Student visa to Hungary 

Obtaining a Student Visa for Hungary: Travel Opportunities in the Schengen Zone

Receiving a student visa for Hungary not only allows foreign students to study legally in the country but also grants them the right to travel to other Schengen Zone countries. This article explores the legal aspects of using a Hungarian student visa for travel within the Schengen Agreement, as well as the conditions and restrictions related to such trips.

Legal Nature of the Hungarian Student Visa

The Hungarian student visa Type D is a national visa intended for long-term residence for educational purposes. However, due to Hungary's membership in the Schengen Agreement, this visa provides certain rights for short-term travel to other Schengen countries.

Travel Rights within the Schengen Zone

1. Right to Short-Term Stay:
   • The Hungarian student visa Type D allows students to travel freely to other Schengen countries without the need for additional visas. However, the stay in other Schengen countries is limited to 90 days within any 180-day period.
2. Purpose of Travel:
   • Travel should be for tourism or participation in conferences, short courses, or events that do not require long-term residence or employment in other Schengen countries. For work or long-term stays, a separate permit is required.
3. Documents for Travel:
   • During travel, students are required to carry:
     • A valid foreign passport;
     • The Hungarian student visa;
     • Proof of financial means (bank statements or scholarships);
     • A health insurance policy valid in the Schengen Zone;
     • Proof of the purpose of travel (e.g., accommodation booking, event ticket).

Restrictions and Requirements

1. Adherence to Stay Limit:
   • It is crucial to strictly follow the 90/180 rule, meaning the stay in Schengen countries (outside Hungary) cannot exceed 90 days within a 180-day period. Violating this rule can lead to administrative sanctions and restrictions on entering the Schengen Zone.
2. Purpose of Travel:
   • Students wishing to travel cannot use their student visa for work or study in another Schengen country without the appropriate permits. Long-term study or work in another country requires obtaining a national visa or residence permit from that country.
3. Compliance with Visa Rules:
   • Violating the conditions of the Hungarian student visa, such as working or staying outside Hungary beyond the established duration, may lead to its cancellation and deportation.

Border Crossing Process

Movement between Schengen countries typically does not require passport control, but authorities may conduct random checks. When traveling, students are advised to carry documents that confirm their legal stay in Hungary and their financial means for the trip.

Legal Consequences of Violating Visa Requirements

1. Fines and Entry Bans:
   • Exceeding the allowed duration of stay in another Schengen country (more than 90 days within a 180-day period) can result in fines, visa cancellation, and entry bans to Schengen countries.
2. Deportation:
   • In cases of serious violations, such as illegal work or extended stays, students may be deported and barred from returning to Schengen countries for a specified period.

The Hungarian student visa provides extensive travel opportunities within the Schengen Zone; however, students must strictly adhere to established limitations and regulations. Short-term trips of up to 90 days are possible without obtaining additional visas, but using the visa for long-term residence or work in other countries is prohibited. Following visa regulations will ensure safety and legality while in the Schengen countries and help avoid legal issues in the future.

Financial Requirements for Obtaining a Student Visa in Hungary

To obtain a student visa for Hungary, foreign students must provide proof of their financial stability. This requirement ensures that students can cover their expenses for accommodation, food, and education throughout their stay in the country without needing social assistance. This article will examine the legal aspects and minimum bank balance requirements for obtaining a student visa in Hungary.

Legal Financial Requirements

1. Minimum Amount for Living Expenses:
   • As of 2024, the minimum bank balance that a student must demonstrate to obtain a visa is approximately €1,000 per month. This amount includes expenses for housing, food, transportation, and other daily needs. Therefore, for one academic year (about 10 months), a student must have at least €10,000 in their account.
2. Forms of Financial Verification:
   • The Hungarian migration authorities accept several types of documents to verify financial stability:
     • Bank Statements: Bank statements confirming the presence of funds in the student's personal account, showing transactions for the last three months.
     • Scholarship Documents: If a student receives a scholarship, they must provide documents confirming the amount and duration of the scholarship.
     • Sponsorship Letter: If education and living expenses are funded by a third party (e.g., parents or relatives), a notarized sponsorship letter and account statements from the sponsors must be provided.
     • Grants or Funding: Documents confirming the receipt of grants or other funding from government or private institutions.
3. Additional Documents:
   • In addition to bank statements, students must provide a detailed expense plan for their stay in Hungary, including housing costs, educational expenses, health insurance, and other potential expenditures.

