Securing EU Residency Through Hungary

If you want to live legally in the European Union, Hungary has various routes for eligible non-EU citizens. The option you choose would depend on your reason for moving. It could be for study, work, business, investment, or joining an eligible family member in Hungary.

A Hungarian residence permit allows you to live lawfully in Hungary, which is a member of the EU. However, it does not automatically give you the right to permanently settle in another EU country or make you its citizen.

Working in Hungary

An eligible job in Hungary can be your ticket for residency in the country. It all depends on the nature of your job and your home country. Under current Hungarian legislation, a standard employment residence permit is open to people from specific countries, such as Armenia, Georgia, and the Philippines. However, you have to meet specific requirements.

The EU Blue Card, meanwhile, offers another route to residency in Hungary for highly qualified professionals. This route is for professionals who meet set standards for skill and salary.

The Hungarian Card similarly provides highly skilled professionals and other workers with residency in the jurisdiction. You have to meet set qualifications and come from eligible employment classifications.

Investment and Business

If you have substantial financial resources, Hungary’s Guest Investor Residence Permit provides an investment-based option. You can qualify by purchasing at least 250,000 euros in an investment fund share issued by a qualifying real estate fund registered by the Hungarian National Bank. Another option is a 1 million euro donation to a qualifying higher education institution for educational, scientific research, or artistic purposes.

The Guest Investor Residence Permit can be issued for up to 10 years and extended once for up to 10 years. There is no minimum-stay requirement for holders of this permit.

If you plan to work independently or run a business, Hungary also has a Guest Self-Employment Residence Permit. This can apply to people carrying out independent paid activities or acting as a chief executive of a business organization.

Studying and Research

Education can provide another route to Hungarian residence. You may qualify for a study residence permit if you enroll in full-time education at a recognized Hungarian school or higher education institution, or take an approved preparatory course. You must meet requirements relating to your studies, finances, accommodation, and health coverage.

Research is another recognized purpose of residency. If you complete qualifying studies or research in Hungary, you may also be able to apply for a permit to look for a job or start a business, provided you meet the relevant conditions.

Joining Family Members

If you have a qualifying family member who already holds Hungarian residence rights, you may be able to apply for family reunification. The rules vary depending on the residence status of the family member sponsoring you. For example, a family member of a Guest Investor can generally receive a permit valid for up to 10 years, subject to the applicable conditions.

Moving Toward Long-Term Residence

For some people, Hungarian residence can eventually lead to longer-term status. An EU residence card may be available after at least five years of legal residence in Hungary if you meet the other requirements. EU Blue Card holders may be able to count certain periods of legal residence in Hungary and other EU countries toward long-term residence, subject to specific conditions.

Hungary can offer several ways to establish legal residency in an EU member state. Whether you qualify through work, investment, business, education, or family ties, you need to choose the route that fits your circumstances. A Hungarian residence permit can give you the right to live legally in an EU member state, but it should not be confused with EU citizenship or an automatic right to live elsewhere in the EU.