Arrival

Before you start your studies at ELTE, you need to ensure your legal status in Hungary. The procedure differs based on your citizenship and the length of your stay. Please, find the category that is adequate for you, and read the Important Information part below.

EEA students (from EU, Norway, Switzerland, Iceland, Lichtenstein)

Citizens of the European Economic Area (EEA: member states of the EU, Norway, Switzerland, Iceland, and Lichtenstein) do not need a residence permit, but must obtain a registration certificate to notify the Hungarian authorities of their stay.

More information for EEA students: EEA students - Registration certificate.

Non-EEA students

If you are a third country national who is not a citizen of an EEA country, you will need to apply for a residence permit to stay in Hungary and may also require a visa to enter the country. (You can check if you need a visa here.)

Visa-free non-EEA students can enter Hungary with their passports and need to apply for a residence permit online after their arrival in Hungary.
Those non-EEA students that require a visa must apply for a D-visa and a residence permit for the purpose of studies at a Hungarian embassy/consulate responsible for their home country or country of residence. The application process should be started immediately after you receive your Letter of Acceptance, otherwise you may not arrive on time for the start of the semester.

More information for all non-EEA students: Non-EEA students – Visa/residence permit.

For further details, please visit our university's visa procedure page.