British ambassador sends video message

Applications open for UK citizens to seek Hungarian residency

British Ambassador to Hungary Paul Fox has a fresh video message on the steps that UK nationals need to take to sort out their residency status in Hungary.

For ease of reference, this is the text of the Facebook post the British Embassy published together with the video:

“For those eligible under the UK/EU Withdrawal Agreement, the Hungarian government has now opened the applications for British citizens and their family members to apply for residency. The process is free and simplified, and you have until the end of 2021 to apply. In the meantime, existing documents remain valid. Everyone needs to apply, even if you already have a registration certificate or permanent residence card. For more information, please watch the message of Paul Fox, British Ambassador to Hungary.”

For full details on applying, see the website of the immigration authority (the British Embassy has informed the Hungarian immigration authority that occasionally the link does not work): http://bmbah.hu/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=1627:information-on-brexit-for-citizens-of-the-united-kingdom-and-their-third-country-national-family-members&lang=en

For further information on the actions British citizens have to take, check the Living in Hungary Guide of the Foreign Office: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/living-in-hungary

After introducing himself on the video, Ambassador Fox says:

“As we enter 2021 I wanted to provide an update for British citizens in Hungary. The UK / EU transition period has now ended. Happily, we have the Trade and Cooperation Agreement in place. This marks the beginning of a new relationship.

“For those of you resident in Hungary by 31 December 2020, your rights are protected by the Withdrawal Agreement. The Hungarian government has now opened the application window for eligible British citizens and their family members to apply for residency. You can find detailed information and the application portal on the website of the immigration authority. The process is free and simplified.

“All British citizens must apply for this new status by the end of 2021, even if you already have a registration certificate or permanent residence card. Your current documents will remain valid in the meantime. Please do take action on this. And spread the word. We will be working with the Hungarian government to get the message out too.

“Otherwise, please check our ‘Living in Hungary’ guide for further information about the end of the transition period. We recommend you check your healthcare provision, check your driving licence and check the new rules on passport validity. The ‘Living in Hungary’ guide has more information on all of these issues.

“Finally, moving onto the pandemic, I know many of you will have been affected by the ban on flights from the UK. My team is in close contact with the Hungarian authorities, and we will continue to post any updates on our Travel Advice and social media channels. Please subscribe for the latest.

“Happy New Year, everyone. I wish you all the best for 2021.”

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