Visa in Hungary
48 Institutions·500+ ProgramsKey Takeaways
- D-type (long-term) visa fee: $116
- General short-stay visa fee (under 90 days): $95
- Apply timing for D-type visa: Start 2 months before travel; no later than 30 days before departure
- Residence permit processing time: Approximately 30 business days
- Deadline to submit residence permit after arrival: Within 15 days of arrival in Hungary
Who Needs a Long-term Student Visa
- Non-EU students need a long-term student visa (D-type) for stays over 90 days.
- Short stays under 90 days use the general visa.
- The D-type visa is single entry only.
- If you enter on a D-type visa, you must visit the immigration office within 30 days of arrival to start residence procedures.
Visa Fees and Timing
- Visa fees:
- General visa (under 90 days): $95.
- D visa (over 90 days): $116.
- Apply timeline for a D-type visa:
- Start your application about 2 months before travel.
- Do not submit later than 30 days before departure.
- You must appear in person for your consulate appointment.
- Notify your API advisor at least 2 weeks before the consulate appointment.
Where to Apply and In-person Appointment Requirement
- You must appear in person at a Hungarian consulate for the visa appointment.
- Confirm consulate location for your jurisdiction. Known U.S. consulates include:
- Chicago
- New York
- Los Angeles
- Washington DC
- Bring all original documents to the appointment. The consulate will review originals in person.
Documents Required for the Visa Application
Prepare the following documents. Bring originals and copies where required.
- Official acceptance letter from your Hungarian institution
- Proof of tuition payment
- Valid passport (with sufficient validity for your planned stay)
- Proof of health insurance covering your stay
- Proof of accommodation in Hungary
- Proof of sufficient funds for living expenses
- Evidence of language proficiency suitable for your programme
Note: consulates may request additional documents. Confirm the exact checklist with the consulate handling your application.
Arrival Steps and Residence Permit Application
- After you arrive, you must apply for a residence permit for studies.
- Submit the residence permit application within 15 days of arrival in Hungary.
- The residence permit application is processed in approximately 30 business days.
- If you change your educational institution, apply for a residence permit extension.
- The D-type visa is single entry. If you used a D visa, register with immigration within 30 days of arrival to obtain your permit.
Mobility Permits and Short Student Mobility
- A mobility permit is available for students who already hold a residence permit from another EU member state.
- Student mobility residence permits have a maximum validity of 360 days.
- Check eligibility rules with Hungarian immigration if you hold EU residence elsewhere.
Health Insurance and Financial Proof
- Health insurance is mandatory for all students applying for a visa or residence permit.
- Specific premium amounts are not provided; secure insurance that meets consulate requirements.
- Proof of sufficient funds is mandatory. The exact legal minimum is not listed here.
- You must also provide proof of tuition payment as part of financial evidence.
Step-by-step Application Process (what to Do)
- Before you apply:
- Get an official acceptance letter from your institution.
- Buy health insurance that meets visa requirements.
- Arrange accommodation and gather proof.
- Prepare proof of tuition payment and bank documentation showing funds.
- Book a consulate appointment and notify your API advisor at least 2 weeks earlier.
- Attend the consulate in person with originals and copies of all documents.
- If granted a D-type visa, travel to Hungary and visit the immigration office within 30 days of arrival.
- Submit your residence permit application within 15 days of arrival.
- Track the residence permit. Processing time is about 30 business days.
- If your institution changes, apply for a residence permit extension promptly.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a Hungary student visa cost?
Short-stay general visas cost $95. D-type long-term visas cost $116.
When should I apply for a D-type student visa for Hungary?
You should start about 2 months before travel. Do not apply later than 30 days before departure.
How long does the residence permit take to process?
Residence permit applications take approximately 30 business days to process.
When must I apply for a residence permit after arrival?
You must submit your residence permit application within 15 days of arriving in Hungary.
Can I enter Hungary multiple times on a D-type visa?
No. The D-type visa is single entry. If you enter on a D visa, visit immigration within 30 days to start residence procedures.
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