Residence Card

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What is the Residence Card?

The Residence Card (official name: Residence Card for Third-country National Family Member of EEA National) is a residence document issued to non-EEA nationals who are family members of nationals of the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland, for the purpose of staying in Hungary for more than 90 days.

Who can apply for a Residence Card?

Non-EEA nationals may apply for a Residence Card if they arrive to Hungary together with their EEA or Swiss national family member or join them later.

The following persons qualify as family members:

  • a spouse
  • a registered partner (based on a civil partnership registered within the EU)
  • a child under the age of 21, or a dependent child
  • a dependent parent
  • in duly justified cases, the immigration authority may recognize other individuals as family members as well

What rights does the Residence Card grant?

The Residence Card entitles the holder to reside and work in Hungary for the duration of its validity (see further details below).

By obtaining a Residence Card, the third-country national family member of an EEA national establishes a permanent residental address in Hungary (receives a plastic address card) and thereby becomes a person with domestic legal status.

Persons with permanent residence in Hungary enjoy a range of entitlements, such as:

  • Access to social security benefits (including full healthcare coverage*, social and family support allowances)
  • Eligibility for unemployment benefits
  • The right to vote in local municipal and European Parliament elections
  • The ability to acquire residential property without special permission
  • Easier access to bank loans
  • Access to free higher education (under the same terms as Hungarian citizens)

Persons with permanent residence in Hungary enjoy a range of entitlements, such as:

  • Access to social security benefits (including full healthcare coverage*, social and family support allowances)
  • Eligibility for unemployment benefits
  • The right to vote in local municipal and European Parliament elections
  • The ability to acquire residential property without special permission
  • Easier access to bank loans
  • Access to free higher education (under the same terms as Hungarian citizens)

* A person who has had a permanent residence in Hungary for at least one year is not only entitled to public healthcare services, but is also obliged to pay health insurance contributions, unless they are insured under another legal title (e.g. employment, student status, maternity leave, or health insurance coverage in another EEA member state).

How long is the Residence Card valid?

The Residence Card is valid for up to five years, although the authorities may issue it for a shorter period if circumstances warrant.

A Residence Card issued for less than five years can be extended.

Its validity may exceed the expiry date of the applicant’s passport.

After the five-year period has elapsed, the holder should apply for a Permanent Residence Card to continue residing in Hungary.

Application Process

The application for a Residence Card can only be submitted from within Hungary, after entry into the country, and no later than the 93rd day following arrival. The procedure cannot be initiated at a consulate.

Applicants may enter Hungary either visa-free as tourists or, if subject to visa requirements, with a valid Schengen visa or residence permit.

The application must be submitted online via the EnterHungary platform of the immigration authority.

If the Residence Card was issued for less than five years, the application for its extension must also be submitted online, no later than 30 days before the card’s expiry date.

The immigration authority usually decides on the application within 70 days.

Employment with a Residence Card

Third-country nationals holding a Residence Card are entitled to work in Hungary without a separate work permit, under the same conditions as EEA citizens.

However, the employer is required to report the permit-free employment of such individuals to the competent labour authority, in addition to fulfilling general reporting obligations.

Permanent Residence Option

A third-country national who is a family member of an EEA or Swiss citizen may apply for a Permanent Residence Card, provided they meet the relevant legal requirements. This document is issued by the immigration authority for a period of 10 years.

Although the Permanent Residence Card does not grant additional rights beyond those provided by the Residence Card, it offers a significant benefit: it serves as proof of a long-term and more stable legal status for residing in Hungary.

If you require assistance with the application process, feel free to contact our office using the contact details available on our website.

Official information about the application process and the necessary forms are available on the website of the National Directorate-General for Aliens Policing, here: Residence Card for Third-country National Family Member of EEA National

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

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