Kossuth Lajos utca 7-9, Budapest, Hungary, 1053
3 July, 2026
Reading Time: 18 min

Hungary Visas in 2026: Types, Requirements and Residence Options

James Carter — author of the article

Hungary issues short-term and long-term visas to foreigners for various purposes. Short-term Schengen visas are mainly used for tourism, but they can also be granted for business trips, family visits, or medical treatment.

Long-term visas usually serve as a bridge to a residence permit for work, study, family reunification, or investment. In each case, the applicant must prepare a specific set of documents to prove the purpose of stay.

Learn more about the ways to obtain a visa or residence permit in Hungary.

Visa to Hungary

What are the visa and residence permit options in Hungary?

Hungary offers several visa and residence permit options for foreigners. The right choice depends on the purpose of stay.

The Schengen C visa is suitable for short visits. It allows foreigners to stay in Hungary and other Schengen countries for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. 

Such a visa is used for tourism, business trips, family visits, medical treatment, or cultural events. It does not allow long-term residence or employment in Hungary[1].

The National D visa is intended for stays longer than 90 days. In many cases, it works as an entry document: the applicant arrives in Hungary and then applies for a residence permit for a specific purpose, such as employment, study, family, investment, or research[2].

Residence permits are issued for 1 to 5 years, depending on the purpose of stay. They allow foreigners to live in Hungary long-term and travel visa-free within the Schengen Area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. 

The main Hungarian residence permit types include:

  • employment;
  • business activity;
  • studies;
  • family reunification;
  • medical treatment;
  • research
  • digital nomad work;
  • investment. 

The Hungary Golden Visa, officially known as the Guest Investor Residence Permit, stands out because it is valid for up to 10 years. It allows non-EU citizens to obtain residence in Hungary by investing at least €250,000 in eligible assets, such as an approved real estate fund.

The main legal framework includes Act XC of 2023, which regulates the entry and residence of non-EU citizens in Hungary[3]. Short-stay Schengen visas are also governed by EU visa rules, including the Schengen Visa Code[4].

Quick comparison of Hungarian visas and residence permits

AuthorisationDurationPrimary purposeNext step
Schengen C visaUp to 90 days in any 180 daysTourism, business, family visit, transitNone required
National D visa1 month, or 6 months for a Guest Investor permitEmployment, study, investment, family, researchApply for a residence permit in Hungary
Residence permit1—10 yearsEmployment, investment, remote work, family, studyRenewal or change of status

Who can enter Hungary without a visa?

Visa-free entry to Hungary depends on nationality, purpose of visit, and length of stay. For most travellers, the key rule is simple: short stays are allowed for up to 90 days within any 180-day period.

EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens

EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens can enter Hungary with a valid passport or national identity card. They may stay in Hungary for up to 90 days without a residence permit. For longer stays, they need to register their address with the Hungarian immigration authority.

Visa-free nationals

Visa-free nationals are citizens of countries listed in Annex II of Regulation (EU) 2018/1806. This group includes citizens of the US, the UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and other countries on the EU visa-free list[5]. They can enter Hungary without a Schengen visa and stay there and in other Schengen countries for up to 90 days within any 180-day period.

At the border, foreigners must present:

  • passport valid for at least 3 months beyond their intended stay in Hungary, with at least two blank pages;
  • proof of onward travel, sufficient funds, and accommodation. 

While travel insurance is not explicitly required, it is recommended, as is a letter stating the purpose of the visit.

Holders of valid Schengen visas or residence permits

Holders of valid Schengen visas or residence permits issued by another Schengen country can also enter Hungary for short stays, as long as they follow the 90-in-180-day rule.

When crossing the border, such travellers must also have a valid passport issued within the last 10 years and valid for at least 3 months beyond the intended stay in Hungary.

Travellers who are not covered by visa-free rules must apply for a Schengen C visa before travelling to Hungary.

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What is the Hungary Schengen visa: key rules

The Schengen C visa is a short-stay authorisation that permits entry into Hungary and free movement across the Schengen Area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. It is required for any non-EU national whose nationality is listed in Annex I of Regulation (EU) 2018/1806 and who wishes to visit Hungary for any purpose, however brief[6]. 

