Young in Hungary
If you are a child or young person who has arrived in Hungary, you have rights and there are people who can help you. This page explains where you can get support, how to stay safe, what your rights are, and who to contact if you need help.
It does not matter whether you arrived alone or with your family. You deserve to be safe, treated with respect, and listened to. If you are worried or have questions, you do not have to deal with them alone.
Your Rights
If you are under 18, you have the right to be protected and treated with respect. You can ask for help if you feel unsafe or do not understand what is happening.
If you came to Hungary from Ukraine, you may be eligible for temporary protection. This can allow you to stay legally in Hungary and access support such as education, healthcare and employment.
You have the right to understand what is happening and ask questions. If you need help with your legal situation, documents or rights, you can ask a social worker, lawyer or support organisation.
When you turn 18, some child-specific support changes, but you can still get help with your legal situation, education, housing, healthcare, employment and other important matters.
Staying Safe
Keep your passport, residence card and other important documents in a safe place. If possible, keep a copy or photo of important documents somewhere separate.
Be careful if someone you do not know offers you work, transport, accommodation or money, especially if they ask you to keep something secret, hand over your documents or do something that makes you uncomfortable.
If something does not feel right, trust your instincts and ask for help.
If you feel unsafe, lost or worried, talk to someone you trust, such as a teacher, social worker, police officer or support organisation.
If you are in immediate danger, call 112.
Asking for help is always okay.
Violence, Exploitation & Trafficking
Some people may try to hurt, threaten or control children and young people. Exploitation can include forcing someone to work, beg, steal or commit a crime, or forcing or pressuring someone into sexual activity.
Someone may promise money, a job, transport or a place to stay and then use this to control or exploit you.
If this happens, it is not your fault, and you will not get into trouble for asking for help.
Tell someone you trust as soon as you can, such as a social worker, teacher, police officer, doctor or support organisation. There are services in Hungary that can provide free and confidential help.
If you are in immediate danger, call 112.
Guardians & Child Protection
If you are under 18 and you are in Hungary without a parent or another adult who is legally responsible for you, you can receive special child protection support.
Depending on your situation, a guardian may be appointed to help protect your rights and represent your interests. A guardian can help you understand important decisions, documents and legal procedures and make sure your views are heard.
Social workers and child protection services can also help with safe accommodation, school, healthcare and other everyday needs.
If you think you need this kind of support, tell a police officer, social worker, teacher or another trusted adult or organisation.
When you turn 18, your guardian's role and some child protection support normally end, but other services may still be available to help with housing, education, employment, healthcare and legal questions.
Temporary Protection, Residence & Family Reunification
If you fled the war in Ukraine, you may be eligible for temporary protection in Hungary. Temporary protection allows eligible people to live legally in Hungary and gives access to services such as education, healthcare and employment.
Your legal situation depends on your nationality, your circumstances in Ukraine and other factors. If you are unsure about your status or documents, ask for legal advice before making important decisions.
If members of your family are living in another country, it may be possible to reunite with them through legal procedures. The rules depend on your situation and the status of your family members.
Before moving to another country or making an important decision about your residence status, speak with a lawyer, social worker or trusted organisation. You can also look for legal and document support on Miniila.
Education & Healthcare
Children and young people from Ukraine living in Hungary can attend kindergarten and school. In Hungary, education is compulsory for children, and public kindergarten, primary school and secondary education are generally free.
Schools may also provide additional support with learning Hungarian and continuing your studies.
If you are ill or injured, you can get medical help. If you need urgent medical care, call 112.
Depending on your legal status, you may also have access to general healthcare, specialist care and mental health support.
If you feel stressed, anxious, overwhelmed or are having a difficult time, you can ask for psychological or psychosocial support.
After you turn 18, you can continue your education and may continue to have access to healthcare depending on your legal situation. If you are not sure what support you can receive, ask a social worker or support organisation.
Any questions?
Organisation responsible for this information: Terre des hommes Hungary
Website: https://tdh-europe.org/hu
Email: hun.office@tdh.org
You are not alone.
There are people and organisations in Hungary who can help you.
You have the right to ask for help.
You have the right to be heard.
You do not have to solve everything alone.