Q&A

08.06.2017.

Updated: 09.12.2024

DEAR STUDENTS! PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT MANY OF THE RESIDENCE PERMIT CARDS ARRIVE TO THE UNIVERSITY WITH SIGNIFICANT DELAYS (UP TO 4 MONTHS). Please put your travels on hold until you obtain your residence permit card unless you're certain you have visa-free days left, as the temporary permits are valid only in Hungary.

The National Directorate-General for Aliens Policing has informed us that students may use their "Tájékoztatás" letters (stating that their residence permit application has been accepted) in case any police officers ask for their papers. Students with visa-waiver passports are advised to obtain a temporary residence certificate (ideiglenes tartózkodási igazolás - ITI) from the authorities by visiting them in person in order to "freeze" the consumption of their visa-free days.

Before you start your studies at ELTE, you need to ensure your legal status in Hungary. The procedure differs based on your citizenship and the length of your stay. Please, find the category that is adequate for you, and read the Important Information part below.

1. EEA Students

Citizens of EU/EEA member states (EU member states as well as Norway, Switzerland, Iceland, and Liechtenstein) do not need a residence permit, but must obtain a registration certificate to notify the Hungarian authorities of their stay.

More information for EEA students: EEA students - Registration certificate.

2. Non-EEA Students

If you are a third country national who is not a citizen of an EEA country, you will need to apply for a residence permit to stay in Hungary and may also require a visa to enter the country. (You can check if you need a visa here.)

Visa-free non-EEA students can enter Hungary with their passports and need to apply for a residence permit online after their arrival in Hungary.
Those non-EEA students that require a visa must apply for a D-visa and a residence permit for the purpose of studies at a Hungarian embassy/consulate responsible for their home country or country of residence. The application process should be started immediately after you receive your Letter of Acceptance, otherwise you may not arrive on time for the start of the semester.

More information for all non-EEA students: Non-EEA students – Visa/residence permit.

3. Non-EEA Students with EU Residence Permits

Special rules may apply to third country nationals who study in any EU member state country and possess an EU residence permit for the purpose of studies, as they may be eligible for a Student Mobility Certificate. Those students who are not eligible and do not have a visa-waiver passport need to apply for a residence permit in the EU country of their residence.

More information for non-EEA nationals with EU residence permits: For non-EEA citizens with EU residence permit.

Important information (address – work – extension – passive semester – leaving Hungary)

In order to receive a registration certificate or a residence permit, students must notify the authorities of their address in Hungary. As such, proof of accommodation (eg.: a lease/rental agreement or courtesy lease contract) is required during the application process. In case your address changes from the one that you reported to the authorities when you applied for your card, you must fill a Notification of Accommodation form. You may find our guide on filling and submitting it here.
Students with a residence permit for the purpose of studies may engage in work for not more than 30 hours a week during semesters, and may work full time for a maximum of ninety days a year outside semester. Be aware that those staying in Hungary with a residence permit for the purpose of employment cannot apply for a residence permit for the purpose of studies without returning to their home country if they are non-EEA students who require a visa to enter Hungary.
Non-EEA students must ensure that they have a valid residence permit at all times. When your residence permit is about to expire, you will need to apply for an extension. More information on the extension process: Extension of residence permit.
Non-EEA students must make sure that they always have an active student status as residence permits are invalidated during passive semesters. More information on passive semesters: Passive student status.
Those non-EEA students that require a visa to enter Hungary must make sure that they do not leave the country without their residence permit cards as it is not possible to reenter the country without them. Those with visa-waiver passports can reenter Hungary with their residence permits or leftover visa-free days within the Schengen-zone (90 days within any 180 day period) to reenter the country.

If you have questions

Please check our webpage dedicated to frequently asked questions here: FAQ for visa matters.

If you cannot find a clear answer to your question or still have something else to ask, feel free to reach out to us.

ELTE's Visa Coordinator

Dr. Zoltán Kalácska

Email: visa@elte.hu

Please include your full name, Neptun code (if available), and nationality for efficient processing.

National Directorate-General for Aliens Policing (Budapest)

Visiting address: 1135 Budapest, Szegedi út 35-37, Twin Office Building, Ground Floor

Email: bp2@oif.gov.hu

Web: https://oif.gov.hu

Phone: +36 1 463 9100

Visa/Residence permit