Citizens of non-EU/EFTA countries

What types of work permits are available in Hungary?

In order for a foreigner to enter Hungary for the purpose of work, there are several types of work permits:

• Individual work permit - for foreign nationals who want to work in Hungary for no more than 90 days within a 180-day period.
• The joint work permit - for foreign nationals who wish to work in Hungary for more than 90 days within a 180-day period.
• Residence permit - a residence permit in Hungary for up to 90 days.
• Single application procedure - for non-EEA nationals who wish to reside in Hungary for more than 90 days within a 180-day period. This type of permit can only be applied for through an employment relationship with a Hungarian employer.

In order to apply for a visa/residence permit, the following documents must be submitted, translated into Hungarian or English and legalized (although the documentation requirements may differ depending on the country of the non-EEA employee):

• Application form: which can be submitted electronically or by hand
• Valid passport
• Your passport must have been issued within the last 10 years, contain at least two blank pages and be valid for at least 3 months after the visa expiration date
• Photos.
• Passport photos taken around the time of application, color
• A letter of recommendation from a potential employer (original and copy from the government electronic portal)
• Confirmation of sufficient funds and resources
• Proof of residence
• Booking of airplane tickets
• Certificate of health insurance
• A certified copy of the current employment contract
• Confirmation of employee qualifications and experience
• Any relevant certificates, licenses, references or permissions.

How to apply for a work visa/work permit in Hungary?

Before applying for a visa/residence permit, the employer must submit a work permit application to the Labor Office within 15 days so that the unemployed Hungarian citizen can compete for the position;

A request for a work permit must be submitted within 60 days from the date of submission of the job request for which such documents are required:

• a certificate of professional qualification required to perform labor activity
• certificate/contract on working conditions
• a document confirming the name of the employer's business
• medical certificate.

Non-EEA nationals will also need to apply for a social security identification number from the National Health Insurance Fund Administration and a tax identification number from the tax authority.

What is the validity period of a work permit/visa?

A work permit is valid for two years, while a visa can be valid for one year.

Citizens of non-EU/EFTA countries

What types of work visas are available in Hungary?

• Long-stay visa (D) - for those who wish to stay in Hungary for a long time, and also acts as a pre-approved residence permit.
• Schengen work visa - this type of visa is used for short-term employment.
• Schengen Business Visa - for foreign nationals who are not EEA citizens who wish to travel to the Schengen area for temporary purposes. This visa can be used for single or multiple entries. It allows holders to stay for 90 days within a six-month period.
• Visa for seasonal employment - for foreign nationals who wish to work in agriculture, animal husbandry or fishing are eligible for this visa. It allows the applicant to work for no more than 180 days.
• EU Blue Card - a highly skilled non-EU worker residing in an EU member state can apply for this card if they have also obtained a residence permit.

To meet the qualifications, you will need:

- Proof of your higher education qualifications (university degree, transcript, etc.), or in some cases proof of at least 5 years of relevant professional experience

- Employment contract of at least one year (does not apply to self-employed workers or entrepreneurs)

- Salaries are above average compared to the average salary in Hungary (except when a lower salary threshold applies)

- Application for a long-term visa

- Required travel documents - passport, medical insurance, travel itinerary, etc.

- Proof that you have fulfilled the legal requirements to practice your profession where it is regulated;

How to get a Hungarian work visa?

For non-EEA employees to work in Hungary, they will need a long-term visa, a work permit and a residence permit. The usual procedure is to do this through a single work permit application procedure.

The documentation for obtaining a work permit depends on the type of permit applied for, but the process involves cooperation between the employer and national immigration authorities, as well as the foreign national.

The single submission procedure is specific to applications submitted by non-EEA nationals who wish to apply for employment in Hungary and have been in an employment relationship with a Hungarian employer for more than 90 days within a 180-day period.

