If you’re a non-EU family member of an EU or Hungarian citizen living in Hungary, check your residence card today. It could become invalid on 3 August even if the expiry date says otherwise.
This isn’t a new permit rule or a routine renewal. It’s the result of an EU-wide security update affecting certain permanent residence cards issued between 3 August 2016 and 2 August 2021.
If you’re affected, your card will stop being valid on its expiry date or by 3 August 2026, whichever comes first.
One of the biggest misunderstandings is that you’ll simply receive a replacement card. According to the National Directorate-General for Aliens Policing, that’s not what happens. Instead, you’ll need to establish a new legal basis to remain in Hungary. The immigration authority says everyone affected will receive a notification by post explaining the next steps.
This only applies to certain non-EU family members of EEA citizens and third-country national family members of Hungarian citizens. It does not affect every permanent residence permit in Hungary.
If this sounds like it could apply to you or someone you know, now is a good time to check the issue date on the card rather than waiting until the beginning of August.