How to Apply for a Family Reunification Permit in Hungary
Hungary’s family reunification permit allows eligible family members to join a sponsor who already holds a valid Hungarian residence permit, settlement permit, or Hungarian citizenship. The permit is valid for up to 3, 4, 5, or 10 years depending on the sponsor’s permit type, with processing taking 21 days in standard cases.
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Eligibility Requirements
You May Qualify If:
- You are the spouse or registered partner of a permit holder, settled resident, or Hungarian citizen
- You are the minor child (including adopted or foster child) of a permit holder
- You are a dependent minor child and your parent has custody
- You have parental custody of a minor Hungarian child and live in the same household
- You are the family member of a person with refugee status (if married before entry to Hungary)
- You are the parent of an unaccompanied minor who has been granted refugee status
- You are a dependent parent of the sponsor or their spouse
- You are a dependent parent of a person with refugee status
- You are a sibling or ascendant unable to support yourself due to health reasons
- You are a child born in Hungary to a third-country national who holds a residence permit
You Do NOT Qualify If:
- Your sponsor holds a White Card permit
- Your sponsor holds a Student or Study permit (including job search, starting a business, or training)
- Your sponsor holds an Employment permit
- Your sponsor holds a Guest Workers permit
- Your sponsor holds a Seasonal Employment permit
- Your sponsor holds an Employment for Investment permit
- Your sponsor holds a Traineeship permit
- Your sponsor holds a Voluntary Service permit
- Your sponsor holds a Guest Self-Employment permit with less than 1 year of validity
Critical Restrictions to Know
Before applying, understand these major limitations:
- Many Permit Types Are Excluded: Holders of White Cards, Student permits (including job search, business start-up, and training), Employment permits, Guest Workers permits, Seasonal Employment permits, Employment for Investment permits, Traineeship permits, and Voluntary Service permits cannot sponsor family reunification at all
- One Spouse Only: The sponsor’s spouse cannot be granted a family reunification permit if the sponsor already has another spouse holding a residence visa or family reunification permit
- Guest Self-Employment Time Requirement: If your sponsor holds a Guest Self-Employment permit, they must have held it for at least 1 year before they can sponsor you
- Permit Cannot Exceed Sponsor’s Validity: Your family reunification permit cannot be longer than the sponsor’s own permit validity or your passport validity, whichever is shorter
- Refugee Family Members Must Have Married Before Entry: If your sponsor has refugee status, you must have been married before the sponsor entered Hungary
- Employment Requires Separate Authorization: You can only work in Hungary if the permit was issued through a “single application procedure” that also covers employment
Family Reunification Permit Overview
| ⏳ Duration (General) | Max 3 years, extendable by max 3 years |
| ⏳ Duration (EU Blue Card / Corporate Card sponsor) | Max 4 years, extendable by max 4 years |
| ⏳ Duration (Hungarian citizen with EC permanent residence or EU residence card) | Max 5 years, extendable by max 5 years |
| ⏳ Duration (Guest Investor sponsor) | Max 10 years, extendable by max 10 years |
| 💶 Application Fee (outside Hungary) | EUR 110 |
| 💶 Application Fee (in-person in Hungary) | HUF 39,000 |
| 💶 Application Fee (online via Enter Hungary) | HUF 24,000 |
| ⏱ Processing Time | 21 days standard. 70 days if combined with employment under single application procedure |
| 🏠 Key Requirements | Proof of family relationship, accommodation, means of subsistence, health insurance |
| 💼 Employment Rights | Only if issued through single application procedure covering employment |
| ⚠️ Appeal Deadline | 8 days from delivery of refusal decision |
Validity limit: The family reunification permit cannot exceed the sponsor’s own permit validity or the applicant’s passport validity, whichever is shorter.
How to Apply
Applying from Outside Hungary
If you are outside Hungary, you must submit your application at the Hungarian embassy or consulate in your country of residence. This is the standard route for most applicants. You will need to schedule an appointment, bring all required documents, and pay the EUR 110 application fee at the consulate.
Applying from Inside Hungary (Visa-Free Nationals Only)
If you are already in Hungary and you are from a visa-free country, you can submit your application in two ways:
- Online: Via the Enter Hungary platform (fee: HUF 24,000)
- In person: At the NDGAP regional directorate responsible for your place of accommodation (fee: HUF 39,000)
Application Via Employer
In certain cases, the sponsor’s employer may lodge the family reunification application on behalf of the family member. This applies when the sponsor holds an ICT permit, Research permit, National Card, EU Blue Card, or Corporate Card. The applicant must provide written consent for this process.
