Due to Hungary's EU membership (since May 1, 2004) new regulations apply for exchange students coming from EU countries regarding visas and residence permits. Information on the new regulations can be found on the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Hungary or at the diplomatic and consular missions of Hungary (www.kulugyminiszterium.hu). Exchange students are highly recommended to consult the relevant authorities (and their websites) at least 2 months before the beginning of their studies.
Due to Hungary's membership of the "Schengen Countries" (from December 21, 2007) new regulations apply for students coming from non-EU countries regarding visas and residence permits. Upon receipt of the Letter of Acceptance, the Confirmation of Payment and the Confirmation for Accommodation from KJU, students from non-EU countries should hand in their application for a D-type visa for studies at the Embassy of Hungary in their home country. A short-term visa for up to three months of stay (C-type) costs 40 EUR, the long-term visa (D-type) costs 60 EUR. Before arrival students should apply for medical health insurance in their country covering an amount of ca. 30,000 EUR. With a valid student visa, they can apply for a residence permit when they arrive in Hungary. The student visa may take up to 20 days to obtain. Handing in the application in time is strongly advised.
The regulations for the registration of the place of residence and the residence permit can also be found on the website of the Office of Immigration and Nationality and/or of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Hungary.
