Emigration to Hungary: how can Ukrainians move in 2025?

Moving to Hungary allows you to enjoy life in one of the EU countries, get a job with a high level of pay, prestigious education and high-quality medical care. Find out what ways to move to Hungary are available to Ukrainians in 2025

Legal advice on migration issues

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In 2025, Hungary remains an attractive country for Ukrainians looking for opportunities to legally reside, work or study in the EU. Thanks to the new immigration law, which came into force in January 2024, the emigration process has become more structured and at the same time stricter. In this article, we will consider how to emigrate to Hungary, what visa options are available, how to obtain a residence permit, work permit, as well as opportunities for obtaining Hungarian citizenship.

Are you planning to emigrate to Hungary? Visit Ukraine specialists will help you every step of the way.

Why Hungary? Advantages for Ukrainians

- Low cost of living compared to other EU countries.

- Fast registration of business and bank accounts.

- Direct border with Ukraine.

- Relatively mild climate and high level of security.

- English-language programs at universities and international schools.

If you are interested in Hungary for Ukrainians, it is time to plan a move. You can get help with visa and legalization from migration lawyers.

Visa to Hungary: main types and requirements in 2025

In order to legally enter Hungary for the purpose of residence, work or study, Ukrainians in 2025 need to obtain a long-term national visa of type D. This visa allows you to stay in the country for more than 90 days and is a mandatory first step to obtain a temporary residence permit (TRP).

The main types of visas to Hungary available to citizens of Ukraine:

Work visa

In 2025, employment in Hungary for foreigners, including Ukrainians, is possible only with the appropriate residence and work permit. The type of permit depends on the employee's qualification level and the nature of the work.

- For unskilled workers

Foreigners can work in Hungary in low-skilled positions only if they obtain a special permit, which is issued on one of the following grounds:

1. Participation in seasonal work (up to 6 months).

2. Working within the framework of an approved project or running your own small business.

3. Employment under the employer’s quota or through a licensed recruitment agency

4. Performing other types of unskilled work not provided for in the previous paragraphs

Important! According to the updated law, unskilled workers cannot be reunited with their families and do not have the right to apply for permanent residence (PMP). This rule does not apply to those who brought family members before 2024 under the previous conditions.

- For highly qualified specialists

Ukrainians with higher education or professional qualifications can obtain one of the following residence permits in Hungary:

1. Hungarian Card

Intended for specialists in demanded professions. The list of professions is approved by the government.

2. EU Blue Card

Available for professionals with higher education and a contract to work in Hungary. Minimum salary – 1.5× the national average for the previous year (in 2024 – 773,700 forints/month)

Gives the right to reside, work and reunite with family

3. Corporate Card

Intended for managers of enterprises that have an official agreement with the Hungarian government. Suitable for managers of international companies and large investors.

Important! Highly qualified employees have the right to bring their family – spouse, children, as well as dependent parents.

White Card for Digital Nomads (White Card Hungary)

Since 2022, Hungary has introduced a special type of residence permit for foreigners who work remotely for foreign companies – the "White Card". This type of residence permit is ideal for freelancers, IT professionals and digital nomads who want to live in the EU but do not have a contract with local employers.

Conditions for obtaining:

- Monthly income – at least 3,000 euros.

- Proof of income for the last 6 months before entry.

- Sufficient financial resources for the entire period of residence.

- Housing in Hungary (rental agreement or guarantee of residence).

- Health insurance (can be obtained online → insurance for residence permit).

Important! The White Card does not allow you to work in Hungarian companies or open a business.

Digital nomads cannot bring family members to Hungary, and this type of residence permit does not count towards the term for PMP (permanent residence).

The card is issued for 1 year with the possibility of extension for another 12 months.

To prepare a package of documents for a white card and verify financial criteria, get legal advice here.

Study in Hungary: Student Residence Permit

Hungary is a popular educational location for international students due to affordable prices, a European diploma and a large selection of English-language programs at universities in Budapest, Debrecen, Pécs and other cities.

How to get a student residence permit?

