As of January 1, 2025, Hungary is tightening the requirements for foreign nationals wishing to obtain a permanent residence. Applicants for a National Resident Card or EU Resident Card will now have to pass a mandatory Hungarian cultural knowledge test.
What does the test include?
The written test consists of 12 questions covering six key topics: national symbols, historical events and citizens’ rights. The exam is in Hungarian and each attempt costs €50. Applicants are given a maximum of three attempts.
Similar measures in other countries
Similar practices exist in Germany and the UK. For example, in Germany, foreigners applying for permanent residence must pass the Leben in Deutschland exam, which includes questions on history, rights and duties of citizens. In the UK there is the Life in the UK test, which tests knowledge about the culture, traditions and legislation of the country.
Experts’ opinion
“Knowledge of the culture and history of the country of residence contributes to better understanding between migrants and locals,” notes Balázs Nagy, a professor at the University of Budapest. But others point out that the language barrier and the limited number of attempts can create difficulties for many applicants.
The new rules confirm Hungary’s desire to increase control over migration by making the process of obtaining a residence permit more selective.
Journalist, editor with 9 years of experience in investment immigration. I specialize in analysis of residency and tax programs, as well as individual selection of jurisdictions for relocation.
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