Hungary offers residence permits to foreign citizens who want to live in this country and enjoy prospects almost the same as the citizens of Hungary. Furthermore, as this country is a part of the Schengen zone, any person with a Hungary residence permit can travel Schengen area visa-free. A person should select Hungary as his/her residing country because Hungary offers a high-class lifestyle at low costs, and people prefer to start their businesses in this country.
Hungary is situated in the heart of Europe, and it is the place of best thermal pools in the world. It is among the 30 most visited states on the surface of this planet. Hungary allows all nationals to obtain a Hungarian residency permit. Another benefit is that this country recognizes dual nationality and does not compel a person to renounce the previous nationality for the sake of becoming a Hungarian citizen. According to their nationality, individuals who want to live in Hungary must apply for a residence permit if their stay in the country exceeds 90 days. The Hungarian Office of Immigration and Nationality is the national authority that deals with all matters regarding settlement, residence, citizenship, and refugee asylum in Hungary.
If you are planning to get a Hungary residence permit, then a team of our Hungarian lawyers can assist you through the whole process. Furthermore, you can also rely on our lawyers if you want information regarding taxes in Hungary. It is indispensable to the locals and the foreigners to comply with the tax regulations to avoid any inconvenience. Our experienced Hungarian lawyers will provide you with comprehensive guidance in this regard.
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Residence permit types |
Permanent Residence Card |
|
Time needed to obtain temporary residence permit (approx.) |
approx. 21 days |
|
Temporary residence permit validity |
1 year |
| Documents for obtaining temporary residence |
Birth certificate; Deed of adoption; Marriage certificate; Proof of family relations to EEA citizen; Proof of financial support; Proof of health insurance; Proof of accommodation. |
| Mandatory registrations with state authorities (i.e. with the population/municipality register) |
EEA nationals must communicate their residence to the regional directorate of jurisdiction. The client must appear before the competent authority in person, in order to obtain the registration certificate. |
| Dependents can join the temporary permit holder (Yes/No) |
Yes |
| Temporary or permanent residency for investment purposes |
No |
| Minimum temporary residence before applying for permanent residence | 6 months |
| Documents for obtaining permanent residence |
Birth certificate; Deed of adoption; Marriage certificate; Proof of family relations to EEA citizen; Proof of financial support; Proof of health insurance; Proof of accommodation. |
| Naturalization requirements |
1. A valid Hungarian ID card
2. A valid Hungarian passport |
| Citizenship after permanent residence | After 8 years of residence |
How to get a Hungarian residence permit as an EU citizen?
Hungary regulates different procedures while awarding residency permits to the European Union nationals and non-European Union nationals. If you are an EU citizen, you must apply for a registration card. From 1 July 2007, EU citizens get a registration card instead of a Hungary residence permit for an unlimited time. You do not need to renew this residency card as long as you work or study in Hungary. Whereas submitting a work permit as proof of your job depends upon the bilateral agreements between Hungary and your home country. Being an EU resident, you would be obliged to provide evidence of your accommodation, employment, and funds to cover your and your family’s expenditures in Hungary. After the collection of documents, the registration card will be issued to him/her at the spur of the moment at the immigration office. After obtaining your registration card, the address card will be posted to you by the immigration office. Please keep in mind that your registration card is valid only together with your address card and passport.
You can get legal help from our lawyers in Hungary; they will assist you through every step of the whole procedure. In addition to this, if you face problems regarding debt collection in Hungary, you can get in touch with our lawyers for their legal help. Furthermore, if you encounter issues regarding debt collection in Hungary, you can get in touch with our lawyers for their legal assistance. They will amicably start your debt collection case. If this approach does not bring any positive results, our lawyers will further represent you in the court of law.
How to obtain a Hungary residence permit as a non-EU citizen?
If you are a non-EU citizen, you need to apply for a residency permit at the local immigration office before your visa expires. You will get your visa in the first year at the Consulate, with which you can travel to Hungry. However, this visa is only valid for 30 days from the date you entered the Schengen zone. Within these 30 days, you must visit the Hungarian immigration office to arrange the address registration and obtain the final Schengen residence permit. Being a non-EU citizen, you can get a Hungary residency permit at the Hungarian immigration office in the second year. This whole procedure can take up to 30 days in which you have to prove your accommodation and employment through a labor agreement, work permit or employment contract, etc.
Being a non-EU citizen, this process might be complicated so you can get help from our law firm in Hungary. As a non-EU citizen, if you want to open a company in Hungary, it is advisable to take legal assistance. Therefore, you are invited to acquire legal help from skilled lawyers located at our law firm in Hungary. They will guide you to all the company structures that you can open in Hungary. Besides assistance in this matter, our lawyers will also guide you regarding company registration and obtaining relevant licenses.
