Family Members

When seeking to join family members in Hungary, it's crucial to understand the difference between the two primary types of permits. The Residence Permit for Family Reunification is designed for third-country nationals reuniting with family members who are Hungarian citizens or hold valid residence permits in Hungary. In contrast, the Residence Card for Family Members of EEA Nationals is specifically for third-country nationals who are joining or accompanying a family member from the European Economic Area (EEA) who is residing in Hungary. Each family residence permit has distinct eligibility criteria, application processes, and rights, tailored to the specific circumstances of the applicant's family relationship.

•  Spouses (including registered partners).

• Minor children (including adopted or foster children).

• Persons with parental custody of a minor Hungarian child living in the same household.

• Dependent sibling or parent.

 A family residence permit for family reunification can be granted to a third-country national if they are a family member of one of the following:

• A person with a valid residence permit, immigration permit, or various permanent residence permits in Hungary.

• A Hungarian citizen.

• A person with refugee status, under specific conditions such as the marriage being contracted before entering Hungary.

• An unaccompanied minor with refugee status or their legally appointed guardian.

• A dependent parent or sibling of the sponsor or their spouse, particularly if unable to support themselves due to health reasons.

 Outside Hungary:

• Family residence permit applications must be submitted to a Hungarian diplomatic or consular mission in the applicant's country of nationality or habitual residence.

• If no such mission is available, family reunification applications can be submitted in another country where the applicant is legally present, provided exceptional circumstances are proven.

Within Hungary:

• Visa-free nationals may submit their family reunification applications during their legal stay in Hungary.

Employer Submission:

• In specific cases, an employer may submit the family residence permit application on behalf of the family member, particularly if the sponsor holds certain types of residence permits.

To apply for a residence permit for family reunification in Hungary, applicants must provide various documents, including proof of family relationships (such as birth or marriage certificates), evidence of financial means, proof of accommodation, health insurance coverage, and a valid passport. Additional documents may be required for minors or if the family residence permit applicant intends to work in Hungary. 

The validity of the family reunification permit depends on the sponsor’s residence title with possible extensions matching the original validity period. 

Applicants granted a residence permit through the merged application procedure that includes employment are entitled to work in Hungary. The permit holder must notify the immigration authorities of any changes in employment status, such as entering into a new employment relationship.

To qualify for a Residence Card as a third-country national family member of an EEA national, the applicant must be a family member accompanying or joining the EEA national in Hungary. The EEA national must fulfil specific criteria to ensure the right of residence for themselves and their family members, such as:

• Engagement in Gainful Employment: The EEA national must be employed or self-employed in Hungary.

• Sufficient Resources: The EEA national must demonstrate that they have enough resources to support themselves and their family members without relying on Hungary's social assistance system. They must also have comprehensive health insurance or the means to cover healthcare services.

• Enrolment in Education: If the EEA national is a student, they must be enrolled in an accredited educational institution and have sufficient resources and health insurance for their stay.

The application for a Residence Card must be submitted in person at the National Directorate-General for Aliens Policing or electronically. This should be done within 93 days from the date of entry into Hungary or from the occurrence of the event that establishes the right of residence (e.g., marriage, birth of a child).

The Residence Card is generally issued for the duration of the EEA national’s planned stay, up to a maximum of five years. If issued for a shorter period, the card can be extended. An extension application must be submitted 30 days before the current card expires.

After holding a Residence Card for five years, the family member may be eligible for long-term or permanent residency

The Residence Card ensures that family members can live, work, and study in Hungary, enjoying similar rights to those of EEA citizens and formalizes these rights, which are inherent to being a family member of an EEA citizen. 

The holder of the Residence Card is entitled to:  

• Reside and work in Hungary without the need for additional work authorization.

• Access education, including state-funded programs, on equal terms with EEA citizens.

• Benefit from other rights similar to those of EEA and Hungarian citizens.