11.06.21
What started as a quick catch-up call with a friend in Orange County (CA), my former turf, turned interesting when we discovered we both had Hungarian born mothers. The call was prompted by his curiosity and interest in moving to Europe with his family, and to share the world with his almost teenage kids. I supported that idea and told him I’d be happy to help in any way. I shared that the biggest limitation to Americans spending time in Europe is the 90-day visa restrictions, and what is known as the “Schengen Zone.” You can read my special report from two years ago, but the short story is that there are 26 countries in the EU that, for passport control purposes, are considered ONE. That means if you stay 89 days in Germany, you can only go to France for one more, or you will overstay your welcome.
Before Kathleen and I left the US three years ago I studied this restriction deeply since I knew it would limit us, too. We started applying for residency in Portugal, then Spain, but neither worked out so therefore concluded, “we don’t need no stinkin’ visa,” and off we went. One of the interesting options I have is to acquire a Hungarian passport through what is known as “Right of Descendancy.”
And that is what this blog entry is all about.
As the son of a Hungarian born citizen, if I can PROVE that fact, plus learn a bit of their culture and language, I can get a passport—and in turn expand our options of staying in the EU for more than 90 days. My situation is challenged because my mom was born in pre-war Europe and had no passport since she was transported to Auschwitz, where she spent 3 years. After the war she may have had a French passport since she lived there for a while, but, alas, I never dug that far when she was alive. Her Hungarian hometown was not severely damaged in WWII from what I understand, so at some point I plan to visit and track down her birth certificate.
Back to you…The question is: Do you have a family line that goes back to Europe? Or Ireland? Or several other countries? If you do, you may be eligible for a second passport as well. Almost all countries will allow this for the CHILDREN of foreign-born citizens, but many will allow you to look to your grandparents or even further. The proof is the determining condition.
I share this because, as much as I am a fan and citizen of the US, for quality of life, life in Europe—and many other places—is much better. Safer; cheaper, more fun, etc…You pick your own motivation. If you do have familial lines that go back to a country you are interested in, Google “right of descendancy,” and “your country,” and you’ll be able to get some solid information.
As for my friend, Jay, as soon as we finished our call, he contacted his mother and he now has her birth certificate in hand. Step 1: done. Now it’s an application process and going through the motions, which can take a year or more. Some are faster and/ or easier. Generally, there is no or limited financial validation required, though many will require some language proficiency. So, start boning up on that now!
If you are interested in starting this process or wish to share you journey, I would like to learn and share it as well.
