PRACTICAL INFORMATION

Az állampolgársági vizsga 40 témáját nagyobb blokkokba szerveztük. Egy blokkban általában 2-3 téma található.
Minden témánál találsz egy videót.

A témák utánAz állampolgársági vizsga egy olyan vizsga, amit azoknak kell letenniük, akik magyar állampolgárok szeretnének lenni, és erre egyszerűsített eljárásban nincs lehetőségük.

A vizsgán azt értékelik, hogy a kérelmező mennyire ismeri Magyarországot, a magyar állam működését, a magyar kultúrát és a magyar nyelvet.

Kurzusunk erre a vizsgára készít fel!

What to know about the Hungarian Cultural Exam?

The most important information about the Hungarian Cultural Exam in one place - with our advice

Regulation

What are the exam rules?

Practical matters

What do we know about the practical organization of the exams?

Tips and guidance

What advice do we have for successful preparation?
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Regulation

What is the Hungarian Cultural Exam and who must to take it?

The Hungarian Cultural Knowledge Exam (Magyar kulturális ismereti vizsga) is a state-administered test introduced by Hungarian immigration regulations effective January 1, 2025.
It is a mandatory requirement for third-country nationals (non-EU citizens) applying for:
  • a National Residence Card (nemzeti letelepedési engedély),
  • an EU Residence Card (EK letelepedési engedély) issued by Hungary.

The exam is established under the authority of the Budapest Főváros Kormányhivatala (Budapest Metropolitan Government Office) and is part of Hungary’s efforts to promote cultural integration for long-term residents.

Purpose of the exam:
  • To ensure that applicants for permanent residence have a basic understanding of Hungarian national culture, history, societal structure, and European values.
  • It reflects a broader government policy shift emphasizing national identity and integration for non-Hungarian residents.

Legal Background:
  • Introduced through immigration law amendments in 2024.
  • Compulsory for all new applications submitted from January 1, 2025.
  • Strengthens existing residency processes by adding a cultural knowledge requirement.

All third-country nationals applying for the above residence statuses needs to take the exam.
Exemptions:
  • Applicants who have already successfully passed this exam in a previous procedure.
  • Applicants under a special "national interest" exemption.

What are the topics of the exam?

How can I apply to the Hungarian Cultural Exam?

You can register for the exam at the Budapest Capital Government Office.
The following must be attached to the application form:
  • a copy of a passport, ID card or other document recognized by Hungary as a document authorizing the holder to cross the state border, proving the holder's identity and citizenship or statelessness, and
  • proof of payment of the exam fee.

The application form and attachments must be sent to kepzes.budapest@bfkh.gov.hu or by post to Budapest Főváros Kormányhivatala, 1364 Budapest Pf. 234, if possible, typed on computer.

Examination fee:
The examination fee is HUF 20,000 per examination, which can only be paid by bank transfer to the account number held by the Hungarian State Treasury at the Budapest Capital Government Office.

Maximum of three attempts. After three failures, the process must be closed without success.

Exam Administration:
Administered exclusively by the Budapest Metropolitan Government Office.
Location: 1138 Budapest, Váci út 174.
E-mail: kepzes.budapest@bfkh.gov.hu

How the Hungarian Cultural Exam looks like?

Exam location:
Budapest Főváros Kormányhivatala (Budapest Capital Government Office): 1138 Budapest, Váci út 174

The exam day:
8:30–9:00 a.m.: administration, document verification
9:00–10:00 a.m.: written exam
12:00 p.m.: announcement of results, distribution of exam reports

Exam format:
12 questions total, divided into 6 topics as follows:
  • National symbols and holidays of Hungary.
  • Significant events in Hungarian history.
  • Major figures in European and Hungarian literature and music.
  • Fundamental institutions of Hungary’s Fundamental Law.
  • Basic rights and duties of citizens.
  • Europe and Hungary in everyday life.
Each topic contains 2 questions.

