Over 1,800 applications for Hungarian residence permits were submitted over an 11-month period, according to the Ministry of the Interior.
The Ministry told HVG360, for a period between May 1, 2024 and March 31, 2025, 1,801 requests for residence permits were made in Hungary, Schengen.News reports.
1,442 approval decisions and 259 rejection decisions were made, 94 procedures are ongoing and six have been terminated.
The Ministry said that the majority of applications submitted for residence permits in Hungary came from nationals from the following countries:
- Türkiye
- Vietnam
- China
- Iraq
The Minister in charge of police and asylum – currently also the Minister of the Interior – Sándor Pintér, may, in line with the current laws, give a residence permit in the national interest to a third-country national from outside the EU who travels to Hungary for work purposes.
New Rules for Permanent Residency Applications
Earlier this year, authorities in Hungary introduced a cultural knowledge exam for those applying for permanent residency in Hungary.
It means that nationals from third countries interested in holding a National Card or a European Union Residence Card will be required to have basic general knowledge about Hungary.
Those who fail to pass the exam three times will not be permitted to try again. The European Union said that the new decision was taken in order to prove its understanding of the country’s social coexistence norms.
Effective since January 1, this requirement arises from immigration regulations introduced in 2024, highlighting the significance of cultural integration for individuals seeking long-term residence.
The statement also notes that the applicants will undergo a written test in Hungarian with a total of 12 questions covering six topics.
To register for the exam, applicants must submit a completed form along with copies of valid travel documents and proof of payment of the 20,000 HUF (approx. €50) exam fee. Registrations are handled by the Budapest Metropolitan Government Office.
Last year, third-country nationals with residence permits, as well as residence permits and permanent residence permits from Hungary, had their document expiration date extended until April 30, 2024, as a result of the implementation of a new immigration law.
The new immigration law of Hungary became effective at the beginning of 2024. The law outlines 24 types, taking into account eight for the purpose of employment, while the previous immigration law specified 18 types of residence permits.