Family unification in Hungary
Relocating to Hungary often involves the desire to bring your family along. Through the “Family Unification” residence permit application process, you can ensure that your loved ones accompany you, whether you are obtaining a residence permit based on business activities or for employment purposes.
HELPERS has been providing comprehensive business and immigration assistance to international clients since 2005. At HELPERS, we are dedicated to offering exceptional service and thorough support for people of all ages during the relocation process. The new immigration law, which came into effect in 2024, no longer allows for family unification in all types of permits (or not necessarily immediately). However, in many cases, we can still provide solutions, and if we are managing the permit application for the primary applicant, we take this factor into account from the outset.
Are you or your employees planning to bring family members to Hungary? Ensure a smooth transition by exploring your eligibility for family unification. With the new Hungarian immigration law, effective January 2024, not all residency types allow for family unification, making it essential to seek expert advice tailored to your specific circumstances.
Depending on the main applicant’s situation, the residence permit application of the family can be submitted either together with the primary residency application or after the main residency has been granted. While holders of dependent visas enjoy the same rights as the main applicant, they will need a separate work permit to engage in employment.
Read more about the different work permit types on our dedicated page.
Eligible family members include:
- Spouse of a third-country national or a Hungarian citizen (including the registered partner of a same-sex couple)
- Minor children
- Dependent parents and siblings (in certain circumstances)
Contact us for personalized assistance in navigating the family unification process and securing a seamless relocation for your family!
Full-service packages
Your service package will include
- Initial consultation
- Preparation of all required application documents
- Submission via Enter Hungary
- Government fee
- In-person assistance with biometric data registration at the Immigration Office in Budapest
- Declaration of initial accommodation
- Support with certified Hungarian translations
Our list price for a package starts at EUR 1,000 (+VAT) with special discounts available for larger families.
Beyond family unification
If you have other close family members who are not eligible for the family unification process or if your residency type does not allow for it, they may still qualify for Hungarian residency based on their plans in Hungary. For example, if you have children above 18, they can enroll in Hungarian higher education and get a student residence permit. Those finishing university in Hungary can apply for “study-to-work” residency, which enables them to stay another 9 months in Hungary to find a job or start a company. When they find a job, they can apply for a work permit. At the same time, your parents can move to Hungary to retire here.
To learn more about the new residency types and how they may affect you, please read our blog post about residency types.
Reviews
What our clients say
-
Helpers was dedicated to facilitating my case. There were several instances where I thought I would not succeed and I simply would have been lost in the maze of bureaucracy without them. The initial application submission assistance is convenient and relatively easier than doing it yourself, but the real value in this service is having a third party closer to the inside that is more fluent in the language and can help eliminate the inevitable confusion and complication. Rest assured Helpers can simplify and illuminate the path to success for you.
-
We have gone through a process of approximately one year. Naturally, during this period, there were many setbacks, problems, and events such as changes in laws. However, it was enjoyable to work with a results-oriented team that constantly took action to solve the newly arising issues. Especially with individuals like Dorka, Anna, Gergö, and Hilda, who help you take different and innovative steps to quickly resolve any problem. They are a team that knows their work, goes beyond the traditional European working style, and is always ready to support you. 🌸
From the company establishment process to post-establishment matters like residence permit applications, they provide significant support in many areas. I must emphasize that when something goes wrong, instead of saying, “This is your problem,” they adopt the mindset of, “Hmm, let’s see how we can find alternative ways to solve this.” Unfortunately, I can’t say the same for everyone in the Finance department, but overall, looking at the Helpers team, I can confidently say you will be working with a positive and professional group. 👌
Most of the team has been with Helpers for many years, so they are highly experienced and knowledgeable about almost everything. Compared to other companies that provide company setup services, they may be slightly more expensive. However, their quality makes this difference seem entirely normal and justified. After working with them, you realize how this small difference in cost positively impacts you.
We sincerely thank the entire team. They are a team I would love to work with again in the future, and I will always keep their contact information saved in my phone. 🤞
-
I was welcomed by HELPERS who understood my expectations and concerns. Even though I came to ask for information on creating my photo studio, she clearly and simply explained the different possible solutions taking into account Hungarian regulations. In short, a very pleasant conversation.
-
What can I say? Helpers really lives up to its name! Helpers is a classy organization that helps people get their business licenses in a really stress-free laid back way. I was so pleased at how easy it was to work with them and negotiate my needs. As long as you make sure they have all the information and papers that are needed to get the job done, believe me, they GET THE JOB DONE!
I was helped out mostly by Tala, Norbert and Boti. They were all friendly professionals and genuinely kind people!
They respond to emails professionally and promptly. They help and communicate with you through every step of the process and even offer tea and coffee along the way! Really, I couldn’t stress more how convenient it is for someone who doesn’t speak the language to have this sort of help. I couldn’t recommend it more to anyone who needs it!!
-
I recently had the pleasure of working with Helpers Hungary to obtain a residence permit and set up a company as a foreigner, and I couldn’t be more satisfied with their exceptional service. From start to finish, the team at Helpers Hungary demonstrated professionalism, efficiency, and a genuine commitment to helping me navigate the complex processes involved.
Their expertise and knowledge in handling residence permit applications were evident from our first interaction. They guided me through every step with clear instructions and timely updates, ensuring that I had all the necessary documents and information. The entire process was smooth and stress-free, thanks to their meticulous attention to detail and proactive approach.
Setting up a company in a foreign country can be daunting, but Helpers Hungary made it a seamless experience. They provided comprehensive support, from choosing the right business structure to handling all the legal formalities. Their local insights and understanding of the Hungarian business environment were invaluable, allowing me to make informed decisions and avoid potential pitfalls.
The team’s dedication to their clients’ success is truly commendable. They were always available to answer my questions, address my concerns, and offer practical solutions. Their friendly and approachable manner made me feel at ease throughout the entire process.
In summary, Helpers Hungary exceeded my expectations in every way. Their professionalism, expertise, and unwavering support were instrumental in helping me achieve my goals. I highly recommend Helpers Hungary to anyone seeking assistance with residence permits or business setup in Hungary. They truly did a great job, and I am incredibly grateful for their outstanding service.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ
People looking for a family visa or a dependent visa often mean a residence permit that allows family members to accompany the main applicant to Hungary. The best-known dependent visa procedure is called “family unification”, where the spouse and the minor (less than 18 years old) children of the applicant can apply for residency based on the residency of the main applicant received.
If I move to Hungary for a job or business, will my spouse be able to work legally here?
Yes – but not right away, since the residence permit based on family unification will not enable your spouse to enter employment. However, once they are here, they can more easily find a job, and simply change the dependent permit to a work permit once they have found one. Alternatively your spouse can also decide to start a small business in Hungary – we are happy to assist with either.
What is it like living in Hungary as a family?
Most expats love living in Hungary! Budapest is a safe and clean city with many affordable, high-quality entertainment options, good international schools, lots of green areas, easy public transportation, and fast and inexpensive connections to all major European capitals. Living cost in Hungary is quite low, so even on a basic salary you can achieve a high living standard.
Is family unification available with every type of Hungarian residency?
No, family unification is available only with certain types of residency in Hungary. One important change introduced recently is that family unification is no longer available for student residency or for the residence permit for the purpose of employment. At the same time, family unification remains available for several employment based residence permits, such as the Hungarian Card, the EU Blue Card, or the National Card. Contact us to learn more.
