Hungary Enacts Law to Suspend Citizenship for Dual Nationals

Key Takeaways

• Hungary’s new law suspends citizenship of non-EEA dual citizens for up to 10 years from June 2025.
• Suspension occurs if dual citizens threaten Hungary’s security, act for foreign powers, or commit serious crimes.
• Affected individuals can appeal suspension, request reinstatement once, and risk detention or deportation without appeal.

Hungary’s New Citizenship Suspension Law: What Dual Citizens Need to Know

Hungary has introduced a major change to its citizenship rules, allowing the government to suspend Hungarian citizenship for dual citizens under certain conditions. This new law, called the Citizenship Suspension Law, was signed by President Tamás Sulyok and will take effect in late June 2025. The law is part of a wider effort by Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s government to tighten control over national security and political activity, especially by people with ties to other countries.

This article explains who is affected, how the law works, what it means for dual citizens, and why it has sparked strong reactions both inside Hungary and abroad.

Who Is Affected by the Citizenship Suspension Law?

The new law targets dual citizens—people who hold both Hungarian citizenship and citizenship from another country. However, it does not apply to everyone with two passports. The law only affects dual citizens whose other citizenship is from a country outside the European Economic Area (EEA). The EEA includes the European Union, Norway, Switzerland, Iceland, and Liechtenstein.

This means that if you are a Hungarian citizen and also a citizen of the United States 🇺🇸, Russia 🇷🇺, China 🇨🇳, or the United Kingdom 🇬🇧, you could be affected by this law. If your other citizenship is from an EEA country, the law does not apply to you. The government made this choice to avoid breaking European Union rules, since EU law protects the rights of EU citizens.

Key points:
– Applies to: Dual citizens with non-EEA citizenship (for example, American, Russian, Chinese, or British)
– Does not apply to: Dual citizens with EEA citizenship (for example, German, French, or Italian)
– Statelessness avoided: The law only applies if the person has another citizenship, so no one will be left without a country

Why Was the Law Introduced?

The Hungarian government says the Citizenship Suspension Law is needed to protect the country’s national security and public order. Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and his party, Fidesz, argue that foreign influence and threats from outside Hungary have become more serious. They say the law will help stop people who might work against Hungary’s interests, especially those who act on behalf of other countries or dangerous groups.

Supporters of the law believe it will:
– Protect Hungary from foreign interference
– Stop people with divided loyalties from harming the country
– Strengthen Hungary’s ability to respond to threats

However, critics warn that the law is too broad and could be used against political opponents, journalists, or activists who disagree with the government. Some legal experts say the law is not clear enough and could be abused.

What Are the Main Rules of the Citizenship Suspension Law?

The law is part of the 15th Amendment to Hungary’s Fundamental Law (the country’s constitution), specifically Article G, paragraph (3). The details are set out in the new Citizenship Suspension Law.

Here are the main features:

• Suspension period: Hungarian citizenship can be suspended for up to 10 years
• Grounds for suspension: The government can suspend citizenship if a dual citizen is found to be a threat to Hungary’s public order or national security. This includes:
  • Acting on behalf of a foreign power in a way that harms Hungary’s independence
  • Having ties to terrorist organizations
  • Serving in the military or public service of a non-EEA country
  • Seriously endangering Hungary’s constitutional order
  • Being convicted of serious crimes like treason, espionage, or terrorism
• Who decides: Only a government-appointed minister can start the process and make the final decision

• Appeal rights: The affected person can appeal to the Supreme Court within 30 days
• Reinstatement: Citizenship can be restored during the suspension if the person proves they are no longer a threat, but this can only be requested once during the suspension period
• Statelessness protection: If the person loses their other citizenship during the suspension, Hungarian citizenship is automatically restored
• Deportation: If ordered to leave Hungary and they do not comply, the person can be detained and deported within 72 hours, with no right to appeal

How Does the Process Work?

The law sets out a step-by-step process for suspending Hungarian citizenship. Here’s how it works:

1. Report Submission: Anyone can file a report if they believe a dual citizen is a threat to Hungary’s security or public order.
2. Ministerial Review: A government-appointed minister reviews the report and decides whether to start an investigation.
3. Investigation: The minister can ask the National Information Centre and the police to gather evidence.
4. Considerations: The minister must look at the person’s ties to Hungary, their family situation, and how much time has passed since the alleged conduct.
5. Decision: If the minister finds the person meets the criteria, they can order the suspension of citizenship for up to 10 years. The decision is published in the Official Gazette, and the person is notified.
6. Appeal: The person has 30 days to appeal to the Supreme Court, which must make a decision within another 30 days.
7. Reinstatement: During the suspension, the person can ask for their citizenship to be restored if they can prove they are no longer a threat. This can only be done once.
8. Deportation: If the person is ordered to leave Hungary and does not do so, they can be detained and deported within 72 hours. There is no right to appeal this decision.

Important: If the person loses their other citizenship while their Hungarian citizenship is suspended, their Hungarian citizenship is automatically restored to prevent them from becoming stateless.

What Are the Practical Effects for Dual Citizens?

