Obtain Hungary Residence Permit

If you are planning to apply for and obtain a Hungarian residence permit, then our team of Hungarian lawyers can assist you through the whole process. 

What do I do if I move to Hungary as an EU citizen and want to obtain permanent residency?

After you relocate here, you must register your stay in Hungary within 3 months. You will be issued a Certificate of Residence, which is the same as a temporary residence permit. Then, you need to spend at least 5 years in the country to become a permanent resident. The same 5-year rule applies across the EU, for example in Portugal you need to spend at least 5 years as a temporary resident before obtaining permanent residency. There are also some exceptions to this rule and our partners who have an experienced team of immigration lawyers in Portugal can give you more details – Immigrate-Portugal.com.

IMPORTANT! You must also have a registered address in Hungary to obtain the residence card. Our Hungarian lawyers can offer detailed information about the formalities to complete in this sense.

What are the main ways to obtain permanent residency in Hungary if I am a non-EU national?

There are two ways to obtain a Hungarian permanent residence permit:

• the standard way: it implies moving to Hungary and living here for a minimum period of 3 years;
• the golden visa: it implies making a significant investment in a specific area, which can lead to a 10-year residence permit (not permanent residency) in a few months (the processing time of the permit).

How long does it take for the permanent residence card to be issued in Hungary in 2026?

Approximately a month from the submission of the documents.

Here is also our infographic on this topic:

What are the types of temporary residence permits available in Hungary?

• 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.

What are the documents required to obtain a temporary residence permit in Hungary?

Usually, different Hungarian 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.

How can I  obtain Hungarian residency as a businessperson?

Hungarian residence permits are also available to non-EU/EEA nationals who plan to live in the country and:

• work as independent contractors;
• start their own companies, cooperatives, or other legal entities;
• serve on the executive, representative, or supervisory board of such an organization.

For this purpose, they can apply for:

• private entrepreneurial licenses;
• small-scale agricultural producer permits.

What are my permanent residency options through the Golden Visa in Hungary?

You need to invest at least EUR 250,000 in an investment fund or donate at least EUR 1 million to a public-interest trust that maintains a university.

Are there other similar options if I want to obtain Hungarian permanent residency in a fast manner in 2026?

Yes, you can:

• open a company in Hungary;
• apply for a digital nomad visa (note: White Card time does not count towards permanent residence).

NOTE! Each option has its own requirements, such as minimum capital injections and respective income.

Here is our video guide on Hungarian residency:

Can I extend my 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.

What are the documents to prepare to obtain a permanent residence permit in Hungary?

The following:

• valid passport;
• proof of financial stability;
• proof of accommodation;
• valid health insurance;
• clean criminal record;
• certificate of social integration;
• birth certificate;
• marriage certificate (if applicable).

IMPORTANT! Foreign documents must be translated into Hungarian.

If you are interested in getting a Hungarian residence permit, you can contact our law firm in Hungary without any hesitation.