Hungary residence permit: all ways to obtain

Types of residence permit in Hungary: overview of the main methods of obtaining

In Hungary, several types of residence permits are available, each tailored to the different circumstances and goals of the individuals applying. Since 2024, investors have obtained the opportunity to obtain Hungarian residency by purchasing real estate fund units, buying property, or making a charitable donation.

Here is an overview of Hungary’s main types of temporary residence permits and their duration periods.

1. Hungary Golden Visa is a residence permit accessible to third-country nationals and foreign relatives of Hungarian citizens. Investors can obtain a residence permit valid for 10 years with a minimum investment of €250,000.

2. White Card is a special residence permit for digital nomads working remotely for a non-Hungarian company and foreign business owners who run their firms remotely. It is granted for a year and can be extended once for the same period.

3. EU Blue Card is designed for highly qualified non-EU nationals with a job offer in Hungary and a salary significantly higher than the national average. It is valid for up to four years and renewable as long as the conditions are met.

4. Residence permit for opening a company is a pathway for entrepreneurs and investors. This option allows one to reside in Hungary based on their business activities.

5. National Card is granted to a Serbian or Ukrainian citizen who performs work for the supervision of others under employment relationships, including employment through a temporary work agency.

6. Hungarian Card is granted to non-EU nationals who are professional sportspersons, coaches, performers, or employees of a film production company registered by the competent authority for cinematography and by the Act on Motion Pictures.

7. Family reunification residence permit is created for family members of Hungarian citizens or non-EU nationals with valid Hungarian residences. Spouses, minor children, and dependent family members of citizens or residents are applicable for this type of permit. Its validity usually aligns with the sponsor’s residence duration and is renewable under the same conditions.

8. Student residence permit is intended for non-EU/EEA nationals accepted into a registered educational institution in Hungary. It covers the duration of the study program and can be extended if the studies continue.

9. Researcher residence permit is available to researchers holding a hosting agreement with a certified research institution in Hungary. It is valid for employment for a period not exceeding six months in a year.

10. Residence permit for starting a business after research or studies may be granted to a holder of a valid residence permit for research or studies. The applicant must prove that they completed research or study and that the position they wish to fill or the business they want to start matches the level of the completed studies.

11. Seasonal worker’s residence permit is intended for individuals who are employed in seasonal work in agricultural, tourism, or other seasonal sectors. Valid for the period of employment, not exceeding six months in a year.

12. Residence permit for training is granted to a third-country national who is participating in a scholarship-based training course in Hungary provided by the Government or the Ministry.

13. Residence permit according to the working holiday scheme bilateral agreements, which allow citizens of 8 countries to obtain temporary residence in Hungary.

14. Residence permit for voluntary activities is granted to perform public interest voluntary activities based on a contract concluded with a host organisation defined by Act LXXXVIII of 2005 on public interest voluntary activities, or for performing voluntary activity within the framework of the European Voluntary Service.

15. Residence permit for medical treatment may be issued to non-EU nationals who want to stay in Hungary to receive medical treatment or accompany their minor child or other family member.

16. Residence permit for official purposes may be granted to a non-EU national who wishes to stay in Hungary and enjoy diplomatic or other privileges and immunities under international law, or as a member of the official delegation from another state.

Hungary residence permit requirements include documents providing proof of purpose, such as an employment contract or enrolment confirmation, accommodation, financial resources, and health insurance.

Some residence permit types can only be granted to a third-country national, not a European Economic Area (EEA) member. Switzerland is not a member of the EEA but has the same legal status with regard to the free movement of persons under its treaty with the European Community and its Member States.

Members of the European Economic Area

Austria	Netherlands	Italy
Belgium	Croatia	Portugal
Bulgaria	Ireland	Romania
Republic of Cyprus	Poland	Spain
Czech Republic	Latvia	Sweden
Denmark	Lithuania	Slovakia
Estonia	Luxembourg	Slovenia
Finland	Hungary	Iceland
France	Malta	Lichtenstein
Greece	Germany	Norway

7 benefits of living in Hungary with a residence permit

Living in Hungary with a residence permit offers several benefits that can significantly enhance the quality of life and provide numerous opportunities for residents. Here are seven notable benefits.

