Permanent residency extension in the EU after Brexit

Last updated on February 27, 2026.

Residency before and after Brexit

Before Brexit, UK nationals were allowed to enter Hungary without any special documentation. They could simply apply for an EU registration card that would be ready in just a few days, and they could stay on in Hungary for as long as they wanted. Brexit was finalized on January 31, 2020, and this was followed by a transition period during which UK nationals were urged to apply for permanent residency if they wanted to stay in Hungary and maintain their privileges as EU residents.

The transition period ended on December 31, 2021. EU registration cards issued to UK nationals expired on this date, and ever since, citizens of the UK are considered third-country nationals in Hungary and the EU. They can still enter the EU without a visa and spend up to 90 days in any 180 days in Hungary without any special paperwork, but if they want to stay longer, they will need to apply for a residence permit.

Brexit and permanent residency extension

At the time of Brexit, the permanent residency available to UK nationals in Hungary was called National Permanent Residency. It was valid for up to 5 years, so if you are among those who got their permanent residency then, you are due for an extension soon.

Since Brexit, Hungarian permanent residency has changed. Currently, there are two types of permanent residency available: the National Residence Card and the EU Residence Card. When you go to renew your permanent residency, your National Permanent Residency will be automatically exchanged to the National Residence Card. It will be valid for 10 years instead of just 5, and its expiry will not depend on the expiry of your passport. To make sure your permanent residency extension is completed without issues, get started on it at least 3 months before expiry (as per the latest notice from the Immigration Office).

No cultural exam required

In line with the latest regulations, permanent residency applications require a cultural exam to prove that the applicant is familiar with Hungarian traditions. This exam, however, is a requirement only for new applications. Since you will be applying for the extension of your existing permit, you will not need to pass the cultural exam.

The cultural exam would be relevant to you only if you wanted to switch to the EU Residence Card. However, the EU Residence Card offers only limited benefits, which matter only if you are planning to spend long periods away from the EU.

Permanent residency extension with Helpers

Helpers Hungary has 20 years of experience providing personal and business services to people coming to Hungary to live, work, study, or do business here. We offer assistance with all kinds of work permit and residency applications, including permanent residency application and extension. If you need help navigating Hungarian bureaucracy, feel free to ask for our help.

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