The Hungarian tourist visa, business visit visa, and other short-stay categories all fall under this Schengen framework.

Types of Schengen visa

Hungary issues six categories of Schengen short-stay visas, each corresponding to a specific visit purpose. A key supporting document is required in addition to the standard set[7].

1. Tourist visa — for leisure, sightseeing, or short vacations. Key document: hotel booking or accommodation proof and a travel itinerary.

2. Business visa — for attending meetings, conferences, trade fairs, or training sessions. Key document: invitation letter from the Hungarian business or event organiser.

3. Visitor visa — for visiting family or friends residing in Hungary. Key document: an invitation from a Hungarian resident or citizen proving the relationship.

4. Cultural, artistic, or sports visa — for participation in cultural, artistic, or sporting events held in Hungary. Key document: event invitation, registration confirmation, or a match or concert ticket with details of the organiser.

5. Medical treatment visa — for short-term treatment at a Hungarian medical facility. Key document: appointment confirmation or treatment plan from a Hungarian medical institution, plus a medical report from the applicant’s home country.

6. Airport transit visa — for travellers transiting through a Hungarian international airport en route to a non-Schengen destination, without entering Hungarian territory. Key document: proof of onward travel and a valid entry permit for the final destination.

Documents required for a Schengen visa to Hungary

Applicants must submit the following standard documents at the point of application. The Hungary visa requirements listed here apply across all Schengen states:

  • valid passport with at least two blank pages, issued within the previous 10 years, and valid for at least 3 months beyond the intended stay;
  • completed and signed visa application form, in Hungarian or English;
  • two recent passport-size photographs;
  • travel insurance with minimum medical coverage of €30,000, valid across the entire Schengen Area;
  • round-trip flight reservations;
  • proof of accommodation for the duration of the stay;
  • proof of sufficient financial means;
  • purpose-specific documents as required by the visit category.

Applications must be submitted in person at a Hungarian embassy, consulate, or an authorised visa application centre. In countries where Hungary has no diplomatic mission, applications may be lodged at the consulate of a Schengen member state that represents Hungary.

Schengen visa fees for Hungary

Fee levels are set at the EU level and apply across all Schengen states. The current fee schedule has been in effect since June 11th, 2024:

  1. Adults — €90.
  2. Children aged 6 to 12 — €45.
  3. Children under 6 — free.

Countries covered by EU visa-facilitation agreements — including Georgia, Moldova, and the Western Balkans states — benefit from the reduced €35 rate[8].

Where and how to submit a Schengen visa application

Applications for a Hungarian Schengen visa should be lodged no earlier than 6 months before the planned travel date and no later than 15 days before departure. 

The Hungary visa application is submitted through the competent Hungarian diplomatic or consular mission, or the external service provider designated by that mission. In countries where Hungary has no representation, the applicant contacts a Schengen state that represents Hungary for their country of residence.

long tourist visa
Hungary Schengen visa application forms are to be completed in the Hungarian or English language

Common reasons for refusal

Consulates may refuse a Schengen visa application for a variety of reasons. The most common grounds for refusal are:

  • insufficient travel insurance — the policy must cover at least €30,000 and be valid for the entire Schengen Area throughout the stay;
  • inadequate proof of financial means — bank statements must demonstrate sufficient funds for the duration of the trip;
  • unclear or incomplete itinerary — missing accommodation bookings or return flight confirmations raise doubts about the visit’s purpose;
  • weak purpose-of-visit documentation — an invitation letter or event confirmation that lacks verifiable details of the host organisation;
  • interview call — consulates may request a personal interview, and failing to attend or providing inconsistent answers is a frequent refusal trigger;
  • overstay or immigration risk indicators — previous Schengen overstays, a weak home-country tie, or absence of employment and property.

What is the Hungary type D visa: key things to know

The national type D long-stay visa is required for any non-EU, non-EEA, and non-Swiss citizen who intends to stay in Hungary for more than 90 days. 

Unlike the Schengen C visa, the D visa is a national instrument. In most cases, it is issued as a single-entry document valid for 30 days, allowing the holder to travel to Hungary and obtain a residence permit. The D visa itself does not replace a residence permit[9].