1. EU Schengen Area access. With a Hungarian residence permit, you can travel visa-free within the Schengen Area, which includes most European countries, for up to 90 days within 180 days.

2. Pathway to citizenship. After a period of continuous and lawful residence, residents may apply for permanent residency and eventually citizenship, which offers additional benefits, including the right to vote and a passport providing visa-free travel to over 170 countries.

3. Affordable cost of living. Compared to many Western European countries, Hungary offers a more affordable cost of living, including lower costs for housing, utilities, and everyday expenses. This makes it an attractive destination for expatriates and retirees.

4. Vibrant cultural and historical heritage. Hungary boasts a rich cultural heritage, with numerous historical sites, museums, and cultural events. Cities like Budapest are renowned for their architecture, music, and art scenes, providing residents with a fulfilling cultural life.

5. Strategic location in Europe. Situated in the heart of Europe, Hungary offers excellent connectivity to other European countries, making it a great base for travelling and business. Its central location provides easy access to other parts of Europe, both East and West.

6. Investment-friendly climate. The country has a favourable investment climate, with various incentives for foreign investors and entrepreneurs. This includes favourable tax conditions, a skilled workforce, and relatively lower operational costs.

7. Safety and stability. Hungary is known for its safety and political stability, which makes it a secure place to live. The crime rates are relatively low, and the political environment is stable, offering peace of mind for residents.

Hungary Golden Visa Program — residence permit for guest investors

A residence permit for investors may be granted to a third-country national whose entry and stay in Hungary is in the national economic interest due to their investments realised in Hungary.

The following investments shall be considered in the national economic interest:

1. Purchase of real estate fund units — €250,000+. Real estate funds that issue investment certificates must be registered with the Hungarian National Bank.
2. Charitable donation to an institute of higher learning — €1,000,000+. Public interest trust foundations performing public tasks must maintain the educational organisation.

Submitting the application is conditional on your legal residence in Hungary with a guest investor visa or, if you are allowed to enter Hungary visa-free, on a visa-free basis.

The application must be submitted within 93 days from the date of entry with a guest investor visa or, in the case of a visa exemption, from the date of the first legal entry into Hungary.

Hungary residence permit for work, including digital nomads

National Card is granted through an agreement between Hungary, Serbia, and Ukraine. The first national temporary residence permit is free of charge.

To obtain a national permanent residence permit, an applicant’s purpose of staying in Hungary may be one of the following:

• preservation and maintenance of the Hungarian language;
• preservation of Hungarian culture and national identity;
• training and education within educational institutions or courses that are not accredited institutions of secondary or higher education;
• strengthening family ties, other than family reunification. 

A residence permit is valid for five years and can be extended for another five years.

White Card is granted to a third-country national under one of two grounds:

1. Applicants have a verified employment relationship in a third country and work from Hungary using an advanced digital technology solution.
2. Applicants own a share in a company with a verified profit in a third country and perform their work or manage a company from Hungary using an advanced digital technology solution.

Applicants must demonstrate a stable minimum income of around €3,000 per month.

A residence permit for opening a company. Applicants must establish a legal entity in Hungary. The most common types of companies for foreign investors are:

• Kft, Korlátolt Felelősségű Társaság — a limited liability company, which is the most popular form of business.
• Zrt, Zártkörűen működő Részvénytársaság — a non-public joint stock company.
• Nyrt, Nyilvánosan működő Részvénytársaság — a public joint stock company.

Capital requirements:

• Kft: HUF 3,000,000 (€7,700);
• Zrt: HUF 5,000,000 (€12,700).

The residence permit is valid for one year, with the right to be extended once for two years. Spouses, children, and parents can obtain a Hungary residence permit during the extension process.

EU Blue Card permits its holder to reside within the EU while undertaking employment in a position requiring to be filled by:

• worker of higher professional qualifications, and has higher professional qualifications required to perform their job, or has professional experience for the specified period; 
• a worker who has an EU Blue Card issued by a Member State and has already legally resided in that Member State for at least 12 months or has lived for 6 months in a second Member State.

