Since December 21, 2007 Hungary has been a member of the Schengen Area, and applies the Schengen legislation in full. At present 25 states, 22 of the 27 member states of the European Union, as well as Norway Iceland and Switzerland are part of the Schengen Area. At the same time several members of the European Union, i.e. Bulgaria, Cyprus, Ireland, Romania and the United Kingdom do not yet participate in the Schengen cooperation.
Significant changes subsequent to Hungary’s Schengen-membership are that
- visas and residence permits issued by one of the Schengen States are valid for Hungary,
- visas issued by Hungarian representations abroad and residence permits issued by the Hungarian national authorities are also valid for the entire Schengen Area.
The visa sticker, designed with the same appearance for all Schengen States, bears the words "valid for Schengen States". The Schengen visa and entry regulations are only applicable for a stay not exceeding 90 days. Rules for a long stay exceeding 90 days are laid down by the national law of the member states concerned.
Persons with the Right of Free Movement and Residence 
Right of entry and residence for a period not exceeding three months
Citizens of the EEA (EU + Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein) and Switzerland may enter the territory of the Republic of Hungary with a valid travel document or personal identification document and have the right of residence not exceeding three months from the date of entry.
Family members of the above mentioned citizens or of a Hungarian citizen may enter the territory of Hungary with a valid travel document and - unless otherwise prescribed by any directly applicable Community legislation or an international agreement - with a valid visa. Visa applications may be submitted to any consulate officer of Hungary or other authorized state within three months prior to the planned date of travel.
Right of residence for a period exceeding three months
Students can reside for more than three months if they are enrolled at an educational institution offering an accredited curriculum. Within ninety-three days from the time of entry they have to register at the regional directorate of the Office of Immigration and Nationality. At the time of registration students should be in possession of a certificate of admission from the educational institution or any other document to verify their student status. The registration certificate is valid indefinitely, together with a valid travel document or personal identification document.
The spouse and children of students who satisfy the above mentioned requirements shall have the right of residence for a period exceeding three months.
Third country nationals
Third country nationals are required to have a visa for entering the territory of Hungary and for a stay of up to 3 months within a six month period if they come from a country that is under visa obligation according to the Schengen acquis. The visa application has to be submitted to the Hungarian Consulate in their home country within three months prior to the planned date of travel. The issuing of a visa is a process lasting one month. If third country nationals wish to stay longer than three months they need to be in possession of a valid travel document to that effect (a visa for more than three months, a residence permit, an immigration permit etc.), the necessary permits for return or continued travel and they should be able to justify the purpose of entry and stay, they should have both accommodation and enough financial resources to cover their costs plus a full healthcare insurance or sufficient financial resources required for healthcare services. A residence permit authorizes non-Hungarians to reside in Hungary for a period not shorter than three months and not exceeding two years. The application for a residence permit should be submitted to the Hungarian Consulate in the home country and will be judged by the competent Hungarian regional directorate. Those already residing in Hungary can submit their application directly to the competent regional directorate. Applications for a residence permit shall be submitted within thirty days prior to the expiry of the permit underscoring the application for a residence permit.
Students can obtain a long term visa or a residence permit when they intend to attend a secondary or higher education accredited in Hungary or to attend a course in an establishment of higher education, which may cover a preparatory course prior to such education. Researchers can get a residence permit when their purposes are to carry out a research project under a hosting agreement concluded with a research organization accredited under specific legislation.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
1027 Budapest, Nagy Imre tér 4.
Phone: +36 1 458-1000
Fax: +36 1 201-7932
E-mail: iroda.konz@kum.hu
