Visa Types

Hungary Permanent Residency Guide

How you can immigrate to Hungary, how to protect yourself from Fraud and What to expect after you arrive in Hungary.

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  • What Is Schengen Visa?

    The Schengen Visa is a type of visa that allows travelers to visit and travel within the Schengen Area, which is a group of 29 European countries that have abolished passport and other types of border control at their mutual borders. This means that a person with a Schengen Visa can move freely between these countries without having to go through immigration checks at the border. To obtain a Schengen Visa, applicants need to apply at the embassy or consulate of the country they intend to visit or spend most of their time in. The visa allows for a stay of up to 90 days within a 180-day period and can be used for tourism, business, or other purposes. However, the visa does not grant the holder the right to work or study in the Schengen Area.

  • Here Are The Schengen Area Countries As Of March 2024:

    Schengen Area signifies a zone where 29 European countries abolished their internal borders(countries of Schengen agreement). Here is the list of the countries: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia , Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland. These countries apply common policies in terms of short-term visas.

Key Points for Hungary PR Visa >>>

Do you need a visa to travel to Hungary?

To visit Hungary, Indians will need a Schengen visa.

Hungary visa application is made online or offline?

You can download the visa application form, fill it out, print it, and bring the printed form with you to the Visa Application Centre in India.

Do I need to give biometrics?

Yes, Biometrics are required to obtain a visa.

Is there an interview required to obtain a visa?

No, an interview is not usually required to obtain an Hungary visa, but it may vary. The embassy may interview you by phone or in person.

What is the maximum length of stay permitted on a PR visa?

You can live indefinitely on a permanent resident (PR) visa.

What kind of visa will we acquire from Hungary?

It will be a physical sticker visa, which will be affixed to a page in your passport

Current Visa fees: (Updated on 16-10-2023)

Visa Type

Visa Fee in EUR

Study Visa Fee

110

 

Note: There is no visa fee waiver for this type of travel, except for those with diplomatic and service passports.

To obtain more information about fee, please click here

 

Step-by-step guide

Let us walk you through the process

  • Identify your visa type and ensure eligibility.
  • Know needed documents, processing time, and fees.
  • Follow visa category guidelines; translate non-English documents if required. Explore Schengen visa info for India under cooperation, and for more details, click here.

When you're prepared to apply, download the visa application form, fill it out, print it, and take it along with the necessary documents for your chosen visa category to the Hungary Visa Application Centre for submission.

  • After completing your visa form, schedule an appointment at a Hungary Visa Application Centre to provide biometric information, including fingerprints and a photo.
  • Once your appointment is set, you'll get an email confirming the appointment and an appointment letter.
  • For families or groups, each member needs to schedule separate appointments.

  • After submitting your application, you'll need to pay the visa application fee. If you print the form and take it to the Hungary Visa Application Centre, you can pay during your appointment.
  • You'll pay the visa fee at the Centre.

  • You'll get an email notification when your decision is back at the Hungary Visa Application Centre. If you prefer SMS updates or can't access email, check if this option is available at the Centre you're visiting.
  • You can also track your application online. Use the Reference Number on your invoice/receipt from the Centre, along with your last name, to access this service.

  • Once your visa application decision is finalized, you can retrieve your passport either from the Hungary Visa Application Centre or choose courier delivery for an extra fee.
  • For in-person collection, bring the Centre's receipt and official ID. If allowed, a representative can collect your passport with an authorization letter from you, the Centre's receipt, and their ID.
  • To know the collection options, inquire with the Hungary Visa Application Centre during their opening hours.

DOCUMENT CHECKLIST

When applying for Permanent Residency Permit in Hungary, you will generally need to provide a comprehensive set of documents to support your application. The following checklist covers the most common documents needed:

  1. Application Form:
    • Completed and signed permanent residence permit application form.
  2. Passport and Photos:
    • Valid passport with at least one-year validity beyond the intended stay.
    • Passport-sized photos meeting Hungary's specifications.
  3. Proof of Legal Residence:
    • Valid residence permit or other documentation proving legal residence in Hungary.
  4. Proof of Accommodation:
    • Evidence of suitable accommodation in Hungary.
  5. Background Checks:
    • Criminal record clearance certificate from both Hungary and your home country.
  6. Health Insurance:
    • Valid health insurance covering the entire period of stay in Hungary.
  7. Proof of Financial Means:
    • Proof of sufficient funds to support yourself and any dependents during your stay.
  8. Employment or Income Proof (if applicable):
    • Employment contract or evidence of sustainable income in Hungary.
  9. Language Proficiency (if applicable):
    • Proof of Hungarian language proficiency, if required.
  10. Education and Qualifications:
    • Educational certificates and qualifications that are relevant to your application.
  11. Marriage and Family Documentation (if applicable):
    • Marriage certificate, birth certificates of dependents, and other family-related documents.
  12. Additional Supporting Documents:
    • Any other documents required based on your specific circumstances.
  13. Proof of Integration (if applicable):
    • Documents proving integration into Hungarian society, such as participation in local community activities, language courses, etc.
  14. Consular Fees:
    • Payment of applicable permanent residence permit processing fees.
  15. Declaration of Consent:
    • Signed declaration of consent to data processing for the application.

