Hungary
Long-term residence in Hungary
After 3 years of legal residence in Hungary you can apply for a national residence card; after 5 years, for an EU residence card.
News · Hungary
Hungarian permanent residence cards issued to family members in 2016–2021 are no longer valid
Because of EU security standards, Hungarian permanent residence cards issued between 3 August 2016 and 2 August 2021 to third-country family members of EEA citizens and of Hungarian citizens lost their validity on 3 August 2026. Those affected must apply for a different Hungarian residence status.
Summary
In brief
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According to Hungary's immigration authority (OIF), permanent residence cards issued between 3 August 2016 and 2 August 2021 have been invalid since 3 August 2026.
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Affected are third-country (non-EEA) family members of EEA citizens and of Hungarian citizens.
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The legal basis is Article 8(1) of Council Regulation (EU) 2025/1208.
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Those affected must apply for a different Hungarian residence status. The OIF sends everyone affected detailed information by post.
Background
What happened
Under the Council of the European Union's regulation of 12 June 2025, residence cards of family members of Union citizens who are not nationals of a Member State, and which do not meet the regulation's security requirements, cease to be valid at their expiry or by 3 August 2026 at the latest.
According to the National Directorate-General for Aliens Policing (OIF), permanent residence cards issued between 3 August 2016 and 2 August 2021 therefore lost their validity on 3 August 2026. The family members concerned must apply for a different Hungarian residence status. The OIF sends each person affected detailed information by post to their registered address.
According to the OIF, the expiry of the document does not automatically mean that the person's lawful residence in Hungary ends immediately. The OIF asks anyone planning to travel abroad soon to start the procedure before they travel. For visa-required nationals currently outside the Schengen area, the OIF recommends applying for a short-stay visa at the competent Hungarian consulate.
For you
What it means for you
- Check the issue date: if you or your family member received a permanent residence card as a third-country family member between 3 August 2016 and 2 August 2021, the card is no longer a valid document.
- Start before you travel: if you plan to travel, the OIF asks you to start the procedure before you leave.
- Which status: after a consultation we assess whether, for example, family reunification or permanent residence may apply in your situation, and we prepare a complete application.
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