Work permit in Hungary
The new Hungarian immigration law (issued in 2024) offers a variety of work permit types for foreigners wishing to live and work in Hungary. Eligibility for these work permit categories is based on qualification, position, salary and nationality of the employee, and its benefits vary in terms of length, renewal options, and the availability of family unification and eventual permanent residency. If your company is considering hiring non-EU nationals, it is important to work with professionals who can navigate both the employer and the employee towards the best option.
Established in 2005, HELPERS is Hungary’s leading provider of comprehensive business and immigration services. Our team offers expert guidance, ensuring that our clients receive tailored advice on the latest immigration regulations and efficient support throughout the application procedure.
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Employing foreigners in Hungary
Our full-service packages can include:
- Initial consultation
- Preparation of all required application documents
- Submission via Enter Hungary
- Government fee
- In-person assistance with biometric data registration at the Immigration Office in Budapest
- Declaration of initial accommodation
- Support with certified Hungarian translations
- Notification of employment to authorities
- Expiry reminders for residence permit renewal
- Social Security card
- Tax card
Contact us for a quote
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Residency for Employment (Work Permit)
Our list price for a package start at 1,300 EUR (+VAT) with discounts available for bulk orders.
The basic work permit, officially called Residence Permit for the Purpose of Employment, is available to all candidates, regardless of specific qualifications. This permit is valid for 2 years and can be renewed for an additional year.
Depending on qualification, position or nationality, your employee may qualify for a more favorable residency type, entitling them to family unification, a permit with longer validity, and eventually permanent residency.
In addition, we offer a range of services to support the hiring of foreign nationals, including:
- HR Support
- Payroll Services
- Tax Advisory
- Social Security Advisory
- Labor Law Advisory
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Special work permit types
Your employee may qualify for a special residence permit based on their nationality, position, and qualifications.
Residency options include:
- Hungarian Card: Designed for employees with a university degree in IT, engineering, or natural sciences.
- EU Blue Card: Available to employees with a university degree relevant to their position.
- Intra-corporate transfer: Ideal for transferring employees to your Hungarian branch or subsidiary.
- National Card: Available for certain nationalities with no restriction on qualification, please see the full list in our detailed blog post.
Scroll down for more information.
The new Hungarian immigration law (issued in 2024) offers a variety of options for employment-based residency depending on the candidates’ qualifications, nationality and future position. If you would like to read up on the differences between the work permit categories, please click here for an informative blog post, or contact us to schedule a consultation so we can discuss the most fitting option for your employees and their families.
Stay up to date on all work permit related news by following our blog!
Working in Hungary
While EU nationals working in Hungary do not need work visas, non-EU citizens generally require a permit to work. This is true whether they are employed with a Hungarian company through a labor contract, or with their own company. The only exception is for non-EU nationals doing business in Hungary who work for their own business as directors. If the director, however, does any work in the company that is not related to management (e.g. in a one-person programming firm where the director also works as a programmer), he may need to apply for a work permit. To be absolutely sure and to avoid unpleasant surprises or delays, it is best to speak to an immigration expert.
Work permit application
The work permit application is currently done as part of the residency application through the Hungarian immigration office. The procedure must start with a valid labor contract between the applicant and a Hungarian company – it is not possible to apply for a work permit in advance and look for a job later. It’s important to plan ahead to avoid delays, so make sure you speak to us if you are planning to work in Hungary or are looking to employ a foreigner.
The new ‘Guest Worker’ permit
If you’re planning to bring a significant number of workers for a specific project, the new ‘Guest Worker’ residence permit could be an option for you. Read more about the procedure in our detailed blog post.
Contact us to learn more about the requirements and residency application process.
We offer customizable packages to suit your relocation needs, along with consultancy to find the best permit option for your staff. Our package fees start at EUR 1,300 (+VAT) with discounts available for bulk orders, initial consultation available for EUR 120 / hour ((+VAT), deductible from future package purchase.
We offer the following main permit types:
- Residence permit for the purpose of employment: Available to all candidates, regardless of specific qualifications. This permit is valid for 2 years and can be renewed for an additional year. Please note that this category does not provide eligibility for family unification or permanent residency, however, our consultants are happy to check whether your candidate is eligible for a more beneficial work permit category.
- Hungarian Card: Designed for employees with a university degree in IT, engineering, or natural sciences. This permit is valid for up to 3 years, renewable, and allows for family unification and permanent residency.
- EU Blue Card: Available to employees with a university degree relevant to their position. Valid for up to 4 years, renewable, and allows for family unification and permanent residency.
- Intra-corporate transfer (ICT): Ideal for transferring employees to your Hungarian branch or subsidiary. Valid for up to 3 years, this permit also allows family unification and can lead to permanent residency.
- National Card: Available for certain nationalities, please see the full list in our detailed blog post. For this permit there is no restriction on qualification, and it is valid for up to 2 years, renewable, and allows for family unification and permanent residency.
- Family Unification: Available for family members of the employees, with the same validity period as the employee’s residence permit.
For all permit types that allow family unification, we also handle the residency applications of the family members, separately or as part of the employee’s package. Click here to read more about family visas.
Reviews
Our clients say
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Helpers was dedicated to facilitating my case. There were several instances where I thought I would not succeed and I simply would have been lost in the maze of bureaucracy without them. The initial application submission assistance is convenient and relatively easier than doing it yourself, but the real value in this service is having a third party closer to the inside that is more fluent in the language and can help eliminate the inevitable confusion and complication. Rest assured Helpers can simplify and illuminate the path to success for you.
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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. 🤞
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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.
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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!!
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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
Can you help me find work in Hungary?
Normally we do not do job searches. Once you have found a job, we will happily handle your work permit and related paperwork.
Which work permit will I need?
Each employment-based residence permit sets out different conditions for eligibility. They cover qualifications, expected salary, and several other factors. If you need help determining which permit fits your conditions best, book a consultation with one of our experts.
Is there an open work permit in Hungary?
An open work permit means a residence permit that lets you work wherever you want, meaning you can switch jobs without applying for a new permit. Hungarian work permits are not like that, however; they are tied to the job, so switching jobs requires a new application.
The only work-based residence permit that lets you switch employers without submitting a new residency application is the EU Blue Card, but only after 1 year. Otherwise this is an option only for permanent residency holders or guest investors.
Apart from a work permit, what other papers do I need for working in Hungary?
You will need a personal tax number and social security number, so your employer can put you on payroll. You will also need a residence permit, but we will handle this jointly with the work permit application. Finally, if you are bringing along your family to Hungary, they will also need dependent visas.
Can the work permit be renewed upon expiry?
Yes, every work permit can be renewed. The application must be submitted at least 45 days before expiry, and we suggest you start gathering the relevant documents at least 3 months in advance to make sure everything will be ready for submission.
Can “old” work permits be renewed upon expiry?
The new immigration law that came into force in 2024 restructured the available work permit types. When a work permit issued according to the previous law is due for renewal, there is a chance it will no longer be available. In that case, the worker will need to choose one of the currently available residence permits, and apply for that.
How can you help me if I am looking to employ a foreign national at my company?
Whether you have a particular candidate in mind, or you regularly work with an international team, we can help you with all aspects of employment – from acquiring a work permit and resident permit for your staff member to getting their tax number and social security number, doing their payroll, or even handling their relocation and assisting their family members with their visas.
