Corporate Immigration — Hungary immigration office closure and new law implementation
Santa Fe publication date
21 December 2023
Overview
The Government of Hungary will validate the new Immigration Law for third country nationals from 1st January 2024.
The final version of the new law has not yet been announced, as has the executive order.
Who will be affected?
Third country nationals
Impact
The procedure for applications for residence and permanent residence permits submitted before the entry into force of the new Act shall be suspended between 1 January 2024 and 29 February 2024.
Between 1 January 2024 and 29 February 2024
- an application for a residence permit, except for an application for a residence permit issued in the national interest,
- an application for a permanent residence permit and a residence card under this Act, with the exception of an application for a national residence card issued in the national interest cannot be submitted.
It means the National Directorate-General for Aliens Policing (Immigration Office) will be closed from 1st January till 29th February 2024.
They won’t make any decision until March and won’t accept any submission of applications.
The validity of residence permits, and permanent residence permits expiring between 1 January 2024 and 29 February 2024 will be extended until 30 April 2024.
Applications submitted before January 1, 2024 will still be processed based on the currently valid legislation, however, applications submitted after January 1, 2024 will already be subject to the new legislation.
Date of implementation
1 January 2024
Santa Fe recommendation
The above changes raise several questions:
- If the application of a residence permit renewal will be submitted between 20 and 31 December, 2023 how will the applicant be able to enter the office for biometric data collection? – Santa Fe is waiting the exact information from the Immigration Office
- If the permit expires by February 29, but based on the above, the permit remains valid until April 30, is it possible to travel? – the rule is valid in the territory of Hungary, our advice is to not travel, other countries won’t accept this rule without any written proof and based on our information, the Immigration Office won’t give any official document about it.
- Can the exact permit be obtained in cases in which the Immigration Office decides by December 31, 2023? – Santa Fe is waiting the exact information from the Immigration Office
Contact us
We ask our clients to send any remaining questions to the e-mail address below.
Our goal is to collect all the necessary information from the Immigration Office and take the necessary measures and advice for the transition period and prepare for the changes caused by the new legislation.
Henrietta Kígyósi
Immigration Manager — Hungary
Santa Fe Relocation
+36 (70) 332 36 06
henrietta.kigyosi@santaferelo.com
About our Immigration Services
Our distinguished immigration services oversee a substantial volume of visa applications annually, catering to a diverse array of international corporations. Our seasoned team of immigration experts and accredited migration agents are entrusted with the meticulous management of the entire immigration process on your behalf. We are committed to delivering streamlined reporting and offering comprehensive guidance on all immigration-related affairs, ensuring a smooth and efficient experience for our valued clients.
