Permanent residency in Hungary – FAQ

Permanent residency in Hungary is possible.

If you are considering the idea of moving to Hungary on a permanent basis, you might have some questions. On this page, we will be discussing some of the most common concerns regarding permanent residency in Hungary.

When can expats apply for permanent residency in Hungary?

You can apply for a national permanent residence permit as a third-country national if:

• You have secure accommodation in Hungary
• Your healthcare insurance is comprehensive and you have sufficient financial resources to pay for your own healthcare services
• You already have a residency permit (on a working visa) or you have an interim permanent residence permit
• Your current work visa has allowed you to continuously live in Hungary for at least three years

You may also be able to apply for permanent residency if you are a dependent of a Hungarian citizen and have been living in the country for at least a year. If you are married to a Hungarian national, you may also apply for permanent residence, and if you have children which have Hungarian parent, they are also eligible for permanent residency.

Can I travel to other Schengen Member States if I have a permanent residency permit for Hungary?

You are allowed to travel to Schengen Member States given that you have permanent residency in Hungary, are in possession of a valid passport, and your stay is shorter than 90 days in total.

What permit or visa do I need to apply for permanent residency in Hungary?

You may apply for permanent residency in Hungary after you have been working and living in Hungary for at least three years. You will need to provide the authorities with your valid work visa in order to apply for your residency permit. You can also apply for permanent residency if you have been granted refugee status, in which case you do not need a long-term visa in order to apply.

Am I more likely to get permanent residency if a family member already has a permanent residency permit in Hungary?

An application for a national permanent residence can be done even if you haven’t continuously lived in Hungary for at least three years, but only if you are a dependent direct relative of someone who has permanent residency in Hungary. You may also be able to apply for permanent residency after two years of being married to a Hungarian national.

Can I apply for national permanent residency if I am an EEA national?

No, permanent residency is only given to third-country nationals. If you are a national from the European Economic Area, you can apply for a registration certificate and a permanent residence card after five years of continuously living in Hungary. This law is governed by Act I of 2007 on the Admission and Residence of Persons with the Right of Free Movement and Residence.

Do I need to own property in Hungary in order to apply for permanent residency?

No, you do not need to own real estate in Hungary in order to apply for permanent residency. The law states that you need to have a place to live in the country, but it does not stipulate that property has to be owned in order to apply for national residency.

How long are permanent residency permits valid in Hungary?

The national permanent residency permit does not expire. It is valid for an indefinite period of time. The document itself is valid for five years, but you can simply have it renewed before it expires.

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