"Changes to Hungary's 2024 Immigration Law: What You Need to Know"

Published: December 18 2023

Several major permit types have been restructured. Work permits now fall into different categories depending on the employee's qualification, length of employment, and company structure. These categories include guest worker for seasonal employment, for a particular investment project, or for long-term employment, highly qualified employee, intra-corporate transfer, corporate card, special permit for researchers, EU Blue Card, and a special permit for Serbian and Ukrainian nationals.

The former "gainful activity" permit has been split into two separate categories: guest self-employment and Hungarian Card. The former category of "Other Purpose" has been discontinued and replaced with specific permit types for humanitarian activity, medical treatment, and more. Study, internship, job seeking, and other permits have also undergone changes in their conditions.

The validity period of the single-entry D visa has been reduced to 3 months from 1 year. Individuals must enter Hungary within this 3-month window. The renewal process for residence permits has also been adjusted, allowing applicants to submit renewal applications 40 days before the current permit expires instead of the previous 90-day timeframe.

These changes to Hungary's immigration law in 2024 will have a significant impact on individuals seeking residency in the country. It is important to stay updated on the new regulations and consult with experts to understand how these changes may affect specific situations.

What are the changes to Hungary's immigration law in 2024? Significant changes to Hungary's immigration law will take effect on January 1st, 2024. These changes will reshape the residency landscape for individuals seeking residency in Hungary.

Is there a temporary suspension of residency applications in Hungary in 2024? Yes, there will be a temporary suspension of all residency applications for January and February 2024. During this period, no new applications can be submitted. The Immigration Office is expected to resume decision-making operations in March 2024.

What will happen to residency cards expiring before March 2024? Residency cards expiring before March 2024 will be automatically renewed until the end of April 2024 to ease the transition.

What is the guest investor permit in Hungary? The guest investor permit, also known as the Golden Visa, is a new type of residency permit available in Hungary. It provides an opportunity for individuals interested in the golden visa (guest investor residency) program.

What are the different categories of work permits in Hungary? The different categories of work permits in Hungary include: guest worker for seasonal employment, for a particular investment project, or for long-term employment; highly qualified employee (Hungarian card); intra-corporate transfer (ICT); corporate card; special permit for researchers; and the EU Blue Card. There is also a special permit called "National Card" for Serbian and Ukrainian nationals.

What are the changes to the gainful activity permit in Hungary? The former "gainful activity" permit, assigned to owner/CEOs of companies, will now fall into two separate categories: guest self-employment and Hungarian Card. The Hungarian Card is available for applicants with high-level, relevant education.

What will happen to the "Other Purpose" category of permits in Hungary? The "Other Purpose" category of permits will be discontinued and replaced by specific permit types, such as humanitarian activity, medical treatment, and more. Individuals who don't fit into the main permit categories will need to find a category that fits their purpose.

Have the conditions for study, internship, and job seeking permits changed in Hungary? Some conditions for study, internship, and job seeking permits may have changed. It is recommended to consult with consultants to understand how the changes may affect you if you hold such permits or plan to apply for them.

What is the validity period of the D visa for residency applicants in Hungary? The validity period of the D visa for residency applicants has been reduced to 3 months, from 1 year. Applicants now have a 3-month window to enter Hungary using the D visa.

What is the revised timeframe for renewal applications of residence permits in Hungary? Under the new regulations, the timeframe for renewal applications of residence permits has been adjusted to 40 days. Previously, applicants could submit renewal applications 90 days before the current permit expires.

Are there changes to family unification and status change processes in Hungary? Yes, family unification and status change processes in Hungary are now differentiated by type of permit. The new legislation clearly outlines who has the right to convert their permits to another residency type in Hungary and which permit types enable main applicants to bring along family members.

What are the requirements for permanent residency applications in Hungary? The main requirements for permanent residency applications in Hungary have remained unchanged. However, the new law has brought about clear definitions of which residency categories are accepted for such applications.

Can individuals who obtained residency under the current regulations retain their status? Individuals who have already obtained residency under the current regulations can retain their status until its validity period expires. However, when it comes to renewal, applicants will need to explore the new residency categories to align their status with the evolving regulations.