Guide to work permits in Hungary

Hungary, with its rich cultural heritage, growing economy, and strategic location in Europe, is an attractive destination for professionals and workers worldwide. However, navigating the work permit system has become more complex due to significant immigration law changes in 2024 and further updates in 2025.

May 02, 2025

This guide provides a detailed overview of work permit options for EU and non-EU citizens, including requirements, application processes, and current regulations as of May 2025.

1. Work Permits for EU Citizens

As a member of the European Union, Hungary adheres to the principle of free movement of workers. EU citizens do not need a work permit to work in Hungary. However, if they plan to stay for more than 90 days within any 180-day period, they must register their presence with local authorities.

  • Registration Process: EU citizens register at the local mayor’s office (polgármesteri hivatal) by presenting a valid ID or passport. The process is quick, typically taking a few days.

  • Additional Requirements: To work, EU citizens need a Hungarian social security number and tax number for integration into the social security and taxation systems.

2. Work Permits for Non-EU Citizens

Non-EU citizens must obtain a specific residence permit to work legally in Hungary. The 2024 immigration law introduced several work-related permit categories, each tailored to different skill levels and employment types. Below is a detailed breakdown of the main options.

a. Hungarian Card (Highly Skilled Workers)

  • Eligibility: For jobs requiring high skills and specific qualifications listed under FEOR codes (FEOR Codes).

  • Requirements:

    • Valid employment contract with a Hungarian employer.

    • Proof of qualifications matching the job.

    • Health insurance covering Hungary.

    • Proof of accommodation (e.g., rental agreement).

    • Police certificate confirming no criminal record.

  • Family Unification: Allowed, enabling spouses and minor children to join.

  • Permanent Residency: Eligible after 3 years of residence.

  • Validity: Typically 3 years, renewable.

b. EU Blue Card

  • Eligibility: For highly skilled workers earning a minimum monthly salary of HUF 773,700 (approximately EUR 1,900).

  • Requirements:

    • Employment contract meeting the salary threshold.

    • Qualifications relevant to the job.

    • Health insurance.

    • Proof of accommodation.

    • No criminal record.

  • Family Unification: Allowed.

  • Permanent Residency: Eligible after 3 years.

  • Note: After 1 year, holders can change employers without reapplying.

  • Validity: 1–4 years, depending on the contract, renewable.

c. Guest Worker Permit

  • Eligibility: For lower-skilled jobs with preferential employers or qualified temporary work agencies.

  • Nationality Restrictions: As of January 15, 2025, only citizens of Armenia, Georgia, and the Philippines are eligible (Guest Worker Update).

  • Requirements:

    • Employment contract.

    • Health insurance.

    • Proof of accommodation.

    • No criminal record.

  • Family Unification: Not allowed.

  • Permanent Residency: Not eligible.

  • Validity: Up to 3 years, with limited extensions.

d. Residence Permit for Employment Purposes

  • Eligibility: For jobs not covered by other categories, not requiring special skills.

  • Nationality Restrictions: Limited to citizens of Armenia, Georgia, and the Philippines, or countries with specific agreements with Hungary.

  • Requirements: Similar to the guest worker permit.

  • Family Unification: Not allowed.

  • Permanent Residency: Not eligible.

  • Validity: Typically tied to the employment contract, renewable.

  • Intra-corporate Transfer: For employees transferred to a Hungarian subsidiary or affiliate. Allows family unification and permanent residency after 3 years (Intra-corporate Transfer).

  • Corporate Card: For executive officers of companies with government agreements. Offers family unification and permanent residency eligibility.

  • White Card: For digital nomads working remotely for non-Hungarian companies (White Card).

f. Additional Permits

  • National Card: Available only to Serbian and Ukrainian citizens, offering favorable conditions.

  • Residence Permit for Job Seeking/Starting Business: For soon-to-graduate students at Hungarian institutions (Job Seeking Permit).

  • Residence Permit for Family Cohabitation: For spouses and minor children of Hungarian residents, not available for all permit types (Family Unification).

3. Recent Changes and Current Regulations (2025)

Hungary’s immigration system underwent a major overhaul starting January 1, 2024, with further refinements in 2025. These changes aim to address labor shortages while protecting the local workforce. Key updates include:

  • New Permit Categories: The single permit system was replaced with 24 residence permit types, including 8 for employment purposes (New Immigration Law).

  • Nationality Restrictions: As of January 1, 2025, guest worker and employment permits are limited to citizens of Armenia, Georgia, and the Philippines, with potential expansions based on agreements (Restrictions on Migrant Workers).

  • Guest Worker Quota: Capped at 35,000 for 2025, down from 65,000 in 2024 (Guest Worker Cap).

  • Cultural Exam: Starting January 1, 2025, permanent residency applicants must pass a Hungarian history and culture test in Hungarian (Fragomen Insights).

  • Application Suspension: New applications were suspended until March 1, 2024, except for permits of national interest. Permits expiring between January and February 2024 were extended to April 30, 2024.

4. Application Process

Non-EU citizens must follow a structured process to obtain a work permit:

  1. Prepare Documents:

    • Valid passport.

    • Employment contract.

    • Proof of qualifications (for skilled permits).

    • Health insurance.

    • Proof of accommodation.

    • Police certificate.

    • Passport-sized photos.

    • Application fee (varies by permit type).

  2. Submit Application:

    • Abroad: At a Hungarian embassy or consulate in the applicant’s home country.

    • In Hungary: At the National Directorate-General for Aliens Policing for those already legally present.

    • Applications are submitted via the EnterHungary portal.

  3. Processing:

    • Processing times range from several weeks to a few months, depending on the permit type and authority workload.

  4. Collect Permit:

    • Approved permits are collected in person at the submission location.

5. Where to Apply

6. Timelines

Permit validity and renewal processes vary:

Permit Type

Validity Period

Renewal

Hungarian Card

Typically 3 years

Renewable within 40 days of expiry

EU Blue Card

1–4 years, per contract

Renewable within 40 days of expiry

Guest Worker Permit

Up to 3 years

Limited extensions

Employment Purposes

Tied to contract

Renewable within 40 days of expiry

Intra-corporate Transfer

Up to 3 years, per assignment

Renewable within 40 days of expiry

  • Processing Times: Several weeks to months.

  • Entry Visa: A one-time entry visa, valid for up to 3 months, is issued to collect the residence permit in Hungary.

7. Additional Considerations

  • Health Insurance: Mandatory for all permit holders, covering medical care in Hungary.

  • Accommodation: Applicants must provide proof, such as a rental agreement or hotel booking.

  • Criminal Record: A clean police certificate is required.

  • Language Requirements: For permanent residency, a Hungarian history and culture test in Hungarian is mandatory from 2025.

  • Labor Market Test: Employers may need to prove that no Hungarian or EU citizen can fill the role, particularly for guest worker permits.

8. Resources and Further Information

Conclusion

Hungary’s work permit system offers opportunities for both EU and non-EU citizens, but recent changes have introduced complexities, particularly for non-EU applicants. EU citizens enjoy seamless access, needing only registration for extended stays. Non-EU citizens face stricter regulations, with highly skilled workers benefiting from favorable options like the Hungarian Card and EU Blue Card, while lower-skilled workers are limited by nationality restrictions and quotas. By understanding the requirements and following the application process, individuals can navigate the system successfully. Given the evolving nature of immigration laws, checking official sources or consulting experts is crucial for the latest information.