Hungary’s Ministry of the Interior has revealed that over 1,800 applications for residence permits were filed in the country over an 11-month period, reflecting sustained interest among third-country nationals seeking to live and work in Hungary. The data, shared with HVG360 and reported by News, covers the period between May 1, 2024, and March 31, 2025.
In total, 1,801 applications were received during this time, with the majority originating from nationals of Türkiye, Vietnam, China, and Iraq. These figures come amid broader reforms to Hungary’s immigration and residency system, including newly introduced requirements for permanent residency applicants and changes under the 2024 immigration law.
Nationals from Türkiye, Vietnam, China, and Iraq Lead in Applications
According to the Ministry, applicants from four countries—Türkiye, Vietnam, China, and Iraq—constituted the bulk of the residence permit requests during the 11-month window. These nationalities are frequently represented among skilled workers and entrepreneurs seeking opportunities in Hungary’s growing labor market.
This trend aligns with Hungary's ongoing effort to attract talent from non-EU countries to fill labor shortages and stimulate economic activity, particularly in construction, agriculture, and manufacturing sectors. It also reflects the increasing importance of Hungary as a destination for workers and families from outside the European Union.
Residence Permits in the National Interest
Under current legislation, Hungary’s Minister of the Interior, who also oversees matters related to police and asylum, holds the authority to grant residence permits in cases deemed to be of national interest. This provision enables third-country nationals from outside the EU to obtain legal residency in Hungary, particularly when their presence serves strategic goals, such as contributing to the economy through employment or investment.
This discretionary power is often used to facilitate quicker access for individuals whose skills or services are considered valuable to the Hungarian economy. It reflects a pragmatic approach to immigration policy, balancing national priorities with controlled entry processes.
New Cultural Knowledge Exam Introduced for Permanent Residency
As of early 2025, Hungary has implemented a cultural knowledge requirement for foreign nationals applying for permanent residency. Under this new regulation, applicants must demonstrate a basic understanding of Hungarian culture, society, and civic life.
To obtain either a National Card or a European Union Residence Card, third-country nationals must pass a written exam conducted in Hungarian. The test consists of 12 questions covering six thematic areas, including:
Hungarian history
Political and legal system
Social customs and values
Geography
Basic rights and responsibilities
Cultural traditions
Applicants are permitted up to three attempts to pass the exam. Failure to do so on the third try results in disqualification from further attempts. According to EU and Hungarian officials, this requirement aims to strengthen social cohesion and promote integration by ensuring that permanent residents understand the country’s values and norms of coexistence.
Transition Under Hungary’s New Immigration Law
These developments come against the backdrop of Hungary’s new immigration legislation, which came into force at the beginning of 2024. The law restructured the country’s residence permit system, expanding the number of permit categories from 18 to 24.
The updated framework includes eight permit types specifically tailored for employment purposes, underscoring the government’s focus on addressing workforce shortages and supporting economic growth. Other categories cover areas such as education, research, family reunification, and humanitarian protection.
In addition, Hungary previously extended the expiration dates of residence and permanent residence permits until April 30, 2024, to accommodate the transition to the new legal regime. This grace period allowed foreign nationals to adjust to the new requirements without losing their legal status.
Hungary’s Balancing Act: Openness and Regulation
Hungary continues to navigate a complex immigration landscape—welcoming foreign talent and investment while implementing rigorous systems to regulate long-term settlement. The introduction of the cultural knowledge exam for permanent residency is one of the clearest signs of this shift, emphasizing cultural integration alongside legal compliance.
At the same time, the relatively high volume of residence permit applications in less than a year shows that Hungary remains an attractive destination for many seeking to work and build a future in the European Union.
What Applicants Should Know
For individuals considering applying for residence or permanent residency in Hungary, the following steps are essential:
Ensure all documentation is accurate and up-to-date when submitting an application.
Understand the specific permit type that aligns with your purpose of stay (employment, study, family, etc.).
Prepare for the cultural knowledge exam if pursuing permanent residency.
Monitor any updates from Hungary’s immigration authorities, particularly regarding the application process, legal deadlines, and testing requirements.
The evolving legal environment in Hungary underscores the importance of staying informed and compliant to avoid delays or denials in the application process.
