Hungary Introduces Cultural Knowledge Exam for Permanent Residency Applicants

Nationals from third countries interested in obtaining a National Residence Card or a European Union Residence Card in Hungary now have to prove they have basic general knowledge about the Central European country.

In addition, since the beginning of this year, they are required to pass a Hungarian cultural knowledge exam. Applicants who fail to pass the exam three times, will not be allowed to try again, Schengen.News reports.

Through a statement, the European Union has said that the new decision has been taken to demonstrate their understanding of the country’s social coexistence norms.

Hungarian Cultural Knowledge Exam Key Topics
The statement also emphasises that candidates will be assessed through a written test in Hungarian consisting of a total of 12 questions from six key topics.

There will be two questions from each six topics. Among the key topics are the following ones:

• The country’s national symbols and holidays
• Important events in the history of Hungary
• Important figures in European and Hungarian literature and music
• Important institutions
• Basic rights and obligations of citizens
• Europe and Hungary in everyday life

Nationals from third countries can apply for the National Residence Card or the EU Residence Card. Both have slightly different conditions; however, they offer some of the main benefits, among them the validity of up to ten years, regardless of passport expiry, and no new work permit requirement when changing jobs.

As part of the 2024 immigration law, a large number of residence permits no longer qualify for the National Residence Card. However, those obtaining old types of residence permits that are not excluded are still eligible. Most residents excluded from the National Residence Card are required to apply for the EU Residence Card to still be eligible to gain permanent residency in this country, in spite of the fact that they may be subject to extended waiting times.

Applicants can apply for permanent residency if they hold any of the following permits:

• Hungarian Card
• EU Blue Card
• Intra-corporate transfer permit
• National Card

Previously, it was reported that since January 1, 2025, Hungary has been applying new salary requirements for EU Blue Card applicants, following the example of several other EU countries.

Source: https://schengen.news/hungary-introduces-cultural-knowledge-exam-for-permanent-residency-applicants/