The Hungary Golden Visa is an exception: its first stage, the Guest Investor Visa, is valid for up to 6 months, giving the investor time to enter Hungary, fulfil the investment condition, and apply for the Guest Investor Residence Permit.

Permitted purposes for a D visa

The Hungarian D visa is issued for a specific purpose of stay. This purpose also determines which residence permit the applicant will apply for after entering Hungary.

Common purposes include:

  1. Employment — for individuals with a job offer or employment contract from a Hungarian employer.
  2. Study — for students admitted to a Hungarian university, language school, or other educational institution.
  3. Family reunification — for family members joining a Hungarian citizen or a legally residing non-EU national.
  4. Medical treatment — for individuals seeking extended treatment at a Hungarian medical facility.
  5. Scientific research — for researchers holding a hosting agreement with a recognised Hungarian research institution.
  6. Private business activity — for entrepreneurs establishing a Hungarian company.
  7. Investment — for applicants applying under the Hungary Golden Visa, officially known as the Guest Investor program.
  8. Digital nomad work — for remote workers applying for the Hungary White Card.

Documents and fees for a D visa

The core document set for a Hungarian D visa includes:

  • proof of financial means;
  • proof of accommodation;
  • health insurance;
  • purpose-specific document — for example, an employment contract, a university admission letter, or a company registration application. 

The official fee for a national type D long-stay visa to Hungary is €110[10].

What types of residence permits are available in Hungary?

Hungary offers a structured range of residence permit categories for third-country nationals, each linked to a specific purpose of stay. 

All residence permit applications for new purposes are generally submitted outside Hungary at the competent Hungarian diplomatic or consular mission before travel or through the Enter Hungary online portal, where applicable.

Comparison of main residence permit routes

PermitDurationKey eligibility requirementKey limit
Guest Investor10 years, renewable once for 10 years€250,000 fund investment or €1,000,000 donationInvestment tied up for at least 5 years
White Card for remote workers1 year, renewable once for 1 year€3,000 per month income, €10,000 savings, foreign employerMaximum 2 years, no local income, no family inclusion
Guest self-employment1 year, extendable to 3 years totalCompany registration as managing directorNo in-country permit switch, reporting obligation
Hungarian Card for high-skilled employeesUp to 3 years, extendable for up to 3 years at a timeHigh qualifications, employment contractTied to a specific employer
EU Blue Card1—4 years, renewable for up to 4 years at a timeSalary ≥1.5× average gross wageEmployer-tied and salary threshold

What is the Hungary Golden Visa and how does it work?

Hungary’s Guest Investor program gives non-EU citizens a 10-year residence permit in return for an investment in the country’s economy. Hungary previously closed its former investor residence route, but relaunched a new program on July 1st, 2024[11].

Investment options

1. Real estate fund investment — €250,000+. Investors purchase units in real estate funds registered with the Hungarian National Bank and recognised as qualified market operators by the Constitution Protection Office.

At least 40% of the fund’s assets must be invested in residential real estate in Hungary. The investment must be maintained for a minimum of 5 years.

2. Donation to higher education — €1,000,000+. This donation is made to a Hungarian institution of higher education maintained by a public interest trust foundation. This type of investment supports education, scientific research, and creative activities.

Is the Hungary Golden Visa the right choice for you?

Get our complete guide to explore the benefits, requirements, and application process for Hungary Golden Visa applicants.

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Eligibility

To qualify for the Guest Investor program, the main applicant must meet the following conditions:

  • be over 18 years old;
  • have no criminal record;
  • prove a legitimate source of funds for the investment;
  • have a registered address in Hungary by buying or renting residential property.

Family members can also obtain residence permits under the program. Eligible relatives include a spouse or registered partner, children under 18, and financially dependent parents whose pension is their only source of income.

Family reunification applications can be finalised only after the main applicant has received the Guest Investor Residence Permit.

5 benefits of the Hungary Golden Visa

1. Schengen access. A Hungarian residence permit allows the holder to travel visa-free across the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within any 180-day period.

2. 10-year validity. The Guest Investor Residence Permit is issued for 10 years, the longest validity period among EU investment residence options. It gives investors a stable basis for long-term planning.

