Applying for a work permit for Hungary

Applying for a long-term residence permit

If you're a third-country national and you've known all along that you plan on staying in Hungary for more than 60 or 90 days, then the best course of action would be for you to apply for a residence permit before even reaching the country. If the application is successful, this will also grant you a D-type visa, or 'single entry visa for receiving a residence permit'. The D-type visa authorises your stay for 30 days, which is as long as it takes for the process of the residence permit to be completed. If you choose to apply while in Hungary, you should do so right away at the regional directorate of Immigration and Asylum Office.

Good to know: During the application, your fingerprints and your facial likeness will be processed and stored with biometric data.

Specifics may differ based on your case, but as a general rule you'll need the completed application form, a portrait photo taken within the last three months, the identifications required and a procedural fee of 60 euros if you apply back at your home country or 18,000 HUF (55 euros) if you apply in Hungary. Provided that all goes well, the residence permit will reach you via post.

Good to know: You can apply to extend your residence permit 30 days before it expires, procuring the necessary documents. The cost for that is 10,000 HUF (30 euros).

To find out specifically which type of residence permit is for you, read below.

Residence Permit for the Purpose of Employment

This residence permit is the best option for you if you've already secured a job in Hungary or if you perform work for (or own) a non-profit organisation. You can apply for this type of permit in person, or your prospective employer can do it for you with your consent. In order for your employer to apply on your behalf, he needs to be considered a 'preferred employer' which means that they either are in a strategic partnership agreement with the Hungarian Government; plan to employ third-country nationals from a neighbouring country for professions that the Ministry of National Economy has specified; or they're implementing an investment project that would benefit national economy. If your employer does not meet the above criteria, then you need to apply for the residence permit in person.

Find out more about this type of residence permit here.

Residence Permit for the Purpose of Job-searching or Entrepreneurship

This type of permit is the right one for you, if you're already in possession of a valid residence permit for conducting research (and able to prove you have completed your research activity); if you're already in possession of a valid residence permit for studying (and can prove you have completed your studies); if the employment you're seeking corresponds to the type and level of research or studies completed.

Good to know: The procedural fee for this particular type of residence permit is 10,000 HUF (30 euros).

Find out more about this type of residence permit here

Residence Permit for the Pursuit of Gainful Activity

You should opt for that type of permit if you intend to work as a self-employed individual, own or manage a business.

Good to know: If you intend to also perform actual work in the business you own, you'll also need to apply for a residence permit for the purpose of employment (see above).

Find out more about this type of residence permit here

Residence Permit for the Purpose of Seasonal Employment

If you're coming to Hungary for seasonal work, then this type of permit is for you.