Exam details:
  • Duration: 60 minutes.
  • Format: Written only
  • Language: Hungarian only.
  • Passing Criteria: Maximum points: 30. Passing score: minimum 16 points.

Maximum of three attempts. After three failures, the process must be closed without success.

Useful links


Legal advice from our partner

Please note that at Hunify we can’t provide legal advice—but we highly recommend our partner viaHungary if you need professional support with Hungarian immigration or residency matters. 

Based in Budapest, viaHungary offers legal and administrative assistance for anyone navigating the Hungarian system.
They can help with:
  • residence permits (work, study, family, etc.)
  • work visas and EU Blue Card applications
  • digital nomad and investor residency options
  • permanent residency and citizenship processes
  • administrative tasks like tax numbers, address registration, and social security
Whether you're seeking to secure your long-term stay in Hungary or need assistance with legal documentation, viaHungary provides reliable and personalized services to meet your needs.

For more information, visit viaHungary or contact them directly at info@viahungary.com.

Information session

Do you need to take the Hungarian cultural exam, but feel lost or confused? Would you like to learn more about the exam and previous experiences? Would you like to receive advice on how to prepare for the exam?
Sign up for our free information webinar in June!
We will contact you with further details via email.

Practical matters

The first experiences

The Hungarian Cultural Knowledge Exam is a newly introduced requirement, with the first examinations starting only in early 2025.
As a result, there is currently limited experience from applicants regarding the real exam conditions and question types.

However, based on the official materials and the first experiences reported by early participants, we can summarize the following important practical points:

Language Style:
The language used in the exam questions is formal, but generally clear and not excessively academic. Basic Hungarian literacy is sufficient if the applicant is well-prepared.

Difficulty of Questions:
While the material is serious, the difficulty level is designed for average understanding — it’s not an academic or university-level exam. About half of the questions are easy and based on basic facts, requiring only general cultural knowledge. These questions are reported to be very close to the official study materials provided. However, the exam also includes some more challenging questions that demand a deeper understanding and slightly more detailed knowledge of Hungarian culture and history.
The majority of the questions are multiple choice questions, but the exam contains also simple open-ended questions, too.

Rules During the Exam:
You must bring an official ID (passport or ID card).
No translations or interpretations are available. No dictionaries, mobile phones, smart devices, notes, or external materials are allowed inside the exam room.
The examination is paper-based. Only basic stationery (pens, pencils, erasers) is permitted.

Time Management:
Managing your time well is important, but most candidates finish the exam with enough time remaining if they plan their work sensibly (about 5 minutes per question).

Hungarian Language:
The test is completely in Hungarian.
Applicants must be able to read and understand standard Hungarian text without assistance. However, passing the exam does not require fluent Hungarian language skills, and since the exam is only written, it can be passed even if someone's speaking skills are minimal but they have good reading comprehension.

Atmosphere During the Exam:
Examiners are described as professional and neutral, and the process is strict but fair. Candidates are advised to stay calm and respect the official procedures.

If you would like to share your exam experience anonymously,
or if you have an important question that you cannot find an answer for here,
please feel free to contact us via email.
We greatly appreciate feedback and stories, and we aim to update this guide based on real candidate experiences!

Information session

Do you need to take the Hungarian cultural exam, but feel lost or confused? Would you like to learn more about the exam and previous experiences? Would you like to receive advice on how to prepare for the exam?
Sign up for our free information webinar in June!
We will contact you with further details via email.

Tips and guidance

What is the take-away message for us?

The Hungarian Cultural Knowledge Exam is:
  • not a language exam, but it requires a basic level of understanding of Hungarian, at least in written form. If you cannot understand everyday Hungarian texts, preparation will be much more difficult.
  • not a comprehensive citizenship exam, but the topics are very complex and rich, involving history, culture, politics, and European knowledge. Even those who are closely connected with Hungarian people and traditions should expect to prepare thoroughly.

In short: this exam is accessible, but it requires real preparation and attention.

What is our general advice?

