Do You Need to Learn Hungarian in 2025?

I’ve lived in Hungary since 2017 and—brace yourself—I still struggle to learn Hungarian in 2025.

Yes, I have a Hungarian name. Yes, I carry the passport. But my vocabulary? Patchy. Grammar? Creative. Confidence? Depends on whether I’ve had coffee or wine first.

Still, I get by. I can fumble my way through a phone call, ask for chicken thighs at the butcher, and greet the neighbours politely. But if you dropped me into a town hall meeting or asked me to explain why we’re paying a kommunális adó—I’d be Googling like mad.

So when Hungary introduced a mandatory cultural exam in 2025 for permanent residency, I felt a wave of sympathy for every expat trying to stay long-term. Because now, learning Hungarian isn’t just a personal challenge. It’s a legal one.

The 2025 Cultural Exam: What Changed?

If you’re applying for a National Residence Card (that’s the permanent residency status for third-country nationals), you now need to pass a written cultural knowledge exam—and it’s no joke. And this applies for the EU Residence Card too.

Here’s what we know:

• It’s written, not multiple-choice. You’ll answer in Hungarian, by hand. No translations, no oral option, no Google Lens to the rescue.

• The exam is only offered in Budapest. At the government office located at 1138 Budapest, Váci út 174.

• Frequency: Just once a month for now, despite the requirement to offer it four times monthly. Translation? Slots are limited.

• Registration: You must complete and submit a form (available from BFKH), and they’ll notify you of your test date at least 15 working days in advance.

• Cost: 20,000 HUF per attempt, paid via bank transfer.

• Attempts: You get three chances. Fail three times, and you’re disqualified from applying for permanent residency.

There is no official exemption yet, even for those over 60, though many suspect one may be added later. For now, every new third-country applicant is required to take it.

You can download the full official study material (in Hungarian) here. It includes Hungarian history, geography, holidays, national symbols, basic laws, and cultural expectations.

Hősök tere, or Heroes’ Square, is one of Hungary’s most important national monuments and a likely feature in the cultural exam for National or EU Residence Card.

So… Do You Really Need to Learn Hungarian?

If you’re planning to stay for more than a few seasons, the answer is yes.
If you want to apply for long-term residency? Definitely.
If you’re already living in the countryside where English is sparse? Absolutely.

But even beyond the legal requirement, learning Hungarian in 2025 makes life easier:

• You’ll understand your bills, your doctor, and the lady at the post office.
• You’ll earn goodwill from neighbours, officials, and even grumpy cashiers.
• You’ll feel more in control. Less lost.

But even beyond the legal requirement, learn Hungarian in 2025 to make life easier:

• You’ll understand your bills, your doctor, and the lady at the post office.
• You’ll earn goodwill from neighbours, officials, and even grumpy cashiers.
• You’ll feel more in control. Less lost.

And while it won’t make Hungary’s bureaucracy more efficient, it will make it more manageable.

How Much Hungarian Is Enough?

• For daily survival: A1 or A2 level is fine. You’ll manage shopping, directions, and appointments.

• For the cultural exam: You’ll need to read and understand Hungarian at a B1 level, at minimum.

• For citizenship: A B2 level and a more complex cultural exam are required.

How to Start Learning Hungarian in 2025

This isn’t your average European language. There are 18 cases. Words bend. Logic disappears. But don’t panic—here’s how to begin:

1. Use Language Apps

• Duolingo – Hungarian: Bite-sized and playful

• Drops: Great for visual learners

• Mondly: Includes voice recognition and grammar

2. Use AI Tools

• DeepL Translator: Best for nuance and longer texts

• Google Translate: Use the camera feature on mail, signs, menus

3. Find a Real Teacher

• Search in expat Facebook groups for tutors

• Try Italki or local schools for online or in-person lessons

• Some teachers even help prepare you specifically for the cultural exam

4. Immerse Where You Can

• Watch Hungarian TV with subtitles

• Read kids’ books (seriously—they help)

A school named after poet Sándor Petőfi in Komárom, Hungary. Petőfi’s life and legacy are often featured in Hungary’s cultural knowledge exam for the National Residence Card.

Being a “Returnee” Doesn’t Make It Easier

I grew up in Canada. My parents spoke Hungarian to each other, but I spoke English—and French, because that’s what school required. So now, I live in the land of my ancestors… and I sometimes need subtitles in my own mother tongue.

But here’s the truth: even if you’re “half-Hungarian” like me, it takes real effort to learn Hungarian in 2025. And that’s okay.

No one expects perfection. They just want to see you try.

Final Thoughts: Progress Over Perfection

Hungarian is hard. It’s not just the grammar – it’s the facial expressions that change depending on whether you say jó napot or szia, and the blank stares you get when you butcher a vowel. But learning a little goes a long way.

And let’s be real: plenty of people live here for years without speaking much Hungarian at all. They survive (some even thrive) with Google Translate, a network of expat friends, and one very patient Hungarian who helps with the real stuff—like translating official letters or talking to the gas company. If that’s your path, that’s okay too. Just make sure you’ve got a reliable buddy who doesn’t mind answering the phone now and then.

Still, if you’re planning to take the cultural exam—or just want to feel more rooted—learning Hungarian is worth it. Every new word builds a bridge. Every phrase you master makes this place feel more like home.

Whether you’re just starting out or preparing for your second (or third!) exam attempt, I see you. I’ve been there. I still forget words, freeze up in conversations, and hand over my phone to the pharmacist with a hopeful smile.

But I promise you: progress matters more than perfection.

And if you want more tips, support, and practical help—including a full breakdown of how to get residency in Hungary in 2025 – download my ebook: HOW TO HUNGARY: Budapest and Beyond. It includes over 50 language resources—from language apps to grammar books, video tutorials, official schools, and even AI hacks to help you find the tools that work for you.

Because whether you’re staying for a season or forever, this place has a way of getting under your skin—and into your heart.

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Information notice on the Hungarian cultural knowledge exam, the application form, explanatory notes and information material are available via: https://kormanyhivatalok.hu/kormanyhivatalok/budapest/megye/szervezet/jogi-es-koordinacios-foosztaly, under the information provision section of the Organisatory Unit.

Documents compiled by the GOCCB are available via the following links:

• Information Notice
• Application Form
• Explanatory notes and information material