Hungary Long-Term Residence Permit
10-Year Permanent Residence | New Applications & Extensions
Expert support for obtaining or extending your National Residence Card or EU Residence Card with licensed Hungarian immigration attorney assistance.
What Is the Long-Term Residence Permit?
Long-Term Residence Permits (National Residence Card and EU Residence Card) grant permanent residence status in Hungary with 10-year validity and the right to reside indefinitely.
It provides:
- Indefinite residence rights in Hungary
- 10-year validity (extendable for additional 10 years)
- Permanent residence status
- Entitlement to Hungarian identity card
- Path to Hungarian citizenship
- Freedom from temporary permit renewal cycles
- Full work authorization without restrictions
- Travel document eligibility for long-term residents
Two Types:
- National Residence Card: For third-country nationals with qualifying residence history
- EU Residence Card: For those qualifying under EU long-term resident regulations
Important: This is permanent residence, not a temporary permit. Requires minimum 3 years prior legal residence in Hungary (with some exceptions).
Who This Is For
New Applications – You May Qualify If:
Path 1: Time-Based Residency
- Resided legally in Hungary for at least 3 years continuously with a residence permit
- Maintained legal status without interruption
- Ready to establish permanent roots in Hungary
Path 2: Family-Based (Dependent Ascendant)
- Lived in family community as dependent ancestor for at least 1 year with:
- Hungarian citizen, OR
- Third-country national with long-term residence status, OR
- Recognized refugee
Path 3: Marriage-Based
- Spouse of Hungarian citizen OR long-term resident OR refugee
- Marriage concluded at least 2 years prior to application
Path 4: Hungarian Heritage
- Former Hungarian citizen whose citizenship ceased
- Person with Hungarian ancestry/Hungarian parents
Path 5: Minor Children
- Minor children of third-country nationals with long-term residence status
- Minor children of recognized refugees
Extensions – You Need If:
- Currently hold a National Residence Card issued 10 years ago
- Currently hold an EU Residence Card expiring soon
- Previously held immigration permit or permanent residence permit under old system
- Need to renew 10-year card for another 10 years
How the Process Works
1
Legal Consultation
With a licensed Hungarian immigration attorney:
- Detailed assessment of your residence history and qualifying path
- Review of your eligibility for cultural knowledge exam exemptions
- Guidance on financial sufficiency and accommodation documentation
- Strategic planning for exam preparation (if required)
- Receive tailored document list for your specific situation
- Discussion of “in the national interest” applications (if applicable)
Consultation fees are credited toward full service if you proceed.
2
Hungarian Cultural Knowledge Exam (If Required)
Before submitting your application, most applicants must:
- Register and pay for the cultural knowledge exam (HUF 20,000 per attempt)
- Study exam topics (Hungarian history, symbols, culture, government, rights)
- Take written exam in Hungarian language in Budapest
- Pass exam to receive certificate for application
Exemptions available for: Applicants under 14 years old, those under guardianship by court order, those who passed exam in previous procedure, applications in the “national interest”
Important: Only 3 attempts allowed. After 3 failures, future exam applications refused.
3
Full Application Support
Once you’re ready to proceed (with exam certificate if required):
- Your attorney prepares all documentation
- Verifies residence history and qualifying relationships
- Submits application via Enter Hungary platform (applications accepted ONLY online)
- Coordinates biometrics appointment within 15 days
- Monitors 70-day processing period
- Arranges residence card delivery
You remain in contact with both Hungary Visa (coordination) and your attorney (legal representation).
