Hungarian Immigration Permits & Visas
Hungary offers a standard array of immigration permits for those seeking to live, work, study, do business, or receive medical treatment in the country. Importantly, many of these permits also grant entry into the EU and the Schengen Area.
Not sure which permit applies to you? We can help. Browse the options below or contact us for a personalised assessment.
Relatives Permit Options for Hungary
There are three permit types for relatives joining or accompanying a family member in Hungary:
- Family member of a Hungarian citizen (relatives residence permit)
- Family member of an EU citizen (relative’s residence permit)
- Family reunification of third country nationals (including accompanying spouses and/or children)
Children, grandchildren, spouses, parents/guardians, grandparents, dependants, and life partners all fall under one of the following options.
Family Member of a Hungarian Citizen (Relatives Residence Permit)
What is this permit used for?
For family members of Hungarian citizens who wish to live in Hungary, accompanying or joining the Hungarian citizen.
Who qualifies?
- Spouse
- Descendant (child, in some instances grandchild) of a Hungarian citizen or their spouse (under age 21 if not personally dependent; if a dependent descendant, age is irrelevant)
- Ascendant (parent, grandparent) of a Hungarian citizen or their spouse
- Persons granted custody over a Hungarian citizen minor (under 18)
- Third country national registered life partner of a Hungarian citizen (life partnership registered before a Hungarian authority or another EU country’s authority)
- Third country citizen who has co-habited with a Hungarian citizen in the same household for over one calendar year (proof of cohabitation required)
- Persons personally and financially dependent on a Hungarian citizen, or being cared for by a Hungarian citizen due to severe health reasons in the same household
Requirements:
- Sufficient funds for duration of stay (own work activity, bank account balance, income from abroad, or sponsorship from the Hungarian citizen family member)
- Sufficient accommodation (rental agreement, owner statement, or proof of property ownership in Hungary)
- Appropriate all-around health insurance coverage
This permit allows: Gainful employment in Hungary; unrestricted entry and longer-term stay (up to 90 days within any 180-day period in other Schengen countries, note: working in those countries is not permitted)
This permit does not allow: Working in other Schengen countries
Family Member of an EU Citizen (Relative's Residence Permit)
What is this permit used for?
For family members of European Union citizens who wish to live in Hungary, accompanying or joining the EU citizen.
Who qualifies?
- Spouse
- Descendant of an EU citizen or their spouse (under age 21 if not personally dependent; if a direct descendant, age is irrelevant)
- Ascendant (parent, grandparent) of an EU citizen or their spouse
- Persons granted custody over a minor EU citizen (under 18)
- Third country national registered life partner of an EU citizen
- Third country citizen who has co-habited with an EU citizen in the same household for over one calendar year
- Persons personally and financially dependent on an EU citizen, or being cared for due to severe health reasons
Requirements:
- Sufficient funds (own work activity, bank balance, income from abroad, or sponsorship)
- Sufficient accommodation (rental agreement, owner statement, or proof of property ownership)
- Appropriate all-around health insurance coverage
This permit allows: Gainful employment in Hungary; unrestricted entry and longer-term stay (up to 90 days in other Schengen countries, not permitted to work there)
This permit does not allow: Working in other Schengen countries
Family Reunification of Third Country Nationals (Including Accompanying Spouses and/or Children)
What is this permit used for?
This permit allows someone to bring family members with them when immigrating to Hungary. For example, a person with a valid Hungarian work permit can bring their direct family. Note: grandparents are not included, this covers spouses and children only.
Who qualifies?
- Third country (non-EU) nationals joining or accompanying other third country nationals who have already been granted residence in Hungary (residence or settlement permit)
- Spouse
- Dependent minor descendant (including adopted and stepchildren, and minor children of the spouse over whom the spouse has custody)
Note: There are no ascendants (parents/grandparents) in this application.
Requirements:
- Sufficient funds (own work activity, EEA citizen’s income, bank balance, or income from abroad/sponsorship)
- Sufficient accommodation (rental agreement, owner statement, or proof of property ownership)
- Appropriate all-around health insurance coverage
This permit allows: Gainful employment in Hungary; unrestricted entry and longer-term stay (up to 90 days in other Schengen countries, not permitted to work there)
This permit does not allow: Working in other Schengen countries
Work Permit for Hungary
What is the work permit used for?
- Non-EU citizens who wish to work in Hungary under an employment relationship
- Those who wish to perform work individually for compensation (independent contractor, consultant, private entrepreneur)
The work permit is issued for a specific employment relationship with a specific employer. A new job means a new application.
Requirements:
You must provide:
- An employment contract or preliminary agreement with your future employer (or, for individually performed work: agency agreement, consultancy contract, private entrepreneur permit, etc.)
