Hungary student visa: Complete guide 2026

What Is the Hungary Student Visa?

The Hungary Student Visa refers to the residence permit for the purpose of study, together with the entry visa used to collect it. The residence permit is the actual authorization to live in Hungary while studying. No separate visa application is required, since applying for the residence permit also serves as the application for the entry visa.

Most applicants submit their application at a Hungarian diplomatic mission abroad. Those whose nationality is visa-exempt and who are already in Hungary lawfully may instead apply through the Enter Hungary platform, or in person at the regional directorate of the National Directorate-General for Aliens Policing (NDGAP).

Who Is It For?

• Nationality: Non-EU/EEA nationals.

  
  

• Study program: Full-time study at a state-recognized Hungarian higher education institution, at a foreign higher education institution authorized to operate in Hungary, or a preparatory course organized by either.

  
  

• Financial means: Enough income or savings to cover subsistence, accommodation, return travel, and healthcare in Hungary. No fixed monthly figure is set.

What the Visa Allows

• Residency: The permit is issued for at least 1 year, or for the length of the training if shorter, with the initial permit capped at 3 years. It can then be extended, each time for 1 to 3 years.

  
  

• Work: You can work up to 30 hours per week during your study period, and full time for up to 90 days per year outside of it.

  
  

• Family: Holding this permit does not entitle you to sponsor family reunification. The only exception is a child born in Hungary to a permit holder during the permit's validity.

  
  

• Travel: The permit allows you to travel within the Schengen area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.

  
  

• After graduation: If you complete your studies, you can apply for a residence permit to seek a job or start a business suited to your qualification. You must hold a valid study permit at the time you apply. This permit is issued for up to 9 months and cannot be extended.

Documents You'll Need to Prepare

Documents in a language other than Hungarian need a certified Hungarian translation, except financial proof, which may be submitted in English or German as well. Documents issued abroad need an apostille or diplomatic legalization by a Hungarian mission, where applicable.

• Application form: The official residence permit application form, completed in full and signed.

  
  

• Passport: A valid travel document, valid for at least as long as your intended stay.

  
  

• Passport photo: One recent color photo.

  
  

• Proof of study purpose: A certificate of admission from your educational institution, or a document confirming your student status.

  
  

• Proof of language skills: A language certificate, a diploma proving prior study in the language of instruction, or another credible document.

  
  

• Proof of financial means: A bank statement in your name, a notarized sponsor declaration with proof of the sponsor's means, a document proving regular income, or a scholarship certificate.

  
  

• Proof of health insurance: Evidence of comprehensive health insurance in Hungary, or proof that you can pay for healthcare services yourself.

  
  

• Proof of tuition payment: Confirmation that you have paid the required tuition fee.

  
  

• Proof of accommodation: A genuine Hungarian address where you will stay, such as a dormitory room, a rented apartment, or a host's address, entered directly on the application form. No lease, landlord letter, or other separate document needs to be attached.

Step-by-Step Application Process

Step 1: Secure admission

Apply to a Hungarian educational institution and obtain a certificate of admission.

Step 2: Book an appointment and submit your application

If you need a visa to enter Hungary, book an appointment at the Hungarian diplomatic mission responsible for your place of residence, then submit your application there in person. This single application covers both the residence permit and the entry visa. If your nationality is visa-exempt, you can instead submit your application online through the Enter Hungary platform, or in person at the regional NDGAP directorate.

Step 3: Provide biometric data

If you submitted in person, at a diplomatic mission or at the regional NDGAP directorate, your photograph and fingerprints are taken at that same appointment. If you submitted through Enter Hungary, you must book a separate appointment at the regional NDGAP directorate within 15 days to provide them; your application only counts as received once this is done. Applicants over the age of 6 must appear in person for this step. NDGAP decides on the application within 60 days.

Step 4: Collect your entry visa

If you applied abroad and are approved, the consulate issues a type D entry visa. This visa allows a single entry and a stay of up to 30 days, valid for 3 months from approval. You must enter Hungary within this window, or the approval lapses.

Step 5: Receive your residence permit

The residence permit itself is delivered by post to your educational institution. You will be notified by email once it is ready for collection.

Costs and Fees

If applying at a diplomatic mission abroad, the main procedural fee is EUR 110. This single fee covers both the residence permit and the entry visa. If you apply in person in Hungary instead, the fee is HUF 39,000. Applying online through Enter Hungary costs HUF 26,000.

Good to Know

The permit can be refused or revoked for slow progress: Your degree has a standard length, and if you take more than 1.5 times that length, NDGAP may refuse to extend your permit or revoke it entirely. Progress is checked through a certificate of academic progress from your institution, submitted with each extension.

Change of address must be reported separately: If you move at any point during your stay, notify the regional NDGAP directorate responsible for your new address within 3 days of the change.

Extensions go through Enter Hungary only: Unlike the initial application, an extension of your residence permit cannot be filed at a regional NDGAP directorate or a diplomatic mission. It must be submitted electronically through the Enter Hungary platform.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the decision take?

NDGAP decides within 60 days of your complete application being received.

Can my spouse and children join me?

No. A study-purpose permit does not allow you to sponsor family reunification, except for a child born in Hungary during the permit's validity.

Do I need proof of accommodation?

Yes, but only in the form of a genuine Hungarian address, such as a dormitory room, a rented apartment, or a host's address, entered directly on the application form. No lease, landlord letter, or other separate document needs to be attached.

How many hours can I work as a student?

Up to 30 hours a week during your study period, and full time for up to 90 days a year outside of it.