COUNTRIES WE SERVE

Adopting from Hungary

Hand in Hand International Adoptions

In addition to being found suitable and eligible to adopt by USCIS, prospective adoptive parents seeking to adopt a child from Hungary must meet the following requirements imposed by Hungary:

PROGRAM

Program Introduction

Minimum Residency: None
Age of Adopting Parents: According to Hungarian law, prospective adoptive parents must be at least 16 years older, but no more than 45 years older than their adoptive child. The age difference is calculated based on the age of the younger adoptive parent. If the adoptive children are siblings, the age of the older sibling is taken into consideration.
Marriage: Married couples may adopt from Hungary. Although Hungarian law allows single parents to adopt, authorities may give priority to married couples when deciding on a child’s placement based on the opinion that a married couple should raise a child.
Minimum Income: None
Other requirements:
- Same-sex couples cannot adopt from Hungary. According to the Hungarian authorities, a “traditional family,” which they consider to be a household with a man and a woman, should raise a child.

Hungarian law also requires a 30-day in-country “bonding period” with the adoptive child before the adoption.

REQUIREMENTS

Who Can Be Adopted?

Because Hungary is party to the Hague Adoption Convention, children from Hungary must meet the requirements of the Convention in order to be eligible for intercountry adoption. For example, the adoption may take place only if the competent authorities of Hungary have determined that placement of the child within Hungary has been given due consideration and that an intercountry adoption is in the child’s best interests.

In addition to qualifying as a Convention adoptee under U.S. immigration law, the child must also meet the following requirements imposed by Hungary:

Eligibility for adoption: According to Hungarian Family Law, children who fall into one of three categories are considered eligible for intercountry adoption under the Hague Adoption Convention: children whose parents are deceased; children who have been legally abandoned; or children whose parents have had their parental rights terminated by the Hungarian Government.
Age of Adoptive Child: There is no minimum or maximum age for adoptive children in Hungary. Please note that for a child to meet the definition of Convention adoptee under U.S. immigration law, a Form I-800, Petition to Classify Convention Adoptee as an Immediate Relative, must be filed on the child’s behalf while the child is under the age of 16.

Who Can Adopt?

In addition to qualifying as a Convention adoptee under U.S. immigration law, the child must also meet the following requirements imposed by Hungary:

Eligibility for adoption: According to Hungarian Family Law, children who fall into one of three categories are considered eligible for intercountry adoption under the Hague Adoption Convention: children whose parents are deceased; children who have been legally abandoned; or children whose parents have had their parental rights terminated by the Hungarian Government.
Age of Adoptive Child: There is no minimum or maximum age for adoptive children in Hungary. Please note that for a child to meet the definition of Convention adoptee under U.S. immigration law, a Form I-800, Petition to Classify Convention Adoptee as an Immediate Relative, must be filed on the child’s behalf while the child is under the age of 16.

Process

Travel Requirements

One trip of about 45 days.

Timeframe

[### Estimated timeframe from application to finalization — specific to Hungary ###]

FINANCIAL

What Does It Cost?

Fees for the Hungary program vary based on your state of residence. International adoptions through Hand in Hand generally range from $17,000 to $40,000 including agency fees, in-country costs, and travel. Contact us for a Hungary-specific fee agreement.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hungary

Why does Brazil require 45 days in-country?

Brazilian law requires a 45-day bonding and assessment period before finalization. This allows you to build a relationship with your child and gives the Brazilian court the opportunity to observe the family relationship before the adoption is finalized. Hand in Hand helps families plan and prepare for this extended stay.

Can I adopt a sibling group from Brazil?

Yes — and it is one of the most urgent needs in the Brazil program. Large sibling groups of two, three, four, or more children are frequently available. Brazil’s adoption system prioritizes keeping siblings together, and Hand in Hand actively seeks families willing and able to adopt sibling sets.

What is a children's shelter in Brazil?

In Brazil, orphanages are called abrigos, or children’s shelters. They are government-supervised facilities caring for children who have been placed in state custody. Children in shelters have been legally cleared for adoption by Brazilian authorities before they are available for international placement.

What is relative adoption in Brazil?

If you have a family member — a niece, nephew, grandchild, or other relative — who is a minor still living in Brazil, Hand in Hand can assist you in pursuing a relative adoption. This is a separate process from orphanage adoption with its own requirements. Contact us to discuss your specific situation.

What age are children typically available from Brazil?

The majority of children available for international adoption from Brazil are between 8 and 15 years old. Younger children with significant special needs may also be available. Families open to older children or sibling groups typically experience shorter wait times.

Can a single parent adopt from Brazil?

[### Confirm single-parent eligibility for Brazil with program director ###]

How does Hand in Hand support us during the 45 days in Brazil?

Your Hand in Hand caseworker coordinates closely with our in-country Brazil team throughout your stay. We assist with logistics, translation support, legal preparation, and guidance as you bond with your child. Families are not navigating this time alone.

What happens after we return home with our child?

Post-adoption requirements in Brazil include follow-up reports submitted to Brazilian authorities. Hand in Hand schedules required post-placement visits with a social worker and provides ongoing support through our post-adoption coaching services. You become part of the Hand in Hand community for life.

[### Family story — approx. 150–250 words. First-person preferred. Include child's age at adoption, a moment of connection, and life today. ###]

— The Sevillena Family

Countries We Serve

We partner with select international programs focused on ethical adoption and child-centered care.

Adopt from Brazil

The #1 U.S. program in Brazil — specializing in siblings, older children, and families ready to keep brothers and sisters together.

Adopt from Bulgaria

A transparent, Hague-accredited process with shorter timelines for children over three and those with special needs.

Adopt from Haiti

A program with deep roots — Hand in Hand has guided Haitian adoptions since 1990, including relative adoptions.

Adopt from Hong Kong

Our newest program focuses on children with special placement needs. Finalization happens in the U.S. after you return home.

Ready to Begin Your Journey?

We're here to answer your questions and help you take the next step with confidence.