Employment-Based Permanent Residency:

  • Valid passport with at least one-year validity beyond the intended stay.
  • Proof of legal employment in Hungary for the required period.
  • Employment contract or confirmation letters from employers.
  • Payslips and tax records showing income meeting the threshold.
  • Proof of accommodation in Hungary.
  • Health insurance covering the entire stay.
  • Sufficient funds for living expenses.
  • Criminal record clearance certificate from both Hungary and home country.
  • Consular fees payment receipt. 

Investor Residency Bond Program:

  • Valid passport with at least one-year validity beyond the intended stay.
  • Proof of investment in Hungarian government bonds meeting the minimum requirement.
  • Bank statements or financial evidence of the investment.
  • Proof of accommodation in Hungary.
  • Health insurance covering the entire stay.
  • Sufficient funds for living expenses.
  • Criminal record clearance certificate from home country.
  • Consular fees payment receipt.

Real Estate Investment Residency:

  • Valid passport with at least one-year validity beyond the intended stay.
  • Proof of ownership or purchase agreement for qualifying real estate properties in Hungary.
  • Property value documentation meeting the minimum requirement.
  • Proof of accommodation in Hungary.
  • Health insurance covering the entire stay.
  • Sufficient funds for living expenses.
  • Criminal record clearance certificate from home country.
  • Consular fees payment receipt.

Self-Employment and Entrepreneurship:

  • Valid passport with at least one-year validity beyond the intended stay.
  • Proof of self-employment or business establishment in Hungary.
  • Business registration documents.
  • Evidence of fulfilling investment and job creation criteria.
  • Proof of accommodation in Hungary.
  • Health insurance covering the entire stay.
  • Sufficient funds for business and living expenses.
  • Criminal record clearance certificate from home country.
  • Consular fees payment receipt.

Family Reunification:

  • Valid passport with at least one-year validity beyond the intended stay.
  • Proof of family relationship with Hungarian citizen or permanent resident.
  • Proof of accommodation in Hungary.
  • Health insurance covering the entire stay.
  • Sufficient funds for living expenses.
  • Criminal record clearance certificate from home country.
  • Consular fees payment receipt.

Long-Term Resident EU Status:

  • Valid passport with at least one-year validity beyond the intended stay.
  • Proof of holding a long-term residence permit in Hungary for the required period.
  • Employment or income records for the period.
  • Proof of accommodation in Hungary.
  • Health insurance covering the entire stay.
  • Sufficient funds for living expenses.
  • Criminal record clearance certificate from home country.
  • Consular fees payment receipt.

Continuous Legal Residence:

  • Valid passport with at least one-year validity beyond the intended stay.
  • Proof of continuous legal residence in Hungary for the required number of years.
  • Accommodation evidence throughout the period.
  • Health insurance covering the entire stay.
  • Sufficient funds for living expenses.
  • Criminal record clearance certificate from home country.
  • Consular fees payment receipt.

Highly Skilled Workers:

  • Valid passport with at least one-year validity beyond the intended stay.
  • Proof of highly specialized qualifications and job offer in Hungary.
  • Employment contract or confirmation letter.
  • Proof of accommodation in Hungary.
  • Health insurance covering the entire stay.
  • Sufficient funds for living expenses.
  • Criminal record clearance certificate from home country.
  • Consular fees payment receipt. 

Study and Work Pathway:

  • Valid passport with at least one-year validity beyond the intended stay.
  • Proof of completion of studies at a Hungarian university.
  • Employment contract or job offer in Hungary.
  • University confirmation of completion.
  • Proof of accommodation in Hungary.
  • Health insurance covering the entire stay.
  • Sufficient funds for living expenses.
  • Criminal record clearance certificate from home country.
  • Consular fees payment receipt.

Refugee and Subsidiary Protection Status Holders:

  • Valid passport with at least one-year validity beyond the intended stay.
  • Proof of granted refugee or subsidiary protection status in Hungary.
  • Proof of accommodation in Hungary.
  • Health insurance covering the entire stay.
  • Sufficient funds for living expenses.
  • Criminal record clearance certificate from home country.
  • Consular fees payment receipt.

Please note that these are general checklists, and specific requirements might vary based on individual situations, changes in regulations, and updates in the immigration policies of Hungary. Always refer to the official Hungarian government sources or consult with legal professionals specializing in immigration to get the most accurate and up-to-date information about the document requirements for each type of permanent residency pathway.

VISA APPLICATION FORMS

Before submitting your visa application, please ensure to review the list of required documents. The guidelines provided on this website will assist you in preparing your documents accurately. By following these guidelines, you can minimize the risk of your visa application being rejected due to incorrect or insufficient documents.

