Residence Permit for Family Reunification

The application for a Hungarian residence permit for family reunification is a two-stage process if you are outside of Hungary, or a direct digital process if you are already there legally. This permit allows you to live in Hungary with a family member (the sponsor) who is already a legal resident or citizen.

Applying from Outside Hungary (Consular Route)

If you are currently in your home country or country of residence, you must apply through a Hungarian diplomatic mission.

1. Document Preparation: Gather all required documents, including your Proof of Relationship (e.g., marriage or birth certificates). Ensure all foreign documents are apostilled (internationally authenticated) and translated into Hungarian by a certified service, such as OFFI.
2. Appointment Booking: Schedule an appointment at the nearest Hungarian Embassy or Consulate.
3. Submission and Biometrics: Attend your appointment to submit Appendix 9 of the application and provide your fingerprints and a facial photograph.
4. Entry Visa: If approved, you will receive a Type D Visa. This is a single-entry visa valid for 3 months, giving you 30 days from the date you enter Hungary to visit the immigration office and collect your physical residence card.

Applying from Inside Hungary (In-Country Route)

This route is only available if you are a citizen of a visa-free country or if you already hold a valid Hungarian residence permit and are applying for an extension.

1. Online Registration: Create an account on the Enter Hungary digital platform.
2. Digital Submission: Upload digital copies of all required documents and pay the administrative fee through the portal.
3. Biometric Appointment: Even when applying online, you must visit a regional office of the Országos Idegenrendészeti Főigazgatóság (National Directorate-General for Aliens Policing or NDGAP) in person to have your fingerprints and photo taken.
4. Card Delivery: Once the NDGAP approves your application, your residence permit card will be mailed to your registered Hungarian address.

Fees are determined by where and how you submit your application. Online submission is the most cost-effective method.

Item	Cost
Consular Submission (Outside Hungary)	EUR 110
In-Person Submission (Inside Hungary)	HUF 39,000
Online Submission via Enter Hungary	HUF 26,000
Extension of Permit	HUF 26,000
Appeal (if application is denied)	HUF 47,000

Total Estimate: Approximately EUR 110 for initial entry or HUF 26,000–39,000 for in-country processing. Note: This does not include costs for document legalizations (Apostilles), certified Hungarian translations by OFFI, or private health insurance premiums.

The time it takes to receive a decision depends on the complexity of your case and whether you are also applying for the right to work.

• Standard Family Reunification: 21 days from the date a complete application is submitted.
• Single Application Procedure: 70 days if you are applying for family reunification and a work permit simultaneously.
• Type D Visa Validity: Once issued, you have 3 months to enter Hungary and 30 days after entry to finalize the process.
• Document Validity: Ensure your passport is valid for at least the entire duration of the stay you are requesting. Most permits are granted for 3 to 5 years depending on your sponsor's status (up to 10 years if the sponsor is a Guest Investor).