Insights
Hungary, located in the heart of Europe, is known for its historical dеpth and cultural vibrancy. The country is organized into 19 counties and 23 citiеs with county-lеvеl status. Amid this, the concept of free movement within Europe offers a striking contrast to Hungary's dеtailеd administrativе systеm.
Most importantly, thе Schеngеn Area represents a significant milеstonе in European Union history, transforming travеl and mobility across thе continеnt. Initiatеd in 1985 by five EU statеs, this agrееmеnt gradually еliminatеd bordеr controls between the countries.
In light of this, Hungary's participation in the Schengen Visa schеmе has gained importance. The convenience and frееdom provided by the Schengen Agrееmеnt undеrscorе Hungary's position within this framework.
In this article, we will focus on Hungary's involvement in the Schengen Visa, еxamining its impact on travеlеrs and its role in Europe's commitmеnt to opеn bordеrs and unity in divеrsity.
This collection of European countries has all signed the Schengen Convention. This legal document creates a collective visa system and exempts border control between their countries via air, sea, and land transport. This visa allows for travel for tourism, business, medical treatment, family and friend visits, cultural/religious/sports events, and other reasons.
European nations created the Convention in 1990 using the Schengen Agreement as a framework, and came into effect in 1995. Since then, the member states have increased from 5 to 27, most of them in the European Union.
The Union added the Schengen system to its rules and regulations. This means that all countries in that Union will have to join the Convention eventually. At the moment, 4 members have yet to fully integrate the Convention: Bulgaria, Romania, Ireland, and Cyprus. Nevertheless, other European countries that arenot in the Union have signed the Convention: Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland.
After 12 years of members enforcing the Convention, Hungary became a Schengen state. Now, this country is accessible to the following Schengen countries without a visa and vice versa:
With this visa, you will gain various advantages:
If you're interested in business opportunities in the Schengen Area, a Schengen visa can help you get started. This visa lets you travel and look around for up to 90 days in places like Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland, and Hungary.
Hungary is a great place to consider for business. In 2022, its economy was doing well, with a GDP of $343 billion. The government is spending money to make its infrastructure better. This makes Hungary a good place to invest, especially in the car industry, which has been successful there.
Hungary's location is also a big plus. It's easy to reach markets in South East and Central Europe from there. Germany, Italy, and Romania are some of its main business partners.
But, if you want to stay longer and do business in Hungary, you'll need a different type of visa or permit. For that, Hungary offers special permits for people who want to start a business or invest there.
Nations that recognize this document will allow you to travel through their borders. For instance, despite not being Schengen countries, these places recognize the Schengen visa: Albania, Georgia, and Mexico. This will allow you to travel for leisure and business to over 80 countries in total.
In particular, you'll be able to see famous architecture, such as Matthias Church, and visit Budapest's famous Széchenyi thermal bath.
Once you have gotten the document, you won't need to go through lengthy procedures at the border. After you've applied for this document, you may receive it in under 15 days. You could even pay for same-day expedited service or apply in a member's embassy/consulate that typically receives fewer applications. And once you have a short-stay visa, you will be able to enter Schengen countries for up to 180 days.
If you're a citizen or resident of one of the 27 countries that signed the Convention, you don't need a visa to visit this country. However, you may need a visa if you are not from this list of states. However, your Schengen visa type also determines if you can enter Hungary. These visas vary based on duration, purpose, and number of entries. In particular, if you begin your trip in another Schengen state, you will need a double or multiple-entry visa to enter Hungary.
Though the visa can guarantee your access to this nation, it is not the only way for you to legally enter the country. If you are from a country with a visa-free agreement with Schengen states, you do not need one. There are around 60 countries with such exceptions, including the USA, South Korea, Canada, Singapore, Mexico, the United Arab Emirates, and Japan. Instead of requiring a visa, you will need an ETIAS application in the future.
Additionally, if you are from Bulgaria, Romania, or Cyprus, you can travel to this country without a visa. Alternatively, you could get a residence permit. This type of document will allow you to enter, live, and work in Hungary.
If you desire to visit this nation but reside in a country with no visa-free agreement with Hungary, you'll need:
You should also note that the purpose of your travel may add other requirements. For example, business visits require an invitation letter from a local company. Similarly, if you're traveling to attend a conference or religious event, you'll need an invitation letter from the host.
Additionally, you'll need to pay for the application. The amounts vary between ages and citizenship:
| Age/Citizenship | Cost |
| 0 – 5 | Free |
| 6 – 11 | €40 or $42.95 |
| 12 – 80 | €80 or $85.89 |
| Kosovo | €35 or $37.58 |
| Azerbaijan | €35 or $37.58 |
| Armenia | €35 or $37.58 |
| Gambia | €120 or $128.84 |
In addition, you'll need to pay for your pictures, which could cost up to €18, and travel insurance, which is €22 per week.
Understanding that Hungary is part of the Schengen Area opens up numerous travel and business opportunities for both Schengen residents and those outside the area. For non-Schengen nationals, securing a Schengen visa is a straightforward process that grants access to Hungary. Additionally, citizens from countries like the USA, Canada, and Romania enjoy visa-free travel to Hungary, thanks to special agreements. However, be aware when other requirements like the ETIAS system for certain travelers will come into effect.
If you want to get easier access to Hungary for business or its exploration, Vancis Capital can be your best partner in streamlining the visa, residency permit, and citizenship application process.
Get in touch to discuss how we can help you with your citizenship or residency by investment goals. One of our investment migration experts will contact you to discuss your case. With over 16 years of combined experience our team has helped hundreds of families achieve freedom.
