Mandatory Exam for Permanent Residency

Mandatory Exam on Language and Cultural Knowledge for Permanent Residency in Hungary: What You Need to Know

If you are planning to obtain a permanent residence permit (Nemzeti tartózkodási kártya) or an EU residence card (EU tartózkodási kártya) in Hungary, you must prove your knowledge of the country's history and culture. This is a mandatory requirement established by Hungarian law as of January 2025. Let’s take a closer look at what the exam entails, how to prepare for it, and what documents are needed to apply.

What is the Hungarian Cultural Knowledge Exam?

The exam confirms that the applicant is familiar with key aspects of Hungary’s history, culture, and governmental institutions. This is essential to demonstrate integration into society. The exam is conducted in Hungarian and in written form.

Only applicants who are applying for permanent residence based on national interest — meaning investors and their family members—are exempt from taking the exam.

Who Needs to Take the Exam?

The exam is mandatory for third-country nationals, meaning those who are not citizens of the European Union.

How to Register for the Exam?

The exam is held in Budapest, at the Metropolitan Government Office. To register, applicants must:

Fill out an application form (available on the official website of the Budapest government).

Attach a copy of their passport or an official identity document.

Pay the registration fee of 20,000 HUF and provide proof of payment.

Submit the documents via email (kepzes.budapest@bfkh.gov.hu) or by postal mail to the following address: 1364 Budapest Pf. 234.

After submitting the application, the candidate will receive an exam invitation at least 15 working days before the test date.

What Does the Exam Include?

The written exam consists of 12 questions covering the following topics:

• Hungary’s national symbols (coat of arms, flag, anthem).
• Key historical events (foundation of the state, revolutions of 1848-49 and 1956, the Treaty of Trianon, the 1990 regime change).
• Major figures in Hungarian and European literature and music.
• Basic governmental institutions (Parliament, President, Government).
• Fundamental citizen rights and responsibilities.
• Hungary’s role in Europe and international relations.

To pass the exam, applicants must score at least 16 out of 30 points.

What Happens on Exam Day?

The exam schedule is as follows:

8:30–9:00 — Registration and document verification.
9:00–10:00 — Written test.
12:00 — Announcement of results and issuance of the exam protocol.

If a candidate fails the exam three times, they will be prohibited from reapplying.

How to Prepare?

Study materials for the exam are available on the official website of the Budapest government. However, preparation may be challenging for those who do not speak Hungarian fluently. In such cases, it is recommended to work with a tutor who can assist with exam preparation.

Why Seek the Help of an Immigration Lawyer?

An immigration lawyer can help you:

• Determine whether you need to take the exam.
• Properly prepare and submit the required documents.
• Avoid mistakes that could lead to a rejection of your permanent residence application.

If you need assistance with your application and exam preparation, consult an experienced immigration lawyer to make the process of obtaining permanent residence in Hungary smoother and faster.

Book a consultation today!