Last updated 2026-06-01
Family reunification visa to Hungary
Visa overview
Granted to third-country nationals who are close family members and dependent relatives of individuals lawfully residing in Hungary, including residence permit and residence card holders, Hungarian citizens, refugees, and other eligible persons. This visa permits entry into the country for the purpose of obtaining an approved residence permit.
Eligible individuals
Family member, relative, dependant
Time frames and cost
The primary characteristics that define the conditions for obtaining and using a visa. These conditions may vary depending on the individual circumstances of the applicant and the decision of the immigration authorities of the country.
from 1 month to 1 year
Visa validity period
The period during which the visa remains valid and can be used for entry into the country. The validity period or expiration date is indicated directly on the visa itself.
<p>A long-term visa for the purpose of collecting a residence permit is issued for a duration of 365 days, allowing a maximum stay of 30 days. During this period, the visa holder must visit the relevant regional office of the National Directorate-General for Aliens Policing, based on the location of the applicant's intended accommodation, to obtain the residence permit and register their accommodation.</p>
1 month
Duration of stay
The maximum duration for which one is permitted to stay in the country continuously from the date of entry.
<p>During this period, the visa holder must visit the relevant regional office of the National Directorate-General for Aliens Policing to obtain the residence permit and register their accommodation.</p> <p> </p> <p>Residence permit for the purpose of family reunification may not exceed the validity period of the applicant’s travel document and the validity period of the family member’s residence permit. The standard validity period of the residence permit is a maximum of 3 years, which may be extended to additional 3 years, provided that the appropriate conditions are met.</p> <p> </p> <p>If the family member holds a Blue Card, the validity period of the residence permit for the purpose of family reunification is granted for a maximum period of 4 years.</p> <p> </p> <p>For family members of Hungarian citizens, holders of an EC permanent residence permit or an EU residence card, the validity period of the residence permit is granted for maximum of 5 years.</p> <p> </p> <p>Family members of foreign nationals, holding a residence permit for guest investors, the residence permit is granted for a maximum period of 10 years.</p>
Not applicable
Extension of stay
The extension of the maximum duration of stay in the country initially permitted by the visa, subject to approval by the immigration authorities. This is typically processed within the country without the need for departure.
<p>A long-term visa for the purpose of collecting a residence permit cannot be extended.</p> <p> </p> <p>In general, the validity period of the residence permit for the purpose of family reunification may be extended for 3 years if appropriate conditions are met.</p> <p> </p> <p>If the family member of the applicant holds a Blue Card, the validity period of the residence permit may be extended up to 4 years.</p> <p> </p> <p>For family members of Hungarian citizens, foreign nationals holding an EC permanent residence permit or an EU residence card, the residence permit may be extended up to 5 years.</p> <p> </p> <p>For family member of foreign nationals holding a residence permit for guest investors, the validity period of the residence permit may be extended for 10 years.</p>
single-entry
The possibility of entering the country only once during the visa's validity period. After departure from the country with such a visa, re-entry is not possible, even if the visa's validity period has not yet expired.
Number of entries
A parameter specifying the number of times the visa holder can enter the country during its validity period. Visas can be single-entry, multiple-entry, or with a specified number of entries.
<p>The visa is issued for a single entry.</p>
from 15 days to 3 months
Processing time
The period during which the immigration authorities review the application and make a decision regarding the issuance of the visa. Only business days are counted, excluding weekends and public holidays.
<p>The processing time for visa applications varies depending on the purpose of the application. Under standard circumstances, processing is completed within 15 to 45 days from the date of submission. The processing time may be extended to 90 calendar days, in cases that require a detailed assessment.</p>
€110 (~$127)
Consular fee
A fee levied for the processing and evaluation of an application. This charge is non-refundable under any circumstances. In certain instances, the payment of supplementary fees may be required.
<p>Fees may be waived or vary depending on the applicant's nationality, marital status, age, and specific purpose of the visit.</p> <p> </p> <p>Students awarded a scholarship under the Stipendium Hungaricum program, funded by the Hungarian government, are exempt from the visa fee.</p> <p> </p> <p>Consular fee is the official charge for processing a visa application by an embassy or consulate of the country and does not include any additional payments that may be required depending on the place and method of submission, such as visa center fees, the cost of permits or other documents, postal or courier delivery, and others.</p>
Documents
A list of documents required for visa application. The exact list depends on the chosen visa type, the purpose of the visit, and the individual conditions of the applicant.
