Residence permit to Hungary for Non-EU citizens 

 

Are you looking to study abroad and to live in Hungary? Read our article to find out the most important information about Hungary you need to know before moving here: 

• what a residence permit is, 
• whether you need a residence permit, 
• the types of residence permits, 
• and how you can apply to get a residence permit! 

 

Read on for everything you need to know if you are planning to move to Hungary and study abroad! 

About Hungary 

Hungary is a small but beautiful, culturally and historically rich country located in the heart of Europe. 

 

The country has a population of nearly 10 million with a territory of around 90,000 square kilometers. Hungary has seven neighboring countries:  Austria, Slovakia, Ukraine, Romania, Serbia, Croatia and Slovenia. The official language is Hungarian, but English is widely spoken in the capital city of Budapest, and among the younger generations all over the country. 

 

Budapest is not only a highly popular tourist destination, but it also attracts many foreign citizens who want to work or study abroad in a vibrant European capital city. The city is especially popular among international students and young professionals who are looking for a city with a rich cultural life, plenty of programs and affordable living costs. 

 

Hungary and the European Union 

Hungary has been a member state of the European Union since 2004, and a part of Europe’s border-free Schengen Area since 2007. Being part of the Schengen Area comes with great benefits for both Hungarian citizens and those looking to relocate to Hungary. 

 

All EU citizens, as well as non-EU nationals living in the EU, tourists visiting the EU,  exchange students and those visiting for business purposes enjoy free movement and the right to live, travel, study and work in Hungary. 

 

As a member state of the EU and the Schengen Area, Hungary is also very attractive to non-EU citizens and students who want to move around and explore Europe while living in Hungary. 

 

For international students, Hungary is also a great choice due to its high-quality higher education institutions, which have great connections with other universities all around Europe and Erasmus+ funded exchange opportunities for those looking to gain more international experience. 

 

About residence permits 

Foreign nationals looking to settle down and live in a country for a longer period, which they are not citizens of, need to obtain a residence permit. 

Definition of the residence permit 

The residence permit is the official document or card issued by the receiving country’s government that legally allows a foreign national to reside in the country for a longer time period. 

Do I need a residence permit? 

Citizens of other  member countries of the Schengen Area – including countries of the European Union and the EEA (European Economic Area) countries of Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Switzerland - do not need a residence permit to live and study in Hungary. 

 

However, non-EEA citizens who want to reside in Hungary for a period exceeding 90 days need to apply for the residence permit together with the visa application before arriving to Hungary.  

Types of residence permits to Hungary 

Residence permits can vary based on the length and the purpose of the stay, and the regulations and application process can be different between regions and countries. 

 

The types of residence permits available to Hungary are the following: 

• Residence Permit for the Purpose of Study 
• Student Mobility Residence Permit and Student Mobility Certificate 
• Residence Permit for the Purpose of Traineeship 
• Residence Permit for the Purpose of Job-searching or Entrepreneurship 
• Residence Permit for the Purpose of Employment 
• Residence Permit for the Purpose of Seasonal Employment 
• Residence Permit for the Pursuit of Gainful Activity 
• Residence Permit for the Purpose of Intra-corporate Transfer and Permit for Long-term Mobility 
• Residence Permit for Official Purposes 
• Residence Permit for the Purpose of Research 
• Residence Permit for the Purpose of Medical Treatment 
• Residence Permit for the Purpose of Visit 
• Residence Permit for the Purpose of Voluntary Service Activities 
• Temporary Residence Permit 
• Residence Permit for Other Purposes 

Study permit to Hungary 

As stated on the  dedicated official website of the Hungarian government. a Residence Permit for the Purpose of Study may be issued to third-country nationals who fulfill the following requirements:  

 

• who has been admitted to or accepted by a public education institution registered in the public education information system for pursuing full-time course of study in the regular school system or in daytime courses of study under a student relationship in Hungary; or 
• who is pursuing full-time education and training in a State-recognised institution of higher education or a foreign higher education institution authorised to operate in the territory of Hungary in daytime courses of study; and/or 
• who seeking residence in Hungary so as to attend a course in a higher education institution, which may cover a preparatory course prior to such education; and 
• who is able to verify the linguistic knowledge required for the pursuit of studies; 
• who is able to evidence that public education fees or the fees charged by the higher education institution have been paid; 
• who has a valid travel document; 
• who is in possession of the necessary permits for return or continued travel; 
• who is able to verify the purpose of his/her entry and residence; 
• who has sufficient means of subsistence and financial resources to cover his/her accommodation costs for the duration of the intended stay and for the return to his/her country of origin or transit to a third country; 
• who has comprehensive healthcare insurance or sufficient financial resources for healthcare services; 
• who is not subject to expulsion or exclusion, he/she is not considered to represent a threat affecting public policy, public security, national security, or public health of Hungary; 
• for whom an alert has not been issued in the SIS for the purposes of refusing entry and residence; and 
• who has notified the address of his/her accommodation in the territory of Hungary. 

 

 

How to get a Hungarian residence permit as a non-EU citizen? 

You can apply for a residence permit for the purpose of studies at the accredited Hungarian Embassy or Consulate.   

 

Applicants need to submit the official application forms along with all necessary documents that prove that they meet all requirements of the given residence permit type. 

 

You can find all details, forms and about the required documents and the application process at the Hungarian government’s official website at bbmbah.hu. 

 

Assistance with residence permit and visa applications for applicants of Budapest Metropolitan University 

At Budapest Metropolitan University, we are committed to assist our applicants in solving all problems they might encounter before their arrival.  

 

As part of our Visa Assistance Package, our team provides assistance for students requiring a visa in preparing all documents and going through this application process successfully. 

 

You can request assistance on our online application site after successfully passing the online interview. Find out more about our application process here. 

 

Hope to welcome you in Hungary and at Budapest Metropolitan University soon! 

2022. 09. 14.