Can I bring my spouse and minor children with me based on the obtained work permit?

Bringing Family to Hungary on a Work Permit #

If you have a work permit in Hungary and wish to bring your spouse and minor children to join you, here’s a detailed explanation of the rules and regulations:

General Conditions #

Generally, Hungary allows family reunification for those who hold a valid residence permit for work purposes. The primary permit holder (you, the worker) must meet certain conditions to be eligible to sponsor family members.

Specific Requirements and Steps #

1. Eligibility:
   • You must have a valid residence permit that is expected to be valid for at least one more year.
   • You must have stable and regular income to support your family members. The income should meet a certain threshold set by Hungarian law.
   • You must have adequate housing to accommodate your family.
   • You must have comprehensive health insurance for each family member or proof that they are covered under the Hungarian public health system (TAJ card).
2. Eligible Family Members:
   • Spouse: Your legally recognized spouse.
   • Minor Children: Your children and those of your spouse who are under 18 years of age.
3. Application Process:
   • Application Submission: Your family members must apply for a residence permit for the purpose of family reunification. This application can be submitted at a Hungarian embassy or consulate in their country of origin or, in some cases, within Hungary if they are already legally present.
   • Required Documents:
     • Application form
     • Valid passport
     • Marriage certificate (for spouse)
     • Birth certificates (for children)
     • Your residence permit copy
     • Proof of income (employment contract, salary slips)
     • Proof of accommodation (rental agreement or property deed)
     • Health insurance documentation
     • Other documents as required by the specific embassy or consulate
   • Interview: Family members may be required to attend an interview at the embassy or consulate.
4. Hungarian Immigration Authority (Országos Idegenrendészeti Főigazgatóság):
   • The applications are typically processed by the Hungarian Immigration Authority.
   • The authority will verify that all conditions are met and that the documents are authentic.
5. Permit Issuance:
   • If the application is approved, your family members will be issued a residence permit for family reunification, which allows them to live in Hungary with you.

Important Considerations #

• Income Threshold: The exact income required to support family members varies, so it’s essential to check the current official figures.
• Health Insurance: Ensure that your family members have comprehensive health insurance coverage.
• Legal Assistance: Consider seeking legal assistance from an immigration lawyer to navigate the process smoothly.
• Official Information: Always refer to the official website of the Hungarian Immigration Authority (Országos Idegenrendészeti Főigazgatóság) for the most up-to-date information and any changes to the regulations.

References and Useful Links #

• Hungarian Immigration Authority: http://www.bmbah.hu/index.php?lang=en