Deciding to change your country of residence is not easy. It requires a combination of resources, desire, and opportunities for relocation. When choosing a country for permanent residence, Ukrainians pay attention to many factors. Immigration to Hungary is an opportunity to become a citizen of a European country, admire the beautiful scenery and enjoy the warm climate of the country where winter lasts only two months a year.
Migration policy of Hungary
The country is considered attractive to different segments of the population. Both businessmen and students, freelancers and retirees are happy to move here. Like any other EU country, Hungary has certain requirements for immigrants and tries to maintain a balance between the indigenous population and foreigners.
January 1, 2017 added to the difficulties for immigrants in obtaining a residence permit in Hungary. It was from this day that the minimum amount of investment in government bonds increased, and thus the terms for obtaining permanent residence in Hungary and citizenship increased.
Immigration to Hungary from Ukraine has both positive and negative aspects. Advantages of moving:
- Quick adaptation, which is made possible by the similar mentality of Ukrainians and Hungarians.
- Warm climate, beautiful landscapes, healthy environment.
- Interesting national traditions, delicious cuisine.
- Quality education at all levels, quick employment and decent salaries.
- Affordable healthcare and recreation. In addition to the high level of specialists, Hungary boasts fairly low prices for medical care.
Among the disadvantages, foreigners mention high VAT, a large number of fines and taxes, and a difficult national language to learn.
Ways to immigrate to Hungary
The government offers several ways to obtain Hungarian citizenship. You can move to the country in the following ways:
- Repatriation. Returning to your historical homeland is one of the most popular ways of immigration. Moreover, not only those who were born in the country can return, but also a foreigner with Hungarian roots. This includes descendants of Hungarians who lived before 1920 and in 1938-1945 in the territory of the modern Zakarpattia region of Ukraine, as well as in Southern Slovakia and the historical region of Vojvodina in Serbia. The existence of Hungarian roots can be proved with the help of the following documents: a birth certificate of a Hungarian relative, a marriage certificate, any archival documents confirming the nationality and the fact of having a relative.
- Marriage registration. Immigration to Hungary for Ukrainians is also possible in case of marriage. The spouse who is not a citizen must enter the country on a tourist visa. If both spouses are over 18 years old, the procedure will take place a month after the application is submitted to the local registry office. All submitted documents must be translated into Hungarian. After the marriage is registered, the migrant applies to the Migration Department for a temporary residence permit. After the spouses have lived together for 2 years, the foreigner receives a permanent residence permit. If the marriage is not dissolved within 5 years, the migrant obtains citizenship.
- Real estate. To buy a home in the country, you need a permit from the city hall of the city where the property is located. First, the foreigner transfers 10% of the apartment’s value to the seller, after which the mayor’s office decides within two months whether the city authorities allow the transaction to be completed. The purchase of real estate is only the first step in immigration to Hungary. Upon purchase, the immigrant receives a temporary residence permit for a period of 1 year with the right to extend it for 5 years. In 3 years after the agreement is concluded, you can get a permanent residence permit, and in 5 years – the long-awaited citizenship.
- Business. Immigration to Hungary from Ukraine is also possible in case of investment in the economy. Those who want to start their own business just need to collect the necessary documents, register a legal address for the company, open a bank account and deposit the authorized capital. It takes about a month to complete all the necessary documents for running a business, after which you can submit documents to the migration service.
- Education. Immigration to Hungary from Ukraine in this way is very popular among young people who want to get a quality education. The diploma received by university students is recognized throughout the European Union and opens up the possibility for specialists to make a career in the EU. In order to apply to a university, a prospective student needs to have a high school diploma, an application, a character reference from the previous place of study, and a valid student visa. Knowledge of English and Hungarian is also required. The temporary residence permit that a student receives after enrollment is valid for the entire period of study. After receiving a diploma, a graduate can get a job in his or her specialty and obtain a residence permit. In this case, immigration to Hungary will result in citizenship in 8 years.
- Employment. Many young and middle-aged immigrants ask themselves how an ordinary Ukrainian can obtain Hungarian citizenship. The easiest way is to get a job in the country. To do this, first of all, you need to find an employer in Ukraine who will offer a job. In order to move to Hungary, you will have to sign an employment contract and successfully pass an interview at the embassy to obtain a work visa and a temporary residence permit. The residence permit must be renewed annually or the status of stay in the country must be changed. This can be done after 3 years of work in Hungary, and after another 5 years, you can obtain citizenship.
Immigration to Hungary for Ukrainians sometimes seems difficult and unattainable, but your own desire to change something in your life and the help of a professional specialist in legal migration issues will help you realize your dream. Immigration to Hungary 2022 will be your victory and the beginning of interesting achievements in your new homeland.
