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How to Convert the Hungarian Golden Visa Into Permanent Residency?

Continuous residence, healthcare coverage, and social coexistence: Csaba Magyar outlines Hungary's permanent residency requirements

Csaba Magyar
Hungary

Hungary has canceled direct real estate investment and introduced significant changes to permanent residence permits for Guest Investor Visa (Golden Visa) holders.

The term “permanent residence” has evolved into “National Residence Card” under a new law effective January 1, 2024.

This card requires three years of continuous stay in Hungary and grants indefinite long-term residence. While the name change took effect in 2024, additional regulations will begin in 2025.

Third-country nationals who have resided in Hungary for three years may qualify for a National Residence Card, a key document for long-term residence.

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The application remains optional and at the applicant’s discretion. This article explores the requirements for obtaining the card, focusing on Golden Visa program holders.

It examines social coexistence requirements, conditions for exemption from the Hungarian cultural knowledge test beginning January 1, 2025, and eligible nationalities.

What is the National Residence Card in Hungary?

The government issues National Residence Cards to third-country nationals who hold a residence permit, temporary residence permit, temporary settlement permit, or temporary residence card and meet one of the following requirements:

  • Have maintained lawful, continuous residence in Hungary for at least three years before applying
  • Have lived for at least one year with a family member who is a Hungarian citizen, a third-country national with long-term residence status, or a recognized refugee
  • Have been married for at least two years to a Hungarian citizen, a third-country national with long-term residence status, or a recognized refugee
  • Were previously a Hungarian citizen or descend from a Hungarian citizen
  • Are the minor children of a third-country national who has long-term residence status or refugee recognition.

The government also requires that applicants align with Hungary’s national interests and:

  • Maintain stable housing and income
  • Hold healthcare insurance
  • Have no grounds for exclusion (including public safety threats, expulsion orders, false information provision, or criminal records)
  • Meet social coexistence requirements under law

What is social coexistence?

Third-country nationals must meet social coexistence requirements for a National Residence Card by passing the Hungarian cultural knowledge exam in Hungarian.

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Starting January 1, 2025, citizens from these countries need no social coexistence verification:

  1. Republic of Albania
  2. Principality of Andorra
  3. Bosnia and Herzegovina
  4. United Kingdom
  5. Republic of North Macedonia
  6. Republic of Belarus
  7. Faroe Islands
  8. Georgia
  9. Gibraltar
  10. Republic of Moldova
  11. Principality of Monaco
  12. Montenegro
  13. Russian Federation
  14. Republic of Armenia
  15. Republic of San Marino
  16. Republic of Serbia
  17. Ukraine

Citizens from the listed countries need not take the cultural knowledge exam for social coexistence verification.

The cultural knowledge exam covers Hungary’s national symbols, holidays, history, literature, music, Fundamental Law, and citizens’ rights—all in Hungarian.

The Budapest Capital Government Office (BFKH) administers this written exam in Hungarian starting January 1, 2025. Applicants receive three attempts. Failing all three attempts disqualifies candidates from future exams.

The government has introduced a cultural knowledge requirement for long-term residents for the first time. The BFKH already conducts citizenship exams, where candidates demonstrate knowledge of Hungarian history and culture through written and oral Hungarian tests.

Who is not eligible for a National Residence Card?

The government does not issue National Residence Cards to holders of these permits:

  • Guest self-sufficient residence permit
  • Resident permit for employment purposes
  • Residence permit for seasonal employment
  • Temporary residence permit
  • White Card
  • Residence permit for study purposes (including job-seeking and starting a business)

Calculating the three-year stay requirement

Absences from Hungary under four months do not break continuity if total time abroad remains under 270 days during the three years before application.

The Immigration Authority may approve the National Residence Card despite longer absences for justifiable reasons, such as foreign medical treatment.

Considerations for Golden Visa holders

Golden Visa holders receive a ten-year long-term stay permit, renewable for an additional ten years, for stays exceeding 90 days within any 180-day period.

The National Residence Card grants indefinite long-term residence status.

“Long-term stay” designates duration, while “long-term residence” confers an official status and residence rights.

The National Residence Card guarantees family reunification rights.

Golden Visa holders need not live in Hungary after receiving their permit.

Living continuously in Hungary, however, opens the path to a National Residence Card.

Path to Hungarian citizenship

The National Residence Card serves as a stepping stone to Hungarian citizenship.

Applicants must first complete three years of continuous legal residence and pass the cultural exam, unless exempt by nationality.

They must then reside in Hungary for five additional years before applying for citizenship, which requires passing a separate cultural knowledge exam in Hungarian.

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