Blogs • June 30, 2025 • 6 Min

How to Get Hungarian Permanent Residency in 2025

Hungary is now one of the most preferred destinations for long-term residency in Europe. With its Schengen access, affordable cost of living, and straightforward immigration rules, it appeals to families, professionals, and students alike. Whether you're relocating for work, reuniting with family, or eyeing eventual citizenship, Hungary offers multiple clear paths to permanent residency. And in 2025, things are shifting. A new cultural integration exam is now part of the process, signalling Hungary's growing focus on long-term community ties, not just paperwork. In this guide, we break down every step: from visa types and eligibility rules to costs, timelines, and what PR really gives you. Understanding Hungarian Permanent Residency Hungarian Permanent Residency (PR) allows non-EU nationals to live in Hungary without time limits. Once granted, it removes the need for annual renewals and gives access to key rights similar to Hungarian citizens, minus voting in national elections. Benefits of Hungarian Permanent Residence Permanent vs. Temporary Residence Permits Does Hungarian PR Give EU Rights? Yes, but with limits: You can travel within Schengen for short stays. You cannot automatically work or live in other EU countries without separate permits. Hungarian PR is not the same as EU Long-Term Residence, that requires at least 5 years of continuous legal stay in Hungary and an application under separate criteria. Main Pathways to Hungarian Permanent Residency Hungary offers several routes to permanent residency (PR), each with specific criteria and timelines. Below is an overview of the primary pathways: Family Reunification Route Immediate family members of Hungarian citizens or permanent residents can apply for PR through family reunification. Eligibility includes spouses, minor children, and dependent parents. The typical waiting period is: 1 year for dependent children. 2 years for spouses. Applicants must demonstrate genuine familial ties and cohabitation. Note that certain temporary permit holders, such as students or seasonal workers, may not sponsor family reunification. Employment-Based Residency High-skilled professionals with valid employment contracts in Hungary can pursue PR after three years of continuous residence. Qualifying permits include: EU Blue Card: For highly qualified workers with a salary at least 1.5 times the national average. Hungarian Card: For third-country nationals in specialized professions. Intra-Corporate Transfer: For employees transferred within multinational companies. Applicants must maintain uninterrupted employment and residence during this period. Investment Options The Hungary Golden Visa program allows non-EU nationals to obtain a 10-year residence permit through investment: €250,000 in a real estate fund registered with the Hungarian National Bank. €1,000,000 as a donation to a public interest higher education institution. After three years of continuous residence, investors may apply for PR, provided they have not been absent from Hungary for more than four consecutive months or 270 days in total during this period. Study Route to Residency While studying in Hungary grants temporary residence, it does not directly lead to PR. However, graduates can transition to other permit types: Job-Seeking Permit: Allows graduates to stay in Hungary for up to nine months to find employment. Employment Permit: Upon securing a job, graduates can apply for this permit, starting the three-year countdown to PR eligibility. It's important to note that time spent solely on a student permit does not count towards the PR residency requirement. Hungarian Permanent Residency: Requirements & Costs To secure permanent residency (PR) in Hungary in 2025, applicants must meet specific criteria and be prepared for associated costs. Here's a concise overview: Eligibility Criteria Age: Applicants must be at least 18 years old. Residency Duration: A minimum of 3 years of continuous legal residence in Hungary is required. Absence Limit: During the 3-year period, absences from Hungary should not exceed 4 consecutive months or a total of 270 days. Permit Type: Residency must be under qualifying permits such as employment-based, family reunification, or investment. Criminal Record: A clean criminal record is mandatory. Financial Stability: Proof of stable income or sufficient savings is necessary. Accommodation: Evidence of suitable housing in Hungary is required. Health Insurance: Valid health insurance coverage must be demonstrated. Cultural Knowledge Exam: A cultural knowledge exam in Hungarian. Financial Requirements Income: Applicants should have a monthly income of at least €1,500. Accommodation: Rental agreements or property ownership documents must be provided. Health Insurance: Proof of valid health insurance is necessary. Associated Costs Application Fee: Approximately €47 (18,000 HUF) when applying within Hungary. Document Preparation: Costs for translations, notarizations, and legal services can vary. Cultural Exam Fee: 20,000 HUF (approximately €50). Investment (if applicable): Real Estate Fund: Minimum investment of €250,000. Charitable Donation: €1,000,000 to a higher education institution. Hungarian Citizenship After PR Permanent residents can apply for Hungarian citizenship after 8 years of continuous legal stay. The process requires a clean criminal record, stable income, proof of integration, and passing a Hungarian language exam. Spouses of Hungarian citizens and parents of Hungarian-born children may apply after 3 years. Hungary permits dual citizenship, so renouncing your original nationality is not required. Special Categories for PR in Hungary Certain groups may qualify for permanent residency faster or under simplified rules: EU Blue Card Holders can apply for PR after just 2 years of residence, if they’ve lived in the EU for 5 years total under a Blue Card scheme. Ethnic Hungarians with ancestry or cultural ties can apply through preferential naturalization, often without the full 8-year wait. Refugees recognized under Hungarian or international protection may apply for PR after 3 years of legal stay. How You can Maintain Hungarian Permanent Residency To keep your Hungarian PR valid, you must reside in Hungary for most of the year. Leaving the country for over six consecutive months or more than 270 days in a 3-year span can lead to revocation. PR cards themselves are valid for 5 years and must be renewed before expiration, but the residency status remains indefinite if conditions are met. If you commit a serious crime, falsify documents, or are found to have obtained PR through deception, authorities can revoke your status. Additionally, failure to maintain a registered address or valid travel document may also result in cancellation. Renewals are generally straightforward if you’ve complied with residency and legal requirements. FAQs on Hungarian Permanent Residency 1. How long do I need to live in Hungary to apply for PR? You must legally reside in Hungary for at least 3 continuous years under a qualifying permit. Student, seasonal, or digital nomad permits do not count. 2. Can I lose my PR if I leave Hungary? Yes. If you’re absent for over 6 months continuously or more than 270 days in 3 years, your PR can be revoked. 3. Do I need to speak Hungarian to get PR? Yes. From 2025, all applicants must pass a Hungarian cultural knowledge exam, which includes basic language understanding. 4. Does PR let me work in other EU countries? No. Hungarian PR allows Schengen travel, but not the right to work or live in other EU countries without additional permits. 5. Can I apply for Hungarian citizenship after getting PR? Yes. Most applicants qualify after 8 years of continuous residence with PR. Some, like spouses of citizens, may qualify in 3 years. References National Directorate-General for Aliens Policing. (2025). Permanent Residence Card. Referred from: https://oif.gov.hu/factsheets/permanent-residence-card National Directorate-General for Aliens Policing. (2025). Procedural Fees. Referred from: https://oif.gov.hu/factsheets/procedural-fees Enter Hungary – Ministry of Interior. (2025). Residence in Hungary [tajekoztato/en]. Referred from: https://enterhungary.gov.hu/eh/?en=