Frequently Asked Questions

The European Health Insurance Card is a free card that grants you access to medically necessary, state-provided healthcare during a temporary stay in any of the 27 EU countries, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland, or the United Kingdom. It ensures that you receive healthcare under the same conditions and at the same cost (which may be free in some countries) as people insured in the country you are visiting. 

The cards are issued by your national health insurance provider. In case you are already residing in Hungary for a prolonged period and are taxed for healthcare benefits we can assist you in obtaining a Hungarian EHIC.

The benefits covered by the EHIC include medically necessary healthcare services provided in conjunction with chronic or existing illnesses, as well as services related to pregnancy and childbirth. 

 It's important to note that the EHIC is not an alternative to travel insurance. It does not cover private healthcare, costs such as a return flight to your home country, or lost/stolen property. Additionally, it does not cover your costs if you are traveling for the purpose of obtaining medical treatment. Furthermore, while many services may be free in your home country, they might not be free in another country due to differences in healthcare systems. 

Yes, it is required you to report your presence to the relevant authorities within a reasonable time after arrival if you are employed. After the first 3 months, as an employed person, you must apply for an EEA Registration Certificate.

Yes, as an EU national, you have the right to retire and live in Hungary. You need to have comprehensive health insurance cover. Additionally, you must have sufficient income to live there without needing income support. Income for retirement can come from various sources, including a pension if you are a pensioner, or any other form of revenue. 

Individuals who have been accepted into a Hungarian educational institution for full-time studies, including degree programs or preparatory courses, are eligible to apply for a student residence permit.

Required documents typically include proof of enrollment in a Hungarian educational institution, evidence of sufficient financial means, health insurance coverage, proof of language proficiency, and a valid domestic address within Hungary. 

The student residence permit is initially valid for at least one year, with the option to extend it for up to three years. The validity period cannot exceed the expiration date of the applicant's travel document. 

Yes, students with a residence permit in Hungary are permitted to work up to 30 hours per week during term time and full-time during breaks for up to 90 days per year. 

Upon successful completion of studies, graduates have the option to apply for a job search or entrepreneurship residence permit, allowing them to stay in Hungary for up to nine months to explore career opportunities or start their own businesses. 

A Schengen visa is a document that allows its holder to travel to countries within the Schengen Area. It aims to facilitate easier travel between European countries that are signatories to the Schengen Agreement. 

Currently, the Schengen Area includes most EU countries, excluding Cyprus and Ireland. Bulgaria and Romania recently joined on 31 March 2024, removing checks for those crossing internal air and sea borders. However, a decision on removing checks at internal land borders is pending from the Council. Additionally, non-EU countries Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein are also part of the Schengen Area. 

Citizens of the following countries need a Schengen Visa to enter the Schengen Area:

Afghanistan, Armenia, Angola, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Burkina Faso, Bahrain, Burundi, Benin, Bolivia, Bhutan, Botswana, Belarus, Belize, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Central African Republic, Congo, Côte d'Ivoire, Cameroon, China, Cuba, Cape Verde, Djibouti, Dominican Republic, Algeria, Ecuador, Egypt, Eritrea, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Fiji, Gabon, Ghana, The Gambia, Guinea, Equatorial Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Indonesia, India, Iraq, Iran, Jamaica, Jordan, Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, Cambodia, Comoros, North Korea, Kuwait, Kazakhstan, Laos, Lebanon, Sri Lanka, Liberia, Lesotho, Libya, Morocco, Madagascar, Mali, Myanmar/Burma, Mongolia, Mauritania, Maldives, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, Nepal, Oman, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Pakistan, Qatar, Russia, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Sierra Leone, Senegal, Somalia, Suriname, South Sudan, São Tomé and Príncipe, Syria, Chad, Togo, Thailand, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Tunisia, Turkey, Tanzania, Uganda, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, Yemen, South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe.

