Residence Permit Hungary

Residence permit in Hungary for non-EU citizens

For non-EU citizens, obtaining a residency permit in Hungary involves a multi-step process. Here is a breakdown of the procedure:

Initial Visa: Non-EU citizens must initially apply for a visa at the Consulate. This visa allows them to travel to Hungary but is valid for only 30 days from entry into the Schengen zone.
Address Registration: Within the 30-day period, individuals must visit the Hungarian immigration office to register their address. This is a crucial step in the process.
Schengen Residence Permit: After address registration, non-EU citizens can apply for the Schengen residence permit. This process usually takes up to 30 days. It's important to provide documentation that demonstrates accommodation and employment, such as a labor agreement, work permit, or employment contract.

The process can be complex for non-EU citizens, and legal assistance is often advisable. Seeking help from a law firm in Hungary can make the process smoother. In addition to residency matters, legal experts can also assist with opening a company in Hungary, providing guidance on various company structures, registration, and obtaining necessary licenses.

Non-EU citizens are encouraged to seek legal assistance from knowledgeable lawyers based in Hungary to navigate the complexities of residency and business-related procedures effectively.

Types of Residence Permit in Hungary

In Hungary, there are two main types of residence permits: temporary residence permits and permanent residence permits. Each type serves different purposes and has specific eligibility criteria:

Temporary Residence Permits: These permits are designed for various categories of individuals and can be granted for specific reasons. The eligibility criteria and purposes for temporary residence permits include:

Working Holiday Scheme Participants: Individuals who meet the conditions specified in the Arrangement for the operation of a Working Holiday Scheme and can provide relevant documentation.
Clear Criminal Record: Third-country nationals with a clean criminal record and considered not to be a threat to public security, public health, or national security.
Not in the SIS Database: Individuals not listed in the SIS (Schengen Information System) database, indicating they are not subject to refusal of entry or residence.
Types of Temporary Residence Permits: Temporary residence permits can be granted for various purposes, including employment, education, family reunification, and business. The duration of the permit initially issued is one year, but it can be extended based on the specific reason, up to a maximum of five years.

Requirements for a Hungarian Temporary Residence Permit: To obtain a temporary residence permit, applicants must submit the following documents:

Passport with a validity of at least one year from the date of application.
Recent passport-size photograph.
Biometric data, including a facial photograph and fingerprints.
Proof of payment for the administrative fee, which is typically 110€ but may vary depending on the payment method.
Proof of sufficient means of subsistence, demonstrated through a bank statement, income certificates, or support from a family member in Hungary.
Proof of accommodation in Hungary, such as a lease contract, ownership documents, or a letter of invitation.
Health insurance coverage or proof of financial resources to cover healthcare costs.

Application Process for a Residence Permit in Hungary:

Complete the specific Residence Permit Application form relevant to your purpose of stay.
Submit your application, along with the required documents, to the competent authority. You may need to appear in person to do so.
After submission, the competent authority will review your application and make a decision within 21 days.
You will be notified of the decision by the diplomatic mission or consulate where you applied.
Your passport must remain valid for at least a year from the date of application.

Permanent Residence and Citizenship: After having a temporary residence permit for five years, individuals can apply for an EC permanent residence permit, which is valid for five more years and renewable. Citizenship can be pursued after eight years of having a permanent residence permit.

These different types of residence permits in Hungary are intended to accommodate the diverse needs and situations of individuals seeking to live and work in the country.

What is Residence Permit Number?

Once your application for a Hungarian residence permit is approved, you will be issued a 'D' VISA that allows you to enter Hungary. However, it's important to note that you can only collect your Residence Permit Card, which includes your unique Hungarian residence permit number, after arriving in Hungary. The residence permit number is a crucial identifier for your legal stay in Hungary and is printed on the Residence Permit Card, referred to as "Tartózkodási kártya" in Hungarian.

Residence permit for financially independent persons in Hungary

A residence permit for financially independent persons is usually issued for one year, although in some cases it can be issued for two years. It must be extended regularly for the first fery years;

After a certain number of years in the country, usually five years, a permanent residence permit is issued.

After living in the country for seven to ten years, a permanent resident can apply for citizenship.

In some cases a residence permit can be extended for several years at once. In such cases, the residence permit holder must prove that they have sufficient savings to cover the minimum living expenses stipulated in the program for the permit's validity period.

How to get appointment?

A Hungary residence permit typically requires biometric data to be collected as part of the application process. Biometric data includes fingerprints and a photograph of the applicant. Biometrics are used for identification and security purposes.

Here is an overview of the typical process for obtaining a Hungary residence permit with biometric data:

Application Submission: You must first submit your residence permit application to the Hungarian authorities. This can be done at the Hungarian Embassy or Consulate in your home country or at the Immigration and Asylum Office in Hungary.
Biometric Data Collection: Once your application is accepted, you will be required to provide your biometric data, which includes fingerprint scans and a photograph. This data is usually collected at the immigration office or at a designated biometric data collection center.
Interview and Documentation: Depending on the type of residence permit you are applying for, you may be required to attend an interview and provide necessary documentation to support your application. This documentation can include proof of sufficient financial means, health insurance, a valid address in Hungary, and other required documents.
Background Check: Hungarian authorities will conduct background checks and verify the information provided in your application.
Decision: After processing your application, the immigration authorities will make a decision on whether to grant you a residence permit. This decision can take several weeks to months, depending on the type of permit and the specific circumstances of your application.
Residence Permit Issuance: If your application is approved, you will be issued a residence permit card, which will include your biometric data.

How long does it take?

The processing time for a Hungarian residence permit can indeed vary depending on several factors, including the type of permit, the volume of applications being processed at the time, and the specific circumstances of your application. While it's mentioned that the process may take approximately 20-25 days, it's important to note that this is a general estimate and not a fixed timeline. Processing times can change, and it's advisable to check with the Hungarian Consulate or the Hungarian Immigration and Asylum Office for the most accurate and up-to-date information on processing times and requirements for your specific situation.

It's also worth noting that in some cases, expedited or priority processing may be available for certain types of permits, but this may come at an additional cost. Always plan ahead and apply for your residence permit well in advance of your intended travel or residence in Hungary to ensure that you have the necessary documentation in a timely manner.

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