Procedure for Submitting Financial Documents

1. Opening a Blocked Account:
   • In some cases, migration authorities may require students to open a blocked account (similar to other EU countries). This is a bank account to which the student must transfer an amount sufficient for living expenses for one academic year. Only a specific amount can be withdrawn monthly to ensure that the student will have sufficient funds for living throughout their studies.
2. Document Submission:
   • All financial documents must be prepared and submitted alongside the other required documents when applying for a visa at the Hungarian embassy or consulate. The documents must be current and prepared within the last three months.
3. Translation and Notarization:
   • If the documents are not in Hungarian or English, they must be translated into one of these languages and notarized.

Legal Consequences of Failing to Meet Financial Requirements

1. Visa Denial:
   • If a student cannot prove their financial stability, this may be grounds for denial of the student visa. The Hungarian migration authorities strictly enforce this requirement, as financial independence is crucial for visa approval.
2. Issues with Visa Renewal:
   • If a visa was issued based on false or insufficient financial data, this may lead to denial of renewal and cancellation of the current visa.

The financial requirements for obtaining a student visa in Hungary are strict and include the necessity of having a minimum bank balance of at least €1,000 per month. Preparing all financial documents should be thorough and comply with established standards. Adhering to these requirements will ensure a successful visa application and the ability to live and study legally in Hungary.

Work Opportunities for International Students in Hungary on a Student Visa

International students studying in Hungary often inquire about the possibility of working during their studies to support themselves financially and gain professional experience. The Hungarian student visa grants certain work rights, but there are restrictions and conditions established by the country's legislation. This article discusses the legal aspects of employment for international students in Hungary on a student visa.

Legal Conditions for Employment on a Student Visa

1. Right to Work:
   • International students enrolled in accredited Hungarian institutions on a type D student visa are allowed to work in Hungary. However, their work activity is limited to a certain number of hours that can be utilized without a special work permit.
2. Permitted Work Hours:
   • Students are allowed to work no more than 24 hours per week during the academic semester.
   • During official holidays (summer, winter, or other breaks when educational institutions are not operational), students can work full-time—up to 40 hours per week.
3. Types of Work:
   • Students can engage in both skilled and unskilled work, including part-time jobs in restaurants, offices, and enterprises, as well as internships related to their academic program. However, their work activity should not hinder their primary educational process.
4. Internships and Practical Training:
   • If a student is undertaking a paid internship, it also counts toward the limit of permitted work hours. For some educational programs, internships are a mandatory part of the curriculum.

Employment Procedure for Students

1. Employment Contract:
   • Before starting work, a student must sign an employment contract with the employer, detailing all work conditions, including working hours, pay, and responsibilities.
2. Social Insurance and Taxes:
   • Employers are required to register the student in the Hungarian social security system and withhold and pay taxes from their wages. A student working in Hungary is subject to mandatory social insurance and must receive an official salary subject to taxation.
3. Obtaining a Work Permit (if necessary):
   • In some cases, if work exceeds the established limits or students wish to work more than 24 hours a week during the semester, they must apply for a work permit at the local Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs office.

Student Responsibilities and Limitations

1. Priority of Studies:
   • Work should not interfere with the student's primary educational process. If a student fails to meet their academic obligations due to work commitments, the educational institution may require them to reduce their work hours or cease employment.
2. Compliance with Legislation:
   • Students are responsible for adhering to all rules and restrictions regarding the number of work hours. Violating these rules may lead to the cancellation of their student visa and deportation.

Legal Consequences of Violations

1. Visa Cancellation:
   • Violating work conditions, such as exceeding the allowable hours without the proper permit or working without an official contract, may result in the cancellation of the student visa. In such cases, the student will be required to leave the country.
2. Fines and Penalties:
   • Working without a permit or violating labor laws may result in fines for the student, and the employer may be held accountable for breaches of employment legislation.