3. Work and business rights. Golden Visa holders may work and run a business in Hungary. Other residence permits are usually tied to a specific purpose of stay, such as employment, study, or self-employment.

4. Investment after visa approval. The investor first receives a Guest Investor Visa, which involves a Due Diligence check by the Migration Office. Only after visa approval does the investor make the investment and apply for residence. This reduces the risk that the investment will be made without a realistic chance of obtaining the permit.

5. No minimum stay requirement. The program does not require investors to live in Hungary for a fixed number of days each year. This makes it convenient as a backup residence for high-net-worth individuals who live mainly in another country.

By contrast, holders of most other Hungarian residence permits usually need to prove actual residence in the country.

Step-by-step process for obtaining the Hungary Golden Visa

The total process of obtaining the Hungary Golden Visa takes at least 5 months. The timeline depends on how quickly the investor prepares documents, obtains a Guest Investor Visa if required, travels to Hungary, and fulfils the investment condition.

PT5M
  1. 1 day
    Preliminary Due Diligence

    The investor first passes a confidential background check. It helps detect possible refusal risks before the official application starts and reduce them in advance.

    Preliminary Due Diligence
  2. 2+ weeks
    Preparing documents

    Lawyers prepare a personalised list of documents for the Guest Investor Visa application. The investor provides the originals, while copies are notarised and translated where needed.

    Preparing documents
  3. 1 month
    Applying for a Guest Investor Visa

    The Guest Investor Visa is valid for up to 6 months. During this period, the investor enters Hungary, fulfils the investment requirement, and applies for a residence permit.

    Investors who can enter Hungary visa-free do not need to obtain a Guest Investor Visa.

    Applying for a Guest Investor Visa
  4. 2 business days
    Traveling to Hungary

    The investor travels to Hungary to complete the required formalities. They sign an agreement with the investment fund or higher education institution and arrange a registered address by buying or renting residential property.

    The residence permit application can be submitted in person at a regional office of the National Directorate-General for Aliens Policing or online through the Enter Hungary platform.

    If the applicant is represented by a legal representative or a legal entity, the application must be submitted online.

    Traveling to Hungary
  5. Within 3 months
    Fulfilling the investment requirement

    After applying for residency, the investor has 3 months to complete the investment: buy units in an approved investment fund or make a donation to an eligible higher education institution.

    Fulfilling the investment requirement
  6. Up to 1 month
    Approval and residence permit card

    The residence permit application is usually processed within 21 to 30 days.

    After approval, the residence permit card is issued within 7 days and can be collected in Hungary or delivered to the investor.

    Approval and residence permit card
  7. After 10 years
    Extending the residence permit

    To extend Hungarian residency for another 10 years, applicants must demonstrate that they still meet the investment requirements. Investors who made a charitable donation receive an extension without additional requirements upon request.

    Extending the residence permit

What are the risks of the Hungary Guest Investor program?

Like any residence-by-investment program, the Hungary Golden Visa comes with several factors that investors should consider before applying.

Investment rules may change. Hungary closed its previous investor residence program before launching the current Guest Investor program in 2024. The authorities also planned a direct real estate investment route, but it has not been introduced so far. 

Future governments may amend investment thresholds, eligibility requirements, available investment options, or application procedures.

The investment must be maintained. Investors cannot withdraw their investment immediately after obtaining residence. The investment must be held for the period required by law to maintain eligibility and support future permit renewal.

Source of funds checks can be challenging. Applicants must prove that the money used for the investment comes from lawful sources. Incomplete documentation, undocumented income, or complex ownership structures can delay the application or lead to refusal.

As with any immigration program, approval is never guaranteed. The final decision is made by the Hungarian immigration authorities based on the applicant’s documents and compliance with all legal requirements.

What is the Hungary White Card for remote workers?

The Hungary White Card is a residence permit for digital nomads who live in Hungary while working remotely for employers or clients outside the country[12].

The permit is better suited for those looking to spend a few years in Hungary while keeping their career and income abroad. It is valid for up to 2 years but does not allow family members to be included in the application, does not lead to long-term residence status, and does not permit employment with a Hungarian company.

