Work Permits for Hungary

Nationals of countries that are members of the European Economic Area (EEA) and the European Union (EU) may work in other member states, like Hungary, with only a passport, so no visa or work permit is necessary.

Unfortunately, expats from countries that are not members of these organisations are not as lucky and will have to deal with the paperwork required to secure a work permit in Hungary.

Types of work permits in Hungary

Hungary’s 2024 immigration reforms created eight distinct work permit categories, each available to applicants with different qualifications, nationalities, and employment situations. Below, we list the categories most popular with expats.

Employment Purpose Residence Permit

This basic work permit option is now severely limited. Only nationals from Armenia, Georgia, and the Philippines can apply for new permits, although existing holders can still renew theirs. The permit offers two-year validity with one additional year of renewal possible, but doesn’t provide family reunification rights or count towards permanent residency.

Hungarian Card

The Hungarian Card targets highly qualified workers with university degrees in IT, engineering, or natural sciences. It’s a three-year permit that allows family reunification and counts towards permanent residency after three years. It is tied to your specific employer, so changing jobs requires a new application. Professional sportspeople, coaches, and film industry workers also qualify under certain conditions.

EU Blue Card

For highly skilled workers earning at least 1.5 times the national average salary, the EU Blue Card offers up to four years’ validity and a lot of flexibility. After the first year, you can change employers without applying for a new card. Family reunification is allowed, and the card counts towards permanent residency after three years. This option is particularly attractive for senior professionals.

National Card

Available to nationals from Ukraine, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia, Belarus, Moldova, Montenegro, and Russia, the National Card requires no specific qualifications.

Intra-Corporate Transfer (ICT) Permit

For managers, specialists, or trainees transferring from a non-EU parent company to its Hungarian branch, the ICT permit provides up to three years for managers and specialists, or one year for trainees. You must have worked for the parent company for at least three months before applying. This permit doesn’t offer renewal options but serves its purpose for planned corporate transfers.

Applying for a work permit in Hungary

The work permit application is submitted in cooperation with the employer, who must obtain permission from the labour office to hire a foreigner. If the employer can prove that a suitable candidate cannot be found within the EU and EEA areas or Hungary, permission is granted in the form of a labour agreement.

The work permit application hinges on the labour agreement as well as a signed employment contract. Therefore, it is not possible to apply for a work permit in advance and then look for a job at a later stage. It should also be noted that if expats wish to work for a different employer, they will usually need to apply for a new work permit.

Applicants for certain work-related permits must also provide a Certificate of Qualification – official documentation proving they have the necessary professional qualifications for their role.

Employers who are terminating foreign employees have to notify immigration authorities immediately, provide return tickets, and ensure the employee leaves Hungary within six days. Failing to meet these obligations can result in exorbitant fines.

The Hungarian work permit is usually issued within 30 to 60 days of the application’s submission, but it can take longer if the volume of applications is unusually high. The period of validity, which is two years, begins when the visa is issued.

Useful links

• National Directorate-General for Aliens and Policing
• EnterHungary Portal

Work permit requirements can change at short notice, and expats should contact their respective embassy or consulate for the latest details.