Hungary has always been a popular destination for foreigners seeking EU residency and individuals eager to settle in the country. However, as of January 1, 2024, significant changes to immigration law will redefine the options for those who regulate. In this article, I will detail the key changes in Hungary's latest immigration bill 2023 and their implications.
The Hungarian Immigration Service is closed: the new policy opens the adjustment window
One of the most important changes to the new Hungarian immigration policy is that all applications for Hungarian residency will be suspended in January and February 2024. During this time, no new applications can be submitted. It is expected that the Hungarian Migration Service will resume decision-making operations in March 2024. For a smooth transition, all Hungarian residence cards that expire before March will be automatically extended until the end of April 2024.
Hungary** visa: a new window opens in July 2024
From 1 July 2024, those interested in participating in the Hungarian** Visa (Guest Investor Residency) program will have a new opportunity to submit a new ** visa residency application.
New Residence Types and Classifications: A Comprehensive Analysis
The new type of residence introduces important types such as the "guest investor permit" (** visa). Work permit visas have also been significantly adjusted to include seasonal work, specific investment project work, long-term work, highly qualified employees, intra-company transfers, corporate cards, researchers, and EU blue cards. Since all these types of licenses have different requirements and assign different rights to applicants, there will be an opportunity to discuss these in detail in a separate article for you at a later date.
Shortened validity of D visas: a change in the new plan
The D visa, as an initial visa to start the residency application process, is valid for a shorter period of 1 year to 3 months. This means that applicants now have a 3-month window to enter Hungary on a D visa.
Renewal process adjustment: 40-day new window
The time window for renewing a residence permit has been adjusted from the previous 90 days to 40 days, which is a significant change.
Family reunification and change of status: clarity of provisions
The previously uniform family reunification and change of status process is now refined according to the different types of permits. The new regulations clearly state who has the right to convert their permit to another Hungarian residency and which types of permit allow the main applicant to bring dependents. Stay tuned for future articles for in-depth analysis.
Permanent Residence: Stability in Change
When it comes to permanent residency applications, the main requirements remain the same. However, the new law provides a clear definition of which categories of residence apply to such applications. In other words, not all residence visas can be transferred to permanent residence. For an exhaustive list of affected categories and detailed requirements, please visit an upcoming article.
For those who already have a visa permit or who are pending an application
Individuals who have already been granted residency in accordance with the regulations in force can retain their status until the expiration of its validity period. When renewing, applicants need to consider new residency categories to align their status with changing regulations.
An important note for applicants in the application process: if you have submitted your application and completed the necessary ** fee payment by January 1, 2024, your application will be processed in accordance with the old law, in accordance with the regulations in force at the time of your application. (However, according to the actual application process, the time is already very tight, and there are only 11 days until January 1 next year, so it is not recommended that you consider the old policy application).
For those who currently hold a residence permit for employment and/or profit-making activities, it is understood that the number of years that these permits have been held in Hungary can still be used to apply for permanent residency, even after January 1, 2024. Although the law has changed recently, this provides a valuable opportunity for individuals to pursue permanent residency using their existing residency status.
This change to the Hungarian immigration law not only has a profound impact on those who are applying for residency, but also opens up more possibilities for new applicants. We'll provide more insights and insights in future articles to help you better understand and navigate this changing opportunity. Please update us and explore this new situation with us.