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Can I apply PR after 5 years in Hungary?
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11th Feb 776 Views

Yes, you can apply for Permanent Residence (PR) in Hungary after living legally for 5 continuous years. Hungary allows foreign nationals to obtain long-term residence if they meet specific legal, financial, and integration conditions.

What Type of PR Does Hungary Offer?

Hungary mainly offers:

  • National Permanent Residence Permit

  • EC Long-Term Residence Permit

  • EU Permanent Residence for EU family members

Most non-EU workers apply for the National Permanent Residence after 5 years of legal stay.

Basic Eligibility After 5 Years

You can apply if you have:

  • Lived in Hungary legally for 5 uninterrupted years

  • Valid residence permits during this period

  • Stable income or employment

  • Registered accommodation in Hungary

  • Health insurance

  • Clean criminal record

Short absences for travel usually do not break the 5-year rule.

Which Visas Count Toward PR?

The following stays normally count:

  • Work residence permit

  • EU Blue Card

  • Family reunification permit

  • Business or entrepreneur permit

  • Student stay (partially counted in some cases)

Tourist visas or short stays do not count toward PR.

Documents Needed for Hungary PR

Applicants usually must submit:

  • Passport and previous residence cards

  • Proof of 5-year legal stay

  • Work contract or income proof

  • Address registration

  • Health insurance

  • Tax records

  • Police clearance

Authorities may ask for additional papers depending on your case.

Language Requirement

Hungary does not always require a formal Hungarian language exam for PR.
However, basic knowledge of Hungarian helps with:

  • Interview process

  • Dealing with authorities

  • Daily life and integration

Benefits of Hungary Permanent Residence

After getting PR you can:

  • Live in Hungary without visa renewal

  • Work freely without sponsorship

  • Access public healthcare

  • Travel in Schengen area

  • Apply for citizenship later

PR status gives almost the same rights as Hungarian nationals except voting.

Can Family Members Also Get PR?

Yes. Spouse and children can apply through:

  • Family reunification

  • Dependent residence

  • Joint PR application after qualifying period

Each member must meet residence conditions.

Path From PR to Citizenship

After holding PR and living longer in Hungary, you may become eligible for citizenship, usually after:

  • 8 years of total residence, or

  • Shorter period in special cases (marriage, Hungarian ancestry)

Common Reasons for Rejection

Applications may fail due to:

  • Gaps in residence history

  • Unstable income

  • Tax or social security debts

  • Criminal issues

  • Incorrect documents

Preparing files carefully is very important.

Final Answer

Yes, you can apply for PR in Hungary after 5 years of legal residence if you meet income, accommodation, and documentation requirements.
This makes Hungary one of the practical options in Central Europe for long-term settlement.

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