Residence permit in Hungary
The new Hungarian immigration law (issued in 2024) offers a variety of options for foreigners wishing to live, work or do business in Hungary. While this presents great opportunities for foreign nationals, it is also important to work with professionals who can navigate you towards the best option.
Established in 2005, HELPERS is Hungary’s leading provider of comprehensive business and immigration services, supporting both international and local businesses. Our expert team provides up-to-date guidance on various types of residence permits and offers comprehensive support tailored to each client’s unique situation.
-
Employing foreign nationals
We offer customizable packages to suit your relocation needs. Our service fees start at EUR 1,300* with discounts available for bulk orders.
Hungary offers several types of residency for employment depending on the candidate’s nationality position and qualifications:
- Residence permit for the purpose of employment
- Hungarian Card
- EU Blue Card
- National Card
- Intra-corporate Transfer
To find the best option for the employee as well as the employer, visit our work permit page or contact us.
Work Permit
-
Business Immigration
As of 2024 there are multiple permit types available for business owners. Based on your nationality, qualifications and activity, our consultants will help you find the best option you are eligible for.
- Guest self-employed residence permit
- National Card
- Hungarian Card
- EU Blue Card
In addition, we also offer some of these residency solutions in packages. Click here to find out more about residency through business ownership (business immigration).
Business Immigration
-
Additional services
Our expert team provides comprehensive information and assistance, taking into account the client’s individual needs and questions.
Our consultation fee is EUR 120 per hour*
The consultation fee will be credited if you order our full-service package.
We can also provide assistance with additional permit types, whether for EU or non-EU citizens staying in Hungary:
For further information, please contact us or scroll down for our price list.
Contact us
*Please note: The indicated prices are net prices. 27% VAT will be added when applicable.
It is important to stay up-to-date about recent changes to Hungarian immigration regulations, which took effect in January 2024. These new rules introduce updated residency categories and modified eligibility criteria.
To learn more about the new residency types and how they may affect you, please read our blog post.
If you’re moving to Hungary for work or business, or simply looking for a safe and inexpensive way to acquire an EU residence permit, Hungary is a great choice, with several options available to clients of all nationalities and backgrounds. You can get a temporary or permanent residence permit though employment, starting a business in Hungary, family status, and so on. To find the best option for you and your family, please schedule a consultation!
Why Hungary?
- low living and business costs
- low taxes (9% corporate tax, 15% dividend tax)
- beautiful, centrally located country in Europe
- great public safety and friendly climate
- easy business setup and immigration solutions
- visa-free travel in Europe with Hungarian residency
- company formation and residency available to all nationalities
- good international schools and English-speaking universities
With almost 20 years’ experience, Helpers is the leading provider of full-service business and immigration solutions in Hungary. We offer all types of residency from work visas and business immigration to family and student visas, investment immigration and many more. With hundreds of satisfied clients, we are confident that we can get you the working visa, permanent resident card, student visa or whatever other type of document you are looking for.
Residency for employment (Residence permit for the purpose of employment, Hungarian Card, EU Blue Card, ICT, National Card): starting from EUR 1,300* (with bulk discounts available)
Residency for business owners (guest self-employed, Hungarian Card, EU Blue Card, National Card): starting from EUR 1,300* (packages available with company formation)
Registration card and address card for EEA nationals: EUR 600*
Residence permit and address card for non-EU family member of EU citizen: EUR 1,000*
Family unification: EUR 1,000*
White Card: EUR 1,000*
National Residence Card: EUR 1,500*
*Please note: The indicated prices are net prices. 27% VAT will be added when applicable.
Reviews
What our clients say
-
We have gone through a process of approximately one year. Naturally, during this period, there were many setbacks, problems, and events such as changes in laws. However, it was enjoyable to work with a results-oriented team that constantly took action to solve the newly arising issues. Especially with individuals like Dorka, Anna, Gergö, and Hilda, who help you take different and innovative steps to quickly resolve any problem. They are a team that knows their work, goes beyond the traditional European working style, and is always ready to support you. 🌸
From the company establishment process to post-establishment matters like residence permit applications, they provide significant support in many areas. I must emphasize that when something goes wrong, instead of saying, “This is your problem,” they adopt the mindset of, “Hmm, let’s see how we can find alternative ways to solve this.” Unfortunately, I can’t say the same for everyone in the Finance department, but overall, looking at the Helpers team, I can confidently say you will be working with a positive and professional group. 👌
Most of the team has been with Helpers for many years, so they are highly experienced and knowledgeable about almost everything. Compared to other companies that provide company setup services, they may be slightly more expensive. However, their quality makes this difference seem entirely normal and justified. After working with them, you realize how this small difference in cost positively impacts you.
We sincerely thank the entire team. They are a team I would love to work with again in the future, and I will always keep their contact information saved in my phone. 🤞
-
My experience with Helpers team is excellent. During almost a year of cooperation we opened LLC company in Hungary, I received residence permit for 2 years. I have assistance in finance questions, accountancy, legal questions. All problems are solved in prompt and smart way. During this journey there were a lot of difficulties and complicated questions, plenty of request from authorities. But due to Helpers assistance actually I’m absolutely sure that any problem could be solved. They are like a part of my company. And I’m confident about this part.
I strongly recommend to establish your business in Hungary with Helpers. You will receive a pleasure from their problem-solving and communication skills. And your company will work properly for sure.
Also my special thanks to Tala Shalati, Anna Kőszegi, Norbert Tekler, Tímea Köbli and Tamara Szabó. I really appreciate that my acquaintance with Hungary began with you!
