Permanent residence card for third-country national family member of EEA national

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What is the permanent residence card?

The permanent residence card is a residence document issued to third-country national family members of nationals of the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland. It serves as official proof of the right of long-term residence in Hungary.

Who can apply for a permanent residence card?

Non-EEA nationals may apply for a permanent residence card if they have lawfully and continuously resided in Hungary for five years as family members of an EEA or Swiss national, holding a valid residence card throughout that period.

What rights does the permanent residence card grant?

The permanent residence card essentially provides the same rights as the residence card; however, it offers the important advantage of confirming a long-term and more stable legal status for residence in Hungary.

The permanent residence card entitles the holder to reside and work in Hungary for the duration of its validity (further details below).

Following the issuance of the permanent residence card, the third-country national family member of the EEA national continues to have a permanent residental address in Hungary (with plastic address card) and remains a person with domestic legal status and is entitled to the rights associated with permanent residence, 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 permanent residence card valid?

The permanent residence card is valid for ten years. The immigration authority renews it every ten years without re-assessing the eligibility criteria.

The validity of the permanent residence card may exceed the expiration date of the applicant’s passport.

Application process

Applications for a permanent residence card can only be submitted online, via the EnterHungary website of the immigration office.

The authority assesses the application within 70 days.

Employment with a permanent residence card

Third-country nationals holding a permanent 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.

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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