Life in Hungary

Visa & Residence Permit Guide

As a Stipendium Hungaricum scholar, your residence permit application fee is waived. But the process has several catch-22 situations and can be stressful. Here's how to navigate it.

ScholarshipUnion Editorial 2 min read Updated Oct 5, 2026

Good News: The Fee Is Waived

Stipendium Hungaricum scholars are exempt from the fees for entering Hungary and from the residence permit fees, including extensions. Others pay EUR 110 when applying at a consulate abroad. Keep your scholarship award letter ready as proof.

Residence Permit Process

1
Before arrival
Apply for the residence permit
If your nationality needs a visa, apply for a residence permit for the purpose of studies at the Hungarian consulate. The same application covers your entry visa. Bring your admission and scholarship letters, passport, a photo and proof of health insurance and means (a scholarship certificate counts). You only declare your Hungarian address on the form. Visa-exempt nationals can apply in Hungary through Enter Hungary instead.
2
Up to 60 days
Wait for the decision
The immigration authority (NDGAP, known as OIF in Hungarian) decides within 60 days; Tempus warns the visa may take 30 days. Once approved, the consulate issues a single-entry Type D visa. It is valid for 3 months and lets you stay up to 30 days while you collect the permit.
3
After arrival
Collect the permit and register your address
The permit card is posted to your university. Register your accommodation with the immigration authority through Enter Hungary, and report any later change of address within 3 days.
Done
Keep it valid
A study permit is valid for at least 1 year and up to 3, but never beyond your passport’s expiry date.

The Accommodation Question

Officially, the permit form only asks you to declare a real Hungarian address, and study-permit holders don’t have to attach proof when they register it. In practice, some landlords still want to see a residence permit before renting. How to handle it:

Dormitory residents: your university provides the accommodation letter. No catch-22.
Private renters: ask your landlord for a signed accommodation letter. Some landlords experienced with international students will provide this.
Temporary solution: use a hostel or Airbnb address initially, then update once you find permanent housing.

Immigration Office Experiences

The immigration offices (OIF) in Hungary have received mixed reviews from international students. Commonly reported issues:

Very long wait times (4–6 hours is common).
Staff rarely speak English.
Multiple visits needed due to missing documents.
Some students report discriminatory treatment, particularly towards non-European applicants.
The online appointment system frequently crashes.

Tips

Bring ALL documents (original + 2 copies of each). Arrive early (before opening). Bring a Hungarian-speaking friend if possible. Stay calm and patient. Document any discriminatory behaviour and report it to your university's international office.

Renewal Process

Extend your permit through Enter Hungary no earlier than 90 days and no later than 30 days before it expires. You must have lived in Hungary for at least 90 days in any 180-day period. You'll need:

A certificate from your university on your progress (semesters in the programme and semesters completed).
Proof that your scholarship continues.
Documents only for conditions that have changed (unchanged ones need not be re-sent).
A valid passport.

The fee is still waived for SH scholars.

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