Mandatory
The essential minimum documents required for a visa application, such as a passport or visa application form. These are necessary regardless of the location, method, or conditions of the application.
Photograph
Taken in the last six months, passport-size, colored, clean, and meeting other standards according to ICAO photo guidelines.
Passport
Issued less than 10 years ago, with a validity period exceeding the duration of the residence permit by at least three months and with at least two blank pages.
Visa application form
Official long-term visa application form, completely filled and signed by the applicant.
Appendix
Appendix for a visa application form.
Supporting
Documents that specify, substantiate, and confirm the purpose of the visit, as well as provide necessary information about the applicant and their future activities in the country.
Proof of family ties
Marriage certificate, birth certificate, or other document confirming relationship, guardianship or family ties.
Document of incapacity to support oneself due to health reasons
If the applicant is applying as a sibling or close family relative of a person legally residing in Hungary, a legal document confirming their inability to support oneself due to health reasons is required.
Additional
Documents required vary depending on individual circumstances, specific visa conditions, the place, and the method of application.
Receipt of fee payment
Confirmation of the visa application processing fee.
Evidence of the conditions of departure
A valid passport, or a permit required for a foreign national to return to their country of origin or residence, and valid tickets for the intended journey or sufficient funds to cover the travel expenses.
Travel health insurance
Copy of Hungarian health insurance card, business health insurance entitling the applicant to full health care and a certification confirming the payment of the insurance, or a bank statement about savings covering the health care expenses.
Documents for minor children
If the applicant is a minor with limited capacity, a statement from their parents or legal guardian, translated into Hungarian or English, in the form of a private or public agreement (providing full evidence) must be provided, confirming their legal stay in Hungary for the duration of stay.
Proof of accommodation
A residential lease agreement, courtesy accommodation document, proof of property ownership (certified copy of title deed), notarized statement from a family member offering accommodation, evidence of accommodation reservation and payment, real estate sales contract, and a copy of the decision from the competent capital or county government authorizing property acquisition.
Proof of financial means
An income certificate issued by the tax authority, a bank statement from a Hungarian or foreign bank, an income certificate from the employer for the previous year, and a certificate from the employer or tax authority verifying regular income received from abroad.
Proof of sponsorship
A notarized statement from a family member committing to support the applicant, accompanied by evidence of the family member’s financial capacity, including an income certificate issued by the tax authority for the previous year and an income certificate from the employer, bank statement.
*Foreign official documents must be apostilled and legalized in accordance with the regulations of the country whose consular or diplomatic mission they are being submitted to. Additionally, they must be accompanied by a certified translation into the official language of that country or into English, unless otherwise specified by the mission's requirements.
**Prior to submitting the documents, it is strongly advised to verify the specific procedures and requirements with the relevant mission.
Requirements
The minimum criteria that each visa applicant must meet. If these criteria are not met, justifications and convincing evidence of intent to visit the country must be provided.
Clear purposes of the visit and documents confirming them, in accordance with the visa conditions.
The applicant does not pose a threat to public order, internal security, public health or international relations of the country.
Insurance policy for the entire period of stay, meeting the minimum mandatory or recommended requirements for the country.
Valid permanent resident status or proof thereof; all preliminary procedures for visa application have been completed.
Visa Information
The characteristics of a visa according to its classification by types, categories, and visit purposes. These are selected by the applicant during the application process, typically indicated on the visa application form and reflected in corresponding annotations on the visa itself.
English international
Category code
A letter-based or alphanumeric code for a specific visa category, indicating its conditions or serving as an abbreviated name. This code is typically found on the visa or visa stamp.
D
Type of visa
The primary purpose of the visa and the conditions under which it is issued. This typically includes several general categories of visas and/or visit purposes based on the type of activity or reasons for entering the country.
Long-term / national
Category
The classification within a visa type that specifies more specific conditions, characteristics of obtaining, and using the visa. Categories may vary in terms of duration, stay conditions, and the rights granted by the visa.
Family reunification visa
Sources
Links to official resources upon which the information presented on the website is based. Information portals of government bodies or diplomatic representations of the country responsible for visa issuance and immigration policy in general.
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