Start Early:
  • Familiarize yourself with the official preparatory materials as early as possible. Many questions are directly based on these sources, so knowing them well is crucial.
Focus on Key Topics:
  • Prioritize Hungary’s national symbols (e.g., the flag, coat of arms, "Himnusz"), major historical events (e.g., the 1848 and 1956 revolutions), and significant figures (e.g., István Széchenyi, Sándor Petőfi, Béla Bartók).
Work on Your Language Skills:
  • Even though it is not a language test, reading and understanding formal, factual Hungarian texts is essential for success.
Take Practice Tests:
  • Simulating the exam environment under timed conditions will help you manage time pressure and understand the test format better.
Use Mnemonics and Summaries:
  • Create short summaries, mind maps, or keyword lists to organize complex information and help memorization.
Attend Courses If Possible:
  • Participating in a preparatory course can provide structure, personalized support, and access to professional insights.
Stay Calm and Consistent:
  • Remember, the goal is not perfection but a solid understanding. Regular study over time is more effective than last-minute cramming.
Ask Questions:
  • Do not hesitate to seek clarification when something is unclear — deeper understanding improves memory and confidence. Try to ask help from Hungarians and specialists, and take care with online resources.

Why is it better to take a preparatory course instead of studying alone?

Many applicants believe that using only the official materials, or searching for explanations through Google or ChatGPT, is enough.
However, based on feedback from early candidates and professional educators, we strongly recommend attending a structured course if possible.

Here’s why:
  • The official study materials are not always simplified enough: Some explanations are complicated, and important connections between facts are missing. It’s not just about memorizing isolated facts — understanding the context and relationships makes memorization much easier and strengthens real knowledge.
  • Reading is not enough: You need to be able to recreate the learnt material, ask questions, and check your understanding actively. A teacher can correct misunderstandings, preventing you from building on wrong assumptions.
  • Mock Exams and Format Practice: Courses often offer practice exams that simulate the real test format, which is invaluable for building confidence and effective time management.
  • Learning from Professionals: Professional instructors can explain difficult parts clearly, highlight what is truly important, and provide tips that are not in the books.
  • Saves Time and Energy: Instead of spending countless hours filtering and sorting through online information, a course presents the most important topics in a logical, structured way.
  • Limited Attempts Matter: You have only three chances to pass. While the exam is not extremely hard, each failed attempt means lost time, energy, and money — and possibly missing your residence opportunity.
  • Demonstrating Commitment: Preparing properly shows that you take seriously the idea of understanding Hungarian society and culture — not just passing an exam. It’s part of your integration journey.

A good course not only prepares you to pass but helps you truly understand Hungary, its people, and its values — making your new life here much richer and more connected.

How can we help?

About our preparatory course

Our online course is designed to prepare third-country nationals for the Hungarian Cultural Exam, which is a requirement for residency and employment in Hungary under the new rules.

The course allows you to learn at your own pace, with video presentations and practice tests at your convenience. And we will discuss your questions in the one-to-one consultations.

What is included in the course?

You can complete the course at your own pace, depending on your free time.
The course can be completed in a total of approximately 60 hours. The suggested completion time is 8-20 weeks.

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How do we support learning?

  • We focus on the 6 given topics of the exam. There are no extra topics, just the most important and necessary information.
  • We use simplified language. We want you not only to learn it, but to understand it. We always try to speak clearly and simply. You'll find English translations for the complicated words.
  • Rewatchable, pausable videos. Sometimes the topics are difficult, but you can stop and re-watch our 40 videos at any time. Go at your own pace!
  • Practice exercises after each video and at the end of each topic. We don't just want to test you, we want to help you learn. The practice exercises help you to understand the topic and memorize important information.
  • Individual consultations. If there is something you don't understand or are not sure about, you can book an individual consultation session where we will talk through the topic.

Information session

Do you need to take the Hungarian cultural exam, but feel lost or confused? Would you like to learn more about the exam and previous experiences? Would you like to receive advice on how to prepare for the exam?
Sign up for our free information webinar in June!
We will contact you with further details via email.
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