In order to apply for a visa/residence permit, the following documents must be submitted, translated into Hungarian or English and legalized (although the documentation requirements may differ depending on the country of the non-EEA employee):

• Application form: which can be submitted electronically or by hand
• Valid passport
• Your passport must have been issued within the last 10 years, contain at least two blank pages and be valid for at least 3 months after the visa expiration date
• Photos.
• Passport photos taken around the time of application, color
• A letter of recommendation from a potential employer (original and copy from the government electronic portal)
• Confirmation of sufficient funds and resources
• Proof of residence
• Booking of airplane tickets
• Certificate of health insurance
• A certified copy of the current employment contract
• Confirmation of employee qualifications and experience
• Any relevant certificates, licenses, references or permissions.

How to apply for a work visa/work permit in Hungary?

Prior to applying for a visa/residence permit, the employer must submit a work permit application to the Labor Office within 15 days so that the unemployed Hungarian citizen can compete for the position;

A request for a work permit must be submitted within 60 days from the date of submission of the job request for which such documents are required:

• a certificate of professional qualification required to perform labor activity
• certificate/contract on working conditions
• a document confirming the name of the employer's business
• medical certificate.

How much does a work visa to Hungary cost?

Visa applicants are charged a visa fee of 60 euros. If applied for in Hungary, the administrative fee is HUF 18,000.

Non-EEA nationals will also need to apply for a social security identification number from the National Health Insurance Fund Administration and a tax identification number from the tax authority.

What is the validity period of an employment visa?

The visa can be valid for one year.

Starting a business in Hungary for a foreigner involves several key steps:

Business idea and planning:

- Develop a solid business idea and conduct market research to assess the viability of your product or service in Hungary.

- Create a comprehensive business plan that outlines your goals, target market, marketing strategies, and financial projections.

Legal structure:

- Choose a suitable legal structure for your business, such as a sole proprietorship, partnership, limited liability company (LLC), or a branch of a foreign company.

- Consult a lawyer or business advisor to understand the legal requirements and tax implications associated with each structure.

Company registration:

- Register your business with the Hungarian authorities: includes obtaining a tax number, company registration number, and social security registration.

- The registration process can be carried out through the electronic company registration system (Cégkapu) or with the help of a lawyer or notary.

Capital requirements:

- There are no minimum capital requirements for most types of businesses in Hungary, but some industries may have specific capital requirements.

- Prepare the necessary documentation to demonstrate your financial resources, such as bank statements or financial guarantees.

Business permits and licenses:

- Find out if your business needs special permits or licenses to operate legally in Hungary. This may depend on the industry and nature of your business.

- Consult with the relevant authorities or seek legal advice to ensure compliance with any specific regulations or licensing requirements.

Bank account and accounting:

- Open a bank account in Hungary to carry out financial transactions and manage your business finances.

Hiring employees:

- If your business needs employees, familiarize yourself with Hungarian labor laws and employment regulations.

- Register your employees with the relevant authorities, such as the National Tax and Customs Administration (NAV) and the National Institute of Social Security (NEAK).

Taxation and reporting:

- Learn about the Hungarian tax system and the responsibilities that are imposed on your business. This includes corporate income tax, value added tax (VAT), and social security contributions.

- Meet regular tax reporting and payment deadlines to avoid penalties and maintain a good reputation with the tax authorities.

Business support:

- Seek advice from organizations that support foreign entrepreneurs in Hungary, such as local chambers of commerce or business development agencies.

- Explore available grants, incentives, and business development programs that can help you start and grow your business.

Business visa to Hungary

In order to conduct business in Hungary, any non-EEA citizen must apply for a business visa. The required type of visa is a short-stay C visa.

The following documents are required to apply for this visa:

• An invitation letter from the Hungarian company you will visit, indicating the address and date of your visit.
• A certificate from your employer about your business trip.
• A commercial bank statement for the last 6 months.
• Proof of previous trade relations between the two companies (if any)
• An original certified copy of the company's Memorandum and Articles of Association (for joint-stock companies), its trade license (first issue and most recent renewal), and any documents of ownership or partnership.
• Expenses: the employer or partner company must indicate the coverage of expenses in the letter or invitation.

What is the validity period of a business visa?

The maximum validity of a short-term business visa C is 3 months within a 6-month period and costs 80 euros. However, the validity of this visa may vary depending on what your embassy provides you with.