Financial requirement

White Card applicants must prove a stable foreign income of at least €3,000 per month. This may come from remote employment with a foreign company, freelance contracts, or business income from a company registered outside Hungary.

How to apply for the White Card: documents and timeline

The standard document set for a White Card application includes:

  • valid travel document;
  • bank statement for the previous 6 months or a regular income certificate;
  • proof of savings of at least €10,000;
  • employer or client letter confirming the remote-work arrangement and the foreign basis of the employment or contract;
  • proof of accommodation in Hungary;
  • health insurance policy.

The processing time for a White Card application is around 3 months.

This type of residence is valid for 1 year and can be renewed once for another year. After 2 years, the holder must leave Hungary, but they may apply for a new White Card after departure.

How can entrepreneurs obtain a Hungarian residence permit through guest self-employment?

The Guest Self-Employment Permit allows non-EU nationals to live in Hungary by registering and running their own company there[13]. This route suits entrepreneurs who want to operate in the EU through a Hungarian business and keep relocation costs relatively low.

Eligibility and company setup requirements

To qualify for a guest self-employment, the applicant must have a company in Hungary or prove that the company registration is in progress. The applicant must be listed as the managing director or as a member with representative rights.

Applicants also need to prove sufficient income from self-employment. In most cases, annual income must exceed 24 times the current minimum wage, which corresponds to approximately HUF 7.75 million, or €19,000, per year in 2026[14].

Application process and timeline

The process takes at least 6 months, from preparing the application to receiving the permit card. Applications can be submitted online through the Enter Hungary platform or in person at a regional NDGAP office.

The permit is first issued for 1 year. It can be extended, but the total stay under this permit cannot exceed 3 years from the first issue date.

To renew the permit, the holder must continue to meet the conditions, submit regular reports to the immigration authorities, and spend at least 90 days in Hungary within any 180-day period.

Important points to consider

The Guest Self-Employment Permit comes with several conditions that applicants should keep in mind:

  1. Regular reporting. Permit holders must report to the immigration authorities at specified intervals during the validity period.
  2. Limited duration. The permit can be held for a maximum of 3 years. To remain in Hungary afterwards, the applicant must obtain a different residence permit.
  3. Planning for future status changes. Applicants who may later wish to switch to another immigration category should consider this early, as changing residence status can involve additional procedures and timelines.

What residence permits are available for employees in Hungary?

Foreign nationals who want to work in Hungary usually need a Hungarian work visa and a residence permit that matches their role and qualifications[15].

Permits for general employees

A seasonal work permit is intended for temporary work in sectors such as agriculture, horticulture, and tourism. It is usually issued for the duration of employment, up to 6 months within a 12-month period. 

The guest worker permit is designed for third-country nationals employed by designated employers, including preferential employers and qualified temporary work agencies. The permit is issued for up to 2 years and can be extended once for an additional year. 

An investment-employment permit is available to employees working on government-approved investment projects in Hungary. The permit remains tied to the specific investment project and employment relationship.

A general employment permit covers positions that do not fall under a specialised immigration category. Applicants must have a valid employment contract and meet the standard requirements for residence, accommodation, health insurance, and financial support.

Permits for highly skilled employees

The EU Blue Card is the main residence permit for highly qualified specialists. Applicants must have higher education qualifications or qualifying professional experience and a Hungarian employment contract for a position requiring advanced skills. 

The salary must reach at least 1.5 times the average gross wage in Hungary. In 2026, this means a minimum monthly gross salary of HUF 1,001,048, or approximately €2,550[16]. 

The permit is issued for up to 4 years and can lead to EU long-term residence status. It also allows family reunification.

The Hungarian Card is another option for highly qualified professionals. Unlike the EU Blue Card, it is not linked to a specific salary threshold. It is available to applicants whose position requires higher qualifications and is particularly common among engineers, IT specialists, natural scientists, professional athletes, coaches, performers, and certain film industry professionals. 

The permit is issued for up to 3 years and can be renewed for another 3 years.

An intra-corporate transfer permit is intended for managers, specialists, and trainees transferred from a foreign company to its Hungarian branch or subsidiary. The permit is valid for up to 3 years for managers and specialists and up to 1 year for trainees.