Requirements for a residency permit in Hungary
Usually, different Hungary residence permits require additional documentation, but here is a list of documents to give you a general idea:
- Passport;
- Birth certificate;
- Deed of adoption;
- Marriage certificate;
- Evidence of family ties to an EEA citizen;
- Evidence of financial support;
- Proof of health insurance;
- Proof of accommodation;
- Certificate for non-criminal background.
For getting more details about documentation, you can interact with our attorneys in Hungary for assistance. If you want to conclude a divorce in Hungary, you can interact with our lawyers. They will proceed with your case as per the provisions of the Hungarian Family Law Act. Getting a divorce in Hungary is relatively easy because the couple is not obliged to determine the exact reason for the dissolution of marriage. However, asset distribution and child custody might be tricky. So, it is recommended to take the legal services of our local lawyers.
Types of residency permits in Hungary in 2023
Citizens of the European Union and the spouses of Hungarian citizens do not need to apply for a residence visa if their stay does not surpass three months. However, if the stay in the country exceeds more than three months, a Registration Card and an Address Card are necessary. Non-EU family members of EU citizens also need a Hungary residency permit if their stay lasts longer than three months. Hungary issues different kinds of permits and licenses, and some of its residency permits are as follows:
- National residence permit;
- Residence permit for voluntary activities;
- Visas for seasonal workers;
- Residence permit for studies;
- Residence permit for family unification;
- Resident permit for official purposes;
- Resident permit for medical treatments;
- Residence permit for carrying out scientific research;
- Temporary residence permits.
Special conditions apply to third-country nationals. Our Hungarian lawyers can describe stateless people and third-country nationals as they appear in the relevant Hungarian legislation. In addition, our lawyers can offer you specific information about Hungarian family law.
However, different kinds of residence permits require other procedures. You can hire our Hungarian lawyers for their services for detailed information about a specific type of permit.
Relative’s residence permit in Hungary
Generally, the family members of Hungarian and EU citizens are granted a relative’s residence permit. This permit allows people to join their relatives and live in Hungary. As far as the third-country nationals are concerned, they are also entitled to join their family members in Hungary who have already been granted with Hungary residence permit under the family reunification visa.
Study residence permit in Hungary
As a third-country national, you can apply for a study residence permit if you are enrolled in an accredited secondary or higher education academic institution on a full-time basis. In addition to this, you can also apply for this permit if you are participating in a preparation course at an accredited higher education institution.
Business residence permit in Hungary
The temporary and permanent business residence permits are awarded to the business owners who take an active role in their company as managing partners or directors. This permit demands several requirements, but it is still considered the cheapest entry into doing business in Hungary.
Residence permit for work in Hungary
The third-country nationals can obtain a residence permit if they wish to work in Hungary based on employment relationships. In addition, those who intend to undertake work independently for pay can also apply for a work permit in Hungary.
Instead of all these residence permits, Hungary also introduced a residency bond program which is currently discontinued. You can get in touch with our lawyers if you have any ambiguities regarding the residence permits discussed above.
Application method for residence permits in Hungary in 2023
For a residence permit, you are required to apply at the branch of the National Directorate-General for Aliens Policing or do it electronically. Individuals interested in applying for a Hungary residence permit must meet the basic requirements for submitting their application. The required forms need to be completed (according to the type of residence permit), annexes must also be completed (if required), the applicant must provide additional necessary documents, and he or she must pay a processing fee. Applicants must submit the applications themselves. A national residence permit in Hungary is valid for five years, but it can also be renewed for the next 5 years if the applicant desires.
If you want to immigrate to Hungary in 2023, you are advised to seek legal counseling from our team of Hungarian lawyers. There are straightforward immigration rules for the citizens of the European Union, but the third-country nationals must apply for a visa to live in Hungary. Please keep in mind that United Kingdom (UK) nationals who want to arrive here from 2023 onwards have to comply with new regulations, considering that the UK is no longer a member state of the EU.
Can you extend your residence permit in Hungary?
Yes, the residence permit in Hungary is extendable, and the application for extension must be submitted in person at the regional directorate. The applicant is also required to attach the necessary documents and the application. Our lawyers in Hungary can provide you with an updated guide regarding essential documents. The administrative service fee for issuing a residence permit is EUR 60. The applicant can pay by way of an electronic payment instrument or in the form of a bank deposit.
After this, the regional directorate may take 21 days in the process, and then the competent immigration authorities will post the residence permit documents to the applicant.
Application for Hungary’s official national residence permit
A national permit of permanent residence in Hungary can be granted to a third-country citizen:
- Who has an interim permanent residence permit;
- Whose residence is under the interest of Hungary;
- Who legally resided in the country of Hungary for at least the previous three years before when he/she made the application;
- A dependent, direct relative within the ascending lines of a foreign national with the permanent resident, immigrant, or refugee status, who lived in the same household for a minimum of one year before the date he/she made the application;
- If you are the wife of a national from a third country who is an immigrant, permanent resident, or refugee, as long as the marriage took place within two years before the date filed, the application;
- A person who was previously a citizen of Hungary but whose membership was canceled or whose ascendant was also a former Hungarian national.
