• protection and enhancement of their Hungarian language skills
• preservation of their national and cultural identity
• study and education with the exception of participation in state higher education
• strengthening the relationship with family members living in Hungary, with the exception of family reunification in Hungary.

Where can the national visa be obtained?

The application for a national visa has to be lodged in person with the Hungarian diplomatic or consular representation competent by the applicant's permanent or habitual place of residence. Visa application of family members can be lodged by a family member of full age, provided that they travel together.

 
What are the prerequisites of application?

The application has to be submitted on a standard form supplemented by

• a valid passport (the validity of which has to exceed that of the visa with at least 6 months)
• one passport photo

The national visa is processed free of charge.

The application has to contain the address of the applicant's accommodation in Hungary and indicate the title of their stay in the lodging.

The applicant has to prove the purpose of their stay as well as the fact that their living and health care expenses are covered for the entire duration of their stay.

 
How can you certify the purpose of your entry and stay?

In case of an entry for the purpose of strengthening of family relationships any document proving the existence of family ties is acceptable (eg. registration certificate).

In case of an entry for the purpose of participation in elementary or secondary education, a certificate of admission issued by the educational institution is needed.

In case of an entry for the purpose of preservation of national identity or enhancement of Hungarian language skills, the applicant has to prove his/her language proficiency by filling in the application form in Hungarian and by attending an interview.

How can you certify the existence of sufficient accomodation in Hungary?

Property listed in the real estate register as a residence unit or a house as well as commercial accommodation satisfying the requirements laid down in relevant legislation can be accepted as sufficient accommodation in Hungary.

The existence of suitable accomodation can be verified by

• a valid letter of invitation
• a statement of reception included in a notarial document, made by a family member residing in Hungary
• a lease certifying the existence of tenancy
• a record stating the ownership of the applicant (supplemented by the title deed acquired not longer than 3 months ago )
• a sales contract registered with the Land Title Office by the applicant, supplemented by a copy of the resolution permitting the acquisition of the property issued by the relevant administrative authority
• a certificate proving that the expenses of the commercial accommodation have been covered

The visa issuing authority may decide not to ask for the lease contract, nevertheless it has be produced upon reporting the accommodation.

How can be certified that the living expenses are ensured?

The existence of sufficient financial means to cover the living expenses of the applicant can be verified by

• a statement included in a notarial document indicating that the living expenses of the applicant are covered, made by a family member residing in Hungary
• a letter of invitation
• the applicant's account with a Hungarian bank proving that the applicant has financial resources available in Hungary
• an official document indicating that the applicant has property or assets covering his/her subsistence
• a document certifying that the applicant has regular income abroad (eg.old-age pension, allowance)
• the applicant's bank account with a financial institution abroad

How can the existence of sufficient financial means to cover the costs of medical treatment be certified?

The cost of medical treatment is considered to be covered if the applicant satisfies any of the following requirements:

• he/she qualifies for health care services on the basis of an international treaty or agreement (if their country of origin concluded an agreement on social security with Hungary, the certificate can be obtained from the social security office of their country. A copy of the social security card is also acceptable)
• the applicant qualifies for insurance on the basis of the Social Security Act, or he/she has acquired right to health insurance on the basis of a separate agreement
• the applicant holds an accident insurance or a health insurance other than the one provided by social security
• the applicant holds a letter of invitation

It has to be stressed that holders of a national visa are entitled to a residence permit issued by the Office of Immigration and Nationality upon entering Hungary without any further application, free of charge and for a period of time (not exceeding 5 years) indicated in the certificate provided by the visa issuing authority.

The residence permit is issued when the accommodation is reported at the Regional Directorate of the Office of Immigration and Nationality.

To obtain the residence permit, the applicant has to submit a valid passport and a visa as well as hand in the certificate provided by the visa issuing authority. Furthermore, registration of the accommodation shall also be produced. The immigration authority issues the residence permit without delay and adds a formal clause to the voucher certifying the registration of the accommodation. The applicant has to preserve the certificate and hand it over to the competent authority at its request for inspection.

We would like to draw your attention to the fact that the national visa and the residence permit issued on the basis of this visa do not entitle the applicant to a stay aiming at work, engaging in gainful activity, education or other postgraduate studies. Should you wish to work or engage in gainful activity or if you have been admitted into an institution of higher education, you need to lodge an application for a residence permit in accordance with the new purpose of your stay with the Regional Directorate of the Office of Immigration and Nationality competent by your place of residence.

In the event of your being employed without a work permit and a residence permit for income earning activity, you might be subject to expulsion or to restrictions concerning entry and stay.