A corporate card is available to executive officers of certain companies that have a strategic cooperation agreement with the Hungarian government. It is designed for senior corporate management rather than ordinary employees.

2025 employment route changes and their impact

Since January 1st, 2025, Hungary has limited access to some employment-based residence permits. Under Government Decree 450/2024, only nationals of certain countries can apply for employment-purpose and guest-worker permits[17].

The main eligible nationalities are now Georgian and Armenian citizens. Applicants from other countries may qualify only if their country has a recognised organisation or office in Hungary that confirms compliance with return and employment rules.

As a result, nationals of countries that previously qualified, such as the Philippines, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, and Vietnam, can no longer submit new applications under these employment routes.

The change has made independent residence options more relevant for applicants who are no longer eligible for employer-based permits. These include the Guest Investor program and the Guest Self-Employment Permit.

How can students and researchers obtain a residence permit in Hungary?

Hungary offers separate residence permits for students and researchers who plan to stay in the country for more than 90 days. In most cases, applicants first obtain a type D visa to enter Hungary and then receive the relevant residence permit.

Residence permit for students

A residence permit for study purposes is available to foreigners admitted to a Hungarian educational institution, such as a university, college, or language school[18]. 

Applicants usually need to provide an admission letter or a student-status certificate, proof of accommodation, health insurance, sufficient funds, and, where required, proof of language skills.

The application can be submitted online through Enter Hungary or in person at the competent immigration office. The standard processing time is 30 days.

Residence permit for researchers

A residence permit for research purposes is issued to individuals who hold a hosting agreement with a certified research institution in Hungary. The hosting agreement must be concluded with an accredited research organisation and must describe the scope and duration of the research project. 

The permit is valid for 1—2 years and may be extended for up to 2 additional years for the same research purpose, subject to continued institutional affiliation.

Post-study and post-research business permit

Students and researchers who complete their program in Hungary may apply for a temporary permit to look for work or start self-employment. During this period, they can switch in Hungary to another eligible permit, such as a Hungarian Card, EU Blue Card, or Guest Self-Employment Permit, if their job or business matches their education or research background.

hungary visit visa​
The Budapest University of Technology and Economics is one of Hungary’s largest universities, offering courses in Hungarian, English, German, French, and Russian

What Hungarian residence permits exist for family reunification and other special purposes?

Hungary issues residence permits for non-EU nationals who move to the country for family, medical, official, or diplomatic reasons. These permits are separate from work, study, business, and investment routes.

Family reunification permit

Family reunification permit is available to close family members of Hungarian citizens or foreigners who already hold a valid Hungarian residence permit[19]. Eligible family members usually include:

  • spouses;
  • minor children;
  • dependent relatives. 

The applicant must prove the family relationship with official documents, such as a marriage or birth certificate.

The permit’s validity usually depends on the sponsor’s residence status. If the sponsor is a Hungarian citizen, the family member may receive a permit valid for up to 5 years. 

For some routes, such as the Guest Investor program or the guest self-employment permit, the family member can receive residence only after the main applicant’s permit has been approved.

Residence permit for medical treatment

Hungary grants a residence permit to non-EU nationals who need to stay in the country for extended medical treatment at a Hungarian facility[20]. Foreign nationals accompanying a minor child or another family member who requires treatment may also apply.

Required documents include:

  • formal statement from the host medical facility specifying the treatment to be provided;
  • proof of family relationship, when accompanying a family member;
  • proof of subsistence — bank statement, a notarised family support declaration with supporting financial evidence, or an employer or tax-office income document;
  • proof of accommodation in Hungary;
  • one facial photograph;
  • parental or legal guardian consent for minor applicants.

Permits for official and diplomatic purposes

The official-purpose residence permit is issued to non-EU citizens who stay in Hungary for official reasons[21]. It may apply to:

  • diplomats and their family members;
  • members of official delegations;
  • accredited journalists;
  • participants in international study, science, training, or cultural programs;
  • staff or participants of scientific, educational, or cultural institutions working under an international agreement.

What is Hungary visa sponsorship, and how does it work?

