Hungary Immigration Update Rules for Third Country Nationals
Hungary introduced a new immigration law for third country nationals who are people from outside the European Union. The law became active from the first of January twenty twenty four and was fully enforced from the first of March twenty twenty four after the government issued supporting rules. During the transition period permits that expired between the first of January and the end of February were automatically extended until the end of April twenty twenty four.
Main Changes in the Law
New Law Overview
The new law is officially called Act Ninety C of twenty twenty three. It changes how non European nationals can enter and live in Hungary.
Permit Types Increased
The number of residence permit categories increased from eighteen to twenty four. Eight of these new permits are for employment. The previous flexible permit called other purpose has been removed.
Guest Worker Permit
This permit is for people who are allowed to work in Hungary for a short time in jobs that require basic or medium skills. It has several conditions
It is valid for up to three years only
It cannot be renewed
It does not allow family members to join the worker
It does not lead to permanent residence
Only people from approved countries doing approved jobs with approved employers can apply.
Hungarian Card
This card is for highly educated professionals working in important roles like engineering technology science or the arts
It is valid for three years and can be renewed
It allows family reunification
It can lead to permanent residence
Applicants must have a university degree and earn above a minimum salary based on official job categories
National Card
From the tenth of July twenty twenty four people from nearby countries such as Serbia Ukraine Belarus Russia Bosnia Montenegro North Macedonia and Moldova can apply for the National Card
This card allows more freedom than the Guest Worker permit
There is no limit on how many people can get it
It is not restricted to certain jobs
It allows family members to join
It can be extended many times
It can lead to permanent residence
Investor Program
Hungary also started the Guest Investor Program in July twenty twenty four
Foreign nationals can get a long term residence permit by investing in Hungary
They must invest at least two hundred fifty thousand euros in a real estate fund
The permit lasts ten years and can be renewed once
It does not give permanent residence or citizenship automatically
More information will be released later by the government
Other Requirements and Rules
Employers must report to authorities when a foreign worker starts or stops working
If they do not they may be fined
The visa for collecting a residence card is now valid for only three months
From the start of January twenty twenty five people applying for permanent residence must pass a test in Hungarian language and culture
Common Questions
Who is a third country national?
A person who is not a citizen of Hungary the European Union or the European Economic AreaCan I apply now for a permit under the old law?
Only if you applied before the end of December twenty twenty threeWhat is the difference between Guest Worker and Hungarian Card?
Guest Worker is short term and limited in rightsHungarian Card is for skilled workers and gives more benefits including the right to bring family and apply for long term stay
Who can get the National Card?
People from specific countries near Hungary may qualify and get better conditions than other foreign workersDoes every permit allow family to join?
NoOnly some like the Hungarian Card and National Card allow family reunification
Is there a test for long term stay?
YesFrom January twenty twenty five all applicants for permanent residence must pass a basic test about Hungarian history and language