Work permits and visas in Hungary: An employer’s guide

Hiring in Hungary? Whether you’re bringing on a new team member or relocating someone from your existing workforce, you’ll need to follow the country’s immigration and work permit rules.

Understanding which type of work permit applies is key, since every worker needs the right documentation before they can legally work in Hungary. Add in local laws around immigration, tax, and employment, and things can get complicated quickly.

That’s why we’ve put together this guide. Here, you’ll find a comprehensive breakdown of work permits in Hungary, from the different options available to practical tips. So let’s jump straight in.

Why is it important to obtain the right work permit in Hungary?

If you’re hiring or relocating employees in Hungary, it’s important to stay compliant with the country’s immigration and work permit rules. Failing to do so can expose your business to financial penalties, legal risks, and even reputational damage.

To avoid complications, it's crucial to make sure that every team member has the right legal status to live and work in the country before they start, and that you seek professional advice where necessary.

See also: The complete employer’s guide to hiring in Hungary

Who needs a work permit in Hungary?

The following groups of people do not need a work or residence permit in Hungary:

• Hungarian citizens (even if they currently live abroad)
• Permanent residents
• Citizens of European Union (EU) countries
• Citizens of European Economic Area (EEA) countries (i.e., Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein)
• Citizens of Switzerland

Note that EU/EEA/Swiss workers must still obtain an EU registration certificate (Regisztrációs igazolás) within three months of entering Hungary. This is to simplify administrative processes.

All other third-country nationals must obtain a work and residence permit to work legally in Hungary.

Remote’s Relocation service can help advise on whether your employee is eligible to work in Hungary, and provide tailored guidance on visa and immigration requirements. Learn more.

What types of work permits are available in Hungary?

There are several types of work permits and residence permits available in Hungary for third-country nationals, such as:

Residence permit for employment purposes

For most foreign nationals, Hungary issues the “Residence permit for employment purposes,” also known as the single permit. This document acts as both a residence permit and a work authorization, meaning applicants do not have to apply for both separately.

Before applying, the Hungarian Government Office in your employee's country must perform a labour market test to check whether no suitable Hungarian or EU candidate is available. Some positions (e.g., shortage occupations) may bypass this requirement.

The single permit is valid for up to two years (extendable to three), but must always remain tied to your employment and the position stated in the application. If the employment relationship changes significantly, your employee will usually need to apply for a new permit.

It’s important to note that holders of the single permit are not automatically eligible for Hungary’s long-term national residence card.

Residence permit for guest workers

The residence permit for guest workers (also known as the guest worker permit) is a combined residence and work permit that lets foreign nationals live and work in Hungary only while working for you (i.e., a Hungarian employer). It’s mainly used for roles where there’s a shortage of workers, often through government-approved “preferential employers,” or temporary work agencies.

Your employee can stay and work for a set period with the guest worker permit, but it can only be extended up to a maximum of three years in total.

EU Blue Card

The EU Blue Card is a residence permit that enables third-country nationals from outside the EU to live and work in most of the 27 member states. 

It is intended for highly-skilled professionals who have degree-level qualifications, and who meet specific salary requirements; as a result, the EU Blue Card is often the best fit for senior, specialized hires. Learn more about EU Blue Cards.

National Card

The National Card is another joint work and residence permit that is suitable for hands-on senior leaders, such as founders or chief executives.

Note that if the employee’s profile is clearly “highly qualified,” it may be worth comparing this path with the EU Blue Card to see which option better supports your long-term hiring or mobility goals.

Intra-corporate transfer permit

The intra-corporate transfer (ICT) permit is designed for employees of multinational groups who are being relocated from a branch outside Hungary. It typically covers managers, specialists, and graduate trainees, allowing them to live and work in Hungary while continuing their career within the same corporate structure.

The permit is granted for a limited period of up to three years for managers and specialists, and up to one year for trainees. Extensions are possible, but the ICT route is not intended as a pathway to permanent settlement in Hungary.

Other work permits

In addition to the standard categories, Hungary offers several specialized permits for foreign nationals, such as the Hungarian Card, which is designed for professionals in high-performance, high-qualification fields (such as athletes, performers, and film professionals).

There are also specialized schemes for:

• Researchers
• Seasonal employment
• Manual labor
• Trainees
• Other national-interest or investment-related categories
  
  

How to obtain a work permit in Hungary

To acquire a work and residence permit in Hungary, you must first decide which permit is the most suitable (i.e., employment, guest worker, National Card, EU Blue Card, ICT, etc.).

Your employee will also need to gather the supporting documents for their application submission, including:

• A completed application form
• A signed employment contract (or pre-contract agreement) that outlines the employment relationship, including salary, hours, and employment activity.
• The Hungarian Government Office’s labour market test consideration.
• Proof of financial subsistence.
• Proof of accommodation in Hungary (such as a residential lease contract).
• Proof of comprehensive health insurance.
• A clean criminal record certificate.
• Proof of qualifications (if required).
• Payment of the administrative service fee.

The application must be submitted in person at your employee’s local Hungarian consulate or embassy, although they can also apply from within Hungary if they are already there legally. They must also submit biometric data.

The application itself is assessed by the Hungarian immigration authority (specifically the National Directorate-General for Aliens Policing, or OIF). According to the OIF, the administrative time limit is 21 days, and a decision should be reached within 70 days (although this is quicker in certain cases).

Once approved, your employee is issued an entry visa (with a validity period of three months), enabling them to enter Hungary and start their residence. The permit card is then posted to their address in Hungary. 

Does Hungary offer a digital nomad visa?

Yes, Hungary offers a dedicated work visa for digital nomads, known as the White Card. It enables remote employees of foreign companies who are third-country nationals (i.e., non-EU citizens) to live and work in Hungary.

The White Card is valid for up to one year, and can be extended for another year. To obtain one, your employee must earn a net salary of at least €3,000 per month, and must undergo the same application process with the immigration authority.

Note that possession of the White Card does not automatically lead to a national residence card. 

See also: Which other countries offer digital nomad visas?

How can Remote help?

To hire or relocate employees to Hungary, you’ll need to have your own local entity there. This is a process that can be complex, lengthy, and expensive.

You also need to comply with relevant immigration laws and regulations to avoid potential penalties, as well as handle payroll, benefits, and all other HR requirements.

This is where Remote’s employer of record (EOR) service can be invaluable. We act as the legal employer in Hungary on your company’s behalf, and handle onboarding, payroll, and benefits. We help ensure that you are fully compliant with all local employment and payroll tax laws, and can onboard your employee in a matter of days, too, saving you time, money, and resources.

Alternatively, if you already have an entity in Hungary, we can assist in international employee relocation with case-by-case immigration assessments, and guidance on the work visa process.

To learn more about the processes involved in relocating international employees, download Remote's Relocation Guide, or contact our Relocation team today.