1. Provide a letter of admission to a Hungarian university.

2. Proof of tuition fees.

3. Certificate or test of knowledge of Hungarian or English.

4. Availability of housing (rent or dormitory).

5. Health insurance is mandatory for all students.

6. Proof of financial capacity.

A residence permit for study is granted for 3 years, with the possibility of extension for 1–2 years.

According to the new immigration law from 2024, students do not have the right to family reunification

After completing their studies, you can apply for a residence permit for the purpose of finding a job or internship

Student stay does not count towards the minimum 3-year period for applying for a PMP (permanent residence).

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Business in Hungary

Hungary offers attractive conditions for immigration of entrepreneurs and self-employed persons. For Ukrainians who want to do business in the EU and obtain a Hungarian residence permit, there are several legal options.

- Residence permit for entrepreneurs (profitable activity)

The most popular program is a residence permit for financially secure foreign businessmen. Previously, this was issued as a “profitable activity permit”. Conditions:

- The presence of a registered company in Hungary or a sole trader (Kft or sole trader).

- Proof of income or financial ability to support oneself.

- Medical insurance (issued separately → insurance for business residence permit).

- Housing in Hungary.

- Purpose of stay: commercial activity.

The residence permit is issued for 1 year, with the possibility of extension for another 2 years. Family entry is allowed from the second year of residence.

Preparing a business plan, opening a company and issuing a turnkey residence permit - get help from qualified business lawyers on the Visit Ukraine portal.

National Card of Hungary - a simplified permit for Ukrainians

Since July 2024, a special National Card of Hungary has been available for citizens of eight Eastern European countries, including Ukraine, Moldova, Belarus and Serbia.

This permit provides dual opportunities:

- Official employment in Hungarian companies.

- The right to create your own business (without additional permits).

Conditions for obtaining – standard package of documents for a residence permit (housing, funds, purpose of stay). Issued for 2 years with the possibility of extension for another 3 years. Allows for family reunification.

Counted in the term for obtaining permanent residence (PMP)

This is one of the most convenient options for immigration to Hungary for Ukrainians who plan to combine employment and running their own business.

Even more ways to obtain a residence permit in Hungary in this article.

To avoid mistakes when applying for a visa, correctly collect a package of documents and choose the optimal type of residence permit – seek help from visa lawyers. Specialists on the Visit Ukraine portal will provide individual consultation, help with filling out the questionnaire, booking a date for submission and support at all stages of legalization in Hungary.

How to go to Hungary: preparation stages

Step 1 – Determine the purpose of your move and choose the type of visa

First of all, you need to understand for what purpose you are going to Hungary? These can be:

- Work (Hungarian Card, EU Blue Card, National Card).

- Study (universities, colleges).

- Business or self-employment.

- Investment.

- Family reunification.

- Medical treatment.

- Digital nomad (White Card).

Each purpose requires a separate package of documents and a different type of residence permit. You can get help with choosing the most optimal option by consulting with a visa lawyer.

Step 2 – Preparing documents for a type D visa

For legal entry with the right to obtain a residence permit, you need to obtain a national type D visa. It is usually issued for 90 days and allows you to apply for a residence permit already in Hungary.

The general list of documents includes:

- A completely, legibly filled out and signed type D application form.

- A color photo (3.5 × 4.5 cm), the validity of which does not exceed 6 months.

- Documents characterizing the purpose of the trip.

- Proof of residence.

- Medical insurance valid throughout the Schengen area (min. 30,000 euros).

To avoid wasting time searching, apply for insurance for a visa to Hungary online directly on the Visit Ukraine portal – quickly, safely and with compensation for the maximum number of risks.

Step 3 – Submitting documents for a visa

Residence permits are issued by the regional directorates of the National Immigration Office (Országos Idegenrendészeti Főosztály).

At diplomatic missions, biometric data of applicants (fingerprints and a photograph) are also submitted with applications for a residence permit, therefore personal appearance is mandatory.

Children under the age of 6 are exempt from the obligation to provide fingerprints.

Step 4 – Paying for the visa application

For citizens of Ukraine, a D visa is issued FREE OF CHARGE. For citizens of another country, the visa fee is 60 euros.

