The Plan B Immigrations team has assisted numerous families in obtaining long-term residence permits in Hungary and across the European Union. One of the most common questions our clients ask is about their rights and opportunities compared to Hungarian citizens, both in Hungary and within the EU. This article provides a detailed overview of the rights and limitations for those with residence permits.

Free Movement and Residence

In Hungary:

• Rights: Individuals with a residence permit can freely move and reside within Hungary. They must report their address to local authorities. The Plan B Immigrations team provides full assistance with the administration process
• Limitations: They can be expelled if they commit unlawful acts.

In the European Union:

• Rights: Individuals with a residence permit can travel freely within the Schengen area countries for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
• Limitations: If they wish to leave the Schengen area, a separate permit is required, which must be obtained based on their original nationality. In this process, the Hungarian residence permit can be advantageous.

Employment

In Hungary:

• Rights: Individuals with a residence permit can work in Hungary, but a work permit may be required.
• Limitations: Public service positions can only be filled by Hungarian citizens.

In the European Union:

• Rights: Generally, those with a residence permit are entitled to work in the EU, but a separate permit may be required in specific countries.
• Limitations: Some countries have special rules and quotas for foreign workers.

Education for Children

In Hungary:

• Rights: Families with a residence permit are entitled to enroll their children in public primary and secondary education.
• Limitations: Separate permits may be required for higher education.

In the European Union:

• Rights: Children are entitled to education according to the local rules of the host country.
• Limitations: Education costs and language requirements can vary by country.

Healthcare

In Hungary:

• Rights: Individuals with a residence permit are entitled to basic healthcare services, especially if they have social security.
• Limitations: Some specific services and benefits are only available to citizens.

In the European Union:

• Rights: Those with a residence permit are entitled to healthcare services according to the local rules of the host country.
• Limitations: The costs and accessibility of healthcare services can vary by country.

Starting a Business

In Hungary:

• Rights: Individuals with a residence permit can start a business with the necessary permits and registrations. The Plan B Immigrations team provides full support with the administration process.
• Limitations: Stricter regulations may apply to foreign entrepreneurs in certain sectors.

In the European Union:

• Rights: They are also entitled to start a business in EU member states, according to local business regulations.
• Limitations: The permitting and tax regulations can vary by country.

Obtaining Citizenship

In Hungary:

• Rights: Individuals may be eligible to obtain Hungarian citizenship after a specified period. The process takes a minimum of 8 years and is subject to conditions.
• Limitations: Some countries do not allow dual citizenship. For example, a Chinese citizen cannot be both a Chinese and Hungarian citizen. Therefore, it is important to check the regulations of the original country when applying for citizenship. Hungary allows dual citizenship.

In the European Union:

• Rights: Citizenship can be requested according to the regulations of the host country, which automatically grants EU citizenship.
• Limitations: The conditions for obtaining citizenship vary by country.

Social Benefits

In Hungary:

• Rights: They may be eligible for certain social benefits, especially if they contribute to the social security system.
• Limitations: Some benefits are only available to Hungarian citizens.

In the European Union:

• Rights: They may be entitled to social benefits in the host country if they meet local requirements.
• Limitations: The availability and conditions of benefits vary by country.

Voting Rights

In Hungary:

• They generally do not have voting rights in local, parliamentary, or national elections. They cannot vote in parliamentary elections and referendums.

In the European Union:

• With a Hungarian residence permit, they cannot participate in elections in other EU countries. This issue arises if they switch to a residence permit from another EU country. In that case, local voting regulations of the host country determine the extent of their participation. However, it is clear that only citizens can vote in national elections in all EU countries.

Cultural and Social Rights

In Hungary:

• Rights: They can participate in cultural events and access public services.
• Limitations: Some services and benefits may be exclusive to citizens.

In the European Union:

• Rights: They have similar rights to local citizens according to the host country’s regulations.
• Limitations: Access conditions and the availability of services can vary by country.