If you are a citizen of a country outside the European Economic Area (EEA)—which includes the European Union member states, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein—and not a Swiss citizen, you are considered a third-country national under Hungarian and EU law.
As a third-country national, you are typically required to obtain a visa to enter Hungary and to reside legally for more than 90 days within a 180-day period. This applies particularly to students coming to Hungary for higher education purposes.
Short-Term vs Long-Term Stay
For stays up to 90 days, citizens of countries under Schengen visa obligation must apply for a short-term visa (Type C), unless exempt.
For stays longer than 90 days, such as for full-time university studies, a long-term D-type visa and residence permit for the purpose of studies must be obtained prior to arrival in Hungary.
Important: The visa application process must be initiated in the applicant’s home country, or in the country where they legally reside, by submitting the application to the Hungarian Embassy or Consulate with jurisdiction in that region.
Required Documents for a Study Visa (Residence Permit for the Purpose of Studies)
When applying for a D-type visa and residence permit, the following documents are typically required:
Completed and signed residence permit application form (legibly filled in English or Hungarian)
Valid passport (must be valid for at least 3 months beyond the requested period of stay in Hungary)
One recent passport-size photo (taken within the last 3 months)
Letter of Admission (official Confirmation of Acceptance issued by the University of Pécs)
Proof of accommodation in Hungary
e.g., tenancy agreement, dormitory reservation, or housing confirmation
Proof of sufficient financial means to support yourself during your stay:
Recent bank statements,
Parental declaration of financial support, or
Scholarship award letter
Proof of tuition payment or official statement from the university confirming tuition exemption or scholarship coverage
Travel insurance
Must be valid until your studies begin
Should cover medical emergencies, accidents, and repatriation
Alternatively, proof of equivalent financial means to cover these risks
Visa application fee payment receipt
Where and How to Apply
The application must be submitted in person at the Hungarian Consulate or Embassy in the applicant’s country of citizenship or legal residence. Processing times vary by location but may take several weeks, so early application is strongly advised.
Some embassies may require an appointment, and additional local documents may be requested. Please consult the embassy’s website for specific procedures and current visa fees.
What Happens After Arrival?
Upon arrival in Hungary with a valid D-type visa, students are required to finalize their residence permit process by submitting any remaining documentation and registering their accommodation with the National Directorate-General for Aliens Policing (NDGAP) via the Enter Hungary platform.
This step is crucial to receive your residence card, which will serve as your official legal proof of stay throughout your studies in Hungary. Once your application is approved, the residence card is typically delivered by post to the address of the educational institution. You will receive an email notification from the university once the card has arrived and is ready for collection.
Relevant sites:
Consular Services
Residence in Hungary (gov.hu)
Residence Permit (pte.hu)
