Migration questions Hungary

Obtaining a residence permit in Hungary can be based on the following grounds:

Employment: having a job offer from a Hungarian employer.

Education: admission to an accredited educational institution in Hungary.

Family reunification: having close relatives with Hungarian citizenship or a residence permit.

Investment: investing funds into the country's economy, for example, through real estate purchase or participation in investment programs; as of 2024, programs are available, including purchasing real estate worth at least 500,000 euros or making a charitable donation of 1,000,000 euros.

Scientific research: participation in research projects.

Remote work (White Card): for digital nomads working remotely for foreign companies; intended for remote workers who are non-EU citizens working for foreign companies; issued for one year with the possibility of a one-time extension for the same period.

The list of necessary documents may vary depending on the basis, but usually includes:

- Completed application form: application for a residence permit.

- Valid passport: must have a validity period exceeding the proposed stay by at least three months.

- Photograph: one color photograph taken no earlier than three months before the application submission.

- Proof of purpose of stay: for example, an employment contract, admission letter to an educational institution, or documents of family ties.

- Proof of financial solvency: bank statements, income certificates confirming sufficient funds for living.

- Proof of accommodation: lease agreement, property ownership documents, or a letter from the host party.

- Health insurance: valid in Hungary.

 

The processing time for applications depends on the basis of submission and can vary:

Employment: the application is usually processed within 21 days.

Education: the process may take from 15 to 30 days.

Family reunification: processing time ranges from 30 to 60 days.

Investment: depending on the program, processing may take from 30 to 90 days.

In some cases, the process may take up to 70 days.

It is recommended to apply in advance, considering potential delays in document processing.

Depending on your location and citizenship, the submission process may differ:

Outside Hungary: If you are outside Hungary, the application is submitted to the Hungarian diplomatic or consular representation in your country. It is recommended to contact the nearest consulate for details.

Within Hungary: If you are lawfully present in Hungary, you can apply for a residence permit at the local office of the National Directorate General for Aliens Policing or through the online platform "Enter Hungary" www.enterhungary.gov.hu.

 

Payment of administrative fee

The application is accompanied by the payment of an administrative fee. The fee amount depends on the type of residence permit and the method of application submission. 

 

Receiving the residence permit card

After the application is approved, you will be issued a residence permit card confirming your right to reside in Hungary. The card is usually issued for a period of one to five years with the possibility of renewal.

 

Additional recommendations

Checking the relevance of information: immigration laws and procedures may change. It is recommended to regularly check official sources or consult with lawyers specializing in immigration law.

Citizens of the European Union and the European Economic Area (EEA), including Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway, have special rights to stay and work in Hungary thanks to the principle of free movement.

 

Entry and stay

 

Short-term stay: EU/EEA citizens can stay in Hungary without registration for up to 90 days within any 180-day period.

 

Long-term stay: if you plan to stay for more than 90 days, it is necessary to register at the local branch of the National Office for Foreigners within 93 days from the date of entry. When registering, you will need to provide a valid passport or identity card, as well as proof of sufficient funds for living and health insurance.

 

Employment

 

Right to work: EU/EEA citizens have the right to work in Hungary without the need for a work permit.

 

Registration: After employment, it is recommended to inform local authorities of your worker status.

 

Family members

 

Rights: family members of EU/EEA citizens who are not EU nationals have the right to join them in Hungary. For this, it is necessary to apply for a residence card for a family member of an EU citizen.

 

Permanent residency

 

Conditions: after five years of continuous legal residence in Hungary, EU/EEA citizens can apply for permanent resident status.

 

For more detailed and up-to-date information, it is recommended to contact local authorities or visit the official website of the National Office for Foreigners in Hungary.

Entry and short-term stay

Visa: citizens of third countries are required to obtain a Schengen visa to enter Hungary, if there is no visa-free agreement between their country and the EU. A Schengen visa allows staying in the country for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

Long-term stay and residence permit 

To stay in Hungary for more than 90 days, it is necessary to obtain a residence permit. Grounds for obtaining it include: employment; studies; family reunification; investments.

Work permit

Citizens of third countries are required to obtain a work permit for legal employment in Hungary. This requirement applies to working in a Hungarian company under an employment contract as well as for working in one's own company.

