Hungary TRC Card Benefits: Rights, Advantages, and Limitations

Hungary offers several types of residence permits for foreign nationals seeking opportunities to work, study, or live in the country. The Hungarian temporary residence card (TRC) is one of them, which provides many benefits, including visa-free travel within the Schengen Area and access to Hungarian state health insurance.

What is a temporary residence card (TRC)?

The temporary residence card (“ideiglenes tartózkodási kártya”) is an official document issued by the Hungarian Immigration Office to third-country nationals. It serves as proof that the holder is a legal resident of Hungary for a set period.

How can you obtain a temporary residence card in Hungary?

Section 78 of Act XC of 2023 on the General Rules for the Entry and Residence of Third-Country Nationals (Btáv.) specifies the requirements for obtaining a TRC.

“Section 78
(1) A third-country national who holds an EU residence permit issued by an EU Member State under Council Directive 2003/109/EC, confirming long-term resident status, will be issued a temporary residence card if they intend to stay in Hungary for the following purposes:
a) for the purpose of employment or business activity (excluding seasonal employment),
b) for the purpose of studying or vocational training, or
c) for other verified reasons,
and meet the other requirements specified in the law.”

As the name suggests, the TRC is valid for a set period, after which non-EU nationals are required to reapply or leave the country. According to Btáv., the maximum validity of a TRC is five years.

“Section 79
(1) The validity period of the temporary residence card is up to five years, which can be extended by up to five years at a time. An application for the extension of the temporary residence card cannot be refused for public health reasons if the illness occurred after the issuance of the temporary residence card that is being extended.”

TRC may be revoked before it expires under specific circumstances, including:

• termination of family relationships (excluding death)
• inability to secure housing or livelihood in Hungary,
• lack of full healthcare insurance and failure to cover healthcare costs or
• threats to public or national security.

Hungary TRC card benefits

After exploring the legal aspects and conditions, it is time to learn more about the Hungary TRC card benefits.

Access to state-funded health insurance

Non-EU citizens holding a temporary or permanent residence permit in Hungary can access public healthcare services. Most treatments, including dental and preventive care, are state-funded and freely available.

The right to live, work, and study in Hungary

A TRC grants the holder the right to legally reside, work, and study in Hungary. As long as the card remains valid, it also allows for temporary stays in other EU countries.

Affordable cost of living

Hungary is known for its relatively low cost of living compared to Western European countries. Monthly expenses for a single individual typically range between 600 and 1,000 euros, excluding rent.

Convenient central European location

Situated in central Europe, Hungary is easily accessible with two major international airports and a well-developed public transportation and highway system. As a modern European nation, it offers high standards of convenience and high levels of public safety.

Visa-free travel within the Schengen Area

The Hungarian TRC allows its holders to travel visa-free within the Schengen Area, making it possible to visit 29 countries without the need for additional legal documents.

Crystal Worldwide Group: professional assistance with residency

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