Key Requirements
For New Applications:
Residence History (Choose One Path):
- 3 years continuous legal residence with residence permit, OR
- 1 year as dependent ascendant in family community with qualifying sponsor, OR
- 2 years of marriage to Hungarian citizen/long-term resident/refugee, OR
- Hungarian citizenship history or ancestry, OR
- Minor child of long-term resident/refugee
Hungarian Cultural Knowledge Exam:
- Must pass written exam in Hungarian (unless exempt)
- Exam topics: National symbols, holidays, history, culture, government institutions, basic rights/duties
- HUF 20,000 per exam attempt
- Maximum 3 attempts allowed
- Certificate valid for application
Financial & Living Conditions:
- Housing and subsistence guaranteed in Hungary
- Proof of accommodation (ownership, lease, or family declaration)
- Proof of financial means (bank statements, income certificates, family support)
- Comprehensive health insurance coverage
Additional Eligibility:
- Long-term residence must be “in line with Hungary’s interests”
- No criminal record (or exempted from disadvantages)
- Not subject to expulsion or entry/stay ban
- Not a threat to public or national security
For Extensions (10-Year Renewal):
- Currently hold valid National or EU Residence Card
- Submit via Enter Hungary platform only
- Simpler process – no cultural exam required again
- Updated documentation of continued residence
Hungarian Cultural Knowledge Exam
The exam covers 6 main topics:
- National symbols and holidays: Coat of arms, flag, national anthems, national holidays
- Important historical events: Foundation of state, 1848-1849 revolution, Peace Treaty of Trianon, 1956 revolution, 1990 regime change
- Hungarian culture: Important figures in European and Hungarian literature and music
- Government institutions: Parliament, President, Government structure
- Basic rights and duties: Freedoms, obligations, citizen rights protection
- Hungary and Europe: Hungary’s role in EU and everyday European life
Exam Details:
- Written format only
- Conducted in Hungarian language
- Takes place in Budapest
- Organized by Government Office of the Capital City of Budapest
- At least 15 working days notice of exam date
- Study materials available from government office
Indicative Fees
Final prices are confirmed after consultation.
| Service | Indicative Starting Price |
|---|---|
| Legal Consultation | from €150 |
| New Application (10-year National/EU Residence Card) | from €2,500 |
| Extension (Renew 10-year card) | from €1,250 |
Additional costs you pay directly: Hungarian Cultural Knowledge Exam: HUF 20,000 per attempt (approx. €50)
Consultation fee is fully credited toward full service if you proceed.
These figures are indicative only and subject to change. Final pricing will be confirmed after case review.
Consultation fee is fully credited toward full service if you proceed.
These figures are indicative only and subject to change. Final pricing will be confirmed after case review.
Processing Timeline
New Application:
- Cultural knowledge exam (if required) → Schedule and complete before applying
- Application submission → Via Enter Hungary platform only
- Biometrics appointment → Within 15 days of application submission
- Processing → 70 days from complete application
- Residence card delivery → By post to registered address
- Children born in Hungary → Priority processing within 5 days
Extension:
- Application submission → Via Enter Hungary platform (up to 90 days before expiry)
- Biometrics → Within 15 days
- Processing → 70 days
- New card delivery → By post
Total timeline for new applications: Approximately 3-4 months including exam preparation and processing.
Rights & Obligations
With Long-Term Residence Status, You Get:
Residence Rights:
- Reside in Hungary indefinitely
- No time limits or renewal cycles
- Hungarian identity card eligibility
- Travel document for long-term residents available
Work Rights:
- Unrestricted employment in Hungary
- No work permit needed
- Can change employers freely
- Can start businesses
Other Benefits:
- Path to Hungarian citizenship (after additional requirements)
- Stable foundation for family life
- Access to certain social benefits
Obligations:
- Notify change of residence address to government office
- Do NOT leave EU Member States for 12+ consecutive months (card may be withdrawn)
- Do NOT reside outside Hungary for 6+ consecutive years (card may be withdrawn)
- Maintain address registration
- Keep card with address notification together
Why Work With Us
Residence History Verification
Expert analysis of whether your residence qualifies as “continuous and legal”
Cultural Exam Preparation Support
Guidance on exam topics, study materials, and registration process
Exemption Assessment
Detailed review of whether you qualify for cultural exam exemptions
Complex Case Handling
Experience with heritage claims, marriage-based applications, and dependency relationships
Full Coordination
We manage all administrative steps from exam registration to final card delivery
10-Year Validity
One application, a decade of security
What’s Not Included
Government & Exam Fees:
- HUF 26,000 (approx. €65) – Application fee via Enter Hungary
- HUF 20,000 (approx. €50) – Cultural knowledge exam (per attempt)
- HUF 20,000 (approx. €50) – Extension fee
Additional costs paid directly by you:
- Document apostille/authentication
- Certified Hungarian translations
- Birth certificates, marriage certificates (if needed)
- Travel to Budapest for cultural knowledge exam
- Travel for biometrics appointment (if not in Budapest)
- Health insurance premiums
Ready for Permanent Residence?
Book a consultation with a licensed immigration attorney to determine if you qualify.