Frequently Asked Questions
EEA or Swiss Nationals
What are the immigration formalities if the duration of the Hungarian stay is not more than 90 days?
An EEA National, who stays in Hungary not more than 90 days (within any consecutive 180 days), does not need to comply with any immigration formalities. However, he/she needs to make sure that his/her travel document (passport or ID card) by which he/she crossed the Hungarian border remains valid throughout his/her entire stay in Hungary.
Registration certificate – When is it necessary?
EEA nationals have a registration obligation at the regional directorate of the Immigration Office (official name: National Directorate-General for Aliens Policing) by reference to their future residence. This registration has to be completed on the ninety-third day from the date of the Hungarian entry at the latest. As a result of this process, the Immigration Office issues an EEA Registration Certificate and a Hungarian address card.
Registration certificate – How long does it take to obtain?
The Immigration Office (official name: National Directorate-General for Aliens Policing) issues the registration certificate on the spot if all the required documents are verified.
Registration certificate – How can I receive the Hungarian address card?
The Hungarian address card is posted to the registered Hungarian address within circa 3 weeks from the date of the issuance of the EEA registration certificate.
Third-country Nationals
Which Hungarian residence permit is the most suitable for me?
There is a great variety of residence permits. The most appropriate or convenient one depends on many factors, e.g., your family members, your qualification, the nature of your work, the framework of your employment, etc. We would be gald to help determine the appropriate residence permit for you, free of charge. Reach us out via our availabilities if we can provide you with our assistance with this regard.
When do I need a Hungarian residence permit?
Third-country National has to obtain a residence permit if he/she expects to stay in Hungary more than 90 days within any consecutive 180 days. However, in some cases (e.g., a Family Member of an EEA Citizen) other type(s) of immigration document(s) (a Residence Card) has to be obtained.
When can I apply for a Residence card?
An application for residence card has to be submitted within ninety-three days if staying in Hungary more than 90 days within a 180-day period of time. The Residence Card has to be applied for in Hungary, therefore, generally, this Third-country National has to obtain a C-type Schengen visa before entering Hungary to file the application. Exemptiosn from the C-type Schengen visa obtainment is applied e.g., if the Third-country National has a visa-free citizenship or he/she has a valid residence permit issued by any Schengen country.
What if my residence permit application is rejected?
If your residence permit application is rejected, the National Directorate-General for Aliens Policing will inform you about the background of its decision. You can appeal against the negative decision of the authorithy.
Do I have to speak in Hungarian?
To get a Hungarian residence permit, it is not required. You can get Hungarian residency without the language knowledge.
How long does the residence permit application process take?
All cases are different. Nonetheless, the total application process to get a Hungarian residence permit (collecting the necessary documentation till the end of the Immigration Office’s decision-making process) is about 4-5 months.
How can I work in Hungary?
For working purpose, there is a great variety of residence permits. The right or most convenient one depends on many factors, e.g. nature of the work, framework of the employment, qualification, salary amount, job position, duration of employment, etc. We help you find out which residence permit is appropriate for you and we help you through the whole immigration process.
What is the local currency in Hungary?
The local currency of Hungary is the Hungarian forint (HUF).
Can I visit other Schengen countries with a Hungarian residence permit?
You can stay in another Schengen country up to 90 days within any consecutive 180 days without obtaining a C-type Schengen visa (your passport and the issued residence permit is required when staying in this other Schengen country).
Can I travel to the UK with a Hungarian residence permit?
No, you cannot, since the UK is not part of the Schengen area. A valid UK visa will be necessary for the border crossing.
Is there an immigration deregistration process in Hungary?
Yes. A Third-country National has to fulfill a deregistratioin process if his/her residence permit becomes invalid. As part of this process, the residence permit has to be handed over to the competent directorate of the Immigration Office.
How much does the residence permit application cost?
EUR 60 in case of new residence permit application at one of the Consulate of Hungary. (At some Consulates, this amount has to be paid in local currency, or in USD.) HUF 18 000, in case of a new residence permit application at the Immigration Office in Hungary. HUF 10 000, in case of a residence permit extension at the Immigration Office in Hungary.
When do I need a C-type Schengen visa?
By having a C-type schengen visa, a maximum of 90-day stay is allowed in the Schengen area (counted within a 180-day period). A C-type Schengen visa might have to be obtained for you before you enter Hungary, depending on your citizenship. Annex 1 of "Regulation (EU) 2018/1806 of the European Parliament and of the Council" lists those countries whose citizens are required to obtain C-type Schengen visa before entering the Schengen area (including Hungary) for not more than 90 days.
Can I work during my university studies?
Yes, you can. Third-country nationals holding a residence permit for the purpose of studies may engage in any full-time occupational activity during their term-time for a maximum of twenty-four hours weekly, and outside their term-time for a maximum period of ninety days or sixty-six working days in a year. In addition, you can work as a private entrepreneur in Hungary in parallel with your studies. In order to be a Private Entrepreneur, separate registration has to be made at the Government Office (i.e. this is not related to the Immigration Office) after ther residence permit is applied.
Are there any college towns in Hungary?
There are important college towns in Hungary besides Budapest. You can find several study programmes in Szeged, Debrecen, Veszprém and Pécs as well.
