Hungary has become an attractive destination for jobs and business due to its strategic location in Central Europe, providing easy access to Western and Eastern markets; a skilled workforce, particularly in engineering, IT, and sciences; lower costs of living and labor compared to Western Europe; a business-friendly environment with favorable tax rates and incentives for foreign investment; a resilient and growing economy with expanding sectors like technology, automotive, and tourism; a strong emphasis on innovation supported by grants; and a rich cultural appeal that attracts expatriates, all of which create a compelling environment for job seekers and businesses looking to establish or expand operations.

Types of Work Visas in Hungary

All non-EU citizens must have a work visa and work permit to live and work in Hungary. As the employer, you’re responsible for the majority of the process, including providing documents to the immigration authorities. Some of the options include:

• Individual work permits: Foreign nationals wanting to work in Hungary for no more than 90 days over 180 days should apply for an individual work permit.
• Joint work permits: Joint work permits are for foreign nationals intending to work in Hungary for more than 90 days within 180 days.
• Residence permits: Residence permits, also known as tartózkodási engedély, permit residency for up to 90 days.
• Single application procedure: A third-country national can stay in Hungary for more than 90 days but less than 180 days through the single application procedure. This permit is based on an employment relationship with a Hungarian employer.

In addition to a work permit, your employees will need a Hungary work visa. Available visa types follow:

• Seasonal employment visa: Anyone working in agriculture, horticulture, animal husbandry, or fishing must have a work permit and a seasonal employment visa. This visa counts for both single and multiple entries and allows the applicant to work for greater than three but fewer than six months.
• EU Blue Card: Any high-skill worker from an EU member country can get an EU Blue Card as long as they also have a residence permit. They’ll need to prove 18 months of lawful stay in a member state to be eligible.
• Schengen business visa: Non-European citizens traveling to a Schengen country for short-term business purposes can get this visa for single or multiple entries. It allows holders to stay in the country for 90 days over six months.
• Working Schengen visa: Anyone traveling to Hungary for short-term employment opportunities should apply for this visa.

Hungary Work Visa Requirements

Submit the following documents to fully complete your Hungarian work visa application process:

• Valid Passport. Your passport must have a minimum of two blank pages and should be valid during the time of your application. The passport should have been issued within the last ten years.
• Hungary Work Visa Application Form. The application form depends on the type of work visa you are applying for. There are specific application forms for employment and private businesses.
• Two passport-sized photos. Attach two colored photos. The photos must follow the Schengen Visa photo requirements.
• One photo must be glued to the application, and the other must be included in the documents.
• Medical insurance. If your employee covers the medical insurance, you will have medical insurance valid for one year. The information about insurance must be included in the invitation letter from your employee.

If this information is missing, you need to provide documents proving that you have 30,000€ to cover your medical expenses.

• Proof of accommodation. Provide the following information:
  • If you have a house/apartment in Hungary, submit the relevant documents and property document issued within the last month.
  • If you are renting a place, submit the agreement with the owner and property document not older than one month.
  • If you are staying with a relative or friend, submit an invitation letter from the apartment owner in the Hungarian language and a property document issued not more than one month before.
• Financial status. All categories must submit a bank reference and statement of the last six months (with a notarized translation into English).

• Employed:

  • An original reference from the workplace.
  • Work reference indicating your monthly income.

  Self-Employed:

  • The certificate for registration of the company (VÖEN).
  • Reference from the Ministry of Tax of AR about the tax report for the last six months.
  • Documents must confirm that there are no debts and show the salary.

  For the purpose of Employment:

  • Diploma.
  • Initial employment agreement.

  For the purpose of Private Business:

  • In this case, the documents should be prepared by a lawyer in Hungary, according to the law of Hungary.
  • Copy of following documents:
    • Passport pages with your information and signature.
    • Copy of all Schengen visas received within the last three years. (if applicable)
    • ID card.
    • Schengen Travel Health Insurance.
    • Flight Ticket.
    • Copy of marriage certificate with notarized translation into English. (if applicable)

  NOTE: Your employee should prepare the other documents according to the law of Hungary.

Applying for a Hungary Work Visa

To apply for a Hungary work visa, you must follow the following instructions:

1. Get a job offer. Before starting the process of application, you must have a job offer or contract with a Hungarian company.
2. Fill out the application form. Choose the type of visa application form depending on the purpose of your travel.
   • For employment, fill out this application form.
   • For private business, fill out this application form.
   • For seasonal work, fill out this application form.
3. Complete the document checklist. Enclose all the required documents from the checklist below to your application form and prepare them for submission.
4. Submit the application. Submit the application together with the documents to the Embassy of Hungary.
5. Wait for an answer. Check your email to see if you have received a notification on your visa application status.

Comprehensive Guide to Applying for a Hungary Schengen Visa

Hungary Work Visa Processing Time

The Migration Department of Hungary will take up to three months or longer to process your work visa application. Once your visa is approved, you must provide a resolution specifying the information of the employer who is hiring the foreign national, workplace details, job description, work activities, and employment terms.

After You Enter Hungary

After being granted a work visa and work permit, third-country nationals must complete some obligations.

1. You should register your place of accommodation in Hungary using the standard form within three days. The register can be done at the regional directorate (branch) of jurisdiction by referencing your accommodation location. You can find the accommodation registration form for third-country nationals here.
   *A residence card is issued to EEA citizens, however, if you are a third-country national accompanying an EEA national or joining an EEA national in Hungary, you can get a residence card as well.
2. Once you have your work permit, you can apply for your health insurance card. A health insurance card (Társadalomizosítási Azonosító Jet or TAJ Card) can be obtained at the local health authority in your residential area. You will not be charged a fee for this procedure.
3. Lastly, you must notify the immigration authority responsible for the place where your accommodation is located about the termination of your contract for the employment relationship or entering into another similar contract subsequently, within five days from the date of commencement and termination of such contracts.