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:
- Hague Accredited
- 10,000+ Families Served
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?
Only Married Heterosexual Couples may apply. No age minimums or maximums, but at least one parent must be 16+ years older, and no more than 45 years older, than the adopted child. There is no minimumon length of marriage.
Process
Travel Requirements
One trip of about 45 days
Timeframe
18 -36 Months
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
[### 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 Hong Kong 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.
