Student and tourist visa to Hungary (2024–2026)

Application specifics

Hungary is part of the Schengen area, so a Schengen visa is required to travel there.

For short trips a tourist Schengen visa is issued, while for studies a national long-stay student visa (type D) is issued, followed by a residence permit.

Tourist visa (Schengen visa C)

Suitable for:

• tourism

• visiting friends and relatives

• short business trips

Features:

• valid for all Schengen area countries

• usually issued for up to 90 days within a 180-day period

• does not grant the right to long-term study

• applied for through a visa centre or consulate

The following is usually required for the application:

• proof of accommodation

• booked tickets

• financial guarantees

• health insurance

• proof of the purpose of the trip

Student visa (national visa D)

Suitable for:

• studying at universities in Hungary

• long-term educational programmes

Features:

• applied for before entering the country

• issued for a long period

• serves as grounds for obtaining a residence permit in Hungary

• requires an official invitation from the institution

After entry the student must:

• obtain a Residence Permit

• register with the immigration authorities

How to apply for a student visa

The process includes:

• admission to a Hungarian university

• receiving an official letter of admission

• preparing the package of documents

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

• attending an interview (if required)

• receiving a type D visa

• entering Hungary and obtaining a residence permit

Main package of documents

• 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)

• additional documents on request

Processing times

• tourist Schengen visa: usually 2–4 weeks

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

• it is recommended to submit documents in advance

Submitting documents

• submission is done through a visa centre or the Hungarian consulate

• personal attendance is required

• an appointment can be booked in advance

• an interview may be conducted

Important points

• Hungary is part of the Schengen area

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

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

• after entry you must obtain a residence permit

• it is important to confirm your financial means and the purpose of the trip

• the consulate may request additional documents

Summary

• Tourism → Schengen visa category C

• Study → national visa D + obtaining a residence permit

• Submission → consulate or visa centre

• Key factor → proof of admission and finances