EU Permanent Residence Permit

The application for an EU Residence Card is primarily a digital process conducted through the Hungarian government's immigration portal. You must be physically present in Hungary to complete the final biometric steps.

Step 1: Pass the Hungarian Cultural Knowledge Exam

Before you can submit your residency application, you must pass the Magyar kulturális ismereti vizsga (Hungarian Cultural Knowledge Exam). This is a mandatory written test consisting of 12 questions covering Hungarian history, geography, and culture.

• Language: The exam is conducted strictly in Hungarian.
• Location: Currently, exams are only held in Budapest.
• Action: You must register for the exam and receive your passing certificate before proceeding to the residency application.

Step 2: Calculate Your Residency Period

Ensure you meet the "continuous residence" requirement. You must have lived in Hungary for 5 years immediately preceding your application.

• Absence Limits: You cannot be outside of Hungary for more than 6 consecutive months, and your total absences over the 5 years cannot exceed 10 months.
• Student Note: If you held a student permit, only 50% of that time counts toward the 5-year total.
• Blue Card Holders: If you hold an EU Blue Card, you can count time spent in other EU states, provided you have spent the last 2 years continuously in Hungary.

Step 3: Prepare and Translate Documents

Gather all required evidence. Any document not in Hungarian must be accompanied by a certified Hungarian translation, typically issued by OFFI (the Hungarian Office for Translation and Attestation).

• Proof of Income: Bank statements, tax certificates from NAV (the National Tax and Customs Administration), or an employer’s certificate.
• Proof of Housing: A lease agreement or a Tulajdoni lap (property deed) not older than 30 days.
• Health Insurance: Your TAJ card (social security) or a comprehensive private policy.
• Legal Documents: Your birth certificate and marriage certificate (if applicable), both with an Apostille (international legalization) if required.

Step 4: Online Submission via Enter Hungary

Create an account and upload your application through the Enter Hungary platform.

• Fill out the digital forms and upload scans of all supporting documents, including your exam certificate and passport.
• Pay the application fee directly through the portal. Keep a screenshot of your payment confirmation.

Step 5: Biometric Appointment

Within 15 days of your online submission, you must visit a regional directorate of the OIF (National Directorate-General for Aliens Policing) in person.

• What happens: They will take your fingerprints, a digital signature, and a high-quality facial photograph.
• Requirement: Your application is not considered "received" by the authorities until this step is completed.

Step 6: Decision and Card Issuance

The OIF has 70 days to process your application. If approved, your physical EU Residence Card (valid for 10 years) and your Lakcímkártya (address card) will be mailed to your registered Hungarian address.

Total Estimate: Approximately HUF 31,700 plus exam and translation costs. Does not include: OFFI translation fees (typically HUF 10,000–20,000 per document), Apostille fees from your home country, or private health insurance premiums.

• OIF Decision Window: 70 days from the date of biometric capture.
• Biometric Deadline: You must visit the office within 15 days of your online filing.
• Document Validity: The physical EU Residence Card is valid for 10 years.
• Property Deed (Tulajdoni lap): Must be issued within 30 days of your application date to be accepted as proof of accommodation.
• Absence Risks: If you stay outside the EU for more than 12 consecutive months, or outside Hungary for more than 6 consecutive years, your permanent status may be revoked.