Knowledge Base » Permanent Residence Card

What is a Permanent Residence Card?

A Permanent Residence Card is a photo identification residence document issued to nationals of the Member States of the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland as proof of their right of permanent residence.

Who can apply for a Permanent Residence Card?

Nationals of EEA Member States and Switzerland may apply for a Permanent Residence Card if they have resided continuously in Hungary for at least five years while holding a registration certificate.

In certain special cases related to gainful employment, the card may be applied for on the basis of a shorter period than five years.

What rights does the permanent residence card grant?

The Permanent Residence Card essentially grants the same rights as a registration certificate; however, its key advantage is that it confirms a long-term and more stable legal status with regard to residence in Hungary.

Nationals of EEA Member States and Switzerland, following the issuance of a Permanent Residence Card, continue to be considered as persons with domestic legal status in Hungary and are entitled to the rights granted to persons holding permanent residence, including in particular:

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The Permanent Residence Card is valid for an indefinite period and remains valid unless it is withdrawn.

The authority may withdraw the Permanent Residence Card if the cardholder leaves Hungary for a period exceeding two years.

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 of EEA Nationals and Swiss Citizens

Nationals of the Member States of the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland may take up employment in Hungary freely and without the need for a work permit.

In addition to the general notification obligations, the employer employing such persons is required to submit a separate notification to the competent labour authority regarding the permit-exempt employment.

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: Permanent Residence Card

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

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