- The application can be submitted at a Hungarian embassy in your country of citizenship, or while already in Hungary at the competent regional directorate of the immigration authority
You must also demonstrate:
- Sufficient funds (bank account balance or income from abroad)
- Sufficient accommodation (rental agreement, owner statement, or proof of property ownership in Hungary)
- Appropriate all-around health insurance coverage
This permit allows: Gainful employment in Hungary; unrestricted entry and longer-term stay (up to 90 days in other Schengen countries, not permitted to work there)
This permit does not allow: Working in other Schengen countries
Business Permit for Hungary
What is the business permit?
Hungary offers temporary and permanent residence permits to business owners who take an active role in their company as directors or managing partners. This is considered one of the most accessible routes to EU business immigration, with low capital requirements, affordable living costs, and a business-friendly 9% corporate tax rate.
To qualify, you need to:
- Establish a Hungarian company
- Prepare an appropriate business plan
- Ensure all requirements for the company’s successful operation are met
One director per company can obtain residency without a separate work permit, provided they have an active role in running the company and the required qualifications or experience. Other directors will need a work permit, or the company may employ three Hungarian employees for every one director.
Once a business permit is issued, spouses and children may apply for family reunification. This program is open to all nationalities.
Our full-service visa package may include:
- Company setup and registration, bank account opening, Tax ID acquisition
- Registered office service (virtual office) and mail forwarding
- Business plan assistance (if required for the Immigration Office)
- Health insurance assistance and residential address support
- Legal assistance and representation throughout the immigration process
We can also assist additional directors and family members (spouses, etc.) with visa processing via family reunification.
Study Permit for Hungary
Who is this permit for?
- Third country nationals who wish to reside in Hungary to study at an accredited secondary or higher education institution on a full-time basis
- Those participating in a preparation course at an accredited higher education institution
Note: If the permit is issued for a preparatory course, it can only be extended if the person gains acceptance to a higher education institution.
Requirements:
- Proof of study purpose: acceptance certificate from the academic institution, or another credible form of evidence
- Proof of language proficiency (in the language of instruction, not necessarily Hungarian): language exam documentation or an affidavit of completed prior studies in that language
- Sufficient funds: scholarship certificate, bank account balance, regular transfers from family abroad (family relationship may also need verification)
- Appropriate all-around health insurance coverage
- Sufficient accommodation in Hungary (rental agreement, owner statement, or proof of property ownership)
What you can do with this permit:
You may work part-time while studying (up to 24 hours per week during the academic year; potentially more hours during school breaks), no separate work permit is needed for this.
The EU Blue Card, EU Residence Card (Based on Advanced Skills)
What is the EU Blue Card?
The EU Blue Card is a permit entitling its holder, who has already obtained an advanced skills work permit in Hungary, to reside in any EU member state. It is valid for between 1 and 4 years and represents a significantly more permanent upgrade to the standard advanced skills work permit.
Do I qualify?
You must have already been granted an advanced skills work permit and have been working in Hungary for at least 18 months.
How the process works:
- Enter Hungary and, within 6 months, establish an employment relationship with an employer and obtain the advanced skills work permit
- Work in Hungary for 18 months on that permit
- Apply for the EU Blue Card
Applications must be done in person; we can accompany and assist throughout.
Permanent Residence in Hungary
Anyone can obtain permanent residence in Hungary (and thereby the EU) if they have a reason to stay and are integrated into Hungarian society. Permanent residence requires actually living in the country with a registered address.
For non-EU citizens, the process:
Year 1: Obtain a visa at the Consulate (valid for 30 days from entry into the Schengen area). During this period, visit the Hungarian Immigration Office in person to receive the Schengen Residence Permit and arrange Address Registration.
Year 2 onwards: Obtain a residence permit at the Hungarian Immigration Office. You must demonstrate employment (work permit and employment contract) and accommodation (rental agreement).
Permanent residency can be obtained by those who:
- Have been residing continuously in Hungary for at least 3 years, and
- Have not been absent for more than 90 days per year, and are currently residing in Hungary
After just 1 year, permanent residency is available to:
- People of Hungarian origin or those who have or had Hungarian relatives
- People married to a Hungarian citizen or to a foreigner holding a Hungarian immigration card (married for at least 24 months)
This permit allows: Gainful employment in Hungary; unrestricted entry and longer-term stay
This permit does not allow: Working in other Schengen countries
Medical Treatment Permit for Hungary
What is this permit used for?
Third country nationals may receive a residence permit for medical treatment if they wish to stay in Hungary to receive treatment, or are accompanying an underage child or family member who is unable to care for themselves.
Requirements:
To prove the purpose of residence:
- An official document about the medical treatment issued by the providing medical institution
- In case of an accompanying family member: a certificate of family relationship
You must also demonstrate:
- Sufficient funds (own income, bank account balance, income from abroad, or sponsorship)
- Sufficient accommodation in Hungary
Schengen access: Permit holders may enter and stay in Schengen member states without a visa for up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
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