National Residence Card (Nemzeti Tartózkodási Kártya)

The National Residence Card (Nemzeti Tartózkodási Kártya) is Hungary's permanent residency permit. You must apply for this while you are already living in Hungary on a valid temporary residence permit. You cannot apply for this from abroad.

Step 1: Verify Your Eligibility

Before applying, ensure you meet the residency timeline required for your specific situation:

• General Route: You have lived in Hungary continuously and legally for at least 3 years.
• Spouses: You have been married to a Hungarian citizen or a person with settled status for at least 2 years, and the marriage was registered at least 2 years before this application.
• Dependent Parents: You have lived in a family community with a Hungarian citizen or settled person for at least 1 year.
• Absence Rule: Your "continuous residence" is broken if you have spent more than 4 consecutive months or a total of 270 days outside of Hungary during your 3-year qualifying period.

Step 2: Prepare Your Documents

Gather the following required evidence:

• Valid Passport: A full copy of your current passport and any previous passports used during your 3-year residency.
• Proof of Subsistence: Bank statements, tax certificates from the NAV (Nemzeti Adó- és Vámhivatal), or employer letters showing you can support yourself.
• Proof of Accommodation: A valid lease agreement or property deed, plus your current lakcímkártya (Address Card).
• Health Insurance: Proof of comprehensive health insurance or a bank statement showing sufficient funds for medical care.
• Criminal Record: A clean criminal record certificate from your home country, issued within the last 6 months (required for everyone over 14).
• Cultural Exam: Proof of passing the Hungarian cultural and social integration exam (required for applications from 2025 onwards).

Step 3: Submit the Application

You should submit your application through the Enter Hungary online platform (enterhungary.gov.hu).

If you are unable to use the portal, you may book an appointment to submit in person at the regional directorate of the National Directorate-General for Aliens Policing (Országos Idegenrendészeti Főigazgatóság or OIF).

Step 4: Biometrics

Once your application is submitted online, you will receive a notification to visit an OIF office in person. They will take your fingerprints and a digital facial photograph. You must bring your original passport and any original documents you uploaded to the portal.

Step 5: Security Clearance and Review

The OIF will coordinate with the police and national security services to verify your "public and national security" status. They will also verify that your registered address matches your actual residence.

Step 6: Receive Your Card

If approved, your National Residence Card will be issued with a 10-year validity. You will be notified when it is ready for collection or if it will be mailed to your registered address.

Item	Cost
Administrative Service Fee (Standard)	HUF 25,000 – HUF 35,000
Administrative Service Fee (EEA Family Members)	HUF 15,000

Total Estimate: Approximately HUF 25,000 to HUF 35,000 (roughly €65–€90).

Note: This does not include costs for official translations of foreign documents, the cultural integration exam fee, or the cost of obtaining a criminal record certificate from your home country.

• Statutory Decision Period: The official legal timeframe for a decision is 70 days.
• Total Practical Timeline: Most applicants should expect the end-to-end process to take 3 to 5 months, accounting for security clearances and document verification.
• Document Validity: Your criminal record certificate must be no older than 6 months at the time of submission.
• Permit Validity: The National Residence Card is valid for 10 years and can be renewed.

Important: You must maintain a valid temporary residence permit throughout the entire processing period. If your current permit expires before the National Residence Card is issued, you may lose your legal status.