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HUNGARY: Certain Residence Cards Will Become Invalid on August 3, 2026

Certain permanent residence cards issued to non-EU family members of European Economic Area (EEA) citizens and Hungarian citizens will automatically become invalid on August 3, 2026, even if the expiration date printed on the card is later. The change results from an EU-wide security update affecting residence cards issued between August 3, 2016, and August 2, 2021. Individuals with affected cards will not automatically receive replacement documents and instead must establish a new legal basis for remaining in Hungary. The National Directorate General of Immigration has indicated that affected individuals will receive notification by mail with instructions on the next steps.

Key Points

• • Certain Residence Cards Will Expire Early: Permanent residence cards issued between August 3, 2016, and August 2, 2021, to certain non-EU family members of EEA or Hungarian citizens will become invalid on August 3, 2026, or on the card’s printed expiration date if it occurs sooner. The change is part of an EU-wide security initiative rather than a routine renewal process.
  • No Automatic Replacement Cards Will Be Issued: Contrary to what some individuals may expect, the Hungarian immigration authorities will not automatically replace affected residence cards. Instead, affected individuals must establish a new legal basis to continue residing legally in Hungary.
  • Immigration Authorities Will Contact Affected Individuals: According to the National Directorate General of Immigration, affected residence card holders will receive written notification explaining the required next steps. Individuals should review any correspondence from the immigration authorities to ensure they remain in compliance.

• The Change Applies Only to Certain Individuals: The new requirement affects only specific non-EU family members of EEA citizens and third-country national family members of Hungarian citizens. It does not apply to all Hungarian permanent residence permit holders.

What Employers Need to Know

• Review Employees’ Residence Cards Immediately: Employers with foreign national employees in Hungary should verify whether any affected employees hold residence cards issued between August 3, 2016, and August 2, 2021. Identifying impacted employees before the August deadline will help avoid unexpected disruptions to work authorization.
• Do Not Assume Employees Will Receive New Cards: Employers should not expect affected employees to automatically receive replacement residence cards. Employees may need to complete a new immigration process to establish continued lawful residence and work authorization.
• Plan for Potential Immigration Processing: If employees are affected, employers should work with immigration counsel to determine the appropriate legal basis for continued residence and employment in Hungary. Early planning may help minimize disruptions to business operations and employee mobility.

Looking Ahead

• Affected Individuals Should Await Official Instructions: The National Directorate General of Immigration has stated that written notices will be sent to affected residence card holders explaining the required procedures. Individuals should respond promptly to any instructions to avoid gaps in lawful status.
• Employers Should Monitor Additional Government Guidance: Hungarian immigration authorities may publish further guidance regarding implementation of the new requirements or application procedures. Employers should remain informed so they can assist affected employees as additional information becomes available.
• Compliance Will Become Increasingly Important: As the August 3, 2026, deadline approaches, employers should ensure that affected employees have taken the necessary steps to maintain lawful residence and employment authorization. Proactive compliance reviews can help reduce the risk of employment interruptions or immigration violations.

The upcoming invalidation of certain Hungarian residence cards is the result of an EU-wide security update rather than a routine renewal requirement. Employers and affected foreign nationals should review residence card issuance dates now and begin preparing for any necessary immigration filings well before the August 3, 2026, deadline to ensure uninterrupted lawful residence and employment.

The content of this article is intended only to provide a general guide to the subject matter. It should not be construed as legal advice. Please contact FGI at info@employmentimmigration.com or (+1) 248.643.4900 for guidance if you have specific questions.