Fee Rates for Family Reunification Application
| Outside Hungary (embassy/consulate) | EUR 110 |
| In-Person (within Hungary) | HUF 39,000 |
| Online via Enter Hungary | HUF 24,000 |
Document Checklist
You will need the following documents for your family reunification application:
The main application form plus the appendix for family reunification
Birth certificate, marriage certificate, adoption document, or other proof of the family tie to the sponsor
Full copy of every page
Bank statements, employer income certificate, or maintenance declaration from the sponsoring family member
Lease agreement, property ownership documents, or hotel booking
Valid health insurance covering the applicant’s stay in Hungary
Valid passport AND travel ticket OR sufficient funds for departure
1 recent photo meeting official requirements
Private or public document with Hungarian or English translation. Required when a minor child is applying
Important: All non-Hungarian/non-English documents require certified Hungarian translation and may need apostille authentication.
Step-by-Step Guide
Confirm Your Sponsor’s Eligibility
Before you begin, verify that your sponsor holds an eligible permit type. Holders of White Cards, Student permits, Employment permits, Guest Workers permits, Seasonal Employment permits, Employment for Investment permits, Traineeship permits, and Voluntary Service permits cannot sponsor family reunification. If your sponsor holds a Guest Self-Employment permit, they must have held it for at least 1 year.
Complete the Application Form and Appendix
Fill out the main application form and the family reunification appendix. Make sure every section is completed accurately. Errors or missing information will delay processing.
Gather Proof of Family Relationship
Collect the documents that prove your relationship to the sponsor:
- Spouse: Marriage certificate or registered partnership certificate under Act XXIX of 2009
- Minor child: Birth certificate, adoption document, or foster care documentation
- Dependent parent: Birth certificate of the sponsor plus proof of dependency
- Sibling or ascendant with health issues: Medical documentation proving inability to provide for yourself
Note: All documents not in Hungarian or English must be translated by a certified translator. Documents issued abroad typically require apostille authentication.
Prepare Financial Documentation
You need to prove that you (or your sponsor) can financially support the family member in Hungary. Acceptable documents include:
- Bank statements showing sufficient funds
- Employer income certificate from the sponsor
- Maintenance declaration from the sponsoring family member
Secure Accommodation Documentation
Provide proof that the family member will have a place to live in Hungary:
- Lease agreement: A signed rental contract
- Property ownership: If you or the sponsor own property in Hungary
- Accommodation by courtesy: Official declaration signed by a host who is providing accommodation
- Hotel booking: Reservation with proof of payment (for initial period)
Obtain Health Insurance
The applicant must have valid health insurance coverage for their stay in Hungary. This can be private health insurance, a social insurance arrangement, or proof of sufficient funds to cover healthcare costs.
Prepare Remaining Documents
Gather the final items for your application:
- Full copy of every page of the applicant’s valid passport
- 1 recent facial photograph
- Proof of exit conditions (valid passport AND travel ticket OR sufficient funds)
- Parental consent document if the applicant is a minor (must be in Hungarian or English)
Submit Your Application
From outside Hungary: Schedule an appointment at the Hungarian embassy or consulate in your country. Bring all documents and pay the EUR 110 fee.
From inside Hungary (visa-free nationals): Apply online via the Enter Hungary platform (HUF 24,000) or in person at the NDGAP regional directorate (HUF 39,000). If you apply online, you must visit the NDGAP in person within 15 days of the receipt confirmation to provide biometrics. If you miss this window, your application is not considered received.
Via employer: If the sponsor holds an ICT, Research, National Card, EU Blue Card, or Corporate Card, the sponsor’s employer may submit the application on your behalf.
Attend Biometrics Appointment
If applying from within Hungary, you will need to visit the NDGAP regional directorate in person to provide biometric data (facial photograph and fingerprints). Bring your passport, ID photo, case number, and signed application form.
Receive Your Decision
Standard processing takes 21 days. If your application was submitted as part of a single application procedure (combining family reunification with employment authorization), processing takes up to 70 days. The NDGAP may request additional documents during this period, which pauses the processing clock.
If applying from outside Hungary: Once approved, the consulate issues a Type D visa. This is a single-entry visa valid for 3 months, authorising a stay of up to 30 days. You must enter Hungary within those 3 months or your approval becomes invalid.
