How to get your residence permit in Hungary

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.

Ellie

5 minute read

·

4 Oct 2024

·

Moving

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.

Requirements for a temporary residence permit in Hungary

The documents required to get a temporary residence permit in Hungary include:

• A valid passport
• A passport photo taken no longer than 3 months prior
• Proof of accommodation in Hungary (this can be a rental contract, a document of property ownership or a notarised letter from a family member)
• Proof of health insurance
• Proof of sufficient funds to cover your living expenses for more than 90 days (this can be a bank statement, employment contract or notarised letter from a family member)
• Proof of paid application fee

How long does it take to process a temporary residence permit application?

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.

How much does it cost to apply for a temporary residence permit in Hungary?

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:

• You’ve got an employment contract in Hungary of at least 6 months
• You’ve spent 3 years on a diploma recognised by Hungarian educational institutions or other relevant professional qualification
• You’ve got relevant work experience
• You meet the minimum monthly salary requirements of 773,649 Ft (€1,928/$2,113). This threshold is often lowered to 618,919 Ft (€1,542/$1,691) per month for roles that are in high demand, such as those working in healthcare)

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.

Requirements for an EU Blue Card in Hungary

The documents required to get an EU Blue Card in Hungary include:

• A valid passport
• A passport photo taken no longer than 3 months prior
• Proof of paid application fee
• Your diploma or other proof of education
• Proof of work experience or relevant qualifications
• Proof of health insurance

How long does it take to process an EU Blue Card application?

You’ll usually receive a letter containing the result of your application within 70 days from the date your application was received.

How much does it cost to apply for an EU Blue Card in Hungary?

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’ve got a place of residence in Hungary
• You’ve got sufficient income to live in Hungary
• You’ve health insurance or enough income to cover healthcare expenses
• You’ve already held a suitable residence permit for your time in Hungary
• You’ve lived in Hungary for at least the past 3 years
• You’ve spent no more than 270 days outside of Hungary in the last 3 years, in periods of no more than 90 days at a time

You may also be eligible to apply for a permanent residence permit in Hungary if:

• You’re related to a Hungarian citizen or permanent resident and have lived in the same household for at least 1 year before applying
• You’ve been married to a Hungarian citizen or permanent resident for at least 2 years before applying
• You’ve held Hungarian citizenship in the past

Requirements for a permanent residence permit in Hungary

The documents required to attain a permanent residence permit in Hungary include:

• A valid passport
• A passport photo taken no longer than 3 months prior
• A birth certificate
• Marriage/divorce certificate (if needed)
• A clean criminal record issued in the last 6 months by your home country
• Proof of sufficient income (a bank or credit statement, payslips, proof of savings, employment contracts can all be asked for)
• Proof of accommodation (a rental contract, proof of property ownership or a notarised letter from a family member you’re living with)
• Proof of health insurance or sufficient income to cover medical costs

How long does it take to process a permanent residence application?

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.

How much does it cost to apply for a permanent residence permit in Hungary?

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.

1. 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.

2. 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,

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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!