There are a few types of visas to keep in mind when you’re going to Hungary. There is the Schengen visa which gives you a 90-day period for shorter business trips or for tourism, but anything longer will require a residence permit or a student visa. Knowing which visa to apply for and how is crucial for a good stay in Hungary. Here’s a short overview of the different types and how to apply for them.
Do I need a visa to visit Hungary?
Here are the rules:
- If you are an EU citizen, you do not need a visa to enter, work, or study in Hungary, provided that you don’t stay for longer than 3 months. To enter Hungary, you need to have either a passport or your ID.
- Citizens of some countries, including the USA, Switzerland, Canada, Australia Brazil, Argentina, the Bahamas, Chile, Ecuador, Hong Kong, Malaysia, South Africa, Singapore, Turkey, Tunisia, Venezuela and many more also do not need a visa to enter Hungary.
- If you are a relative of an EU citizen living in a different EU country, and you have a permanent residency there, you also do not need a visa.
- Lastly, you don’t need a special visa to Hungary if you have the Schengen visa which allows you to stay for up to 90 days.
That’s it. If you do not belong to one of these, you will need to apply for a visa. It is better to apply before your trip to Hungary, whether it is the residence permit, study permit, or work permit. Note that even though you do belong into one of the above categories, it might happen that you’ll still need to apply for a visa if you want to stay in Hungary for longer than 90 days. Once you have a residence permit which will allow you to stay in Hungary for longer, you will receive a Registration Card and an Address Card which will allow you to apply for a tax card and a social security card.
How do I get an employment visa for Hungary?
It used to be that one would first have to apply for a residence permit and only after they could ask for a work permit, but this has now changed. Both of these documents can be applied for together at the closest Hungarian embassy which will send it to the Labour Centre. This, however, means that the work permit must be submitted before you enter Hungary, and not as before, during your stay. Another change in the laws now makes the potential employee gather all the necessary documentation and send it to the Labour centre instead of the employer. The documentation and requirements are:
- Application form (filled in and signed)
- A passport which must be valid up to and including the three months after the last day of your stay
- Two passport photos no older than 6 months
- 60 € residence handling fee
- Copy of either the employment contract or a letter from the employer
- Proof of education and qualifications
- Accommodation confirmation
8. Travel insurance that will cover at least the first 30 days of your stay 9. Proof of funds which needs to be large enough to show you can afford to stay in Hungary
And much more. For additional information as well as the application form, visit the website of National Directorate-General for Aliens Policing.
How do I get a student visa for Hungary?
There are two times you will need to apply for a student visa. One, if you’re an EU citizen and you wish to stay for longer than three months, and two, if you’re a non-EU citizen. If you’re an EU citizen, then in addition to your student visa you will also need to provide a proof of payment of your tuition fees as well as an approval document from your university in Hungary.
If you’re a non-EU citizen, in addition to your student visa you will also need a residence visa. This one will require additional information such as the type of education, the name of the host institution, whether or not you will be receiving a scholarship and so on. In your student visa, you will be asked for documentation regarding your accommodation as well as proof of funds, prior school certification, and more which you will find here.
How do I get a tourist visa for Hungary?
The best way for you to visit Hungary is to get a Schengen visa. We have a whole article on it here so if you’re interested, give it a read.