Recommendations for Students

• Carefully Plan Your Work and Study Schedule: It is crucial to maintain a balance between studies and work to avoid academic and legal issues.
• Ensure Everything is Official: Signing an employment contract and registering with the social security system are essential steps for legal employment in Hungary.
• Consult with Your University: Many universities provide information and support to students regarding employment, including assistance in job searching and preparing necessary documents.

International students studying in Hungary on a student visa have the right to work for a limited number of hours. This is a great opportunity for financial support and gaining professional experience. However, it is important to comply with the legal restrictions on working hours and to obtain necessary permits when required. Adhering to these rules will ensure legal residency in the country and avoid future visa issues.

Post-Graduation Residence Options for International Students in Hungary

Many international students who complete their studies in Hungary seek to remain in the country to find employment or continue their academic and professional activities. Hungarian legislation provides various options for extending students' stays after their studies, but these opportunities require compliance with specific legal procedures. This article explores the primary legal options for foreign students to stay in Hungary after graduation.

Legal Grounds for Extending Stay in Hungary After Graduation

1. Job-Seeking Visa:
   • International students who have completed their studies in Hungary can apply for a temporary residence card for job-seeking purposes (job-seeking visa). This type of visa is issued for up to 9 months, allowing graduates to remain in the country to seek employment or start their own business.
   • Requirements:
     • Diploma from an accredited educational institution in Hungary.
     • Proof of financial resources to cover expenses during the job search period.
     • Valid health insurance.
2. Work Permit:
   • If a student finds employment related to their qualifications, they can apply to change their student visa to a work visa. This allows graduates to work under an employment contract in Hungary.
   • Requirements:
     • Signed employment contract with a Hungarian employer.
     • Proof that the job position corresponds to the graduate's qualifications.
     • Confirmation of the employer's financial capability to pay wages.
3. Transition to Research Residence Permit:
   • Graduates wishing to continue academic or scientific work in Hungary can apply for a residence permit for research purposes. This status allows them to stay in the country and participate in research projects or educational programs as a researcher or postgraduate student.
   • Requirements:
     • Invitation from a scientific institution or research organization.
     • Proof of funding for the research activities.

Application Procedure for Residence Extension

1. Gather Required Documents:
   • To apply for any of the above visa types, it is necessary to collect relevant documents, including a passport, diploma, financial proof, and other documents depending on the type of visa.
2. Submit Application to Immigration Office:
   • The application for extension or change of visa is submitted to the local office of the Hungarian National Directorate-General for Aliens Policing.
3. Application Deadlines:
   • The application for extension of stay must be submitted before the current student visa expires to avoid illegal residence in the country.

Legal Consequences of Non-Compliance

1. Visa Cancellation and Deportation:
   • If a student fails to apply for a visa extension or does not meet the conditions set by immigration authorities, their visa may be canceled, and they will be required to leave Hungary. Non-compliance with visa regulations may also lead to deportation and a ban on entering Schengen Area countries.
2. Difficulties with Future Visas:
   • Violating residence conditions in Hungary may result in problems obtaining other visas in the future, both for Hungary and other Schengen Area countries.

Opportunities for Permanent Residence

For students who successfully find employment or continue research activities in Hungary, the opportunity to apply for permanent residence may arise after a few years. Generally, this requires residing in Hungary for at least five years on a temporary residence permit or work visa.

Recommendations for Students

• Plan the Extension Process in Advance: Start the application process several months before the expiration of the current visa.
• Consult Legal Professionals: If questions or difficulties arise, consult an immigration lawyer or the immigration office for accurate information.
• Stay Connected with Your Educational Institution: Some universities may assist students with the documentation process for extending their stay in the country.

Hungary provides international students with several legal opportunities to continue their stay in the country after graduation. Students can apply for a job-seeking visa, work permit, or to continue their research activities. It is important to carefully monitor deadlines and requirements to avoid legal issues and ensure a lawful stay in Hungary after their studies.