Hungary Adds Cultural Knowledge Test for Permanent Residency Applications

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Key Takeaways

Starting January 1, 2025, Hungary requires third-country nationals to pass a Hungarian cultural knowledge exam for permanent residency applications.
The written test, in Hungarian, takes 60 minutes and a passing score is 16/30 points, with three attempts allowed.
Applications before January 1, 2025, are exempt from the exam; registration requires a 20,000 HUF fee and supporting documents.

Starting January 1, 2025, Hungary 🇭🇺 will require a cultural knowledge exam for third-country nationals (individuals who are not citizens of an EU nation) seeking permanent residency. Known as the Hungarian cultural knowledge exam, this test will evaluate applicants’ understanding of Hungary’s culture, history, and social norms. It represents a major shift in the country’s immigration system, aiming to strengthen integration efforts while adding new challenges for those aspiring to settle in Hungary permanently.

This written exam, conducted in Hungarian, will last 60 minutes and consist of 12 questions divided across six main topics. The topics include national holidays and emblems, significant historical events, notable cultural figures, key institutions, civil rights and duties, and aspects of everyday life in Hungary and Europe. For applicants to pass, they must score at least 50% + 1 point, which means earning 16 points out of a possible 30.

Hungary Adds Cultural Knowledge Test for Permanent Residency Applications

The exam will be mandated for third-country nationals applying for permanent residency using the National Residence Card or the EU Residence Card. However, the rule does not apply to individuals who already hold permanent residency under pre-2024 laws or those who submit their residency applications in 2024. Essentially, applicants who act before January 2025 will avoid the need to take this test, offering a critical window for those aiming to sidestep the added requirement.

To register for the exam, applicants will need to submit an official form to the Budapest Metropolitan Government Office (BFKH), currently the sole administering body of the test. Accompanying documents include valid travel identification and proof of payment for the exam fee, which is currently set at 20,000 HUF (around €50). The office ensures accessibility by scheduling at least four test sessions each month, taking place on normal business days. Applicants will be notified of their exam date at least 15 days in advance. On the day of the exam, registration will begin at 8:30 a.m., followed by document verification, while the test takes place between 9 and 10 a.m.

Significantly, results are announced on the same day. Successful candidates will immediately receive a certificate confirming they passed. Simultaneously, the Budapest Metropolitan Government Office will notify immigration authorities of the updated status within 5 business days.

Importantly, applicants are limited to three attempts to pass this cultural knowledge exam. Should an applicant fail all three attempts, they cannot retake the test, adding to the stakes of their preparation. This limitation makes early, consistent studying essential for success.

The Hungarian government’s decision to introduce this new exam stems from an intention to better integrate foreign residents into Hungarian society. By requiring knowledge of Hungarian culture, the policy aims to create a more cohesive social environment for long-term residents. However, critics have raised concerns about the potential challenges it imposes, particularly for non-native Hungarian speakers. Since the test will be conducted only in Hungarian, the policy creates additional pressure for foreign nationals to achieve a level of language proficiency that enables them to both understand the questions and study the required material adequately.

The Hungarian cultural knowledge exam is one of several significant procedural changes affecting permanent residency applications. To navigate these new requirements, it is crucial to understand the two commonly used permanent residency pathways: the National Residence Card and the EU Residence Card. Each card has distinct eligibility criteria and conditions, making them suitable for applicants with different circumstances.

The National Residence Card requires prior residency in Hungary for at least three uninterrupted years. However, certain exceptions exist. If a foreign national is married to a Hungarian citizen or permanent resident, they may qualify after two years of marriage. Those living with family as dependent ancestors may qualify after one year. Additionally, all applicants for the National Residence Card need to demonstrate a clear legal history by providing a certificate of good conduct from their country of origin, issued no more than six months before the application.

