Hungary is a Central European country and a member of both the European Union and the Schengen area. It offers international professionals opportunities to build their careers and develop their skills.
Hungary joined the European Union on May 1, 2004, and the Schengen area on December 21, 2007. Nationals covered by European Economic Area free-movement rules, including EU citizens and citizens of Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein, do not need a Hungarian work visa. However, those who stay in Hungary for more than 90 days within a 180-day period must notify their residence and apply for a registration certificate by the 93rd day after entry. Their first Hungarian address is registered during that procedure. Third-country nationals generally need a purpose-specific residence permit for stays exceeding 90 days within a 180-day period.
It is understandable that foreign nationals like you may wish to move to the country for work. This article explains the main steps for third-country nationals applying for a residence permit for the purpose of employment. Hungary also has other work-related residence permit categories, so the correct route depends on your nationality, qualifications, role, and employer.
Steps to Apply for a Hungarian Work Visa
For a residence permit for the purpose of employment, the official procedural administration period is 21 days, and the authority must adopt a decision on the merits within 70 days from the date of submission. Time spent correcting missing documents or completing other procedural steps is not included in the administration period. Start the process early.
Step 1: Sign a Job Contract
Begin by obtaining a preliminary agreement on the establishment of an employment relationship or a document proving an employment relationship. These documents are accepted as proof of the purpose of residence for this permit.
Eligibility is not based only on having a job offer. Current rules may restrict eligible nationalities and occupations, and the employer generally must have a valid labor shortage. Ask the employer to confirm that the residence permit for the purpose of employment is the correct category before the application is submitted.
The employer must provide the employment documents and has immigration notification duties. Some work-related permit categories allow an employer to submit an application electronically through Enter Hungary with the worker’s written consent, but applicants should not assume that the employer files every application.
Step 2: Obtain a Work Permit from the Hungarian Labor Office
Under the current system, you generally do not obtain a separate work permit from the Hungarian Labor Office before applying. A residence permit for the purpose of employment is examined in a single application procedure that covers the right to stay in Hungary and work for a specific employer.
The applicant must show:
- The purpose of employment, usually through a preliminary agreement or a document proving an employment relationship
- Sufficient resources, accommodation in Hungary, and access to health care
- A valid passport and the conditions for return or onward travel
The immigration authority may request additional documents. Depending on the role, the application may also require evidence such as a certified translation of professional qualifications.
The residence permit for the purpose of employment may be valid for up to two years and extended for up to one additional year, but the total period cannot exceed three years from the date of first issuance.
Family reunification is not generally available to holders of, or applicants for, a residence permit for the purpose of employment. The official rules provide a limited exception for a child born in Hungary during the permit holder’s authorized stay.
Step 3: Accomplish the Visa Application Form
Complete the residence permit application form. If you submit electronically through Enter Hungary, complete the electronic form on the platform. For an in-person submission, complete and sign the paper form. The current forms and appendices are available through the National Directorate-General for Aliens Policing.
Step 4: Apply for a Visa at the Hungarian Embassy
If you are not visa-exempt, submit your first residence permit application before a Hungarian diplomatic or consular mission in your country of nationality or habitual residence. A separate visa application is not required because the residence permit application includes an application for the visa that allows you to collect the permit. Visa-exempt applicants who do not already hold a residence permit may also submit a first application in Hungary through Enter Hungary or in person before the competent regional directorate.
For a residence permit containing biometric data, your facial photograph and fingerprints will be taken. The authority may request additional documents based on your case.
Prepare the following core documents:
| WORK VISA REQUIREMENTS (HUNGARY) |
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- Completed and signed residence permit application form, or a completed electronic application
- Preliminary agreement on the establishment of an employment relationship or a document proving an employment relationship
- If applicable, an agreement between the Hungarian employer and an employer established in a third country
- Proof of sufficient resources to cover subsistence, accommodation, return or onward travel, and health care, such as employment documents, an employer or tax authority income statement, or a bank statement
- Proof of accommodation in Hungary, such as a lease agreement, a document on accommodation by courtesy, proof of ownership, proof of a paid accommodation reservation, or an employer declaration
- Proof of access to comprehensive health care services or the ability to cover the costs of health care
- Valid passport; the passport must remain valid for at least three months after the approved residence period expires
- Proof of the conditions for return or onward travel, such as valid tickets or sufficient funds to cover the travel costs
- One facial photograph
- Any role-specific documents requested, such as a certified translation of professional qualifications, where applicable
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The immigration authority may request further documents to clarify the facts of the case. Review the latest official checklist and any instructions from the competent diplomatic or consular mission before submitting your application.
Step 5: Settle the Visa Fee
Administrative fees depend on where and how you apply. The current fee for applying at a Hungarian diplomatic or consular mission for a residence permit and the visa that entitles you to collect the permit is 110 euros. For applications submitted in Hungary, the fee is HUF 39,000 for an in-person application or HUF 26,000 through Enter Hungary. The fee for an extension is HUF 26,000.
The procedural administration period is 21 days, but the authority must adopt a decision on the merits within 70 days from the date of submission. Time spent correcting deficiencies or completing other procedural steps is excluded from the administration period.
If your application submitted abroad is approved and you require a visa to enter Hungary, the competent consular officer issues a type D visa. It is valid for three months, permits one entry, and authorizes a stay of up to 30 days. The residence permit document is generally delivered by post to the delivery address stated in the application.
Do not miss an opportunity if a suitable job is available in Hungary. Because the applicable residence permit category depends on your circumstances, review the latest official rules and confirm the correct route with your employer before applying.
We hope this article on how to get a Hungarian work visa was helpful! If you’re interested in studying in Europe, make sure to check out the Study in Hungary and Available Programs in Europe for International Students!
