Long-term stay in Hungary

Please find some piece of information about the right of EEA-citizens regarding a long-term stay in Hungary

The right of entry and residence of EEA citizens is regulated by Law No. I/2007 and Government Regulation No. 113/2007. The basis is Directive 2004/38/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on the right of citizens of the Union and their family members to move and reside freely within the territory of the Member States.

EEA citizens do not need a visa to enter Hungary, but they must be in possession of a valid travel document (passport, identity card). Registration of entry or stay is not required for a stay of less than 90 days. The only condition is that the stay does not impose an unreasonable burden on the Hungarian social security system.

If an EEA citizen's stay in Hungary is expected to exceed a total of 90 days within the 180-day period after first entry, the Hungarian address must be registered with the competent regional office of the Immigration and Citizenship Office no later than the 93rd day after entry and a registration certificate ("regisztrációs igazolás") must be applied for.

EEA citizens have a right of residence if they

  • are gainfully employed,
  • have taken sufficient precautions to ensure that their stay does not impose an unreasonably high burden on the Hungarian social security system and, in particular, that they have comprehensive health insurance, or
  • the stay is within the framework of state (vocational) training and sufficient provisions have also been made to ensure that the stay does not impose an unreasonably high burden on the Hungarian social security system and that they have comprehensive health insurance.

The family members of the EEA citizens of the above-mentioned category 1. or 2. also have the right of residence. In the case of EEA citizens who wish to reside in Hungary because of their studies, only the dependent children and the spouse have the right of residence. The registration certificate is in principle for an unlimited period of time, but it loses its validity when the right of residence expires (for example, when a study program ends). However, an EEA citizen whose right of residence in Hungary results from his or her gainful employment does not lose this right simply because he or she is temporarily prevented from gainful employment (for example, due to illness).

For furher information, please contact:

https://ec.europa.eu/social/main.jsp?catId=1113&langId=en&intPageId=4586