Complete Guide to Hungary's D-Type National Visa

What is a D-Type National Visa?

The D-type visa (also called a National Visa or Long-Stay Visa) allows non-EU/EEA citizens to enter and stay in Hungary for periods exceeding 90 days. This visa serves as a preliminary document that permits entry into Hungary with the intention of applying for a residence permit after arrival.

Key characteristics:

Valid for a specific purpose (work, study, family reunification, etc.)
Initially granted for up to one year
Allows application for a residence permit while in Hungary
Cannot be extended within Hungary (requires a residence permit application)

Who Needs a D-Type Visa?

Any non-EU/EEA citizen planning to stay in Hungary for more than 90 days within a 180-day period must obtain a D-type visa before entering the country. This includes:

Students enrolled in Hungarian educational institutions
Individuals with employment contracts in Hungary
Researchers and academics
Family members joining Hungarian residents
Business owners and investors
Healthcare patients receiving long-term treatment

Main Types of D-Visas for Hungary

Hungary offers several categories of D-type visas based on your purpose of stay:

D-type visa for studies (Tanulmányi célú)

For enrollment in accredited Hungarian educational institutions
Requires proof of acceptance and sufficient financial means

D-type visa for employment (Munkavállalási célú)

For individuals with job offers from Hungarian employers
Requires a valid work permit or exemption document

D-type visa for family reunification (Családegyesítési célú)

For joining family members legally residing in Hungary
Requires proof of family relationship and sponsor's legal status

D-type visa for business purposes (Üzleti célú)

For entrepreneurs and investors establishing business in Hungary
Requires business plan and proof of financial resources

Application Requirements and Documentation

The application process for a D-type visa requires thorough preparation and complete documentation:

Basic Requirements

Valid passport (valid for at least 3 months beyond the intended stay)
Completed visa application form
Two recent passport-sized photographs
Proof of travel health insurance (minimum coverage €30,000)
Proof of accommodation in Hungary
Proof of sufficient financial means
Application fee payment receipt

Purpose-Specific Documents

Depending on your visa category, you'll need additional documents:

For students:

Official acceptance letter from a Hungarian educational institution
Proof of paid tuition fees or scholarship
Language proficiency certificate (if applicable)

For employees:

Work permit or statement of exemption
Employment contract
Company registration details of the employer

For family reunification:

Marriage/birth certificate or proof of relationship
Copy of sponsor's residence permit
Proof of sponsor's financial means

For business purposes:

Business plan
Company registration documents or intent to establish
Proof of financial resources for business activities

The Application Process: Step by Step

Step 1: Determine the Appropriate Visa Type

Identify which D-visa category aligns with your purpose of stay in Hungary.

Step 2: Gather Required Documentation

Collect all general and purpose-specific documents. Ensure translations are certified if documents are not in Hungarian or English.

Step 3: Book an Appointment

Schedule an appointment at the Hungarian consulate or embassy in your country of residence.

Step 4: Submit Your Application

Attend your appointment, submit documents, pay the application fee, and provide biometric data if required.

Step 5: Wait for Processing

Processing times usually range from 15 to 30 days but may vary based on workload and background checks.

Step 6: Collect Your Visa

Once approved, return to the consulate to collect your visa sticker.

Step 7: Enter Hungary and Apply for Residence Permit

After entering Hungary with your D-visa, you must apply for a residence permit at the Immigration Office within the visa validity period.

Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them

Processing Delays

Apply well in advance of your planned travel
Ensure all documentation is complete upon submission
Respond promptly to any additional information requests

Documentation Issues

Double-check all requirements before submission
Obtain certified translations from authorized translators
Keep digital copies of all submitted documents

Financial Requirements

Provide bank statements covering at least 6 months
Include scholarship details or sponsor letters if applicable
Ensure amounts meet the minimum required living costs

Transitioning from Visa to Residence Permit

Your D-type visa is just the beginning of your legal stay in Hungary. Within the validity period of your visa, you must apply for a residence permit at the National Directorate-General for Aliens Policing (OIF).

Important considerations:

Begin the residence permit application process as soon as possible after arrival
Book your appointment at the Immigration Office online
Bring all original documents used in your visa application
Prepare for biometric data collection (fingerprints and photo)

Conclusion

Securing a D-type national visa for Hungary requires careful planning, complete documentation, and attention to detail. While the process may seem complex, understanding each step and requirement will significantly improve your chances of a successful application.

At LawForVisa.com, we specialize in guiding applicants through every stage of the Hungarian visa and residence permit process. Whether you need assistance with document preparation, application review, or representation at government offices, our team of experts is ready to support your journey to Hungary.

For personalized assistance with your D-type visa application or to schedule a consultation with our immigration specialists, contact us today.

Answer from Perplexity: pplx.ai/share