Registration Certificate

Table of Contents

What is a Registration Certificate?

Citizens of the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland are entitled to reside freely in Hungary. However, if their stay exceeds 90 days, they are required to register with the immigration authority. The Registration Certificate confirms this registration and certifies the lawfulness of their long-term stay in Hungary.

As a result of the registration, the applicant establishes a permanent residence in Hungary and also receives a plastic address card.

Who can apply for a Registration Certificate?

Citizens of EEA member states and Switzerland may apply for a Registration Certificate if they plan to reside in Hungary for more than 90 days, regardless of the purpose of their stay.

What rights does the Registration Certificate and address card grant?

The Registration Certificate serves as proof that the individual has fulfilled their registration obligation under the right of free movement and residence, thereby certifying the legality of their stay in Hungary beyond 90 days.

Upon issuance of the certificate, the applicant establishes a permanent residence in Hungary (and receives a plastic address card), thereby acquiring domestic legal status.

Individuals with a permanent residence in Hungary are entitled to a range of benefits, such as:

  • Eligibility for social security services, including:
    • full healthcare coverage *
    • unemployment benefits
    • access to social and family support schemes
  • The right to vote in local municipal and European Parliament elections
  • The ability to acquire residential property without special permission
  • A simplified bank loan application process

* Individuals who have had a permanent residence in Hungary for at least one year are not only entitled to healthcare services but are also required to pay healthcare contributions, unless they are insured under another legal basis (e.g. employment, studies, maternity leave, or insurance in another EEA country).

How long is the Registration Certificate valid for?

The Registration Certificate is valid for an indefinite period, as long as the legal basis for residence remains in place.

Situation of family members

Family members of EEA and Swiss citizens are also entitled to long-term residence in Hungary.

A family member may include:

  • a spouse
  • a registered partner, in accordance with a registered partnership recognized within the EU
  • a child under the age of 21 or a dependent child
  • a dependent parent
  • in special cases, the immigration authority may recognize additional individuals as family members beyond those listed above.

Depending on their citizenship, the family member must apply for either a Registration Certificate or, in the case of third-country national family members, a Residence Card in Hungary.

Application procedure

The application for a Registration Certificate can be submitted online via the immigration authority’s Enter Hungary website after the applicant has entered Hungary. The application must be submitted no later than on the 93rd day following entry.

There is no requirement for the applicant to appear in person at the immigration authority. Both the Registration Certificate and the accompanying plastic address card will be sent by post to the applicant’s registered address.

The immigration authority usually processes the application within 21 to 30 days.

Employment of EEA citizens

Nationals of EEA member states and Switzerland may work in Hungary freely, without any authorization requirements.

In addition to the general notification obligations, their employer must also notify the competent employment authority about the permit-free employment.

Possibility of permanent residence

Citizens of EEA member states and Switzerland may apply for a Permanent Residence Card if they meet the legal requirements. This card certifies that the holder has permanent residence rights in Hungary.

Although the Permanent Residence Card does not grant significantly more rights than the Registration Certificate, it has important advantages:

  • It certifies a more stable and long-term legal status of residence in Hungary.
  • Unlike the Registration Certificate, it is a photo card format.

The Permanent Residence Card, like the Registration Certificate, has no expiration date.

If you need assistance with your application, please contact our office using the details on our website.

Official information on the application process and the necessary forms can be found on the website of the National Directorate-General for Aliens Policing.

Information on the processing fees for licence applications can be found here.

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