Who can apply for the verification of Hungarian citizenship?
If you wish to verify your Hungarian citizenship (for example, citizenship inherited from a Hungarian parent) but cannot prove it with one of the documents listed below, you must initiate the citizenship verification procedure.
Hungarian citizenship can normally be proven with the following documents:
- Valid Hungarian identity card.
- Valid Hungarian passport (an expired passport may still be used as proof of Hungarian citizenship for one year following the date of its expiry).
- Valid Hungarian citizenship certificate.
- Certificate of naturalization (unless proven otherwise).
- Active record in the Hungarian Registry of Personal Data and Addresses (for example if you possess an address card or previously had a Hungarian personal identification number).
Please note that Hungarian birth certificates and Hungarian marriage certificates do not constitute proof of Hungarian citizenship.
If you do not possess proof of your Hungarian citizenship, this procedure must be completed before you can apply for a Hungarian passport.
If you already have proof of Hungarian citizenship, you do not need to request citizenship verification for a child under the age of six. In this case, you may simply initiate the registration of the child’s birth.
Where can I apply?
Citizenship verification applications may only be submitted in person at the Embassy of Hungary in Pretoria.
For applicants who are minors aged 14 or older, the application must be signed by both the minor and his or her parent, and both must appear in person. For younger children, the parents act on behalf of the child, therefore the child’s presence is not required.
How much is the fee?
The verification of Hungarian citizenship is free of charge. However, the issuance of a Hungarian citizenship certificate is subject to a fee.
Which form must be completed?
Application for the Verification of Citizenship
Please complete the form using a computer or with a blue ink pen in block capital letters. Please do not sign the form in advance. Full names must be written in the Hungarian name order, for example: Smith John Thomas instead of John Smith or John T. Smith.
Which documents must be submitted?
Hungarian law stipulates that all vital events of Hungarian citizens (birth, marriage, divorce, death) must be registered in Hungary.
Therefore, applicants must also submit the forms necessary for the registration of their birth, marriage, or divorce if these events have not yet been registered in Hungary.
If these certificates were issued outside Hungary, the original full/unabridged certificates must be submitted with Apostille certification issued by the competent authority. (Further informations: https://dirco.gov.za/consular-notarial-services/)
Please consult the relevant descriptions on our website regarding these procedures.
How can I schedule an appointment?
To request an appointment, please contact the Embassy by email and briefly describe your case:
konz.prt@mfa.gov.hu
The citizenship verification procedure usually takes approximately 8–12 months. The Embassy is not able to expedite the procedure.
