Expert Hungarian Individual Immigration Services
Residence permits made simple
Hungarian immigration rules can be confusing, especially since the new immigration law of 2024 and further changes in 2026. Whether you are coming to Hungary to work, study, join your family or settle permanently, we help you choose the right permit, prepare your application and handle renewals, permanent residence and citizenship, with clear advice and support at every step, in English and Hungarian.
01
Support with the EU Blue Card, the Hungarian Card for highly qualified workers, employment residence permits and intra-corporate transfer permits. We check your eligibility, advise on qualification and salary requirements, and help you and your employer prepare the documents.
02
Residence permits for spouses, minor children and other eligible family members of people legally living in Hungary, and for family members of Hungarian or EU citizens. We explain the accommodation, income and health insurance requirements and help you gather the evidence.
03
Residence permits for study at Hungarian universities, including extensions, changes of course and rules on working while studying. We check your admission letter, proof of funds, accommodation and health insurance, and explain the conditions attached to your permit.
04
Applications for the National Residence Card (after 3 years of legal residence), the EU long-term residence permit (after 5 years) and Hungarian citizenship by naturalisation. We review your residence history and time spent abroad, prepare the forms and help you get ready for the required Hungarian-language exams.
05
Short-stay (Schengen “C”) visas for tourism, business visits and family visits of up to 90 days in any 180-day period. We help you show your ties to your home country, travel plans and financial means, and advise visa-exempt travellers on the EU’s new entry requirements.
Why STC for Individual Immigration
Personalised guidance through every step of your move to Hungary
From your first consultation to your residence card, renewals, and eventually permanent residence or citizenship, we treat every case individually. Our Budapest team helps you navigate the Hungarian authorities, documents, and translations, so you can focus on settling in.
- • Clear advice in plain English (and Hungarian)
- • A case strategy tailored to your plans
- • Support through to permanent residence and citizenship
Disclaimer: This page is general guidance, not legal or immigration advice. Hungarian immigration rules change often, and outcomes depend on individual circumstances. Legal representation in immigration matters is provided by our partner Hungarian attorneys.
Why Choose Us
Local Expertise
A Budapest-based team that knows how Hungarian immigration authorities work and what they expect to see.
Tailored Advice
A route and timeline built around your circumstances, your family and your long-term plans.
Bilingual Support
Help with Hungarian forms, translations and communication with the authorities, so nothing is lost in translation.
End-to-End Support
From your first permit to address registration, renewals, permanent residence and citizenship.
Trusted by Businesses Across Three Continents
We have helped individuals, families and businesses in Hungary, the UK, Ireland, the EU, North America and beyond to relocate, settle and stay compliant.
- 18+ Years Experience
- 30+ Satisfied Clients
- 25+ Expert Team
- 4 International offices
- Glasgow
- London
- Dublin
- Budapest
Frequently Asked Question
It depends on your nationality, the purpose of your stay (work, study, family or investment), your income and your qualifications. EU, EEA and Swiss citizens only need to register their residence. We review your situation and suggest the routes that fit.
It varies by permit type and the authority’s workload. Many residence permit decisions are made within several weeks, after which you may need an entry visa and then collect your residence card. We advise you on current processing times when we plan your application.
Only in some cases. Under the current law, several permit types cannot be changed from within Hungary, and you may need to apply again from abroad. We check the conditions for your permit before you plan any change.
Usually a valid passport, proof of accommodation in Hungary, proof of income or funds, comprehensive health insurance and evidence of the purpose of your stay, such as an employment contract, admission letter or marriage certificate. Foreign documents often need an official Hungarian translation and legalisation. We give you a tailored checklist.
Yes. We review the decision with our partner attorneys and advise whether to challenge it or submit a stronger new application. Deadlines to challenge a decision can be very short, so contact us as soon as you receive it.
Not for most first residence permits. However, since 2025 a Hungarian-language cultural knowledge exam is required for permanent residence and some renewals, and citizenship requires an exam on Hungarian constitutional knowledge, taken in Hungarian. We can point you to preparation courses.
Costs depend on the permit type, the length of stay and whether you need an entry visa. You will also need comprehensive health insurance and certified translations of foreign documents. There is no equivalent of the UK Immigration Health Surcharge. We give you a full cost breakdown for your route.
Yes. We help spouses, partners and children apply for family reunification and advise on the accommodation, income and insurance requirements for the whole family. Note that some permit types do not allow family reunification, or only after a waiting period.
Permanent residence (the National Residence Card or the EU long-term residence permit) lets you live in Hungary without a time limit. Citizenship also gives you a Hungarian and EU passport, the right to live and work anywhere in the EU, and full voting rights. Naturalisation generally requires 8 years of continuous residence (3 years if you have been married to a Hungarian citizen for at least 3 years), plus the constitutional knowledge exam. Hungary allows dual citizenship. We talk through the options for your situation.
Fill in our enquiry form or book a consultation. We will gather your details, confirm your goals and propose the best route and next steps.
Monday - Thursday : 9:30 am - 5:30 pm