If you need further details regarding who else can apply for a national permanent residence permit in Hungary, you can rely on our knowledgeable lawyers. The lawyers at our law firm in Hungary will provide you with comprehensive details in this regard. They will also assist you in the complete relocation process if you want to immigrate to Hungary.
Our immigration lawyers can guide you in detail about the visas and other schemes that the Hungarian government is offering. After immigration to Hungary, our lawyers can further assist you to get a residence permit in Hungary. You can apply for a five-year residence permit in Hungary after entering the country on a D visa. The regional directorates of the Immigration and Asylum Office are in charge of issuing residency permits.
Review to national residence application in Hungary
The regional directorate is responsible for defining the interests of Hungary, which manifests, in particular, the viability of its academic, scientific, cultural, and sport-related interests and the rapid social integration of nationals from other countries. It is important to note that in this situation, applicants are advised to provide any information thought to help prepare the application or autobiography and give any other documentary evidence to support the details to assist the authorities in making a final decision.
When determining whether the granting of a national residence permit to the third-country citizen for establishment is in line with the interests of Hungary, the regional directorate can send an inquiry to the ministry with all the information or documents required to evaluate the situation or to a different Central government body. The entity requested will respond to the application within fifteen days. For further details regarding how residency applications are processed in Hungary, you can get in touch with our lawyers. Our skilled attorneys in Hungary can provide you with detailed assistance about residency.
Owning real estate in Hungary while applying for residence
As per legislation, a person applying must possess a residency in Hungary or prove the ownership or title to the property planned for registration as their primary residence in this country. In addition, the authority in charge must consider the status of the real estate property, the name of the applicant, and their family members reside. However, they cannot view the real estate asset of a foreign national to provide their expenses in Hungary when it is the home of the national of a third country and their dependent family members.
Validity of residence permit in Hungary
A national permanent residence document affords rights to residency in Hungary with an unlimited duration. The validity period of this document is five years which may extend upon the third country citizen’s request, which must submit in the form prescribed (PDF). The cost of the procedure is HUF 10,000 and can be paid through an electronic method of payment (bank credit card) or as a deposit to banks (using the cheque issued from the directorate of regional). The “comment” box indicates the client’s name and date of birth and the case type “National/Temporary/EC Permanent Residence in Hungary Application.”
The regional board of the National Directorate-General for Aliens Policing will extend the permit by another five years when an application for a national permanent residence in Hungary permit is made by a foreign national following Section (1) in Section 35/A of the Act on Rights of Admission and Residence for Third-Country Nationals can make it by using the standard form as prescribed by the relevant legislation at the Consulate of Hungary within the nation where the applicant’s residence or home of place is situated or in the country where the applicant’s citizenship is.
Can third-country nationals travel to the Schengen area with Hungarian residency?
A third-country citizen with a permanent national residence permit can visit the other Schengen Member States with a valid passport within the time of the validity of their residence permit and remain within a time not more than three months with no visa. However, if a third country citizen intends to stay on another Schengen member states territory for more than three months, they are not eligible for visas.
It is important to note that the rules regarding travel to the Schengen Area may vary depending on the individual’s citizenship, the purpose of the trip, and other factors. For example, some third-country nationals may require a visa to enter the Schengen Area, while others may be subject to additional restrictions or requirements.
For more details about residency in Hungary in 2023, you are welcome to interact with our lawyers. Our Hungarian lawyers provide you with all guidelines necessary for acquiring a residence in this country. Furthermore, individuals used to get residency by investing in the Hungarian Residency Bond Program. It was a fast-track investor initiative that offered candidates who used to deposit €300,000 in government bonds. After five years with no returns, the capital was fully refunded. Unfortunately, the applications for the Hungary Residency Bond Scheme are no longer being accepted. But still, if you are interested in obtaining Hungarian citizenship, our lawyers can offer you guidance about other available options.
Number of residency permits issued by Hungary
Please find below the number of residency permits that Hungary has issued:
- Between the end of 2016 and the end of 2017, most EU member states (21 states) reported an increasing number of valid residency permits issued to non-EU citizens.
- The highest rate of residency permit issuance to non-EU citizens was recorded in Hungary.
- In Hungary, the stock of residency permits granted to non-EU citizens has more than doubled (113%), followed by Slovakia 21%, Bulgaria (41%), and Malta (25%);
- In 2020, the Hungarian government issued 55,000 residence permits.
It is concluded that, nearly 60% of issued documents are for work purposes and 16% are for education. If you are interested in getting a Hungarian residence permit, you can contact our law firm in Hungary without any hesitation.
In addition to this, if you are planning to start a business in Hungary, it is vital to understand the share capital requirements first. Then, you can get legal guidance from lawyers because the need for share capital varies from company to company. So, our lawyers will guide you with the latest information on the share capital required by the Hungarian authorities to start a legal business entity in this country.