Knowledge Base » Residence permit for study purposes

What is a residence permit for study purposes?

Non-EEA nationals who come to Hungary for long-term stays (longer than 90 days) to continue their studies must have a residence permit. The type of permit that is suitable for them is a residence permit for study purposes.

Pursuing studies in itself is not an activity subject to a permit, it is also possible with other types of permits.

Who can apply for a residence permit for study purposes?

Those non-EEA citizens can apply for a residence permit for the purpose of study who are enrolled in active, full-time education in Hungary

in primary, secondary or higher education,
in a state-recognized or licensed foreign higher education institution,
in the preparatory training for studies organised by a higher education institution.

What does a study permit entitle to?

The permit entitles its holder to stay in Hungary and to continue studies.

It is also possible to work in possession of a valid residence permit for study purposes based on an active student status, but only to a limited extent.

The holder of a study permit is entitled to switch to another type of permit in Hungary.

How long is a study permit valid?

The authority issues a residence permit for the purpose of study for a minimum of one year and a maximum of 3 years, taking into account the validity of the certificate of student status attached to the application.

The validity of the permit is also affected by the applicant’s passport: the residence permit for the purpose of study can be valid until the date of expiry of the passport.

During the assessment of the permit application, the authority is entitled to limit the validity to a shorter period than requested, if it considers it justified on the basis of any circumstances (health insurance, housing, savings).

Situation of family members

Holders of study permits may not be joined by family members in Hungary.

An exception to this is if the holder of the residence permit for study purposes has a child born in Hungary. For them the authority issues a residence permit for family reunification purposes based on the parent’s (provider’s) study permit.

If a family member has an independent legal basis for residence (e.g. employment, pursuing studies), he or she can apply for the appropriate residence permit.

Application process

If the applicant is not present in Hungary, the first application is submitted in person at the Hungarian consulate located in his/her country of origin or residence.

If the applicant has entered the country visa-free as a tourist, he or she can apply for his or her first application online, through the EnterHungary website of the Immigration Office.

If the applicant is already in Hungary and renews his/her permit, he/she must submit his/her application for extension online. The application for an extension must be submitted no later than 30 days before the expiry of the validity period.

The processing period for an application for a residence permit for study purposes is 15 days.

Employment in possession of a residence permit for the purpose of study

It is possible to work with a residence permit for study purposes issued on the basis of an active student status, but only with certain restrictions:

During semesters, up to 30 hours per week
Full-time work may only be done on a maximum of 90 days per year, outside the semesters
Under the age of 18, parental consent is also required for employment.

If the above conditions are met, employment is possible without an additional permit, in any employment related relationship (e.g. employment contract, workforce leasing, employment through a student cooperative).

Opportunities after completing studies

After successfully completing the studies, it is possible to apply for a work-related residence permit in Hungary or, if the applicant does not yet have a specific job offer or would like to start a business, for the purpose of job seeking or starting a business.

After completing studies the following types of permits can be applied for for the purpose of employment or gainful activities:

Residence permit for job seeking or starting a business
EU blue card
Hungarian card
Residence permit for employment purposes
Residence permit for guest self-employment

The applicant must comply with the legal requirements related to the chosen type of permit in all respects, studies done in Hungary do not exempt from them.

Special types of permits related to studies in Hungary

Residence permit issued for the purpose of training: for those who are participating in a training course in Hungary with a scholarship provided by the Government or a ministry;
Student mobility residence permit: for students with a valid residence permit in another Member State of the European Union who continue part of their studies at a higher education institution in Hungary.

Possibility of long-term stay

The holder of a residence permit for the purpose of study may only obtain a long-term right of residence in Hungary by applying for an EU residence card, if the related conditions are met. However, in the case of a later application for a national or EU residence card the years spent in Hungary with a residence permit for study purposes are counted towards the time spent in Hungary.