Hungary family visa

Qualifying family members of European single market citizens can enter Hungary without a visa using a family residence card. Longer residence generally follows national visa or residence permit rules.

Ways to get a Hungary family visa

Visa-free entry with a family residence card
No visa needed
Family members of European single market citizens holding a qualifying residence card and meeting the accompanying, joining or independent travel rules.
Stay
Up to three months.
Family member visa at the border
Visa on arrival
In principle, family members of European single market citizens who do not meet the residence card exemption can obtain a visa at the border by proving the family relationship.
1. Present evidence of your family relationship at the border checkpoint.
2. Request a visa under the family member rules.
Long-stay visa or residence permit
Other permit
People from outside the European single market generally need a long-stay visa or residence permit for stays beyond 90 days, unless another right or exemption applies.
Stay
Long-stay visas generally cover less than a year. Residence permits cover longer periods.

Who needs it

Family members who do not meet an exemption may need a visa. People staying longer than 90 days generally need a long-stay visa or residence permit unless another right applies.

Who doesn't

Family members of European single market citizens with a qualifying residence card can enter without a visa when accompanying or joining that citizen. A qualifying card issued by a Schengen state also allows independent travel.

What to bring

Valid travel document.
Residence card showing that you are a family member of a European single market citizen.

Good to know

For a card issued outside the Schengen Area, the exemption requires you to accompany or join your European single market family member.
A qualifying family residence card issued by a Schengen state allows travel to Hungary independently.
Specific Hungarian family reunification procedures are not detailed here.

Questions

Do I need a family visa for Hungary?

Family members who do not meet an exemption may need a visa. People staying longer than 90 days generally need a long-stay visa or residence permit unless another right applies. Family members of European single market citizens with a qualifying residence card can enter without a visa when accompanying or joining that citizen. A qualifying card issued by a Schengen state also allows independent travel.

What are the ways to get a family visa for Hungary?

There are 3 options: Visa-free entry with a family residence card (no visa at all); Family member visa at the border (a visa at the border); Long-stay visa or residence permit (a special permit).

Who can go to Hungary without a family visa?

Family members of European single market citizens holding a qualifying residence card and meeting the accompanying, joining or independent travel rules.

How long can I stay on a Hungary family visa?

Up to three months under the family residence card exemption.

What documents do I need for a Hungary family visa?

Valid travel document.; Residence card showing that you are a family member of a European single market citizen..

What rules do I have to follow on a Hungary family visa?

For a card issued outside the Schengen Area, the exemption requires you to accompany or join your European single market family member. A qualifying family residence card issued by a Schengen state allows travel to Hungary independently.

Does my passport change whether I need a family visa for Hungary?

Yes. Rules depend on the country that issued your passport. Open the Hungary visa page and choose your passport for a plain answer.

Can a family visa for Hungary be refused?

Yes. Officials can refuse a visa or entry, even after you apply. Give true answers, bring the documents asked for, and keep proof of your onward trip and money.

Where do I check the latest Hungary family visa rules?

On Hungary's official immigration or foreign ministry website, or at its embassy. Rules change, so check close to your trip.

Can I change my family visa once I am in Hungary?

Often you cannot switch visa type inside the country. Ask the immigration office before you travel if you might need to.

Reviewed by @snuck