An in-depth guide to moving to Hungary

If you are seriously thinking about moving to Hungary, there are many things you should consider beforehand. Getting the paperwork done can be both time-consuming and stressful. In this article, we shortly present the different scenarios of moving to Hungary and sum up what you need to do. Reading this article; however, does not mean that you should not check the official websites of your new country of residence, Hungary. Every case differs and people have different experiences in regards to moving abroad. Take the information below as a starting step, rather than the equivalent of thorough research. It also applies to acquiring general documents as, based on the purpose of your stay, certain documents may differ. Make sure to find out as much information as you can about your own residence or immigration case by looking up various official sources.

Reuniting with family

Eligible applicants are the spouses, children, parents, or siblings of those who already reside in Hungary. Other applicants can be family members of refugees or the parent or guardian of an underage refugee.

General documents that have to be submitted include:

• a full copy of a valid passport
• proof of bank account balance that covers travel expenses
• a statement of voluntary departure in the event of the rejection of the application
• if one of the child’s parents takes the minor to Hungary, the other parent has to prove with a legal document that he or she agreed to the minor’s relocation.

Other documents are:

• documents proving the purpose of stay (birth certificate, marriage certificate, the child’s birth certificate, certificate proving adoption)
• proof of subsistence
• proof of accommodation
• proof of health insurance or proof of financial sufficiency to cover medical expenses.

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Working in Hungary

The required general documents are more or less the same as in the previous case, but there are some differences. The proof of subsistence is one of these. In the case of people working in Hungary, there must be proof of regular income. Proof of accommodation is also required. Healthcare expenses, just like in other cases, have to be covered.

Other documents include:

• prior agreement to establish an employment relationship
• valid labor demand
• certificate of professional competence with a certified translation (if the job is linked to a professional qualification)

Transfer within the same company or corporation

Besides other mandatory documents, you will need:

• employment contract
• a document certifying that the Hungarian host organization (subsidiary) and the company established in a third country belong to the same group of companies
• a certificate issued by the host organization in Hungary stating that the employee has the necessary experience to relocate within the company

EU Blue Card

This is for people with special skills and knowledge. Proof of income, ability to cover health costs, accommodation, and general documents are necessary. To prove the purpose of one’s stay, it is necessary to have:

• work contract or agreement valid for 4 years
• certificate proving higher education and professional qualifications

Of course, there are other ways to come to Hungary. You can be a seasonal worker, intern, student, volunteer, or be eligible for another status.

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National residence permit

“National permanent residence permit may be granted to third-country nationals whose residence and subsistence is ensured in the territory of Hungary, who is considered to be covered by the full range of healthcare or can provide the cost of healthcare, against whom there is no ground for exclusion, who holds a residence permit or a temporary residence permit, whose establishment is in accordance with the interests of Hungary.”

Prerequisites according to bmbah.hu are a completed form, a face photograph not older than three months, the submission of mandatory attachments, and payment of the procedure fee. You need to fill out an application for a residence permit, a form for the extension of the Resettlement Act request, an application for replacement of a residence document, and a request for exchange of establishment document.

This process requires many documents, and there is no online shortcut. Of course, there can be exceptions, for instance, in the case of a person who has a medical condition that prevents him from acquiring or filling up these applications in person.

Once the process is finalized and the person receives the national residence permit, they can have their ID and address card. In certain cases, such as travelling abroad, you still need the documents from your home country.

If you are an EGT citizen, you are not eligible for this permit. You have to register, spend 5 years in Hungary, and only after that period you can submit your request for a permanent residency card.

Source: bmbah.hu, enterhungary.gov.hu