The immigration law in force from 2024 stipulates that applicants – when applying for a National Residence Card and an EU Residence Card from among long-term residence permits – must prove their compliance with the Hungarian social coexistence conditions by passing a cultural knowledge exam. The exam is mandatory for applications submitted from 01/01/2025.
The Government Office organizing the exam has announced the details, the most important information is summarized below.
Content of the cultural knowledge exam
The cultural studies exam is based on the following topics:
- National symbols and celebrations of Hungary
- Most important events in Hungary history
- Leading personalities of European and Hungarian literature and music history
- Basic institutions of the Constitution
- Fundamental citizens’ rights and obligations
- Europe and Hungary in everyday life
To prepare for the exam, the resource can be found on Budapest official website of the Government Office of the Capital.
Time and place of the exam
Exam dates will be determined based on submitted applications. The schedule will be done in the order in which they are registered, and the invited candidates will be informed in writing about the date of the exam at least 15 working days in advance.
The exam takes place at 1138 Budapest, Váci út 174.
Exam fee
The exam fee is HUF 20,000 per occasion, which must be paid in advance by bank transfer.
Application
Aplicants can register for exam in writing at the Budapest Government Office. The completed application form can be sent to the Office by post or e-mail. A copy of your personal documents and proof of payment of the exam fee must be attached to the application.
Requirements for the exam
The exam must be completed in writing, in Hungarian. The assistance of an interpreter is not permitted.
The exam consists of a total of 12 questions, containing 2 questions from each of the 6 topics given. You have 60 minutes to prepare the written paper.
A total of 30 points can be achieved, a minimum of 16 points is required for successful completion.
The exam can be tried no more than three times. After three failed exams, it will not be possible to register for another exam.
The information published by the Government Office is available in Hungarian at the following links: