Key Takeaways
• Hungary’s Citizenship Suspension Law permits suspension of dual nationality (non-EU/EEA) for up to 10 years.
• Suspended citizens lose voting rights, consular protection, and travel freedoms during suspension period.
• Law criticized for vague terms and potential political misuse ahead of 2026 elections.
Hungary’s New Citizenship Suspension Law: What It Means for Dual Citizens and Democracy
Hungary’s new Citizenship Suspension Law, passed in April 2025 as part of the 15th Amendment to the Fundamental Law, has triggered strong reactions both inside Hungary and abroad. The law allows the government to temporarily suspend the citizenship of dual nationals—except those with citizenship from an EU or EEA country—if they are considered a threat to Hungary’s public order, national security, or sovereignty. The suspension can last up to 10 years. This move, signed into law by President Tamás Sulyok, has raised serious questions about travel rights, political participation, and the future of democracy in Hungary.
What Is the Citizenship Suspension Law?
The Citizenship Suspension Law is a new legal tool that lets the Hungarian government suspend, but not permanently take away, the citizenship of certain dual nationals. The law was introduced as Bill T/11414 on April 1, 2025, passed by Parliament on April 14, and signed by President Tamás Sulyok the same day. It is now in force, with the government working on the final rules for how it will be used.
Who does it affect?
– Dual citizens who hold Hungarian citizenship and another citizenship from a country outside the EU or EEA (for example, the United States 🇺🇸, Canada 🇨🇦, the United Kingdom, Russia, China, or Serbia).
– People aged 14 and older.
Who is not affected?
– Dual citizens who also have citizenship from an EU or EEA country (including Switzerland, Norway, and Liechtenstein).
Why Was the Law Introduced?
Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and his government say the law is needed to protect Hungary from foreign influence and threats. János Halász, a lawmaker from the ruling Fidesz party, submitted the bill and stressed that it is about national security. The government describes it as part of a “spring clean-up” to keep Hungary safe.
However, critics—including opposition politicians, human rights groups, and international organizations—argue that the law is vague and gives the government too much power. They warn it could be used to silence political opponents, journalists, and activists, especially those with dual citizenship from countries outside the EU.
How Does the Law Work?
The process for suspending citizenship under the new law involves several steps:
- Identification: Authorities identify a dual citizen who they believe is a threat to public order, national security, or Hungary’s independence.
- Initiation: The process starts automatically by the authorities (not by the individual). Anyone can submit a notification to the authorities.
- Ministerial Decision: A designated minister reviews the case and decides whether to suspend citizenship.
- Notification: The individual is only informed after the final decision is made—not at the start of the process.
- Appeal: The person has 30 days to appeal the suspension decision.
- Publication: The decision is published in the Official Gazette, including the end date of the suspension.
- Restoration: The individual can apply once during the suspension to have their citizenship restored by proving they are no longer a threat. If denied, there is a 15-day window to appeal. Citizenship is automatically restored after 10 years or if the person loses their other citizenship.
For more details on official procedures and legal texts, readers can visit the Hungarian Government Portal.
What Are the Grounds for Suspension?
The law lists several reasons why someone’s citizenship can be suspended:
– Serving in a foreign army or public service
– Acting in the interests of a foreign power or organization
– Joining or supporting terrorist organizations
– Being convicted of serious crimes like genocide, treason, or terrorism
– Acting in a way that is “incompatible with Hungarian citizenship”
These reasons are broad and, according to critics, could be interpreted in many ways. This has led to concerns that the law could be used against people for political reasons.
Key Features and Numbers
- Maximum suspension period: 10 years
- Age threshold: Applies to people aged 14 and above
- Appeal period: 30 days to appeal a suspension; 15 days to appeal a rejected restoration request
- Notification: Only after the final decision
- Publication: All decisions are published in the Official Gazette
What Rights Are Lost During Suspension?
If a person’s Hungarian citizenship is suspended, they lose several important rights:
Travel and Consular Protection
– The person loses the right to Hungarian consular protection abroad.
– They may face problems traveling to or living in Hungary or the EU, depending on their other citizenship.
Political Rights
– The person cannot vote in Hungarian elections.
– They cannot run for public office or take part in political activities during the suspension.
Risk of Statelessness
– The law only applies to people who have another citizenship, but there are concerns that mistakes or abuses could leave someone without any citizenship at all.
Who Could Be Targeted?
Opposition politicians and human rights groups warn that the law could be used to target government critics. For example, Péter Márki-Zay, an opposition leader with Canadian-Hungarian citizenship, and George Soros, a well-known Hungarian-American philanthropist, have been mentioned as possible targets. The law’s vague language means that many dual citizens could be at risk if the government decides they are a threat.
Reactions from Stakeholders
Government’s View
– The government says the law is needed to protect Hungary from foreign threats and to keep the country safe.
Opposition and Civil Society
– Opposition parties and civil society groups argue that the law is a tool for political repression. They say it could be used to silence journalists, activists, and anyone who disagrees with the government.
International Community
– Human Rights Watch has called the law an “authoritarian drive to consolidate political power” and a violation of democratic norms.
– The European Commission is already taking legal action against Hungary over a related law, the 2023 Sovereignty Protection Act, and further challenges are expected.
Legal and Political Implications
Legal Uncertainty
– The law tries to avoid direct conflict with EU law by excluding EU/EEA citizens. However, experts say the broader impact on EU citizenship rights is unclear and could be tested in the European Court of Justice.
– Legal scholars describe the law as “unprecedented,” “vague,” and “expansive,” giving the government broad power to decide who is a threat.
Political Impact
– The law is seen as a way to influence the 2026 parliamentary elections by possibly taking away the voting rights of opposition figures and dual citizens who are critical of the government.
– Some analysts compare the law to measures used in countries like Russia, China, and Iran to control dissent.
International Scrutiny
– The European Union and human rights organizations are watching Hungary closely. There could be diplomatic and legal consequences if the law is found to violate EU rules or international agreements.
Background: How Did We Get Here?
Hungary’s citizenship laws have changed several times in recent years. Before this law, people could only lose their citizenship if it was obtained by fraud. The new law builds on the 2023 Sovereignty Protection Act, which created ways to investigate “foreign interests” in Hungary. That law is already being challenged by the European Commission.
The 15th Amendment, which includes the Citizenship Suspension Law, is part of a series of constitutional changes under Prime Minister Orbán’s government. Other changes have restricted LGBT rights, freedom of assembly, and the independence of the courts.
Step-by-Step: What Happens If Your Citizenship Is Suspended?
Here’s a simple breakdown of the process:
- Authorities identify a dual citizen they believe is a threat.
- The process starts automatically; anyone can notify the authorities.
- A minister reviews the case and makes a decision.
- You are notified only after the final decision.
- You have 30 days to appeal the decision.
- The decision is published in the Official Gazette.
- You can apply once during the suspension to restore your citizenship by proving you are no longer a threat.
- If denied, you have 15 days to appeal.
- Citizenship is restored automatically after 10 years or if you lose your other citizenship.
What Should Dual Citizens Do?
If you are a dual citizen with Hungarian and non-EU/EEA citizenship, it is important to:
– Stay informed about the law and any changes to the rules.
– Be aware of your rights and the appeal process if you are affected.
– Seek legal advice if you receive a notification about your citizenship status.
– Follow updates from official sources like the Hungarian Government Portal and legal aid organizations such as the Hungarian Helsinki Committee.
Future Outlook: What Comes Next?
Legal Challenges
– The European Commission is already taking legal action against Hungary over related laws. More challenges in Hungarian and European courts are expected.
Political Developments
– The law is likely to be a major issue in the run-up to the 2026 elections. It could affect who can vote and who can run for office.
International Response
– The EU, human rights groups, and foreign governments will continue to watch Hungary’s actions closely. There could be diplomatic fallout if the law is found to break EU or international rules.
Multiple Perspectives
Government
– Says the law is about protecting Hungary and stopping foreign interference.
Opposition and Civil Society
– Argue the law is a tool for silencing critics and controlling political opponents.
International Community
– Warns that the law could lead to democratic backsliding and harm Hungary’s reputation in the EU and beyond.
Key Takeaways
- The Citizenship Suspension Law allows Hungary to suspend, but not revoke, the citizenship of dual nationals (except EU/EEA citizens) for up to 10 years if they are seen as a threat.
- The law was passed as part of the 15th Amendment to Hungary’s constitution and signed by President Tamás Sulyok in April 2025.
- Critics say the law is vague and could be used to target political opponents, journalists, and activists.
- Suspended citizens lose important rights, including the right to vote, run for office, and receive consular protection.
- Legal challenges and international scrutiny are ongoing, and the law’s impact will be closely watched ahead of the 2026 elections.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, the Citizenship Suspension Law is already changing the landscape for dual citizens in Hungary, raising important questions about rights, democracy, and the rule of law.
For official information on Hungarian citizenship and recent legal changes, visit the Hungarian Government Portal.
If you are affected or have concerns, consider reaching out to legal aid groups or following updates from the European Commission and human rights organizations. The coming months will be crucial in determining how the law is applied and whether it stands up to legal and political challenges.
Learn Today
Citizenship Suspension Law → Hungarian law allowing temporary suspension of citizenship for dual nationals seen as security threats.
Dual Nationals → Individuals holding citizenship in Hungary and another non-EU/EEA country simultaneously.
15th Amendment → Constitutional change incorporating the Citizenship Suspension Law into Hungary’s Fundamental Law in 2025.
Appeal Period → The 30-day timeframe allowed for contesting a citizenship suspension decision.
Official Gazette → Hungary’s public journal where suspension decisions and their durations are formally published.
This Article in a Nutshell
Hungary’s new Citizenship Suspension Law targets dual nationals outside the EU, allowing up to 10 years suspension. Critics warn it threatens democracy and political freedoms, while the government claims national security. The law affects travel, voting rights, and highlights rising tensions over citizenship and democratic norms in Hungary.
— By VisaVerge.com