If you are a dual citizen with Hungarian citizenship and a non-EEA passport, this law could have serious effects on your life. Here are some possible scenarios:

• Loss of rights: While your citizenship is suspended, you lose all the rights that come with being a Hungarian citizen. This includes the right to live and work in Hungary, vote in elections, and access public services.
• Deportation risk: If you are living in Hungary and your citizenship is suspended, you could be ordered to leave the country. If you do not comply, you could be detained and deported quickly.
• Family impact: The law says authorities must consider your family situation, but if you have family in Hungary, your suspension could separate you from them.
• Appeal process: You have the right to appeal to the Supreme Court, but the process may be stressful and uncertain.
• Reinstatement: You can ask for your citizenship to be restored once during the suspension, but you must prove you are no longer a threat.

Why Are Experts and Critics Worried?

Many legal experts, opposition politicians, and human rights groups have raised concerns about the Citizenship Suspension Law. Here are some of the main worries:

• Vague definitions: The law uses broad terms like “threat to public order” or “national security,” which can be interpreted in many ways.
• Political abuse: Critics fear the law could be used to target political opponents, journalists, or activists who challenge the government.
• No international precedent: International legal scholars, such as Tamás Lattmann, say there is no similar law in other countries, and it may go against international human rights standards.
• Risk to human rights: Suspending citizenship can have serious effects on a person’s life, including their right to family life, work, and freedom of movement.
• Election concerns: Some believe the law could be used before the 2026 parliamentary elections to silence or remove opposition figures.

As reported by VisaVerge.com, the law’s critics point out that it could be a powerful tool for the government to control dissent and limit political competition.

How Does This Law Fit Into Hungary’s Recent History?

The Citizenship Suspension Law is not the first step Hungary has taken to tighten control over foreign influence and dissent. In 2023, the government passed the Sovereignty Protection Act, which increased scrutiny of people and organizations with foreign ties. In April 2025, the 15th Amendment to the Fundamental Law created the legal basis for suspending citizenship. The new law builds on these earlier changes.

Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and his party have argued that these steps are needed to protect Hungary’s independence and security. However, many in Hungary and abroad see them as part of a broader trend toward limiting political freedoms and increasing government power.

What Are the International Implications?

Although the law avoids direct conflict with European Union rules by excluding EEA citizens, it may still raise legal questions at the European level. Some experts warn that suspending Hungarian citizenship could affect a person’s EU citizenship, since EU citizenship is based on being a citizen of an EU country.

International organizations and the European Union may review how the law is used, especially if it is seen as violating human rights or targeting political opponents. Legal challenges are expected both in Hungary and at the European level.

What Should Dual Citizens Do Now?

If you are a dual citizen with Hungarian citizenship and a non-EEA passport, it is important to:

• Stay informed: Follow updates from the Hungarian government and trusted legal sources. The Hungarian Ministry of Interior provides official information.
• Know your rights: Understand the grounds for suspension and the appeal process.
• Seek legal advice: If you think you might be affected, contact a lawyer or organizations like the Hungarian Helsinki Committee for help.
• Keep documents up to date: Make sure your other citizenship is valid, as losing it could affect your status.

Summary Table: Key Features of Hungary’s Citizenship Suspension Law

What Happens Next?

The Citizenship Suspension Law is expected to face legal challenges in Hungary and possibly at the European level. Human rights groups and opposition parties are preparing to contest the law, arguing that it goes too far and threatens basic freedoms. The government, on the other hand, says it is necessary to protect Hungary from outside threats.

As the law comes into force, its real impact will depend on how it is used in practice. If it is applied fairly and only in clear cases of serious threats, it may have limited effects. But if it is used broadly or against political opponents, it could change the lives of many dual citizens and affect Hungary’s reputation in Europe and beyond.

Where to Find More Information

• Official Gazette (Magyar Közlöny): All decisions about citizenship suspension will be published here.
• Hungarian Ministry of Interior: Official government information and updates.
• Hungarian Helsinki Committee: Offers legal help and information for people affected by the law.

Final Thoughts

The new Citizenship Suspension Law marks a big change for Hungarian citizenship rules, especially for dual citizens with non-EEA passports. While the government says it is about protecting the country, many worry it could be used to silence critics and limit rights. If you are a dual citizen, it is important to understand the law, know your rights, and seek help if you are at risk. The coming months will show how the law is used and whether it stands up to legal and public scrutiny.

Learn Today

Dual citizens → Individuals holding citizenship in Hungary and another country simultaneously.
Citizenship Suspension Law → Hungarian law allowing citizenship suspension for dual nationals posing security threats, effective June 2025.
European Economic Area (EEA) → Region including EU countries plus Norway, Switzerland, Iceland, and Liechtenstein with shared agreements.
Statelessness → Condition of lacking citizenship in any country, which this law seeks to prevent.
Appeal Process → Legal right allowing suspended citizens to challenge decisions before Hungary’s Supreme Court.

This Article in a Nutshell

Hungary will suspend citizenship of some dual nationals from late June 2025, targeting non-EEA citizens deemed security threats, sparking legal and human rights concerns over potential political misuse and loss of fundamental rights.
— By VisaVerge.com