Asylum and international protection in Hungary

The general rules, without an embassy declaration, apply only to an unaccompanied minor in Hungary, a family member of a recognised refugee or protection holder who is in Hungary when applying, and a person held in custody or serving a custodial measure (but not someone merely arrested or detained after crossing irregularly). People who cross the border irregularly and ask for asylum are directed by the police to the Hungarian embassy of the neighbouring country.

An asylum claim cannot be lodged at Hungarian missions other than those designated for declarations of intent.

Hungary applies the Dublin III Regulation: another EU or associated state may be responsible because of family links, an earlier visa or permit, irregular entry or an earlier application. Fingerprints of applicants aged 14 and over are stored in Eurodac. Take-charge requests go out within 2 months of a Eurodac hit (otherwise 3 months), transfers normally take place within 6 months of acceptance, and you can lodge a suspensive appeal against a transfer decision.

Under Act L of 2025, which turned the earlier emergency rules into law, and Foreign Ministry Decree 23/2024, a foreigner who wants to enter Hungary to seek asylum submits a declaration of intent in person at a Hungarian embassy in a non-EU neighbouring country; UNHCR names the embassies in Belgrade and Kyiv, where an appointment is needed. The rules apply to declarations made from 20 July 2025.

The asylum authority may interview you remotely at the embassy. If it supports your entry, it informs the embassy within 60 days and the embassy issues a single travel document valid for 30 days. On arrival you must tell the border police at once that you want to apply; you are brought before the authority within 24 hours and may be placed in a closed reception facility for up to four weeks.

The asylum authority (OIF) holds a personal interview with an interpreter and must explain your rights and duties. The standard procedure lasts 60 days, an accelerated procedure ends within 15 days of the acceleration ground being established, and Dublin checks can suspend it for months. Possible outcomes are refugee status (menekült), subsidiary protection (oltalmazott), tolerated status (befogadott), rejection or termination; a rejection can come with expulsion and an entry ban.

Applicants in need receive a place in a reception centre, three meals a day (five for children, pregnant and breastfeeding women), hygiene items, clothing when needed, and free basic and emergency health care; children’s schooling costs are covered. UNHCR notes that applicants may work in the reception facility or in public employment and, after nine months, outside it with an employer-requested work permit, and that they have the right to legal assistance. Detention for asylum purposes can last up to eight months.

A rejection or expulsion decision can be challenged before a court within the deadline stated in the decision. The court can uphold the decision or annul it and order a new procedure.

UNHCR runs a free helpline in Hungary on +36 80 984 583 (Monday to Friday, 08:00–17:00) and recommends contacting the Hungarian Helsinki Committee for free legal counselling before making decisions. UNHCR services are free of charge.