Types of Residency in Hungary
There are several types of residency permits available in Hungary for foreign nationals looking to move to the country. These permits allow individuals to legally reside and work in Hungary for a specified period of time. The following are the most common types of residency permits:
Temporary Residence Permit
A temporary residence permit is the most common type of permit issued to foreign nationals moving to Hungary. This permit allows individuals to stay in Hungary for up to 2 years with the option to extend the permit for an additional 2 years. The permit is issued for the purpose of employment, studies, research or other economic activities.
Permanent Residence Permit
A permanent residence permit is issued to individuals who have been legally residing in Hungary for a minimum of 3 years and meet other criteria, such as having a stable source of income and appropriate accommodation. This permit allows individuals to stay in Hungary indefinitely, work without restrictions and enjoy many of the same rights as Hungarian citizens.
Long-term Residence Permit
A long-term residence permit is issued to individuals who have legally resided in Hungary for a minimum of 5 years and have met certain requirements, such as having a stable source of income and appropriate accommodation. This permit is similar to a permanent residence permit, but it is only valid for 5 years and needs to be renewed.
EU Blue Card
The EU Blue Card is a special type of permit issued to highly qualified non-EU individuals who have a job offer in Hungary with a salary of at least 1.5 times the average gross annual salary. The EU Blue Card allows the holder to work and reside in Hungary and other EU member states for up to 4 years, after which it can be renewed.
Process for Applying for Residency in Hungary
The process for applying for residency in Hungary is relatively straightforward. The application must be submitted to the Hungarian Immigration and Asylum Office. The following are the basic steps:
Gather the required documents: The required documents will depend on the type of permit being applied for, but generally include a valid passport, proof of accommodation, proof of sufficient funds, and other documents related to the purpose of the stay in Hungary.
Complete the application form: The application form must be completed and signed by the applicant.
Submit the application: The application must be submitted in person at the Hungarian Embassy or Consulate in the applicant’s home country or in Hungary.
Schedule an appointment for fingerprinting: After submitting the application, the applicant will be required to schedule an appointment for fingerprinting.
Wait for the decision: The processing time for residency permit applications varies, but it usually takes several weeks to several months to receive a decision.
Documents Required for Residency Permit Applications
The required documents for a residency permit application in Hungary will vary depending on the type of permit being applied for. However, the following are the general documents that are required:
- A valid passport with at least 6 months validity remaining
- Two recent passport photos
- Proof of accommodation in Hungary
- Proof of sufficient funds to support oneself in Hungary
- A completed application form
- Proof of the purpose of the stay in Hungary (e.g. employment contract, letter of acceptance from a Hungarian educational institution)
Registration with Government Departments in Hungary
All foreign nationals are required to register with the Hungarian Immigration and Asylum Office within 3 days of their arrival in Hungary. The registration process involves submitting a form and providing proof of accommodation. This registration is required in addition to any residency permit application.
Foreign nationals must also obtain a Hungarian tax ID number, which is necessary for opening a bank account and starting work in Hungary. This can be obtained at the tax authority office in Hungary.
Where to Find Reliable Information
The Hungarian Immigration and Asylum Office provides up-to-date information on residency permits for foreign nationals on their website. The Hungarian embassy or consulate in the applicant’s home country may also provide information on the application process. It is recommended to consult with a legal professional for guidance and support during the application process.