Discover all you need to know about residence permits in Hungary and determine which permit is for you, how long it takes and how much it costs.
Hungary has a rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant culture that attracts thousands of internationals to move there each year. If you're considering moving here, understanding how to get a residence permit in Hungary is essential. If you’re moving to Hungary as a non-EU citizen for longer than 90 days, you’ll need to arrange your residence permit once you arrive, or even before you get there.
In this guide, we’ll explore the different types of residence permits Hungary has and discuss the requirements, costs, and application process of each.
But before we dive into the different residence permits available in Hungary, let's see if you need one!
Any non-EU citizens who are planning to be in Hungary for 90 days or longer will require a visa and a residence permit.
Now, let's take a close look at the most common types of residence permits in Hungary.
A temporary residence permit in Hungary is typically a year-long residence permit issued to non-EU citizens moving to Hungary. It’s initially granted for 1 year, but the duration depends on your reason for coming to Hungary. There’re several temporary residence permits that you can get depending on your reason for moving to Hungary.
Temporary residence permits in Hungary suit anyone moving to Hungary for work, education, business or family reunification.
The documents required to get a temporary residence permit in Hungary include:
You’ll usually hear back within 21 days of submitting your application. You’ll receive a letter letting you know the outcome of your application.
Applying for your temporary Hungarian residence permit costs about 44,200 Ft (€110/$121). Extending your temporary residence permit costs about 23,000 Ft (€57/$63).
The EU Blue Card is a special residence permit for highly skilled workers from non-EU countries. With an EU Blue Card, you can move to Hungary to live and work in areas with a shortage of employees.
To apply for the EU Blue Card, you have to meet certain criteria:
Once you get your EU Blue Card in Hungary, it’s valid for 1 year and can be extended by 4 additional years. However, the EU Blue Card is only valid as long as your passport is valid, so keep that in mind when you apply.
The documents required to get an EU Blue Card in Hungary include:
You’ll usually receive a letter containing the result of your application within 70 days from the date your application was received.
The fee to apply for your EU Blue Card is about 38,000 Ft (€95/$104) for national applications and 26,000 Ft (€65/$71) for applications via the electronic information system of Aliens Policing.
Renewing your EU Blue Card costs 35,000 Ft (€87/$96) for national applications and 23,000 Ft (€57/$63) for applications via the electronic information system of Aliens Policing.
If you want to settle in Hungary for the long run, a permanent residence permit is what you’ll need. A Hungarian permanent residence permit allows you to live in Hungary indefinitely and is the first step towards obtaining Hungarian citizenship. A permanent residence permit is valid for 5 years, after which you can apply for citizenship if you meet the requirements.
Once granted permanent residence in Hungary, you’ll receive a Hungarian National Card signifying your residency status.
To be eligible for permanent residence in Hungary, you need to meet certain criteria:
You may also be eligible to apply for a permanent residence permit in Hungary if:
The documents required to attain a permanent residence permit in Hungary include:
Your permanent residency application can be processed in 1 to 2 months.
Once approved, you’ll receive your Hungarian National Card, which allows you to access public services that you weren’t able to use before or were most costly to use before— such as healthcare services.
The only expense needed to apply for your permanent residence permit in Hungary is the cost of your Hungarian National Card, which is 25,000Ft (€62/$68).
The process of applying for a residence permit in Hungary is very similar, regardless of which permit you’re applying for.
Gather your documents: Start by collecting all the necessary documents mentioned above. Double-check to ensure you have everything. Check if your documents need to be translated.
Fill out the application form: Complete the appropriate application form accurately. Make sure to provide all required information and avoid any errors. You can find the correct application form online and download it in advance if needed,
Submit your application: For temporary residence permits, you can either apply from abroad or at your local immigration office in Hungary. You can submit your EU Blue Card application at a Hungarian embassy or consulate. For permanent residence permits, you can apply online with the National Directorate-General for Aliens Policing or visit one of their branches.
Attend an interview (if required): Sometimes, you may need to attend an interview as part of the application process. This is more common for permits like the EU Blue Card.
Wait for a decision: After submitting your application, it may take 15 to 60 days to receive a decision. This duration can vary based on the type of permit and the workload of the immigration authorities.
Ensure you follow the guidelines, gather your documents, and apply on time to enjoy all that this wonderful country has to offer. With its stunning landscapes, delicious cuisine, and rich culture, living in one of Hungary's best regions can be an enriching experience. Happy travels, and good luck with your residence permit journey!
This article is for informational purposes only.
Please reach out to content @housinganywhere.com if you have any suggestions or questions about the content on this page. For legal advice or help with specific situations, we recommend you contact the appropriate authorities.
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