Visa and Residence Permit

Hungary is a member of the Schengen Area, and applies the Schengen legislation. Today, the Schengen Area encompasses most EU States, except for Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Ireland, Romania and the United Kingdom. However, Bulgaria and Romania are currently in the process of joining the Schengen Area. Of non-EU States, Iceland, Norway, Switzerland and Liechtenstein have joined the Schengen Area.
 
Significant changes subsequent to Hungary’s Schengen-membership are that

  • visas and residence permits issued by one of the Schengen States are valid also for Hungary,
  • visas issued by Hungarian representations abroad and residence permits issued by Hungarian national authorities are also valid for the entire Schengen Area.

The Schengen visa and entry regulations are only applicable for a stay not exceeding 90 days. Rules for a long stay exceeding 90 days are laid down by the national law of the member states concerned.
 
WE VERY MUCH RECOMMEND THAT ALL NON-EEA/NON-EU CITIZENS (even those who are eligible to enter Hungary without a visa for up to 90 days) APPLY FOR A VISA FOR RESIDENCE PERMIT BEFORE COMING TO HUNGARY! Visa requests must be submitted no earlier than 3 months and no later than at least 6 weeks before the planned date of arrival to the relevant Hungarian consulate.
 
PLEASE NOTE THAT STUDENTS ARRIVING WITH A VISA FOR RESIDENCE PERMIT FOR STUDIES MUST PICK UP THEIR RESIDENCE PERMIT AT THE HUNGARIAN IMMIGRATION OFFICE WITHIN 30 DAYS OF THE DATE OF ARRIVAL.
 
Students who did not apply for a visa for residence permit in their home country are obliged to apply for a residence permit (or in case of EEA/EU citizens for a registration card) at the Hungarian Immigration Office within 15 days of arrival.
 
More information and a list of documents to be sugmitted to the Immigration Office, as well as a residence permit application form are available on the website of the Immigration Office:
http://www.bmbah.hu/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&layout=item&id=70&...
 
 
Contact information and opening hours available here:
http://www.bmbah.hu/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&layout=item&id=33&...