In Hungary, visa sponsorship usually takes the form of an invitation from a person or organisation that supports the applicant’s stay in the country. The sponsor may confirm accommodation, financial support, or the purpose of the visit, helping demonstrate that the applicant has a legitimate reason to enter and remain in Hungary.

A sponsor can be a Hungarian citizen, a foreign national legally residing in Hungary, or a Hungarian company or organisation. Sponsorship may be relevant for both long-stay visas and certain residence permit applications.

The sponsor provides the following documents:

  • formal invitation letter stating the relationship with the applicant, the purpose of the visit, accommodation arrangements, and any financial support;
  • copy of the sponsor’s identity document or company registration documents;
  • proof of sufficient financial means, such as bank statements, income certificates, or documents confirming property ownership.

While sponsorship does not guarantee approval, it can strengthen an application by showing that the applicant has accommodation, financial support, and a clear purpose for staying in Hungary.

What is the long-term path from temporary to permanent residence in Hungary?

Foreigners who live in Hungary for 3 years may become eligible for long-term or permanent residence. The available route depends on the type of residence permit they hold and whether they meet the residence requirements.

General requirements

Permanent residence is available to foreigners who have lived in Hungary legally and continuously for at least 3 years. During this period, they should not leave Hungary for more than 4 consecutive months or more than 270 days in total. 

Applicants are required to:

  • have accommodation in Hungary;
  • have sufficient income to support themselves and their family members;
  • have health insurance or access to healthcare;
  • comply with Hungarian immigration rules throughout their stay.

In Hungary, permanent residence is issued as a National Residence Card, which gives foreigners the right to live in the country indefinitely[22].

Who can apply

Permanent residence is available to holders of permits that allow long-term settlement in Hungary, including the Hungarian Card, EU Blue Card, family reunification permit, and some other long-term residence categories. It is not available after temporary stays under permits designed for short-term purposes, such as the White Card for digital nomads.

The Hungary Golden Visa investors may also become eligible for a National Residence Card. A practical advantage is that permanent residence can be obtained before the end of the mandatory 5-year investment holding period.

For example, an investor who qualifies for permanent residence after 3 years would need to maintain the investment for only 2 more years. Once the 5-year holding period has been completed and permanent residence has already been granted, the investment can be sold without affecting the investor’s permanent resident status.

How we can help with the Hungary Golden Visa

The Hungary Golden Visa process involves several stages: eligibility checks, document preparation, investment, residence permit application, and post-approval compliance. We guide investors through each step and help reduce procedural and compliance risks.

Our support includes:

  • preliminary assessment of the investor’s profile and possible refusal risks;
  • source-of-funds review and preparation of supporting documents;
  • preparation of the application package, including translations and notarisation where required;
  • support with the Guest Investor Visa stage, if the investor needs a visa to enter Hungary;
  • selection of a real estate fund registered with the Hungarian National Bank;
  • coordination of the investment subscription process;
  • preparation and submission of the residence permit application;
  • post-approval guidance on maintaining the investment for the required period.

We help make the process clearer, more predictable, and better prepared at every stage. Final approval always remains with the Hungarian immigration authority.

Key takeaways about the Hungarian visas

  1. Hungary offers short-stay Schengen visas, long-stay type D visas, and residence permits for work, study, family, business, investment, and other purposes.
  2. A Schengen C visa allows staying in Hungary for up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
  3. Long-stay type D visas usually serve as an entry document before applying for a residence permit.
  4. Most Hungarian residence permits are issued for 1 to 5 years and allow visa-free travel within the Schengen Area.
  5. The Hungary Golden Visa offers one of the longest validity periods: 10 years, with one possible renewal for another 10 years.
Discover how to become a Hungarian resident by investment
  • Investment amounts
  • Requirements for applicants
  • Processing time and procedure
Get the Golden Visa guide Comprehensive Guide on Hungary Golden Visa

