The “National Card”: preferential residency for Russian businesspeople in Hungary

July 24, 2024

The National Card in Hungary (“Nemzeti Kártya”) is one of the best residency options currently available to third-country nationals in Hungary. It offers various benefits compared to other types of residency, and from now on it is also available to Russian nationals.

Who is eligible?

  • Limited to certain nationalities including Russian (full list here)
  • Business owners: you can set up a Hungarian company in just a few days and become eligible as a business owner
  • Employees: you can only start this process once you have a signed job offer from a Hungarian employer (pls note that we do not assist with job search)

Benefits of the National Card

The most attractive aspect of the National Card is that it offers a simplified procedure compared to the regular work permit or business visa, while it still provides:

  • Family unification: you can include your family members in your application
  • Option for permanent residency after 3 years
  • Option for a status change without travel to the home country: if you decide to apply for a different type of permit at some point, you can do so in Hungary

Under the new immigration law of 2024, these three benefits are now only available with specific permit types such as the National Card, but Russian nationals can now get Hungarian residency easier, quicker, and with much better conditions. Getting residency also removes any obstacles to opening bank accounts or making investments.

After at least 3 years, the National Card can be turned into permanent residency, which offers even more benefits. After another 8 years residing in Hungary, you can even apply for citizenship and enjoy the privileges of being an EU citizen.

Get help from the best

Helpers Hungary provides business and immigration assistance in Hungary with 20 years of experience. Whether you are interested in setting up a business, starting a new job, or bringing talent to Hungary as a Russian national, we are here to help – whether or not your plans will involve the National Card in Hungary. Take advantage of our local know-how and our committed, professional team.

Did you find this interesting? Then follow us on Facebook for other updates relevant to your plans in Hungary, or sign up for our newsletter to get a monthly digest.



Contact us

  • Privacy Policy
    In order to contact you and provide you a relevant service proposal we handle your data based on our Privacy Policy.
    I want to subscribe to the blog so I get regular updates on topics related to business immigration, citizenship application, business services and other services.
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Can my child sign their Hungarian residency application?
Can my child sign their Hungarian residency application?

Children are not fully legally competent. They cannot make certain decisions for themselves, and as a result, they cannot sign documents: you, their parent must take action on their behalf.

Read More
List of countries shortened for guest worker residency
List of countries shortened for guest worker residency

Incredible, but cutting some countries for the list of eligible countries for guest worker residency in Hungary is a good thing. How is that possible?

Read More

Archives