated that other applicants (i.e., foreigners of non-Hungarian origin) can apply for naturalization after they have lived in Hungary for at least eight years, or three years if married to a Hungarian (ibid.). He also indicated that in general the new law is more restrictive; for example, the length of residency required before one can apply for citizenship has been changed from five to eight years (ibid.).
Media reports forwarded by the Canadian Embassy in Budapest corroborate this information (21 Nov. 1993). One report states that
as of first of October, it will take eight years to obtain Hungarian citizenship, stricter regulations for the naturalization of applicants assisted by family members ... are in effect, while Hungarian ethnics can expect more favourable consideration in processing their applications for citizenship. The new Act, however, does not have retrospective effect, former regulations pertain to all applications submitted prior to its coming into force (ibid.).
Please consult the attached documents for further details on acquisition of Hungarian citizenship.
This response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the DIRB within time constraints. This response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum.
References
Canadian Embassy, Budapest. 21 November 1993. (Package of media reports faxed by the immigration section)
Embassy of Hungary, Ottawa. 17 February 1994. Telephone interview with counsel.
Attachment
Canadian Embassy, Budapest. 21 November 1993. (Package of media reports faxed by the immigration section)
