How can I get permanent residence in Hungary?

Hungary offers two main long-term statuses. The National Residence Card is the main permanent-residence document and is generally available after at least three years of continuous lawful residence, or through qualifying family ties. The EU Residence Card grants EU long-term resident status, with portability to other EU states, after five years of continuous lawful residence. For both, you normally need stable accommodation and means of subsistence and a clean record, and from 2025 most applicants must also pass the Hungarian Cultural Knowledge Exam, which is held in Hungarian. Some applicants are exempt, so check the current requirements before applying.