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Hungarian Passport

Obtaining a Hungarian passport is typically the first practical goal after the oath. As an EU passport, it provides significant practical value — particularly for travel, work, and residency within the European Union.

Applying for Your Hungarian Passport​

Hungarian passports are issued by the Hungarian authorities. For citizens living abroad, the application is submitted at a Hungarian consulate.

General process:

  • Schedule a passport appointment at your consulate
  • Bring proof of citizenship (certificate from the oath ceremony, or confirmation from the consulate)
  • Submit biometric data (photo, fingerprints) at the appointment
  • Passport is produced in Hungary and delivered to the consulate

Do you need the birth certificate first? In many cases, no. Community experience indicates that passport applications can often be submitted before the Hungarian birth certificate arrives. Confirm the current procedure with your specific consulate, as requirements may vary.

Validity and Renewal​

Standard Hungarian passports are valid for 10 years for adults and 5 years for children under 18. Renewal is done through the same consulate process.

Hungarian ID Card (személyazonosító igazolvány)​

In addition to a passport, Hungarian citizens can obtain a national ID card. This is useful for travel within the EU (where ID cards are accepted instead of passports) and for various domestic purposes in Hungary. It is applied for separately from the passport, typically at a consulate or kormányablak.

Renewing a US Passport in Budapest​

A practical note for American citizens who have relocated to Hungary or are spending extended time there: the US Embassy in Budapest can process US passport renewals.

This is a documented community topic — new Hungarian-American dual citizens living in Hungary need to renew their American passports and do so at the US Embassy in Budapest rather than returning to the United States.

Check the US Embassy Budapest website for current procedures, appointment requirements, and processing times.

Dual Citizenship​

Hungary permits dual citizenship. Obtaining a Hungarian passport does not require renouncing citizenship of another country under Hungarian law.

Note: your other country of citizenship may have its own rules about dual citizenship. For example, the United States generally permits dual citizenship and does not require renunciation upon acquiring a foreign citizenship. However, rules vary by country — verify the position of your current citizenship country independently.

Children​

Children who acquired Hungarian citizenship through a parent's naturalization can apply for their own Hungarian passport separately. Minors require a parent or guardian present at the application appointment.