Post-Brexit Residency Rules in Hungary
What UK Citizens Need to Know!
The UK officially left the EU on January 31, 2020, and the transition period ended on December 31, 2020. If you were already living in Hungary before Brexit, your registration certificates or permanent residence cards (for UK citizens and their non-EU family members) were valid until December 31, 2021. To maintain your residency rights, you needed to apply for a National Residence Card.
New arrivals from 2021 onward are treated as third-country nationals. If you plan to stay in Hungary for more than 90 days within a 180-day period, you must apply for a residence permit based on your purpose of stay.
Key Updates for 2024:
✅ National Residence Card replaces the National Settlement Permit.
✅ If you received a National Settlement Permit in 2021, it can be extended under the new National Residence Card scheme, with many permits up for renewal in 2026.
✅ Family members of UK citizens (with non-EU nationality) may also qualify for a National Residence Card if their family relationship existed before January 1, 2021, and still exists at the time of application.
How to Apply:
📌 Online only via the Enter Hungary system.
📌 15-day deadline: After submitting your application, you must appear in person at the regional immigration office to verify your identity and provide biometric data.
📌 No fees for the application process.
📌 Processing time: 70 days.
📌 Appeals: If rejected, you have 15 days to appeal.
Required Documents:
- Completed application form (auto-generated in the Enter Hungary system)
- Valid passport
- Proof of family relationship (if applicable in case of family members' of British citizens)
Special Notes:
- No financial or healthcare checks for those covered under the Withdrawal Agreement.
- 10-year validity for National Residence Cards, renewable for another 10 years.
- Permanent residency rights apply to holders of long-term residence permits.
Risk of Revocation:
Your permit may be revoked if you:
- Leave Hungary for more than 5 consecutive years
- Pose a threat to public or national security
- Are subject to a deportation order or entry ban.
Need help navigating the process? Don't hesitate to contact us for expert legal advice tailored to your situation!
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