HungaryPermanent residence

EU long-term resident card in Hungary

EU long-term resident status allows third-country nationals to live lawfully in Hungary on a permanent basis. There are two routes: continuous lawful residence, or holding an EU Blue Card. It requires proof of accommodation, means of subsistence and health insurance. The card is issued with the possibility of renewal and provides stable status for living in Hungary without a time limit.

Source: oif.gov.hu — EU tartózkodási kártya

Two routes to the status

The EU long-term resident card can be obtained in two ways: through an extended period of residence in Hungary or through holding an EU Blue Card.

Based on 5 years of continuous residence

Lawful continuous residence in Hungary for at least 5 years
Proof of secured accommodation (title deed, rental agreement or a letter from the host)
Proof of means of subsistence (bank statements, income certificates, a letter from a family member guaranteeing support)
Full health insurance
No grounds for refusing the status

Based on an EU Blue Card

At least 2 years of continuous residence in Hungary with a valid EU Blue Card
At least 5 years of residence in EU countries in total with a Blue Card
Proof of secured accommodation in Hungary (title deed, rental agreement or a letter from the host)
Proof of means of subsistence in Hungary
Full health insurance

When the programme will not work

You are studying in Hungary as a student

Check the student residence permit (tanuló jogosultság)

You work seasonally (less than 6 months a year)

The seasonal residence permit (szezonális tevékenységek) applies

You have been granted refugee status or temporary protection in Hungary

The long-term resident card is not issued to refugees or people granted temporary protection

You work as a diplomat or for an international organisation

Diplomats have separate immunity and status governed by international law

What it costs

State fee for issuing the EU long-term resident cardThe fee is paid when the application is filed. Methods of payment: bank card (when filing in person), postal cheque or bank transfer	26 000 HUF

Paid separately

Legalisation of foreign documents — Documents from abroad require diplomatic legalisation by apostille in the home country — paid separately
Translation of foreign documents — Translations of foreign documents into Hungarian must be certified — paid separately

Documents to gather

All documents of foreign origin require diplomatic legalisation by apostille and an official translation into Hungarian.

Valid passport or travel document
Birth certificate (original or notarially certified copy)
Marriage certificate (if you are married)
Proof of accommodation: title deed to the property, rental agreement or a letter from the host (a close family member) confirming their willingness to provide accommodation
Proof of means of subsistence: bank statements, income certificates, tax documents or a letter from a family member with a notarised declaration of support for your living costs
Proof of full health insurance: a social insurance policy, a private insurance policy or a certificate of participation in the healthcare system
Photograph for the document (to the required standards)
Certificate for the examination in Hungarian cultural knowledge (magyar kulturális ismereti vizsga)
For minor applicants: a notarised declaration that there is no legal impediment to residence

How the process runs

The process involves filing the application through the electronic portal, registering biometric data, examination, and receiving the card by post.

1
Registering and filing the application on the Enter Hungary portal
up to 15 days to prepare
The application is filed exclusively in electronic form through the Enter Hungary portal (enter.gov.hu). You must collect all the required documents, scan them and upload them to the portal. Once filed, you receive confirmation and a case number.
2
Registering biometric data
within 15 days of filing
Once the application has been filed successfully, you must attend a regional office of the Immigration Directorate to register your fingerprints, photograph and signature. This step is compulsory. Missing this deadline may lead to the application not being examined.
3
Official examination of the application
70 calendar days
The immigration authorities examine your application and all the attached documents. The examination period does not include the time taken to request additional documents where these are needed. Where necessary, the immigration service may request clarifying documents.
4
The decision
after the 70-day examination is complete
The immigration authorities decide whether to issue the card, refuse it or request additional documents. The decision is sent to the email address given when filing and is available in your personal account on the Enter Hungary portal.
5
Receiving the card by post
sent after a positive decision
The long-term resident card is sent by post to the address of residence given in Hungary. In exceptional cases the card may be collected in person at a regional office of the immigration service. The document is valid from the date of issue.

Trips, renewal and the grace period

Refusal is possible where there is a security threat, an expulsion decision, deception in the application or an unspent conviction.

The EU long-term resident card is issued for up to 10 years. Renewal is not automatic — you must file the renewal application yourself. The application is filed exclusively in electronic form through the Enter Hungary portal. On renewal the card may be issued for a further 10 years. The renewal procedure mirrors the initial application and requires confirmation that all the conditions still apply (accommodation, means of subsistence, health insurance, no grounds for refusal).

What comes next: permanent residence and citizenship

Route to permanent residence

The card is granted after 5 years of continuous lawful residence in Hungary. For EU Blue Card holders, after 2 years in Hungary and 5 years in EU countries. The card gives the right to live in the country without a time limit: it is issued for 10 years and renewed for a further 10.

Route to citizenship

Citizenship is requested after 8 years of continuous residence in Hungary.

Frequently asked questions about EU long-term resident card

For how long is the EU long-term resident card issued?

The card is issued for up to 10 years. Once the 10 years have expired, the card may be renewed for a further 10 years. Renewal must be applied for actively by the holder — it does not happen automatically.

What happens if I am absent from Hungary for more than a year?

If you leave the territory of the European Union for more than 12 consecutive months, the EU long-term resident card may be withdrawn. Likewise, if you do not reside in Hungary for more than 6 years, the status may also be withdrawn. The requirement is intended to ensure active residence in the country.

What documents are needed to prove means of subsistence?

To prove the necessary means of subsistence, one of the following is required: bank statements showing savings; income certificates from an employer; tax returns; or a letter from a family member living in Hungary with a notarised declaration of willingness to support your costs. No specific amounts are set by law — the immigration authorities assess each case individually on its own circumstances.

What grounds may lead to refusal of the long-term resident card?

The immigration authorities refuse the card if you gave false information or acted deceptively when filing; you have an unspent conviction; you are subject to a deportation decision or an entry ban; or your stay in Hungary threatens public safety or the national security of the state. Each such case requires thorough examination.

Do I need to take the examination in Hungarian culture and history?

Yes, a certificate for the examination in Hungarian culture and history (magyar kulturális ismereti vizsga) is required. It must be attached to the application. The examination is held by accredited organisations, and you must take the test and obtain the certificate yourself before applying for the card.

Can my spouse or children obtain the status automatically if I hold the long-term resident card?

The main page on the EU long-term resident card gives no information about independent status for family members. Family members may rely on your status as financial support (by providing a notarised declaration of support), but to obtain their own status they will probably need to file a separate application. Children born in Hungary to parents with long-term resident status are issued the card on an expedited basis (within 5 days instead of 70).

Other ways to move to Hungary

Every route in one list — migration programmes: Hungary.

The terms and the amounts are checked against official sources — the link sits under each section.Last checked on: 7 August 2026.