Citizens of Schengen countries, as well as those from select countries (Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Andorra, United Arab Emirates, Antigua and Barbuda, Albania, Argentina, Australia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Barbados, Brunei, Brazil, Bahamas, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominica, Micronesia, Grenada, Georgia, Guatemala, Honduras, Israel, Japan, Kiribati, Saint Kitts and Nevis, South Korea, Saint Lucia, Monaco, Moldova, Montenegro, Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Mexico, Malaysia, Nicaragua, Nauru, New Zealand, Panama, Peru, Palau, Paraguay, Serbia (excluding holders of Serbian passports issued by the Serbian Coordination Directorate), Solomon Islands, Seychelles, Singapore, San Marino, El Salvador, Timor-Leste, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tuvalu, Ukraine, United States, Uruguay, Holy See, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Venezuela, Vanuatu, Samoa) do not need a visa for short stays of up to 90 days. (Exceptions may apply!)

You can submit your visa application up to 3 months before your planned departure. 

Yes, applicants must have medical travel insurance with a minimum coverage of EUR 30,000. 

Refer to the list of required documents on our website. 

Reasons for refusal are given for short-stay visas, but not for long-stay visas except in certain cases. 

 Yes, you are free to reapply for a Schengen visa. 

Yes, you can visit all states within the Schengen area with a visa issued by one country. 

It allows unrestricted entries into the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within six months. 

Processing time is typically 5 or 10 working days, depending on nationality and a complete application. 

Signed application form, birth certificate, parental consent, and copies of parent passports are needed. 

Bank statements for the past three months and proof of regular income are usually required. 

It outlines your travel plans, funding details, and itinerary for the trip. 

 A Golden Visa is a residency permit granted to individuals who make a significant investment in a country. It typically allows investors and their families to live, work, and travel within the country and, in some cases, other countries within the Schengen Area. 

 viaHungary provides comprehensive support for applying for a Golden Visa through its extensive network of professionals in real estate, financial investment, and legal studies. Our team of experts is dedicated to understanding your specific needs and guiding you through every step of the process. We help identify suitable investment opportunities and navigate the complexities of legal requirements to ensure a smooth and successful application. 

 The investment requirements for a Golden Visa in Hungary typically include making a significant financial commitment, such as investing in real estate, creating jobs, or contributing to the economy in other substantial ways. Specific criteria can vary, so it's essential to consult with experts to understand the most current requirements. 

 A Golden Visa offers several benefits, including the ability to live, work, and study in the country where it is issued. In Hungary, it also provides access to the Schengen Area, allowing for visa-free travel across many European countries. Additionally, it can offer a pathway to permanent residency or citizenship, depending on the investment and residency duration. 

 Yes, most Golden Visa programs, including Hungary's, allow immediate family members—such as spouses and dependent children—to join the main applicant. viaHungary can provide detailed guidance on including your family in the application. 

 Hungary offers various investment opportunities, including real estate, financial investments, and business ventures. viaHungary's experts can help you identify the most suitable and lucrative options based on your interests and financial goals. 

 To start the Golden Visa application process with viaHungary, simply reach out to us through our contact form or direct communication channels. Our team will schedule a consultation to discuss your needs, explain the process, and outline the next steps to ensure a successful application. 

 Yes, there are various legal considerations when applying for a Golden Visa, including compliance with local regulations and investment criteria. viaHungary's network of legal experts will assist you in understanding and meeting all legal requirements to ensure your application is both compliant and successful. 

For Hungary, the validity period is typically up to 10 years, with the possibility of renewal or extension based on meeting ongoing investment or residency requirements. s item.

  In Hungary, the permit can be extended for up to another 10 years, provided that the conditions of the investment or residency are maintained and any additional requirements are met. 

 The EU Blue Card is a work and residence permit designed to attract highly qualified professionals from non-EU countries to live and work in the European Union. It allows eligible individuals to work in a skilled position in an EU member state, offering them a pathway to long-term residency and the possibility of moving to other EU countries under certain conditions. 

 Eligibility for the EU Blue Card requires a recognized higher education qualification or at least five years of relevant professional experience. Additionally, you must have a job offer or contract in an EU country with a salary at least 1.2 times the average gross annual salary of the country where you wish to work. 

