Hungary, situated within the EU, has been experiencing a swift urbanisation process. The nation's progress and advancement are evident in the transformation of its work culture. Nowadays, Hungary, akin to many other European cultures, stands out as an attractive career destination due to the promising prospects it offers and its excellent work-life balance.

If you aspire to build a career in Hungary, obtaining a work visa is a crucial step towards realising your objective. Continue reading as Wego provides you with information on the steps, prerequisites, and processes involved in acquiring a Hungary work visa.

Is a Hungarian Work Visa Required?

If you are a citizen of the European Union or the European Economic Area (EEA), there is no need for a work visa to work in Hungary. However, if you do not belong to these regions, you must acquire both a residence permit and a work visa (also referred to as a work permit) to legally work in Hungary.

A residence permit is essential for anyone looking to engage in employment in Hungary. There are various types of residence permits available, including:

• Residence Permit for Seasonal Employment
• Residence Permit for Pursuit of Gainful Activity
• Residence Permit for Employment
• Residence Permit for Professional Workers

Types of Work Visas in Hungary

In Hungary, there are several types of work visas available to suit your qualifications and preferences. Here are some examples of the work visas you can apply for:

Employment Visa: This is the most commonly issued work visa in Hungary, intended for individuals who have received a job offer or are employed by a Hungarian employer or company.

Private Business Visa: Tailored for individuals seeking legal authorization for self-employment or to assume the role of an executive officer in a for-profit business.

Seasonal Work Visa: Geared towards individuals planning to relocate to Hungary for seasonal employment purposes. Applicants should possess the right to free movement and residence according to Hungarian law.

Highly Qualified Professional Workers – Hungary EU Blue Card: This distinct residence permit facilitates both residence and employment in Hungary for highly skilled professional workers, making it an excellent choice for those who meet the specified criteria.

Requirements for a Hungary Work Visa

To apply for a Hungary work visa, you will need to submit a set of general documents as listed below:

• Passport: Ensure that your passport is valid for at least 3 months, issued within the last 10 years, and has at least 2 free pages.

• Visa Form: Complete and sign the visa form accurately, specifying the intended stay period. You'll need to fill out both a residence permit form and a work visa form.

• Photos: Attach 2 recent colour photos (3.5×4.5 cm) with a white background, taken within the last 6 months.

• Medical Insurance: Present valid insurance coverage or obtain a 30-day coverage of €30,000 if necessary.

For Employment or Private Business:

- Employment: Include your diploma, initial agreement, and any documents provided by your employer.

- Private Business: Provide lawyer-prepared documents in accordance with Hungarian law.

• Accommodation Details:

- If you have your own place, include ownership documents and property records from the last month.

- If you're renting, attach the rental agreement and property records from the last month.

- If you'll be staying with relatives or friends, provide an invitation letter in Hungarian, along with details about the host and guests. Include copies of the host’s residence card and property records from the last month.

• Financial Proof

- For job holders: Provide an original workplace reference and e-government work reference if applicable.

- For individual private businessmen: Submit translated company registration documents and a Ministry of Tax letter.

- For individual private entrepreneurs: Include a translated statement from the registry.

• Additional Documents

- Passport pages.

- Schengen visas from the past 3 years, if applicable.

- ID card and medical insurance.

- Flight tickets.

- Marriage certificate, if applicable.

All documents should be in A4 format, and scanned documents from Hungary are acceptable. Keep in mind that the National Directorate-General for Aliens Policing may request additional documents during the application process.

Process of Applying for a Hungary Work Visa

In most cases, your employer in Hungary will take the lead in initiating and obtaining a Hungary work visa on your behalf. Before starting the visa application process, your employer must follow specific steps, which are outlined below:

• Job Advertisement: The employer must advertise the job in the Hungarian Labor Office for a period of 15 days, allowing Hungarian nationals to apply for the position.

• Manpower Request: After the 15-day period, the employer should submit a valid manpower request to the regional labour centre branch. It's important to note that Hungary has quotas for foreign employees, and work permits for foreigners should not exceed the previous year’s average worker requests by employers.

• Work Permit Procedure: Depending on the type of work visa the employee is eligible for, the employer can choose between the general or simplified procedure for the work permit application.

• Visa Application: The employer will need the employee to complete an application form and submit it, along with the required documents, to a Hungarian embassy.

• Decision Timeframe: Expect the labour centre to make a final decision on the work permit within a period ranging from 10 to 30 days after the application submission.

• Approval and Resolution: Upon approval, the employer will receive a resolution issued by the labour centre, confirming the authorization for the work permit.

It's crucial for both the employer and employee to follow these steps diligently to ensure a smooth and successful Hungary work visa application process.

Duration of Hungary Work Visas

The validity of a Hungary work visa is contingent upon the specific type of visa you apply for. Here are some examples of work visa durations:

- Seasonal Work Visa: Typically valid for 6-12 months.

- Other Categories of Work Visas: These can vary in validity, ranging from 1 to 2 years or even up to 3 years.

If you wish to extend your employment in Hungary beyond the initial visa duration, you have the option to apply for a work permit extension. To do this, you should submit your application at least 30 days before the expiration of your current work permit, along with all the required documents. This extension process allows you to continue working legally in Hungary for an extended period.

Post-Issuance Obligations for Hungary Work Visa Holders

After being granted a Hungary work visa, several obligations must be met:

• Accommodation Registration

You are required to register your place of accommodation in Hungary within three days, using the standard registration form. This registration process should be completed at the regional directorate (branch) with jurisdiction over your specific accommodation location.

• Health Insurance Card Application

Following the issuance of your work visa, you must apply for a health insurance card, also known as the Társadalombiztosítási Azonosító Jet (TAJ Card). This card can be obtained from the local health authority in your residential area. It's important to note that there is no fee associated with this procedure.

• Employment Contract Notifications

As part of your obligations, it is necessary to inform the immigration authority responsible for your accommodation location of any changes in your work permit conditions. This includes situations such as the conclusion of your current employment relationship or when you start a new, similar contract thereafter. Such notifications must be submitted within five days of either of these events.

FAQS

Who needs a work visa to work in Hungary?

If you are not a citizen of the European Union (EU) or the European Economic Area (EEA), you will need to obtain a work visa and a residence permit to work legally in Hungary.

What are the common types of Hungary work visas?

There are various types of Hungary work visas, including employment visas, private business visas, seasonal work visas, and the Hungary EU Blue Card for highly qualified professionals.

How long is a Hungary work visa valid for?

The validity of a Hungary work visa depends on the specific type but can range from 6 months to 3 years. Seasonal work visas are typically valid for 6-12 months.

Can my employer in Hungary apply for a work visa on my behalf?

Yes, in most cases, your Hungarian employer is responsible for initiating and obtaining the work visa on your behalf.

What documents are required for a Hungary work visa application?

A5: Commonly required documents include a valid passport, visa application forms, recent photos, medical insurance, employment or business-related documents, accommodation details, financial proof, and additional documents based on your situation.

How do I extend my Hungarian work visa?

To extend your employment in Hungary beyond the initial visa duration, you can apply for a work permit extension, which should be submitted 30 days before your current permit expires.