The validity of temporary protection has been extended until March 04, 2026 throughout the European Union, including Hungary. This extension is valid even if the expiry date on the temporary protection card is March 04, 2023 or 2024. The extension of the card's validity does not require any immediate action from you, as this extension was adopted at the legislative level.

How to apply for temporary protection status in Hungary?

To obtain temporary protection status, you must apply in person, as this status is not granted automatically. The application should be submitted at any “reception center” near the border within 24 hours of arrival or at any office of the Office for Foreigners (“OIF”) during business hours.
In Budapest, applications are accepted at the office of the Office for Foreigners at Harmat utca 131 (10th district) from 8:00 to 16:00, daily. You do not need to write an application in advance - the application form is provided on the spot.
The Hungarian state authority must make a decision on your case within 45 days. To prove your citizenship or family ties to a Ukrainian citizen, you must present an official document, such as a passport or identity card. Even in the absence of a document, temporary protection may be granted, but in this case you will have to provide more detailed information about the circumstances of your arrival.

After submitting an application for temporary protection, you will receive a humanitarian residence permit for a period of 60 days (the so-called “laminated card”). After the BAMF grants you temporary protection, you will receive a residence permit (so-called “plastic card”).

What rights does temporary protection in Hungary entitle you to?

• Residence: If you do not have a permanent place of residence at the time of your application, please inform the authority you are applying to. You can also live on your own (e.g. with family or friends), but this must also be reported.
  
• Medical care: Regardless of where you live, you are entitled to healthcare in Hungary after submitting your application.
  
• Monthly financial assistance for living expenses.
  
• Right to employment.
  
  

If you have arrived in Hungary and need assistance, please contact the Consulate of Ukraine in the city of Nyiregyhaza (123 Korányi Frides str., 123, +36 42 501 012, +36 42 501 013, +36 31 7806830, 70 km from the Ukrainian-Hungarian border) or the Embassy of Ukraine in Hungary (address: 1125 Budapest, Hungary. Budapest, Istenhegyi út 84/B (1125 Budapest, Istenhegyi út 84/B), tel. +36 1 422 41 18, +36 1 422 41 22, +36 1 422 41 23, +36 1 422 41 24).

Legal assistance for Ukrainians in Hungary

If you are currently in Hungary and need temporary protection or are facing legal difficulties, it is important to get professional support. Paperwork, job search, or other issues can be a challenge. Visit Ukraine's team of lawyers will help you understand each situation and make the process easier.

Visit Ukraine lawyers provide the following services:

• Written consultation: clear answers to your questions with references to legislation.
  
• Quick consultation (30 minutes): help with urgent issues.
  
• Basic consultation (60 minutes): in-depth analysis of your situation and recommendations.
  
• Support of a lawyer: professional support during the preparation of documents or in difficult situations.
  
  

💡 Do not waste time and opportunities. Visit Ukraine is always there for you so that you can be confident in your decisions and feel protected.

The Hungarian government has adopted amendments to the legislation, according to which housing assistance will be provided to Ukrainian refugees depending on the region from which they came or where they are permanently residing.
Starting from August 21, 2024, only Ukrainians who came from the territories of Ukraine recognized by the Hungarian government as war-affected will be eligible for subsidized housing under any circumstances.

In July, the list of such regions included:

• Dnipropetrovska oblast;
  
• Donetsk region;
  
• Zaporizhzhya region;
  
• Kyiv region and the city of Kyiv;
  
• Mykolaiv region;
  
• Odesa region;
  
• Sumy region;
  
• Kharkiv region;
  
• Kherson region;
  
• Chernihiv region;
  
• Luhansk region;
  
• Zhytomyr region;
  
• The Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol.
  

The list of regions whose residents can apply for free housing in Hungary does not include the western regions of Ukraine.

When applying for subsidized housing, refugees will be asked to provide an identity card, passport or certificate of residence registration confirming their place of residence in Ukraine.
Refugees from other regions will retain the right to subsidized housing until August 20.

Who is eligible for free housing?

Only those who fall into one of the vulnerability categories (provided they live in the war-affected area) will be eligible for subsidized housing

• minors (under 18 years old);
  
• one of the parents of a child under 18 years of age living in the same family as the child
  
• pregnant women;
  
• people with disabilities;
  
• people over 65 years of age.
  

After August 21, 2024, homeowners will not receive state subsidies for housing other categories of refugees, so people may be asked to move out.
The government will not provide alternative accommodation options (e.g., state collective shelters). However, those who work in Hungary will be able to receive support from their employer.

To extend the validity of a passport, an applicant must submit an existing passport. A passport extension can be issued no earlier than three months before the expiration date. To enter data about a child in the passport, the applicant shall submit the following documents:
- Valid passport.
- The child's birth certificate.
- Two 3.5×4.5 cm photographs.
- A document confirming the authority of the person as a legal representative (if necessary).
These consular actions are carried out during the reception hours of the institutions (working days from 8.00 to 14.00, weekends - 9.00-13.00); free of charge on the day of application.