 The EU Blue Card provides numerous benefits, including the right to live and work in an EU country, the possibility of family reunification, access to a wide range of social services, and the potential for long-term residency and mobility within the EU after a certain period. 

 The EU Blue Card is typically valid for the duration of the work contract plus three months, but it cannot exceed four years. It can be renewed as long as the holder continues to meet the necessary conditions. 

 Most EU countries participate in the EU Blue Card program, with the notable exceptions of Denmark and Ireland. Each participating country has its own implementation of the Blue Card, with specific requirements regarding salary thresholds and application procedures. 

 The salary requirements vary by country, but generally, the job offer must provide a salary that is at least 1.2 times the average gross annual salary of the EU member state where the employment is offered. Some countries may have higher thresholds, particularly for jobs in shortage occupations. 

 Yes, family members of EU Blue Card holders can accompany them to the EU. Spouses and children are eligible for residence permits and have the right to work and study in the host country, depending on national regulations. 

 During the first two years, changing employers may require prior approval from the immigration authorities. After this period, the cardholder can change employers more freely within the same country. After 18 months, EU Blue Card holders may move to another EU country under certain conditions, provided they apply for a new Blue Card in the new host country. 

 To ensure a successful EU Blue Card application, it’s essential to prepare all required documents meticulously and comply with the specific requirements of the host country. Our expert team can manage the entire process, ensuring that every detail aligns with immigration authorities' standards, allowing your company to focus on hiring the right talent and driving business growth. 

 The White Card is available to third-country nationals working remotely for a foreign company or managing a foreign-based business from Hungary. 

 No, the White Card is strictly for those who do not engage in gainful activities within Hungary or own shares in a Hungarian company. 

 The White Card is valid for one year and can be extended once for an additional year. 

 You must demonstrate a net monthly income of at least EUR 3,000 for six months prior to entry. 

 Generally, no. Family reunification is not allowed under the White Card, except for children born in Hungary to White Card holders. 

 You can appeal the decision within eight days of notification. However, appeals introducing new facts not previously disclosed will be dismissed. 

 Yes, but only once, and you must apply for an extension at least 30 days before your current permit expires. 

 Your White Card will be withdrawn if you are found to be working locally or holding shares in a Hungarian company. 

 No, you cannot apply for another residence permit during or after the validity of the White Card for a different purpose. 

 It is a permit that allows third-country nationals to join their family members who are legally residing in Hungary. This is primarily for individuals who are not EEA nationals. 

 Eligible applicants include spouses, minor children, dependent parents or siblings, and persons with parental custody of a minor Hungarian child living in the same household. 

 Applications can be submitted either from outside Hungary at a Hungarian diplomatic mission or within Hungary if the applicant is legally present.

 Required documents include proof of family relationship, proof of means of subsistence, proof of accommodation, health insurance, and valid exit conditions. 

 The permit's validity depends on the sponsor’s residence title.

It is a document that allows non-EEA family members of EEA nationals to reside in Hungary. The card is essential for legal residency and access to work, education, and other rights.

 Applications must be submitted in person at the National Directorate-General for Aliens Policing or electronically within 93 days of entry into Hungary. 

 Residence Card holders can live, work, and study in Hungary without additional work authorization and have similar rights to those of EEA and Hungarian citizens. 

 Third-country nationals who wish to work for a Hungarian employer or fulfil a contractual obligation between a foreign and Hungarian company are eligible. Applicants must not be family members of EEA nationals. 

 Applications can be submitted outside of Hungary at a Hungarian consulate or embassy in your home country or withing the territory of Hungary if you are eligible e.g. visa exempt.

 You will need proof of employment, proof of sufficient financial resources, valid accommodation documents, comprehensive health insurance, a valid passport, and proof of onward travel or funds for return travel. 

 The residence permit is typically valid for up to 2 years. It can be extended for an additional year, but the total validity period cannot exceed 3 years from the date of first issuance. 

 Yes, you can apply for an extension of your residence permit, but it must be submitted at least 40 days before your current permit expires. The extension cannot exceed 3 years from the initial permit issuance. 

