As of 2025, third-country nationals wishing to stay long-term in Hungary must pass the new Hungarian Cultural Exam. If you are planning to work, study, or live in Hungary beyond the short term, understanding how to apply for this mandatory exam is essential.
Navigating bureaucracy in Hungary can be challenging, especially when dealing with new laws that have little precedent or established procedures.
We called and emailed the National Directorate-General for Aliens Policing and Budapest Government Office to gather some info not available online.
Here’s a simple, practical guide to help you through the process:
1. Understand Who Needs to Apply
The exam is mandatory for:
- Individuals from non-EU/EEA countries or Switzerland
- Those applying for a long-term residence permit or permanent residency
- Individuals renewing certain types of visas or residence permits after a specified period
If you fall into one of these categories, you must pass the exam as part of your legal requirements.
2. Register for the Exam
You need to register through the official Hungarian government platform, specifically:
- Fővárosi Kormányhivatal
- Download, fill and submit the application form: magyar-kulturalis-ismereti-vizsga-jelentkezesi-lap.docx
- Send your application form to:
- email: kepzes.budapest@bfkh.gov.hu
- post: Budapest Főváros Kormányhivatala, 1346 Budapest Pf.234
You’ll also need to include the following documents with your application form:
- A valid passport and, if applicable, your current residence permit
- Proof of address in Hungary (if available)
- Proof of payment for the exam fee
Tip: Register early, as exam dates can fill up quickly!
Pro Tip: You will not find the possible exam date ANYWHERE 🙁 The exam officer will inform you about your exam date minimum 15 days before the exam. Insider info: those who apply now (April 2025) will not get an appointment before June 2025.
3. How to Pay the Exam Fee
A registration fee of 20,000 HUF is required to complete your exam application. Payment should be made via bank transfer after you have registered.
Bank Transfer Details:
- Account Holder: Budapest Főváros Kormányhivatala
- Account Number: 10023002-00299592-00000000
- Payment Reference: Your full name and “magyar kulturális ismereti vizsga”
Be sure to keep a copy of your payment receipt, as you may be asked to present it on the day of the exam.
4. Prepare for the Exam
Get ready for the following exam requirements and topics:
- Hungary’s National Symbols and Holidays
(Coat of arms, flag, crown, Himnusz [national anthem], Szózat, national holidays) - Key Events in Hungarian History
(Foundation of the state, the 1848–49 Revolution and War of Independence, the Treaty of Trianon, the 1956 Revolution, the 1990 regime change) - Prominent Figures in European and Hungarian Literature and Music History
- Fundamental Institutions of the Fundamental Law (Constitution)
(National Assembly, President of the Republic, Government) - Basic Civil Rights and Responsibilities
(Freedoms, civic obligations, and the protection of citizens’ rights) - Europe and Hungary in Everyday Life
Study materials for the exam are available on the official website of the Budapest Metropolitan Government Office.
There are also preparation courses offered by accredited language schools and cultural centers, some even available online. (https://ican.hu/en/services/hungarian-language/)
Tip: While the exam is not designed to be overly difficult, preparation is key — especially if you are not familiar with Hungarian history or civic structures.
5. Take the Exam
The exam typically consists of:
- Multiple-choice questions
- Short written answers
Exam Location:
- Budapest Metropolitan Government Office
Address: 1138 Budapest, Váci út 174.
Exam Day Schedule:
- 08:30 – 09:00 | Check-in and document verification
- 09:00 – 10:00 | Written exam
- 12:00 | Announcement of results and distribution of the exam protocol
Exam Format:
- The written test consists of 12 questions
- Time limit: 60 minutes
- The exam includes 2 questions from each of the 6 topic areas
- Maximum score: 30 points
- A minimum of 16 points (50% + 1) is required to pass (“satisfactory“)
- Scores between 0–15 points are considered “unsatisfactory” and result in failure
Important:
If a candidate fails the exam three times, any further application to retake the exam will be rejected.
6. Next Steps After Passing
After successfully passing the exam:
- You will receive a certificate that must be attached to your residency application.
- Your residency or visa renewal process can then move forward with the appropriate authorities.
If you do not pass, you can retake the exam after a short waiting period (usually 30–60 days).
Final Thoughts
The Hungarian Cultural Exam is more than a bureaucratic step — it’s an opportunity to understand and connect more deeply with the country you want to call home.
Preparation, timely registration, and a proactive attitude will make the process smoother and increase your chances of success.
Good luck — or as they say in Hungarian, Sok sikert!
