Guide to student visas and permits in Hungary

This comprehensive guide details the process for obtaining a student visa or permit in Hungary for both EU/EEA and non-EU students, including eligibility, required documents, application procedures, processing times, and recent legal updates as of May 2025.

Options for EU/EEA Students

Students from the European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA), or Switzerland enjoy simplified entry requirements due to Hungary’s membership in the EU.

Visa Requirements

• No Visa Needed: EU/EEA and Swiss citizens can enter Hungary with a valid passport or ID card and stay for up to 90 days within any 180-day period without a visa.

• Residence Registration: For stays exceeding 90 days, you must register with the National Directorate-General for Aliens Policing (OIF) within 93 days of arrival.

Residence Permit Process

• Eligibility: You must be enrolled in an accredited educational institution offering recognized programs.

• Required Documents:

  • Certificate of admission or proof of student status from your institution.

  • Valid travel document (passport or ID card).

• Application Process:

  • Register in person at the National Directorate-General for Aliens Policing, located at 1117 Budapest, Budafoki Street 60.

  • Submit your documents and pay a fee of approximately 5,700 HUF (for those over 14) or 2,000 HUF (for those 14 and under), which includes the cost of an address card (lakcímkártya).

• Outcome: You’ll receive a registration certificate with no expiry date, valid as long as your travel document remains valid.

Options for Non-EU Students

Non-EU students planning to study in Hungary for more than 90 days must obtain a long-term D-type visa for study purposes, followed by a residence permit application upon arrival.

Long-Term D-Type Visa

• Purpose: This single-entry visa allows you to enter Hungary and apply for a residence permit after enrolling in a university.

• Eligibility:

  • Enrollment in full-time studies at a registered Hungarian public educational institution or a state-recognized higher education institution.

  • Participation in a preparatory course for studies at such an institution.

  • Proof of language skills necessary for your studies.

• Required Documents:

  • Valid passport.

  • Proof of purpose (acceptance letter from the educational institution).

  • Proof of accommodation in Hungary.

  • Evidence of sufficient financial resources to cover living costs and healthcare, or comprehensive health insurance.

  • Permits for return or continued travel, if applicable.

• Application Process:

  • Submit your application to the Hungarian Consulate or Embassy in your country of permanent residence or nationality before departure. Find consulates at Hungarian Consulates.

  • Complete and sign the visa application form, scan it along with your documents in PDF format, and email them to the consulate (e.g., [email protected] for the Amman embassy). Documents must be sent separately and named clearly.

  • Schedule an appointment only after submitting all documents, as incomplete submissions may lead to cancellation.

• Visa Fee: Approximately €60, though this varies by nationality and may change.

• Processing Time: Typically 30 days, but it’s advisable to apply at least two months before departure.

Residence Permit for Non-EU Students

• Requirement: You must apply for a residence permit within 15 days of arriving in Hungary.

• Duration: Valid for the duration of your studies, with a minimum of 90 days and a maximum of 2 years, renewable as needed.

• Application Process:

  • Apply at the competent regional directorate of the National Directorate-General for Aliens Policing in Hungary or initiate the process online via EnterHungary.

  • Submit biometric data (photo and fingerprints) in person.

• Processing Time: Generally processed within 15 days.

• Fees: Vary, but exemptions apply for certain groups, such as Stipendium Hungaricum scholarship recipients.

Work Permissions for Students

Both EU and non-EU students can work under specific conditions while studying in Hungary.

• Full-Time Students in Cooperation Programs:

  • During Term-Time: Up to 30 hours per week.

  • Outside Term-Time: Up to 66 working days or 90 calendar days annually.

• Note: Check with your institution and the National Directorate-General for Aliens Policing to ensure compliance with work regulations.

Recent Immigration Law Changes (2024-2025)

In 2024, Hungary enacted a new immigration law (Act XC of 2023), effective from January 1, 2024, which introduced stricter conditions for third-country nationals (European Website on Integration). Key changes include:

• Work Permits: Separate categories for highly-skilled workers and low-skilled guest workers, with guest worker permits limited to three years and no path to permanent residence.

• Golden Visa: A new investor residence permit, available from July 2024, offering 10+10 years of residency for investments starting at €250,000.

• Implementation Delays: As of March 2024, implementation rules were not fully announced, leading to a temporary suspension of new residence permit applications, except for those of “national interest.” Permits expiring between January and February 2024 were extended to April 30, 2024.

Impact on Student Visas

As of May 2025, no major changes to student visa or residence permit processes have been widely reported. The 2024 law primarily affects work and investor permits, but students should verify requirements with official sources due to the evolving regulatory landscape.

Additional Considerations

• Study-to-Work Residence Permit: A new permit allows fresh graduates to stay in Hungary for up to 9 months after graduation to seek employment or start a business (University of Pécs). This is ideal for transitioning from study to work.

• Fee Exemptions: Students with Hungarian state scholarships (e.g., Stipendium Hungaricum) or from specific countries (e.g., Belarus, Ukraine) may be exempt from certain administrative fees.

• Online Platform: The EnterHungary portal facilitates electronic submissions, but in-person visits may still be required for biometric data.

Contact Information and Resources

For further assistance, contact the following:

Conclusion

Securing a student visa or permit in Hungary requires careful planning, especially for non-EU students who must navigate both visa and residence permit processes. EU/EEA students benefit from simpler requirements, needing only to register for a residence permit. The 2024 immigration law changes have primarily affected other permit categories, but students should stay vigilant for updates. By preparing the necessary documents, applying through the correct channels, and leveraging official resources, you can successfully embark on your educational journey in Hungary.