Student and tourist visas for Hungary (2024–2026)

How it works

Hungary belongs to the Schengen area, so you will need a Schengen visa to travel there.

Short trips call for a tourist Schengen visa, while study requires a national long-stay student visa (type D), which is later followed by a residence permit.

Tourist visa (Schengen visa C)

Best for:

• tourism

• visiting friends and family

• short business trips

Key points:

• valid throughout the Schengen area

• usually granted for up to 90 days within any 180-day period

• does not allow long-term study

• applied for at a visa centre or consulate

You will normally need to provide:

• proof of accommodation

• confirmed travel tickets

• financial guarantees

• health insurance

• proof of the purpose of your trip

Student visa (national visa D)

Best for:

• studying at a Hungarian university

• long-term study programmes

Key points:

• applied for before you enter the country

• granted for a long stay

• provides the basis for a residence permit in Hungary

• requires an official invitation from your institution

Once in Hungary, you must:

• obtain a residence permit

• register with the immigration authorities

How to apply for a student visa

The process involves:

• gaining admission to a Hungarian university

• receiving an official letter of admission

• preparing your documents

• submitting your application to the Hungarian consulate or a visa centre

• attending an interview, if required

• receiving your type D visa

• entering Hungary and obtaining your residence permit

Documents you will need

• international passport

• completed application form

• photographs to the required specification

• letter of admission

• proof of tuition payment

• proof of accommodation

• financial documents

• health insurance

• motivation letter (in some cases)

• further documents on request

Processing times

• tourist Schengen visa: usually 2–4 weeks

• type D student visa: anywhere from a few weeks to 1–2 months

• we recommend submitting your documents well in advance

Submitting your documents

• documents are submitted at a visa centre or the Hungarian consulate

• you must attend in person

• appointments can be booked ahead

• an interview may be held

Good to know

• Hungary is part of the Schengen area

• a tourist visa is not suitable for long-term study

• a student visa is granted only once you have been admitted

• you must obtain a residence permit after arrival

• be ready to confirm your financial means and the purpose of your trip

• the consulate may ask for additional documents

In short

• Tourism → Schengen visa category C

• Study → national visa D, plus a residence permit

• Where to apply → consulate or visa centre

• What matters most → proof of admission and finances