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2 programs for Hungary. Explore the options and get an expert assessment.
Hungary's implementation of the EU Long-Term Residents Directive, granting long-term resident status with EU-wide portability after five years of continuous lawful residence (with an alternative path for EU Blue Card holders). From 2025 the Hungarian Cultural Knowledge Exam is also required.
Hungary's main permanent-residence document for non-EU nationals, conferring an indefinite right of residence. It is generally available after at least three years of continuous lawful residence, or through qualifying family ties. From 2025 most applicants must also pass the Hungarian Cultural Knowledge Exam.
Family Reunification lets close relatives join a qualifying sponsor in Hungary. Under the 2024 law, many temporary-work and student permit holders cannot sponsor family; reunification is available to sponsors such as researchers, Hungarian Card, EU Blue Card and guest investor permit holders.
The EU Residence Card grants EU long-term resident status, with portability to other EU states, after five years of continuous lawful residence in Hungary. EU Blue Card holders have an alternative combined path, and from 2025 the Hungarian Cultural Knowledge Exam is also required.
Relaunched in 2024, the Guest Investor Residence Permit grants long-term residence — up to ten years, renewable — for a qualifying investment in Hungary. The remaining options are units in an approved real-estate fund or a donation to a Hungarian higher-education institution.
The National Residence Card is Hungary's main permanent-residence document, giving an indefinite right of residence. It is generally available after at least three years of continuous lawful residence or through qualifying family ties, and from 2025 most applicants must pass the Hungarian Cultural Knowledge Exam.
Student status allows limited part-time work during studies, but it does not lead to permanent residence on its own and does not allow sponsoring family. To stay on, most graduates move to a work route such as the EU Blue Card once they have a qualifying job offer.
The Researcher Residence Permit is for non-EU researchers carrying out research under a hosting agreement with an accredited Hungarian research organisation. Family members may join, and there is a path to seek work or start a business after the programme.
Hungary's main routes are work permits (the Residence Permit for Employment Purposes, the EU Blue Card, the Hungarian Card and the White Card for digital nomads), the Guest Investor permit, plus student, researcher and family reunification routes, leading to the National or EU Residence Card.
Through the National Residence Card (generally after three years) or the EU Residence Card (after five years); from 2025 most applicants must pass the Hungarian Cultural Knowledge Exam.
Take the assessment or ask Acey, our immigration assistant.
Immigrate (Permanent Residence) — Hungary