Sources

  1. Source: European Commission — Visa policy
  2. Source: Consulate General of Hungary — Entry for long stay
  3. Source: Hungarian National Assembly — Act XC of 2023 on the general rules of entry and residence of third-country nationals
  4. Source: European Union — Schengen Visa Code (Regulation (EC) No 810/2009)
  5. Source: European Union — Annex II to Regulation (EU) 2018/1806
  6. Source: European Commission — Applying for a Schengen visa
  7. Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Hungary — Short-term stay
  8. Source: European Commission — Schengen Visa Fee
  9. Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Hungary — Entry for long stay
  10. Source: Consulate General of Hungary — D-Type Visa
  11. Source: OIF Guest Investor Visa and Permit — Frequently Asked Questions
  12. Source: OIF — White Card: residency for digital nomads
  13. Source: OIF — Residence permit for guest self-employment
  14. Source: Tax Ravens — Minimum Wages and Contribution Bases 2026 in Hungary
  15. Source: OIF — Residence permit for the purpose of employment
  16. Source: OIF — EU Blue Card
  17. Source: NDGAP — Information Notice on the Employment and Residence Rules
  18. Source: OIF — Residence permit for students
  19. Source: OIF — Residence permit for the purpose of family reunification
  20. Source: OIF — Residence permit for the purpose of medical treatment
  21. Source: OIF — Residence permit for official purposes
  22. Source: OIF — National Residence Card

Frequently asked questions

A visa to enter Hungary is not required for EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens. They can enter with a valid national identity card or passport. Citizens of visa-free countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, can stay in Hungary for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. Other non-EU nationals usually need a Schengen C visa before travelling.

A type D visa for Hungary is a long-stay entry visa for foreigners who plan to stay for more than 90 days. Unlike a Schengen C visa, which is used for short visits, a D visa allows the holder to enter Hungary and obtain or apply for a residence permit. The D visa itself does not replace a residence permit.

A Hungarian visa costs €90 for a standard adult Schengen C visa and €45 for children aged 6 to 12. Children under 6 are exempt. The national type D visa costs €110.

The Hungary Golden Visa is a 10-year residence permit for non-EU investors. The official name is the Guest Investor Residence Permit. Applicants can invest at least €250,000 in a real estate fund or donate at least €1,000,000 to an eligible Hungarian higher-education institution.

Getting the Hungary Golden Visa takes at least 5 months. The process includes document preparation, Due Diligence, obtaining a Guest Investor Visa if required, travelling to Hungary, completing the investment, applying for residence, and receiving the permit card.

After first entering Hungary with a Guest Investor Visa, the investor has 93 days to make the investment and apply for the Guest Investor Residence Permit. Proof that the investment has been completed must be submitted together with the application.

A Hungary Golden Visa holder can work and do business in Hungary without a separate work permit. Family members who receive residence permits under family reunification can also work in Hungary.

The Hungary White Card requires a foreign income of at least €3,000 per month, savings of €10,000, remote work for an employer or clients outside Hungary, accommodation in Hungary, and health insurance. The permit is valid for 1 year and can be extended once for another year.

A holder of a guest self-employment permit generally cannot switch directly to another residence permit while staying in Hungary. This permit is valid for up to 3 years in total, so applicants should plan their next immigration route.

Hungary offers residence by investment through the Guest Investor Residence Permit, but it does not provide a special or fast route to citizenship. Investors who actually live in Hungary may apply for permanent residence after 3 years and later for citizenship after 8 years of continuous residence, if they meet all standard conditions.

There is no visa on arrival in Hungary. Travellers who need a visa must obtain a Schengen C visa or a national D visa before entering the country.

Hungary changed its employment and guest-worker permit rules in 2025 by narrowing the list of eligible nationalities. The main eligible nationalities are now Georgian and Armenian citizens, with limited exceptions for countries that have a recognised compliance organisation in Hungary.

Yes, the Hungary Golden Visa allows close family members to obtain residence in Hungary together with the main applicant. Eligible relatives include the investor’s spouse or registered partner, children under 18, and financially dependent parents whose sole source of income is a pension.

A visa sponsor in Hungary usually needs to provide an official invitation letter, proof of identity or registration, proof of sufficient funds, and details of accommodation. These documents help confirm the purpose of the visit and the applicant’s support in Hungary.

Residence permits in Hungary may allow the holder to apply for permanent residency if the foreigner lives in the country legally and continuously for at least 3 years. This route is most common for holders of long-term work permits, the Hungarian Card, the EU Blue Card, and the Guest Investor Residence Permit, if they meet the physical presence requirement.

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