-
I was welcomed by HELPERS who understood my expectations and concerns. Even though I came to ask for information on creating my photo studio, she clearly and simply explained the different possible solutions taking into account Hungarian regulations. In short, a very pleasant conversation.
-
What can I say? Helpers really lives up to its name! Helpers is a classy organization that helps people get their business licenses in a really stress-free laid back way. I was so pleased at how easy it was to work with them and negotiate my needs. As long as you make sure they have all the information and papers that are needed to get the job done, believe me, they GET THE JOB DONE!
I was helped out mostly by Tala, Norbert and Boti. They were all friendly professionals and genuinely kind people!
They respond to emails professionally and promptly. They help and communicate with you through every step of the process and even offer tea and coffee along the way! Really, I couldn’t stress more how convenient it is for someone who doesn’t speak the language to have this sort of help. I couldn’t recommend it more to anyone who needs it!!
-
I recently had the pleasure of working with Helpers Hungary to obtain a residence permit and set up a company as a foreigner, and I couldn’t be more satisfied with their exceptional service. From start to finish, the team at Helpers Hungary demonstrated professionalism, efficiency, and a genuine commitment to helping me navigate the complex processes involved.
Their expertise and knowledge in handling residence permit applications were evident from our first interaction. They guided me through every step with clear instructions and timely updates, ensuring that I had all the necessary documents and information. The entire process was smooth and stress-free, thanks to their meticulous attention to detail and proactive approach.
Setting up a company in a foreign country can be daunting, but Helpers Hungary made it a seamless experience. They provided comprehensive support, from choosing the right business structure to handling all the legal formalities. Their local insights and understanding of the Hungarian business environment were invaluable, allowing me to make informed decisions and avoid potential pitfalls.
The team’s dedication to their clients’ success is truly commendable. They were always available to answer my questions, address my concerns, and offer practical solutions. Their friendly and approachable manner made me feel at ease throughout the entire process.
In summary, Helpers Hungary exceeded my expectations in every way. Their professionalism, expertise, and unwavering support were instrumental in helping me achieve my goals. I highly recommend Helpers Hungary to anyone seeking assistance with residence permits or business setup in Hungary. They truly did a great job, and I am incredibly grateful for their outstanding service.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ
Why immigrate to Hungary?
Hungary is part of Europe’s Schengen zone, providing easy and document-free access to numerous European nations. The cost of living in Hungary is much lower than is true in most of Europe, and a business-friendly economic climate has led to a boom, especially in the nation’s major cities. Clean and efficient, modern Hungary is an excellent place to start a business and raise a family.
Do I need a residence permit to move to Hungary?
If you are a citizen of an EEA member state, you do not need a residence permit to move to Hungary, but you need to register your stay in Hungary. If you are a third-country national, you will need a residence permit for a stay over 90 days.
Which residence permit should I choose?
There are several residency options available to third-country nationals in Hungary. Before application, you should consider your plans in Hungary, the job waiting for you, your qualifications, the intended length of your stay, and several other factors. If you need help, ask for our consultation service, and discuss your options with one of our experts.
How long does my passport need to be valid when applying for a resident permit?
Your passport must be valid at least 90 days longer than the permit you are applying for; this means that if your passport is close to expiring, you will need to renew it before we submit your residency application, otherwise your permit will only be issued up to the expiry date of your passport.
Will I be able to renew my residence permit?
If you want to extend or renew your residence permit upon expiry, an application for renewal must be submitted at least 45 days before expiry. To make sure you have all the necessary documents ready on time, it makes sense to start working on your renewal at least 3 months before the expiration date of your existing permit.
Am I eligible for residency if I buy property in Hungary?
Yes, it is possible. In 2024, Hungary introduced a new guest investor residence permit (commonly known as the golden visa), which has become the EU’s newest and most attractive investment-based immigration program. A residence permit can be obtained by purchasing residential real estate worth at least 500,000 euros. This option will be available starting January 1, 2025. You can read more about the program details here.
As director, do I have to live in Hungary full-time in order to maintain my residency?
No; it is understood that you are a businessperson and may need to travel a lot, especially if you have businesses elsewhere. However, bear in mind that the company’s activities or the proposals made in the business plan may require you to visit Hungary frequently or to spend significant amounts of time here. Please discuss this with us, in order to avoid jeopardizing your chances of renewal.
How many directors can I have in my company? Can they all get residency in Hungary?
Among the managing directors of a Hungarian company, only one can obtain a residence permit without a separate work permit if they actively participate in the company’s operations and possess the necessary qualifications or experience. For additional managing directors, a detailed justification of their presence in Hungary is required, and they may apply for a work permit or another suitable permit if the conditions are met.
Can I bring my family members to Hungary?
Family unification is available only with certain types of residency. Consult our experts to see if you and your family members will be eligible, and to see what other options you have.
People looking for a family visa or a dependent visa often mean a residence permit that allows family members to accompany the main applicant to Hungary. The best-known dependent visa procedure is called “family unification”, where the spouse and the minor (less than 18 years old) children of the applicant can apply for residency based on the residency of the main applicant received.
If I move to Hungary for a job or business, will my spouse be able to work legally here?
It is quite easy for a foreigner holding a dependant visa to find employment, and then they can simply change the dependant visa for gainful activity resident permit. Alternatively your spouse can also decide to start a small business in Hungary – we are happy to assist with either.
Is healthcare really free in Hungary?
Hungarian state health insurance provides comprehensive coverage in Hungary and basic coverage in the rest of the EU as well. This option is only available to Hungarian residents who pay for social security, so you will be eligible for state healthcare after you get your residency in Hungary. In the meantime, we can recommend you a comprehensive private health insurance plan that is not very expensive. You will also need this for your residency application.
