Hungary Visa

Hungary offers a range of visas for tourism and business as well as study and work permits with long-term residency permits for those immigrating to Hungary for an extended period or on a permanent basis.

As a new member state of the European Union, Hungary permits EU nationals to enter the country without the need to apply for a visa. However, despite being an EU member, in Hungary, immigration is not affected by the Schengen agreement. For more information about Schengen visas please visit the relevant page of the website.

Candidates from a range of non-EU countries may enter Hungary for up to 90 days, depending on their nationality, without making a visa application. However, for all other nationals from countries which do not receive this concession, applying for a visa is mandatory.

In most cases, an airport transport visa is not required by Hungarian immigration authorities for those transferring through the international transit zone en route to another destination. However, Hungarian airport transfer visas may be required for citizens of countries which do not appear on the above lists.

At Global Visas, our specialist immigration lawyers can manage and monitor your visa or work permit application throughout the process and can help you to obtain visas for an ever-increasing range of worldwide destinations. We can assist with UK visas UK work permits, USA visa and Canada visas as well as Australian visas, New Zealand visas and many more. Our migration consultants can help you to secure anything from a visitor visa through to longer-term student visas and work visas and can also help with an application for permanent residency and citizenship. We can guide you from your initial application through to providing you with essential on arrival services in conjunction with our global network of partners, to ensure your relocation takes place as smoothly as possible.

Types of Visa for Hungary

Hungarian Tourist visa

In Hungary, tourist visas, often referred to as travel visas or short-term entry visas receive the classification "C" and are valid for a six-month period in which a visit to Hungary of no more than 90 days is permitted. A Hungarian tourist visa may be issued for single, double or multiple entries, however, the maximum duration of time spent visiting Hungary remains the same. Hungary also issues an airport transfer visa and a separate Hungarian transfer visa which permits the holder to enter Hungary as part of on onward journey for no more than five days.

Hungarian Business visa

Hungarian business visas are also issued for a maximum period of ninety days and like a UK business visa they permit the holder to engage in various business related activities excluding undertaking employment.

Eligibility Requirements

Applications for short stay business and tourist visas must adhere to the following criteria:

  • Applicants must provide a current passport with at least six months validity and a minimum of one blank page.
  • A completed application form with the appropriate fee.
  • A recent passport sized photograph.
  • Valid return or onward travel tickets and insurance.
  • Confirmation of accommodation in Hungary and the purpose of the trip. In the case of visitor visa applications, this may be provided by a hotel reservation, or in the case of a private visit a letter of invitation from family or friends. For business visitors a written invitation from the company involved will be required.

Hungarian Residence Permit and Work Permits

Hungarian Residence permits are available in a number of categories for those who wish to immigrate to Hungary for any length of time exceeding ninety days or for those who wish to live and work in Hungary.

For applicants who wish to commence working in Hungary, both a residence permit and a work permit will be required. As is the case with a UK work permit and work permits for many destinations a Hungarian work permit is an employer led initiative requiring an application on behalf of the candidate from the Hungarian company making the job offer.

Hungarian Study Visa

Hungarian visas for study or D5 visas for students are issued to those who wish to relocate to Hungary in order to study. In Hungary, visas of this kind are issued for the first year of study during which time the permit must be replaced with a Hungarian residence permit.

Spouse Immigration and Dependent Immigration

Where candidates immigrating to Hungary are in possession of Hungarian residence permits, a D-8 visa for family immigration can be issued to the spouse and dependent children.

Processing Times and Fees

Hungarian visa services can often process applications within two to seven working days for short stay permits. However, long stay visas for Hungary can take much longer and will depend upon the category of entry clearance being pursued and the nationality of the applicant. Prices may vary considerably however short stay applications currently cost around £25.