Step 5 – Waiting for the decision and obtaining the visa

The regional directorate makes a decision on the visa within 30 days.

In case of refusal, it is possible to file an appeal within 8 days, at the Regional Directorate of the Office, or at the consulate.

How to move to Hungary with your family in 2025?

The possibility of moving to Hungary with your family is an important factor for many Ukrainians planning legal immigration to Hungary. The country's legislation provides for a residence permit for the purpose of family reunification, but from 2024 there are new restrictions that you should be aware of.

- Who is entitled to reunification?

1. Foreigners who are legally married to a Hungarian citizen.

2. Persons with a residence permit or a temporary residence permit who have a stable source of income.

3. Holders of a National Card, EU Blue Card or business residence permit.

Important! Students, freelancers (White Card) and unskilled workers do not have the right to transport relatives according to the new law from 2024

- Who is considered a close relative? Spouse, minor children, dependent parents.

The validity period of a family reunification permit is usually up to 3 years, with the possibility of further extension.

If a foreigner obtains Hungarian citizenship, his or her spouse will be able to apply for permanent residence (PMP) after 2 years of living together in the country.

What to do after arriving in Hungary?

Upon arrival in Hungary, a foreigner must apply for a residence permit in accordance with the grounds indicated when applying for a visa.

The application for a temporary residence permit is submitted online through the electronic system Enter Hungary, a service provided by the Immigration Department. The necessary documents must be attached in scanned form.

After registering the application, the foreigner will receive a notification that he or she must pay a fee, take a digital photo, submit a specimen signature and fingerprints, if he or she has not previously undergone such procedures. This should be done within 2 weeks. Only after that will the immigration department consider the documents.

The finished document for obtaining a residence permit (plastic card) is sent by mail to the address specified when submitting the application.

The standard processing time for an application for a residence permit sent through the Enter Hungary system is 21 days. If additional documents are required, the registration period can be extended to 60 days.

Read here how to obtain a residence permit in Hungary and what changes to the permit application procedure Hungary introduced in 2025.

Conditions of residence with a residence permit

A foreigner retains the right to a residence permit if he stays in the country for more than 183 days a year.

It is mandatory to have a residence permit (registration) and always carry this document with him.

When changing your place of residence, you must send a notification to the immigration department through Enter Hungary.

Those who have received a residence permit on the basis of employment, family reunification or establishment of a business are entitled to work.

Only children under 16 years of age and employees whose wages are deducted from health insurance contributions receive free medical care.

Extension of a residence permit in Hungary

Temporary residence cards are valid for up to 5 years (depending on the reason for their issuance) and can be extended for another 5 years. An application is submitted via the electronic service Enter Hungary.

Obtaining permanent residence and Hungarian citizenship

Foreigners who have resided in Hungary for at least 3 years on the basis of a temporary permit are given the opportunity to apply for permanent residence.

Not all types of residence are counted in the required period, for example, studies, teleworking and medical treatment are not counted.

The application for permanent residence is submitted in person at the local immigration office or online via Enter Hungary.

Hungarian citizenship can be obtained after 8 years of permanent residence in the country, leaving it for no more than two years. It is issued by the Hungarian Ministry of Internal Affairs after successfully passing an exam. In this case, renunciation of citizenship of another state is not required. The Hungarian passport allows you to visit more than 170 countries of the world without a visa and enjoy all civil rights, including participation in elections.

Emigration to Hungary in 2025 is a real opportunity for Ukrainians to legally live, work, study or develop a business within the EU. Despite the tightening of rules, Hungary remains open to migrant workers, entrepreneurs, students and specialists in new fields, including IT and remote work.

To avoid mistakes, delays or refusals, we recommend seeking help from experienced migration lawyers. Specialists will help you choose the type of visa, check documents and support you at all stages of moving to Hungary.

Reminder! Hungary is part of the Schengen area, so for short-term tourist trips of up to 90 days, a biometric passport is enough for Ukrainians. We have already told you in which cases Ukrainian citizens need a visa to enter Hungary and how to apply for it correctly to avoid common mistakes.

Photo: generated by Gemini

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