If refused: You have 8 days from the delivery of the refusal decision to file an appeal.
Processing Timeline Summary
Submit at embassy/consulate, via Enter Hungary platform, or in person at NDGAP
70 days if combined with employment under single application procedure
Visit NDGAP regional directorate in person for fingerprints and facial photo
Permit card delivered by post after approval
Additional time not included in processing:
- Time spent requesting and receiving additional documents from the applicant
- Time spent remedying deficiencies (missing or incomplete documents)
- Time for other procedural actions
Not sure which permit fits your situation?
Book a one-hour consultation with a licensed immigration lawyer. €150, credited toward full service if you proceed.
Book ConsultationFrequently Asked Questions
Who qualifies as a “family member” for Hungarian family reunification?
Under Hungarian law, a “family member” includes your spouse (including registered partner under Act XXIX of 2009), your minor child (including adopted and foster children), a dependent minor child where you have custody, and a person with parental custody of a minor Hungarian child who lives in the same household. Dependent parents of the sponsor or their spouse also qualify. In some cases, siblings or ascendants who cannot support themselves due to health reasons may also be eligible.
Can I sponsor my family if I have a White Card?
No. White Card holders cannot sponsor family reunification. This is one of the key restrictions of the White Card permit. The only exception is if a child is born in Hungary during the White Card’s validity. If you want the ability to bring family members to Hungary, you will need a different permit type that allows sponsorship.
Which sponsors are eligible for family reunification?
You can sponsor family reunification if you hold a residence permit (for purposes like Guest Self-Employment with at least 1 year validity, EU Blue Card, Corporate Card, National Card, ICT, or Research), a settlement or permanent residence permit, an interim/national/EU residence card, or Hungarian citizenship. Sponsors with refugee status can also apply, but only if the marriage took place before the sponsor entered Hungary. Holders of White Cards, Student permits, Employment permits, Guest Workers permits, Seasonal Employment permits, Employment for Investment permits, Traineeship permits, and Voluntary Service permits are excluded.
How long does the family reunification application take?
Standard processing takes 21 days from submission of a complete application. If the application is submitted through the single application procedure (combining family reunification with employment authorization), processing takes up to 70 days. These timelines do not include any delays caused by requests for additional documents or corrections to the application.
Can my family member work in Hungary on a family reunification permit?
Only if the permit was issued through a “single application procedure” that also covers employment authorization. This means the employment request must be submitted together with the family reunification application. If the permit was issued without the employment component, the family member cannot work in Hungary on that permit alone. If employment is authorized, the family member must notify the immigration authority within 5 days of signing an employment agreement.
How long is the family reunification permit valid?
It depends on the sponsor’s permit type. General cases: max 3 years, extendable by 3 years. If the sponsor holds an EU Blue Card or Corporate Card: max 4 years, extendable by 4 years. If the sponsor is a Hungarian citizen who also holds an EC permanent residence permit or EU residence card: max 5 years, extendable by 5 years. If the sponsor holds a Guest Investor permit: max 10 years, extendable by 10 years. In all cases, the family member’s permit cannot exceed the sponsor’s own permit validity or the applicant’s passport validity. To extend, you must apply via the Enter Hungary platform no earlier than 90 days and no later than 30 days before your permit expires. You also need to have lived in Hungary for at least 90 days in any 180-day period (this residency requirement does not apply if your sponsor holds a Guest Investor permit).
Can I apply for family reunification from inside Hungary?
Only if you are from a visa-free country and you are already legally present in Hungary. You can apply online via the Enter Hungary platform (fee: HUF 24,000) or in person at the NDGAP regional directorate responsible for your accommodation address (fee: HUF 39,000). If you are not from a visa-free country, you must apply at the Hungarian embassy or consulate in your home country.
What happens to my family member’s permit if we divorce?
If the family relationship ends (for example through divorce), the basis for the family reunification permit may no longer exist. You are required to report the divorce to the NDGAP regional directorate within 30 days of receiving the final judgement, along with a copy of the document. However, the family member may have a right to continued residence if at least 5 years have passed since their first family reunification permit was issued and the conditions of residence are still met. If the sponsor dies, the family member may also continue to reside in Hungary provided they meet the residence conditions, and the death must also be reported within 30 days. Each situation is assessed individually by the immigration authority.