Residence permit

How do I renew my resident permit if it expires?

Since the new immigration law was introduced on the 1st of January 2024, residence permits that were issued before this date, technically cannot be extended, only a new permit can be issued. You can start your application ideally no later than 45 days before your current card expires at the most and your TAJ card will expire with your residence permit. In case of permits issued after this date, the extension request needs to be submitted before the expiry date of your residence permit card ideally no later than 30 days before the current permit expires. You can start the process on https://enterhungary.gov.hu/eh/. The standard fee is 23,000 HUF, payable online. Within 15 days of online submission, visit a client service office in person to provide biometric data (photo and fingerprints).

 

What happens if I don’t renew my resident permit in time?

If your residence permit expires before renewal, the immigration office may issue a certificate of temporary residence until the decision is made, which is not the same as a temporary residence permit. This document entitles the holder exclusively to residence in the territory of Hungary, and not to exit or re-entry. The certificate ceases to be valid upon departure and must be handed in upon exit. You can only get this in-person at the immigration office.

 

Can I travel to other European country with my student visa without any restriction?

Hungary is a member of the Schengen Area, which allows for passport-free movement across 27 European countries. With a Hungarian student visa, you are permitted to travel to other Schengen countries for short stays without needing additional visas.

You can stay in other Schengen countries for up to 90 days within any 180 day period. This means that the total number of days you spend in other Schengen countries should not exceed 90 days in any 180 day timeframe.

Your travel should be for tourism, attending conferences, short courses, or events. Engaging in work or long-term studies in another Schengen country is not permitted under your Hungarian student visa. These require obtaining the appropriate national visa or residence permit from the country.

When traveling, it's advisable to bring a valid passport, your Hungarian student visa, proof of financial means, health insurance valid throughout the Schengen Area, and proof of the purpose of your visit. While routine border checks are generally absent within the Schengen Area, authorities may conduct random checks, so it's important to have these documents readily available.

Your Hungarian student visa does not grant you the right to enter non-Schengen countries. If you plan to visit countries outside the Schengen Area, you must check their specific visa requirements and obtain the necessary visas before traveling.

You can read more about the Schengen area and requirements here:

https://www.eeas.europa.eu/sites/default/files/frequently_asked_questions_en.pdf

Do I need to apply for student resident permit immediately I arrive?

European Economic Area (EEA) Citizens

Students who are EEA citizens can reside in Hungary for more than three months if they are enrolled at an education institution offering accredited programmes. Within 90 days from the time of entry, EEA students have to register at the regional directorate of the National Directorate-General for Aliens Policing (https://oif.gov.hu/). Students should present a certificate of admission issued by the education institution or any other document to the verify their student status. The registration certificate has no expiry date, and is valid together with a valid travel document or personal identification document.

Third Country Nationals

Third country nationals are required to have a visa for entering the territory of Hungary and also for a stay of up to 90 days within a 180 days period if they come from a country that is under visa obligation according to the Schengen acquis. It is worth to check, if your country has a bilateral agreement with Hungary, because in this case there is no need to get a visa. The visa application has to be submitted to the Hungarian Consulate in the country where the permanent or temporary residence of the applicant is located or in the country of the applicant’s nationality (https://konzinfo.mfa.gov.hu/en/embassies#hungarian-embassies-abroad). After arriving in Hungary with the visa obtained from the consulate, go to the National Directorate-General for Aliens Policing (OIF) within a few days, submit biometric data and report your accommodation, and then receive your residence permit card.

Students who are third-country nationals can obtain a residence permit if they have full time legal student relationship with a registered Hungarian public educational institution working in line with the public education information system. The same rules are applied in the case when third country nationals wish to stay in Hungary for full-time studies organized by a state-recognized higher education institution, or to participate in a preparatory course for studies organized by a state-recognized higher education institution.

 

What website can I use to apply for student resident permit?

If you are coming from a country that is under visa obligations according to the Schengen acquis, you need to apply for the residence permit for the purpose of study and a residence permit visa (D-visa) at the same time, before you travel to Hungary.

You need to submit the residence permit application at the Hungarian embassy/consulate or at other locations authorized to receive residence permit applications which operates in the country of your permanent residence or nationality. The decision on residence permit with study purposes will be made within 30 days. Please note that due to the increased number of applications before the start of the semester, the waiting time can exceed 30 days.

https://konzinfo.mfa.gov.hu/en/embassies#hungarian-embassies-abroad

If you are a non-EEA student and you plan to stay in Hungary longer than 30 days, you are required to register your accommodation and any consequent changes online on the Enter Hungary website within 3 days of taking up residence.

The QR code received upon accommodation registration has the function of an address card.  It has to be available at all times and be presented to the authorities if requested.

https://enterhungary.gov.hu/eh/?en

 

Obtaining Citizenship

Basic Requirements for Standard Naturalization include 8 Years of legal residence in Hungary (a residence permit or permanent residence for at least 8 years continuously), a clean criminal record, proof of legal income and a place to live, Hungarian language knowledge by passing a basic Hungarian language test, both spoken and written, and respect for Hungarian Laws and the Constitution

Descendants of Hungarian citizens are Hungarian citizens themselves by birth, regardless of the country of birth or the number of generations living abroad. If you can prove your ancestors are or were citizens, you can apply for a verification of your citizenship through a simplified process.

Other faster paths to citizenship include if you are married to a Hungarian citizen and have lived together in Hungary, have a Hungarian child and have lived in Hungary, are a refugee officially recognized in Hungary, were adopted by Hungarian citizens as a minor, or are a minor whose parent gets Hungarian citizenship. Hungary allows dual citizenship.

 

https://emberijogok.kormany.hu/the-acquisition-of-hungarian-nationality