Hungarian Card is issued for an owner or managing director of a company, association or other legal entity established for gainful activities, performing actual work in addition to the activities falling within the scope of this activity.

The Hungarian Card may also be issued to third-country nationals with higher professional qualifications employed in Hungary on the agreement between an employer established in a third country and a domestic employer to fulfil a contract.

Additionally to the above requirements are fulfilled, foreigners may be granted a Hungarian Card if they:

• have a professional qualification specified in the Decree by the minister responsible for higher education,
• are a professional sportsperson or a professional coach,
• are a performer, 
• work for a film production company registered by the competent authority for cinematography.

According to the bilateral working holiday agreement, a residence permit allows foreigners to stay in Hungary for up to one year and take up short-term employment for no more than six months. A list of agreements on the Working Holiday Scheme for tourists includes:

New Zealand,
Korea,
Taiwan,
Australia,
Japan,
Chile,
Argentina,
Hong Kong.

Seasonal worker’s residence permit may be granted to a guest who wishes to do seasonal work.

The document’s validity period is a maximum of 6 months, which can be extended for the same period within 12 months.

Applicants must provide documents as proof of their purpose of residence: an agreement on establishing an employment relationship or a document proving the legal relationship of employment.

A residence permit for seasonal employment cannot be issued for a period exceeding 6 months within 12 months, and it cannot be extended after 6 months.

Hungary residence permit for study, training and research

Residence permit for students is issued to a non-EU citizen who study at:

• a public education institution registered in the public education information system as operating a full-time school system;
• a state-recognised higher education institution or a foreign higher education institution authorised to operate in Hungary.

The student proves his purpose of residence with the admission certificate or student status certificate issued by the educational institution and with proof of payment, if applicable.

A residence permit for training may be granted to individuals participating in a scholarship-based training course in Hungary provided by the Government or the Ministry.

A residence permit for training may not be granted to a person who fulfils the conditions for a residence permit for studies.

This permit cannot be extended for the same purpose. If the applicant meets the conditions, the holder can stay in Hungary by requesting a permit for studies.

A researcher’s residence permit may be issued to individuals under two conditions:

• seeking admission to Hungary to carry out a research project under a hosting agreement with an accredited research organisation.
• if the research organisation provides a written commitment to cover the costs of expulsion if the researcher stays in Hungary beyond the authorised period without sufficient financial means.

The validity period of the residence permit for research is 1—2 years, and it may be extended for the same purpose for a maximum of 2 years.

If the hosting agreement’s validity period is shorter, the validity period adjusts to the length of the hosting agreement.

Residence permit for starting a business after research or studies may be granted to an applicant who:

• holds a valid residence permit for research and can prove that they have completed the study and that the position they wish to fill or the business to start matches the level of the research;
• holds a valid residence permit for study and can prove that they have completed their studies and that the position they wish to fill or the business they want to start matches the level of completed studies.

If an applicant has a valid residence permit to seek a job or start a business, he may submit an application in Hungary for a Hungarian Card, EU Blue Card, or residence permit for guest self-employment during the validity period of the residence permit.

Hungary residence permit for other categories

Family reunification residence permit. A residence permit for family reunification is issued to family members of a third-country national family legally residing in Hungary or a Hungarian citizen.

Definition of a family member:

• a spouse or a registered partner;
• a minor child, including adopted and foster children;
• a guardian of a minor child.

A residence permit for medical treatment may be issued to an individual who plans to stay in Hungary for medical treatment or accompanying a minor child or any family member in need of support.

Medical treatment, as the purpose of stay, may be verified by the following documents:

• formal statement from the host medical facility on the medical treatment provided;
• for accompanying family members, an official document proving the family relationship between the family member and the person accompanied.

A residence permit for official purposes may be granted to an individual who intends to reside in the territory of Hungary:

• as a person enjoying diplomatic or other privileges and immunities under international law or as a member of their family;
• as a member of an official delegation of a foreign state, public body or an international organisation;
• as a press correspondent;
• for study, educational, scientific, training or training purposes within the framework of an international treaty or international cultural, educational, scientific cooperation or governmental international aid programme;
• as a member of the staff of a scientific, educational or cultural institution operating in Hungary under an international treaty or as a person visiting the country to participate in the activity of such an institution.

