The Hungarian passport: one of the world’s most beautiful and powerful travel documents
The Hungarian passport isn’t just practical – it’s also a work of art. It was recently ranked among the top 10 most beautiful passports by Visa Guide, and it often appears in similar lists, e.g. by outlets like Dezeen, Hypebeast, and The Travel Intern.
A passport that’s easy on the eyes
With its deep burgundy red cover and gold-embossed Hungarian coat of arms, the Hungarian passport stands out. Inside, you’ll find elegant imagery, including a detailed view of the famous Chain Bridge – the first to link Buda and Pest across the Danube. In the background sits Buda Castle, once home to Hungarian royalty.
There’s even more hidden beauty: the page with your personal information features the embossed national anthem. Under UV light, you can see extra designs such as the EU’s 12 stars, the Hungarian coat of arms, and parts of Szózat, a patriotic song considered a second national anthem.
Want to see for yourself? The Hungarian Banknote Printing Company’s website offers a closer look at these impressive design features.
High-tech and secure
Beyond looks, the Hungarian passport is highly secure. It includes a chip that stores your personal data and fingerprints – making it a biometric passport. These features, along with hidden UV elements and embossing, help prevent forgery. Since 2009, all EU countries are required to use biometric passports.
Globally respected: ranked 7th in the world
In 2025, Hungary ranks 7th on the Henley Passport Index, offering visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 185 countries. That includes the EU, the U.S., Canada, the U.K., and many more. This strong global access makes the Hungarian passport one of the most valuable in the world – not just by Henley’s standards, but also by Visa Guide and Passport Index.
Want a Hungarian passport?
To get one, you need Hungarian citizenship. The easiest way is through Hungarian ancestry – millions of people around the world may qualify due to historic emigration in the 20th century.
No Hungarian roots? No problem. You can still apply for citizenship after living in Hungary for at least 8 years, or sooner if you marry a Hungarian citizen or have Hungarian children.
Or start with residency
You can also begin your journey by becoming a Hungarian resident. Residency offers many of the same travel benefits as a passport, including visa-free access to the EU and the Schengen zone.
The Hungarian golden visa program is the fastest route. It grants long-term residency (10+10 years) for you and your immediate family members. In exchange for a EUR 250,000 investment in a Hungarian real estate fund, you and your family members get visa-free access to the EU, and get to take advantage of the Hungarian infrastructure. This will not give you the beautiful Hungarian passport, but hopefully the benefits you get with Hungarian residency can make up for that.
Ready to explore Europe without visa hassles?
Contact us to speak with an expert and discover how Hungarian citizenship or residency can open new doors for you. Let us help make Europe your second home.