Download PDF forms for manual completion:

Permanent Residence Permit

Application for Extension of Permanent Residence Permit

Application for Replacement Residence Document

Application for Substitute Residence Document 

 

VISA APPLICATION GUIDELINES:

The process for applying for a Hungary Permanent Residence Permit typically involves the following steps:

  1. Eligibility Check: Ensure you meet the eligibility criteria for permanent residence, which might include years of legal residence, stable income, and other requirements.
  2. Residence Period: Depending on your circumstances, you might need to hold a temporary residence permit for a certain period before applying for permanent residence.
  3. Gather Documents: Collect all required documents, which could include a valid passport, residence permit, proof of accommodation, proof of income, health insurance, and any other documents specified by the authorities.
  4. Application Submission: Submit your permanent residence application to the regional Directorate-General for Aliens Policing (Directorate of Immigration and Asylum). Include all necessary documents and pay the relevant application fee.
  5. Interview: In some cases, you might be required to attend an interview where officials will ask about your background, reasons for seeking permanent residence, and other relevant information.
  6. Background Checks: Authorities will conduct background checks to ensure you meet security and criminal record requirements.
  7. Decision: You will receive a decision on your application. If approved, you will be issued a permanent residence card.
  8. Collect Permanent Residence Card: Once your application is approved, you'll need to collect your permanent residence card from the immigration office.

Note:

  • A national permanent residence permit is initially valid for 5 years, and it can be renewed for another 5 years if the foreign national applies for an extension.
  • If a person from another country gets refugee status, they can apply for a permanent residence permit in Hungary even without a long-term visa or residence permit.

  • Residency in Hungary: The person lives in Hungary and has a secure place to stay.
  • Healthcare Provision: They have proper health insurance or enough money for healthcare.
  • Residence Permits: They have a valid residence permit or a temporary permanent residence permit.
  • Alignment with National Interests: Their living situation fits with Hungary's interests.
  • Length of Stay: They've legally lived in Hungary for at least three years before applying.
  • Family Relationship:
    • If they are a direct family member of a Hungarian citizen or someone with special status, they've lived together for at least a year before applying.
    • If they're married to a Hungarian citizen or someone with special status, their marriage is at least two years old.
    • If they were a Hungarian citizen before or have a family member who was, they may qualify.
    • If they're a minor child of someone with special status, they may apply.

  1. Investor Residency Bond Program: This program allows foreign investors to obtain permanent residency by making a substantial investment in Hungarian government bonds. Applicants need to purchase bonds with a minimum value specified by the government and maintain them for a certain period. After fulfilling the investment requirements, individuals and their family members can apply for permanent residency.
  2. Real Estate Investment Residency: Individuals who invest in real estate properties in Hungary can qualify for permanent residency. The program requires a significant investment in residential or commercial properties. After meeting the investment criteria, applicants and their eligible family members can apply for permanent residency.
  3. Self-Employment and Entrepreneurship: Foreign nationals who establish their own business in Hungary or engage in self-employment activities can apply for permanent residency. This pathway encourages individuals with entrepreneurial skills to contribute to Hungary's economy. Applicants need to demonstrate their business plans, financial viability, and commitment to the country.
  4. Family Reunification: If you have family members who are already permanent residents or Hungarian citizens, you may be eligible to apply for permanent residency through family reunification. This pathway allows family members to join their relatives in Hungary and eventually obtain permanent residency themselves.
  5. Long-Term Resident EU Status: If you are a non-EU national who has been legally residing in Hungary for an extended period, you might be eligible for Long-Term Resident EU Status. This status is granted to individuals who have lived in Hungary continuously for at least five years with a valid residence permit.
  6. Continuous Legal Residence: Individuals who have held a temporary residence permit for an extended period might be eligible to apply for permanent residency. This pathway acknowledges your contribution to Hungarian society through your continuous legal residence.
  7. Highly Skilled Workers: Foreign professionals with specialized skills and expertise that are in demand in Hungary can apply for permanent residency. This pathway is designed to attract individuals who can contribute to Hungary's economy and workforce. Applicants need to demonstrate their qualifications, experience, and the demand for their skills.
  8. Study and Work Pathway: International students who have completed their studies in Hungary and found employment can transition to permanent residency. This pathway encourages students to stay and contribute to the Hungarian workforce after completing their education. It typically involves obtaining a job offer and fulfilling certain residency requirements.
  9. Refugee and Subsidiary Protection Status Holders: Individuals who have been granted refugee or subsidiary protection status in Hungary may eventually be eligible to apply for permanent residency. This pathway acknowledges their integration into Hungarian society and their need for long-term stability.

For more information about Permanent Residence Permit in detail: Click here

Each pathway has its own set of eligibility criteria, required documentation, and application process. It's crucial to research and consult official Hungarian government sources or contact the nearest Hungarian embassy or consulate to ensure you have the most accurate and up-to-date information before applying for employment-based permanent residency in Hungary.