 If you change employers or your job role within Hungary, you are required to submit a new or extended residence permit application to reflect this change. 

 No, it is not possible to apply for a different type of residence permit while holding a permit for employment in Hungary.

 Family reunification is generally not allowed with a residence permit for employment, except in special cases, such as when a child is born in Hungary to a permit holder.

Yes, with this residence permit, you can travel within the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within any consecutive 180-day period without the need for an additional visa. 

 Securing permanent residency involves meeting specific, detailed criteria and providing thorough documentation related to your legal status, housing, financial resources, and integration. 

The application process is detailed and requires careful preparation and submission of various documents. Each step is meticulously reviewed to ensure compliance with all requirements.

 Applicants need to provide a comprehensive set of documents that typically include proof of residence, financial stability, health insurance, and other relevant information to support their eligibility. 

The immigration authority conducts a thorough and detailed review of each application to ensure that all criteria are met, focusing on accuracy and compliance with the regulations. 

 Absolutely. Our team offers expert guidance and support throughout the application process, helping to navigate the complexities and ensure that your application aligns with all necessary criteria. 

The Hungarian Card is a special Hungarian residence permit allowing third-country nationals to live and work in Hungary, similar to the EU Blue Card Hungary but with unique eligibility requirements. It’s particularly suitable for highly skilled professionals, business owners, and executives looking to establish their long-term residency in Hungary. 

The card is available to individuals working for a Hungarian employer, business owners, managing directors, and highly qualified professionals, such as engineers and IT specialists. It also applies to skilled applicants in fields like natural sciences, music, and folk culture. For those considering Hungarian company formation or who already have a Hungarian work visa, this permit can provide a smoother path to long-term residency.

While both the Hungarian Card and EU Blue Card are residence permits for skilled professionals, the Hungarian Card allows more flexibility in the types of employment and business activities permitted. It’s particularly beneficial for individuals who want to transition from a business visa Hungary or work permit Hungary into a longer-term solution. 

Yes, applicants can submit a Hungarian visa application at a Hungarian consulate or embassy in their home country. For those eligible for Schengen visa Hungary entry, applications can also be submitted within Hungary. We offer Hungary immigration services to guide you through the process, from document preparation to submission.

Applicants need to provide proof of employment, professional qualifications, financial resources, accommodation, and health insurance. If you have questions about specific Hungarian immigration requirements, our Budapest immigration services can help you compile and review these documents. 

The initial validity of the Hungarian Card is three years, with the possibility of a visa extension Hungary for an additional three years. After this period, eligible applicants may also consider applying for permanent residency Hungary. 

Yes, the Hungarian Card allows for family reunification Hungary. Family members of Hungarian Card holders can apply for their own residence card Hungary. Our team of Hungary immigration consultants can assist with the family reunification application and guide you through Hungarian immigration law requirements. 

The Hungarian Card is one of many Hungarian visa types, including student visas, digital nomad visas, and investor visas Hungary. Each type serves different purposes and has distinct eligibility requirements. For a tailored recommendation, consider reaching out to learn which permit is best for your needs. 

 The typical processing time is 21 days for the initial application, with a final decision issued within 70 days. Hungary immigration consultants can help ensure that applications are complete and correct, minimizing delays in the Hungary immigration process.

While the Hungarian Card provides a pathway to permanent residency, it does not directly lead to Hungarian citizenship. However, after a qualifying period of residency, individuals may apply for Hungarian citizenship by descent or through the standard Hungarian citizenship application process.

For professional assistance, viaHungary immigration consulting Hungary services is available to guide applicants through the entire process, from filling out forms to gathering documents. Our expat services in Hungary also offer support in navigating Hungarian residency and immigration needs for families and businesses.

 The Hungarian Card is primarily aimed at working professionals and business owners. Students may be more suited to the Hungary student visa, which allows for study and limited work while enrolled in a Hungarian institution. 

 If your Hungarian Card application is denied, you may appeal within 8 days. For expert guidance on appeals and Hungarian immigration authority procedures, consult with our Budapest immigration lawyer or our immigration consultant who are familiar with Hungarian immigration law.