For more detailed and up-to-date information, it is recommended to contact the Hungarian consulate or visit the official website of the National Office for Foreigners in Hungary.

Application deadlines

 

The application for renewing a residence permit should be submitted no earlier than 90 days and no later than 30 days before the expiration of the current permit. Timely submission will help avoid potential legal complications.

 

Required documents

 

The list of required documents may vary, but usually includes:

- Completed application form: application for renewal of the residence permit.

- A valid passport: it must be valid for at least three months beyond the intended period of stay.

- Photograph: one color photograph taken no earlier than three months before the application submission.

- Proof of purpose of stay: e.g., extended employment contract, confirmation of continuation of studies, or other relevant documents.

- Proof of financial means: bank statements, income certificates, confirming sufficient funds for living.

- Proof of residence: rental agreement, property ownership documents, or a letter from the host.

- Health insurance: valid in Hungary.

 

Application procedure

 

In person: visit the local branch of the National Office for Foreigners and submit the application with the complete set of documents.

Online: use the "Enter Hungary" electronic platform to submit the application and upload the necessary documents. 

 

The processing times for applications vary depending on the type of residence permit and can take from 15 to 70 days. It is recommended to submit the application in advance, considering possible delays.

 

Upon approval of the application, you will be issued an updated residence permit card confirming your right to further residence in Hungary.

 

Additional recommendations

 

Relevance of information: immigration laws and procedures may change. It is recommended to regularly check official sources or consult with lawyers specializing in immigration law.

Preparing for possible changes: If the circumstances based on which the initial residence permit was issued have changed (e.g., a change of employer or educational institution), it is necessary to provide the relevant documents and notify the National Directorate-General for Aliens Policing.

To obtain a residence permit in Hungary, you need to acquire medical insurance that meets established requirements.

 

Insurance requirements

 

The medical insurance should provide comprehensive coverage of medical expenses on Hungarian territory: outpatient and inpatient treatment, emergency care, and other necessary medical services. The insurance policy must be valid for the entire proposed stay.

 

Choosing the type of insurance

 

In Hungary, two main types of medical insurance are available:

- Private medical insurance: suitable for foreign citizens, especially at the initial stage of stay. 

- State medical insurance (TAJ card): after obtaining a residence permit, you can apply for a TAJ card, which provides access to the state healthcare system. To do this, you need to contact the local branch of the National Health Insurance Fund.

 

Additional recommendations

- Checking the relevance of information: immigration and insurance requirements may change. It is recommended to regularly check official sources or consult with lawyers specializing in immigration law.

Obtaining Hungarian citizenship is a process that requires compliance with certain conditions and going through established procedures. 

 

Naturalization

 

Naturalization is the main path for foreign citizens wishing to become Hungarian citizens. Key requirements:

Permanent residence: continuous legal residence in Hungary for 8 years.

Stable income and housing: having a permanent source of income and a place of residence.

No criminal record: clean criminal history.

Knowledge of the Hungarian language: sufficient level for everyday communication.

Respect for the laws and constitution of Hungary: willingness to abide by the laws and respect the country's constitutional structure.

 

To submit an application, you need to contact local authorities or the Hungarian consulate abroad. The review process may take several months.

 

Simplified naturalization

 

Since 2011, Hungary has provided the possibility of simplified naturalization for individuals who can prove Hungarian descent or the presence of Hungarian ancestors. Main conditions:

Hungarian descent: having Hungarian ancestors or proof of Hungarian descent.

Knowledge of the Hungarian language: basic level of language proficiency.

No criminal record: clean criminal history.

 

The application can be submitted at the Hungarian consulate abroad or local authorities in Hungary. The review process usually takes several months.

 

Citizenship by birth

Children born to parents, one of whom is a Hungarian citizen, automatically receive Hungarian citizenship, regardless of the place of birth.

 

Restoration of citizenship

Individuals who have lost Hungarian citizenship for various reasons can apply for its restoration. For this, it is necessary to contact local authorities or the Hungarian consulate abroad.

 

Special cases

In certain cases, such as outstanding services to Hungary, citizenship may be granted by decision of the country's president.

