Visa Types — Hungary
Updated July 20, 2026
Major Visa Categories for Immigrating to Hungary
*Note: Hungary is a Schengen Area member and EU state. Immigration rules combine national law with EU regulations. Fees and processing times change periodically — always verify current details with the Hungarian National Directorate-General for Aliens Policing (OIF) or your nearest Hungarian consulate before applying.*
National Visa (D-type Visa) — General Long-Stay Visa
Who it's for: Third-country nationals seeking entry to Hungary for long-term purposes (work, study, family reunification, residence) before applying for a residence permit.
Key eligibility requirements:
- Valid passport (valid at least 3 months beyond intended stay)
- Purpose-specific supporting documents (employment contract, admission letter, marriage/birth certificate, etc.)
- Proof of accommodation in Hungary
- Proof of financial means
- Comprehensive health/travel insurance
- Clean criminal record certificate
- Completed application form and biometric data
Processing time: Typically 15–30 calendar days, though can extend to 60 days for complex cases
Cost:
- HUF 30,000–60,000 (varies by purpose)
- Approx. USD 80–165
---
Work Permit Visa / Single Permit (Residence Permit for Employment Purposes)
Who it's for: Non-EU/EEA nationals coming to Hungary for employment with a Hungarian employer.
Key eligibility requirements:
- Valid job offer/employment contract from a registered Hungarian employer
- Employer must generally prove labor market test (unless exempt, e.g., under bilateral agreements or shortage occupations)
- Relevant qualifications for the position
- Valid passport
- Health insurance
- Accommodation proof
- Clean criminal record
- Sufficient financial means
Processing time: 30–70 days (combined single permit procedure covering both work and residence)
Cost:
- HUF 60,000–75,000
- Approx. USD 165–205
---
Hungarian Card / EU Blue Card (Highly Skilled Worker Visa)
Who it's for: Highly qualified non-EU professionals with a higher education degree and job offer meeting salary thresholds.
Key eligibility requirements:
- University degree or equivalent higher professional qualification
- Employment contract with minimum salary threshold (approx. 1.5–2x average Hungarian gross salary, updated annually — verify current threshold)
- Valid passport
- Health insurance
- Clean criminal record
- Proof of accommodation
Processing time: Approximately 30 days (expedited procedure for highly skilled workers)
Cost:
- HUF 60,000–75,000
- Approx. USD 165–205
---
Guest Investor Visa / Residency (Investment-Based Residence Permit)
Who it's for: Non-EU nationals making substantial investments in Hungary (real estate funds, government bonds, or approved investment vehicles) — reintroduced under the "Guest Investor" program.
Key eligibility requirements:
- Minimum investment threshold (commonly cited around EUR 250,000 in real estate funds or EUR 500,000 in real estate directly, or EUR 1,000,000 donation to higher education institutions — thresholds vary by program track)
- Clean criminal record
- Health insurance
- Proof of legal source of investment funds
- Valid passport
Processing time: 60–90 days (due to due diligence/background checks)
Cost:
- Application/administrative fee: HUF 300,000–500,000 (approx. USD 820–1,370), *separate from the investment amount itself*
- Investment amount not included in "visa cost" — treat as capital requirement
---
Student Visa / Residence Permit for Study Purposes
Who it's for: Non-EU/EEA nationals admitted to accredited Hungarian higher education institutions or study programs.
Key eligibility requirements:
- Letter of acceptance from a recognized Hungarian institution
- Proof of tuition payment or scholarship
- Proof of sufficient funds for living expenses (approx. HUF 108,000–130,000/month, subject to change)
- Health insurance
- Accommodation proof
- Valid passport
- Clean criminal record (for permit renewal/long programs)
Processing time: 20–30 days for visa; residence permit issued after arrival within Hungary (additional 30 days)
Cost:
- Visa: HUF 30,000–36,000 (approx. USD 80–100)
- Residence permit card fee: HUF 15,000–20,000 (approx. USD 40–55)
---
Family Reunification Visa/Residence Permit
Who it's for: Family members (spouse, minor children, dependent parents) of Hungarian citizens, EU nationals, or legally residing third-country nationals in Hungary.
Key eligibility requirements:
- Proof of family relationship (marriage/birth certificates, apostilled/translated)
- Sponsor's proof of legal residence status and sufficient income
- Adequate accommodation for family size
- Health insurance
- Clean criminal record
- Valid passport
Processing time: 30–90 days depending on complexity and verification of documents
Cost:
- HUF 60,000–75,000
- Approx. USD 165–205
---
Residence Permit for the Purpose of Volunteer Activity
Who it's for: Non-EU nationals participating in recognized volunteer programs (e.g., European Solidarity Corps) in Hungary.
Key eligibility requirements:
- Agreement with a registered/accredited hosting organization
- Proof of program duration and activities
- Health insurance
- Accommodation proof
- Valid passport
- Clean criminal record
Processing time: 21–30 days
Cost:
- HUF 30,000–60,000
- Approx. USD 80–165
---
Residence Permit for Research Purposes
Who it's for: Non-EU researchers engaged by Hungarian research institutions under a hosting agreement.
Key eligibility requirements:
- Hosting agreement with an approved research organization
- Proof of qualifications suitable for research position
- Health insurance
- Sufficient financial means
- Clean criminal record
- Valid passport
Processing time: 30–60 days (fast-track available for approved research institutions, sometimes 15 days)
Cost:
- HUF 60,000–75,000
- Approx. USD 165–205
---
Permanent Residence Permit (National or EC Long-Term Resident Status)
Who it's for: Long-term legal residents (typically after 3–5 years of continuous residence) seeking permanent settlement; also available to ethnic Hungarians and certain other qualifying categories under national permanent residency rules.
Key eligibility requirements:
- Minimum 3 years continuous legal residence (National Permanent Residence) or 5 years (EC status)
- Stable and regular income
- Comprehensive health insurance
- Integration requirements (may include basic Hungarian language/knowledge in some tracks)
- Clean criminal record
- Registered accommodation
Processing time: 60–90 days
Cost:
- HUF 96,000–120,000
- Approx. USD 260–330
---
Important Reminders
- Exchange rate used: Approximate figures based on ~365 HUF = 1 USD; rates fluctuate, so recalculate at time of application.
- EU/EEA/Swiss nationals do not need visas or residence permits under the work-visa categories above — they follow simplified EU free movement registration procedures.
- Guest Investor Program was relaunched in 2024 and specific terms (thresholds, eligible investment vehicles) may still be evolving — confirm details directly with Hungarian authorities or a licensed immigration attorney.
- Always confirm current fees, forms, and timelines via the official OIF website (oif.gov.hu) or your local Hungarian embassy/consulate, as post-pandemic and EU policy updates frequently alter these programs.
Have a question about moving to Hungary?
Ask Derah, Immiweave's free AI immigration assistant — plus live exchange rates and research for 57 countries.
Use Immiweave free →
More about immigrating to Hungary
Immigration laws, costs, and policies change frequently. This guide is AI-researched for information only and is not legal advice. Always verify with official government sources and licensed immigration professionals before making decisions.