A residence permit for voluntary activities is granted for voluntary activities for individuals:

• who want to stay in Hungary to perform public interest voluntary activities based on a voluntary contract concluded with a host organisation defined by Act LXXXVIII of 2005 on public interest voluntary activities;
• perform voluntary activity in the framework of the European Voluntary Service.

A host organisation include a local or minority self-government, budgetary entity, civil or non-profit organisation, ecclesiastical legal person or religious association, social, child welfare, child protection service provider, institution or network, health service provider, public education institution, vocational training institution, higher education institution, museum institution, library, public and private archive, public cultural institution.

Obtaining process 

Applications outside of Hungary are applicable when foreigners do not hold a residence permit, and the visa-exempt travel regime does not cover their entry into Hungary. Applicants submit documents to the Hungarian consulate in the country of their nationality or habitual place of residence.

Application submission in Hungary is available for a third-country national with citizenship that allows visa-free entry to Hungary.

Application submission in Hungary is available:

• by electronic means via the platform of Enter Hungary; 
• at the competent regional directorate of the National Directorate-General for Aliens Policing in person.

Requirements and documents to obtain a residence permit in Hungary

Personal identification:

1. Valid national and foreign passports.
2. A completed application form.
3. Two recent photos were taken within three months before the application.
4. Medical insurance with worldwide coverage or valid within the EU, with a minimum coverage of €30,000.
5. Receipt proving the purchase of the insurance plan.
6. Proof of a permanent residential address in Hungary.
7. Evidence that the necessary documents have been uploaded online via the Enter Hungary website.

Proof of departure readiness:

1. A declaration stating the applicant is prepared to leave the country if the residence permit is refused.
2. A return ticket or proof of sufficient funds to purchase one.

Sufficient financial means must be demonstrated through the following documents:

1. Bank statements from all bank accounts for the last four months.
2. Income proof: certificate from an employer or tax authority proving stable income for the last six months.
3. Scholarship grant: certificate of scholarship payments.
4. Pension payments: certificate of pension payments.
5. If a family member sponsors the applicant’s residence in Hungary, they must confirm their financial status and provide proof of family ties.

Depending on the type of residence permit, additional documents may be required, such as:

1. Employment: work contract with a Hungarian employer.
2. Self-employment or entrepreneurship: certificate of registration as a self-employed person or entrepreneur.
3. Personal status: birth or marriage certificate.
4. Education: Diploma of higher education.
5. Academic enrollment: contract with an institution of higher education.

Hungarian permanent residence and citizenship

Obtaining permanent residency. Residing in Hungary for three or five years can lead to a national Hungarian permit or an EU long-term residence permit.

National permanent residence status is issued if the applicant has lived in Hungary with a residence permit for at least three years and has not lived outside of Hungary for more than four consecutive months.

An EU long-term residence permit is issued if the applicant has lived in Hungary with a residence permit for at least five years and has not lived outside of Hungary for more than six consecutive months.

An application for Hungarian citizenship is submitted after 11 years of living in Hungary, with at least eight of those years spent as a permanent resident. The applicant must stay in the country for up to 45 days a year during these years.

The countdown of 8 years of residence in Hungary and for naturalisation begins from the moment of registration of a permanent address of residence in Hungary. A permanent residence address is only possible for persons with national permanent residence or EU long-term residence.

Key points about residency in Hungary

1. Non-EU/EEA nationals must secure a residence permit for stays exceeding 90 days. 
2. The application process, managed by Hungary’s regional directorates, generally takes around 30 days but can be expedited to 15 days for students. 
3. Several residence permits are tailored to different purposes such as temporary stays for employment or study, national residence for long-term settlers, and permanent residence for those integrating into Hungarian society over five years. 
4. Hungary offers a Golden Visa for investors, with investment options in real estate or charitable contributions leading to long-term residency. 
5. Hungary temporary residence permits provide various benefits, such as access to the Schengen Area, a pathway to citizenship, and an affordable cost of living.