Hungary (HU)
Hungary is a landlocked Central European nation in the heart of the Carpathian Basin — home to one of Europe's most beautiful capital cities (Budapest), one of the oldest parliaments in continuous operation, a notoriously complex but unique language, Europe's largest thermal spring lake (Lake Hévíz), and a culture that blends Magyar warrior heritage, Ottoman influence, Habsburg elegance, and post-communist resilience into something entirely its own.
Visa & Immigration
Entry and residence options for Hungary.
✈️ Visa-Free Access
As an EU member state and Schengen Area member, Hungary allows visa-free entry for citizens of all EU/EEA/Swiss countries with no time limit for residence. Nationals of many other countries can enter Hungary (and the Schengen Area) visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period — including USA, Canada, Australia, Japan, South Korea, UK, New Zealand, Brazil, and most of South America. Citizens of countries requiring a Schengen visa must apply at the Hungarian consulate before travel.
Hungary is an EU member state and part of the Schengen Area, meaning: (1) EU/EEA citizens need no visa and have unrestricted residence rights; (2) Non-EU Schengen visa holders can use their visa to enter Hungary; (3) The 90/180 day visa-free rule applies at the Schengen Area level, not per country. Hungary has an annual immigration quota system for non-EU work permits, which can create delays and refusals if the quota is exhausted early in the year. The Bevándorlási és Menekültügyi Hivatal (BÁH) is the immigration authority — their English website and staff quality varies; using an immigration lawyer is strongly recommended for complex cases. Hungary's current political context: the Orbán government has maintained some restrictive immigration policies for non-EU nationals, but full EU rights for EU citizens are unaffected.
EU Right of Residence Registration
EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens staying in Hungary for more than 90 days
21 days standard
- ✓Valid EU passport or national ID card
- ✓Proof of activity: employment contract, business registration, enrollment at university, or proof of sufficient funds + health insurance
- ✓Registered Hungarian address (lakcímkártya)
- ✓Application form
Single Permit (Work and Residence)
Non-EU nationals with a job offer from a Hungarian employer
21–90 days depending on quota availability and completeness
- ✓Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity beyond intended stay)
- ✓Employment contract or job offer from Hungarian employer
- ✓Employer's registration confirmation and declaration
- ✓Proof of accommodation in Hungary
- ✓Passport photographs
- ✓Educational certificates / professional qualifications
- ✓No criminal record certificate
- ✓Health insurance documentation
EU Blue Card
Highly qualified non-EU professionals with a recognised higher education qualification (minimum 3-year degree or 5 years equivalent experience) and a job offer meeting the current salary threshold
30 days maximum by law
- ✓Valid passport
- ✓Employment contract with salary at least 1.5× Hungarian average gross wage (HUF 1,001,048/month gross in 2026, effective 1 January 2026 — verify current threshold at bevandorlas.gov.hu before applying)
- ✓Recognised university degree or 5 years of equivalent professional experience
- ✓Proof of accommodation
- ✓Health insurance
Family Reunification Permit
Non-EU family members (spouse, minor children, dependent relatives) of a legally resident non-EU national or Hungarian citizen
21–60 days
- ✓Valid passport
- ✓Marriage certificate / birth certificate (apostilled and translated)
- ✓Primary permit holder's residence permit
- ✓Proof of sufficient accommodation and financial means
- ✓Health insurance
Student Residence Permit
Non-EU students enrolled at a Hungarian educational institution
21 days
- ✓Valid passport
- ✓Official acceptance letter from Hungarian university/college
- ✓Proof of tuition payment or scholarship
- ✓Proof of accommodation in Hungary
- ✓Health insurance
- ✓Proof of sufficient financial means (HUF 150,000+/month or equivalent)
Long-term (Settlement) Permit
Non-EU nationals who have legally resided in Hungary continuously for 3–8 years (depending on route)
30–60 days
- ✓Proof of continuous legal residence (3 years on EU Blue Card, or 8 years standard, or other qualifying routes)
- ✓Proof of integration: Hungarian language knowledge (A2 minimum)
- ✓Proof of stable income and accommodation
- ✓No criminal record
- ✓Health insurance or eligibility for public healthcare
White Card (Digital Nomad Visa)
Digital NomadNon-EU nationals who work remotely for non-Hungarian companies or clients. Must not provide services to Hungarian companies.
21 days
- ✓Valid passport (at least 1 year validity)
- ✓Proof of remote employment or self-employment (contract with foreign employer/clients)
- ✓Proof of sufficient income: at least twice the Hungarian minimum wage (approx. HUF 580,000+/month)
- ✓Health insurance valid in Hungary
- ✓Proof of accommodation in Hungary
- ✓No Hungarian tax obligations from Hungarian-sourced income
Visa & Immigration
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