 

Additional recommendations

Consultation with a lawyer: it is recommended to contact an immigration law specialist for detailed information and assistance with document preparation.

Checking the relevance of information: immigration laws can change, so it's important to stay updated through official Hungarian government websites.

Holders of a temporary residence permit in Hungary have the right to freely leave the country and return during the validity of their permit. However, when planning trips, the following important aspects should be considered:

 

Residence Permit Validity

 

Before departing, ensure that your residence permit will still be valid upon your return to Hungary. If the permit expires during your absence, it is advisable to renew it before leaving to avoid entry issues upon returning.

 

Travel within the Schengen Zone

 

Hungary is part of the Schengen Zone, so holders of a Hungarian residence permit can travel freely to other Schengen Agreement member countries without needing additional visas. However, keep in mind that your stay in other Schengen countries should not exceed 90 days within any 180-day period.

 

Travel outside the Schengen Zone

 

When traveling to countries outside the Schengen Zone, consider the visa requirements of those countries. A Hungarian residence permit does not automatically grant entry rights to these countries; a separate visa may be required.

 

Upon returning to Hungary, ensure you have documents that demonstrate your right to enter and stay in the country:

- A valid passport.

- Residence permit card.

 

Extension of Residence Permit

If planning an extended absence from Hungary, ensure your residence permit remains valid during your entire absence. If an extension is necessary, it is recommended to apply in advance, as the review process might take some time.

 

Notifying Authorities

While the law does not require mandatory notification of temporary departure from the country, it is advisable to inform the local office of the National Directorate-General for Aliens Policing, especially for extended absences.

Analysis of Denial Reasons

 

The first step is to carefully examine the denial notification. It should specify the exact reasons for rejecting your application. Common denial reasons include:

 

- Providing incomplete or false information.

- Lack of necessary documents.

- Insufficient financial means.

- Criminal records or legal issues.

- Mismatch with the declared purpose of stay.

 

Appeal Submission

 

In Hungary, it is possible to appeal the decision denying a residence permit:

Submission deadline: the appeal must be submitted within 8 days of receiving the denial notification.

Where to submit: the appeal is submitted to the authority that made the initial decision.

Content of the appeal: the appeal should state the reasons for disagreeing with the decision and provide additional evidence or documents supporting your position.

Appeal review: authorities are obliged to review the appeal and make a decision within a set timeframe.

 

Preparing for Reapplication

 

If the appeal did not yield the desired outcome or you chose not to appeal, you can prepare for reapplication:

 

- Addressing denial reasons: pay attention to the deficiencies mentioned in the denial and try to correct them.

- Collecting additional documents: provide all necessary and additional documents proving your financial capacity, accommodation, and purpose of stay.

- Consulting a lawyer: it is advisable to consult an immigration law specialist for professional assistance in preparing a new application.

 

Alternative Options

 

Depending on your situation, consider other grounds for obtaining a residence permit.

 

Temporary Measures

If you are in Hungary and received a denial, check with local authorities if you can stay in the country while the appeal is processed or while preparing a new application. In some cases, you may need to leave the country and apply from abroad.

 

Recommendation

Consult with professionals: lawyers and consultants can help you avoid common mistakes.

During immigration procedures in Hungary, it is often required to provide documents in the Hungarian language. To ensure accuracy and compliance with official requirements, it is recommended to use professional translators' services.

 

The Hungarian migration authorities may request translations of the following documents:

 

- Birth and marriage certificates.

- Diplomas and educational certificates.

- Police clearance certificates.

- Financial documents.

 

It is important to note that some documents must be translated by certified translators for their legal validity to be recognized in Hungary.

 

Certified translators in Hungary

 

In Hungary, certified translations are performed exclusively by the Hungarian Office for Translation and Attestation. This organization holds the monopoly on performing official translations recognized by state institutions.

 

How to find a translator

 

Hungarian Office for Translation and Attestation (OFFI): Contact OFFI directly to order a certified translation. Information about branches and services is available on their official website https://www.offi.hu/ .

 

Private translation agencies: For unofficial documents or preliminary translations, private agencies can be used. However, keep in mind that their translations may require additional certification.