By contrast, the EU Residence Card demands a longer residency requirement of five years in Hungary. An alternative route involves spending just two years in Hungary while holding an EU Blue Card, a residence permit tailored for highly skilled workers. Notably, applicants for the EU Residence Card do not have to provide a certificate of good conduct, nor are their local connections considered during the review process. This makes it different from the National Residence Card, where local ties play a role in assessing eligibility.

Both cards share key benefits for successful applicants. These include a validity of up to 10 years (regardless of passport expiration), the right to hold an address card and Hungarian ID card, and the ability to change jobs without seeking a new work permit. However, some individuals might be excluded from applying for the National Residence Card under Hungary’s updated 2024 immigration law, even though alternative pathways through the EU Residence Card remain available for most.

The cultural knowledge exam also aligns with wider trends across Europe aimed at fostering social integration for migrants. Similar policies have been introduced in other European countries, emphasizing cultural assimilation as a factor in long-term residency. However, these initiatives often provoke debates, particularly about the added demands they place on applicants. In Hungary’s case, the need for linguistic and cultural preparation may create financial and time-related burdens for some candidates, who might require additional resources, such as language courses or coaching, to succeed.

For foreign nationals interested in applying for permanent residency in Hungary, timing is an essential consideration. Those who intend to avoid the cultural knowledge exam must submit their applications before January 1, 2025. Additionally, applicants already living in Hungary should assess which pathway—the National Residence Card or the EU Residence Card—is the most suitable for their current status and future plans.

As reported by VisaVerge.com, changes to Hungarian immigration laws reflect not just internal policy shifts, but broader international trends that highlight cultural integration as a cornerstone of permanent residency processes. These changes can reshape the expectations for foreign nationals who wish to settle long-term, making preparation and adaptation essential components of success.

Hungary’s move toward requiring cultural understanding is not without criticism. While advocates believe it fosters a deeper connection to the country, skeptics argue the test adds an unnecessary layer of complexity to an already rigorous process. The Hungarian language itself poses a significant hurdle for many outsiders, and the requirement to study cultural knowledge in a foreign language could become a dissuading factor for potential applicants. However, the government maintains that this measure strengthens the integration of foreign nationals, ensuring they are better equipped to understand and participate in Hungarian life.

With this policy set to begin in 2025, applicants must focus on preparing themselves both culturally and linguistically to meet Hungary’s new expectations. Resources and official information about the Hungarian cultural knowledge exam and permanent residency procedures can be accessed through the Budapest Metropolitan Government Office’s website. Staying informed and planning ahead will be critical for anyone seeking to establish permanent roots in Hungary under the evolving framework of its immigration laws.

In conclusion, the Hungarian cultural knowledge exam represents both an opportunity and a challenge. While it aims to ensure stronger societal integration, it simultaneously imposes new demands on applicants. As Hungary enters this next phase of immigration reform, potential applicants should prepare to meet these requirements while seizing the advantages offered by permanent residency, such as stable legal status, access to local benefits, and integration into Hungarian society.

Learn Today

Third-country nationals → Individuals who are not citizens of any European Union member country, often subject to specific immigration requirements.
Hungarian cultural knowledge exam → A test evaluating applicants’ understanding of Hungary’s culture, history, social norms, and language for permanent residency.
National Residence Card → A residency pathway in Hungary requiring at least three years of prior residence or fulfilling marriage/family criteria.
EU Blue Card → A European Union residence permit designed for highly skilled non-EU workers to ease mobility and work access.
Integration → The process of adapting and assimilating into a country’s social, cultural, and legal systems to become part of its society.

This Article in a Nutshell

Starting January 1, 2025, Hungary’s new cultural knowledge exam will challenge permanent residency applicants to master Hungarian history, traditions, and norms. Conducted in Hungarian, this 12-question test pushes integration efforts while presenting linguistic hurdles. Applicants have three attempts to pass—preparation is key. Apply before 2025 to avoid this ambitious new requirement!
— By VisaVerge.com