Hungary Work Permits & Visas: Employer Guide to Types & Sponsorship

Who Needs a Work Permit in Hungary?

Any non-European Economic Area (EEA) or non-European Union (EU) citizen who intends to work in Hungary requires a work permit. This includes employees who will engage in long-term employment contracts, temporary assignments, or project-based roles. Employers hiring international professionals from outside the EU must ensure they obtain the appropriate work permit to avoid legal complications.

Certain exceptions apply for EEA and EU nationals who have the right to live and work in Hungary without needing a permit. However, verifying the employment eligibility of each candidate is essential to avoid potential issues.

Types of Work Visas in Hungary

Hungary offers several types of work visas depending on the nature and duration of the employment. Each visa serves different purposes and is suited for different categories of international employees.

EU/EEA Free Movement

The EU/EEA Free Movement right allows citizens of the European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA), and Switzerland to enter, live, and work in Hungary without a visa or work permit. These individuals only need to register their residence if they plan to stay longer than 90 days. No labor market testing or employer sponsorship is required.

This simplified mobility framework removes immigration hurdles, enabling rapid hiring and deployment of European talent.

This is employers' fastest and lowest-cost route to onboarding candidates from within Europe. You won’t need to manage a visa process or worry about compliance with Hungary’s foreign labor quota systems.

💡Best work permit option if: You are hiring from within the EU/EEA or Switzerland and want to minimize administrative steps. Ideal for urgent hiring, short-notice projects, or companies rapidly scaling up their local operations in Hungary.

Single Permit (Combined Work and Residence Permit)

The Single Permit is Hungary’s primary route for non-EU nationals to both live and work in the country. It combines the residence permit and work authorization into one application. Valid for up to 2 years, it’s renewable and applies to most foreign hires outside of the EU/EEA.

This permit requires employer sponsorship and submission of a job contract, accommodation details, education credentials, and a medical certificate. In many cases, employers must also demonstrate that a local candidate was not available (in ohter words, perform a labor market test).

This is your default solution for long-term employment of non-EU workers. It allows you to legally onboard global talent, bring in hard-to-source skills, and support business continuity.

💡Best work permit option if: You’re hiring skilled workers from outside the EU into core roles and plan to employ them in Hungary for over 90 days. This is the most common permit for long-term, full-time foreign employees.

EU Blue Card

The EU Blue Card is a specialized residence and work permit designed for highly qualified non-EU professionals in fields like engineering, IT, science, healthcare, and finance. It allows employment and residence in Hungary for up to 4 years, and fast-tracks eligibility for permanent residency.

To qualify, candidates must have:

• A university degree or equivalent experience
• A job offer with a salary at least 1.5x the national average

The EU Blue Card helps employers compete globally for top-tier professionals. It reduces processing times and often involves less bureaucracy than the Single Permit.

💡Best work permit option if: You’re recruiting highly skilled, in-demand professionals and want to streamline their relocation. Ideal for tech companies, R&D centers, or multinationals hiring globally mobile talent.

Intra-Corporate Transfer (ICT) Permit

The ICT Permit is tailored for multinational companies transferring non-EU employees to a Hungarian branch. Eligible roles include managers, specialists, and trainees who have been employed at the home entity for at least 3–6 months prior to transfer.

This permit provides a pathway for internal mobility without requiring a local contract. It is valid for up to 3 years for managers/specialists and 1 year for trainees.

This is your best option for rotating leadership talent, aligning global projects, or upskilling junior employees through international experience.

💡Best work permit option if: You’re transferring foreign employees internally within your company structure, particularly for leadership roles, project management, or training assignments.

Seasonal Work Visa

The Seasonal Work Visa is for temporary, non-EU workers employed in Hungary for seasonal roles. This is mostly seen in sectors like agriculture, hospitality, and tourism. It’s valid for up to 6 months within any 12-month period and requires an employment contract and proof of seasonal activity.

This visa allows employers to fill labor gaps during high-demand seasons while minimizing long-term employment obligations.

This work visa is especially useful for hiring foreign workers during harvests, holiday seasons, or peak tourism months.

💡Best work permit option if: You need foreign workers for short-term, seasonal operations and don’t require long-term staffing. It’s a cost-effective way to manage labor spikes without permanent hires.

Self-Employment (Gainful Activity) Visa

The Gainful Activity Visa allows non-EU nationals to establish and run a business, freelance, or offer services in Hungary. The applicant must submit a business plan, register a legal entity or act as a sole trader, and show sufficient income or investment capital.

While this visa does not involve traditional employer sponsorship, it’s relevant when engaging contractors, freelancers, or founders residing in Hungary.

This visa opens up opportunities to work with independent foreign professionals who are legally established in Hungary but are not employees on your payroll.

💡Best work permit option if: You are collaborating with freelance developers, consultants, or founders who are operating independently within Hungary. Useful for startups, agencies, and firms hiring flexible or project-based talent.

White Card (Digital Nomad Visa)

The White Card is Hungary’s Digital Nomad Visa, aimed at remote workers employed by companies outside of Hungary. It's valid for 1 year, renewable once, and does not allow employment with a Hungarian company.

Applicants must show:

• Proof of remote employment or freelancing
• Income above a defined threshold
• No intention to work for Hungarian employers

If your company is based outside Hungary and employs fully remote staff, this visa allows team members to legally live in Hungary while continuing their remote work arrangement.

💡Best work permit option if: You employ digital nomads or remote workers who want to live in Hungary while working for your non-Hungarian entity. Ideal for global-first companies with flexible remote policies.

Guest Worker Permit

The Guest Worker Permit is a temporary employment authorization issued for non-EU nationals working in Hungary through bilateral agreements or third-party agencies. It's typically used for low- to mid-skilled roles in manufacturing, logistics, and service sectors, valid for a limited duration (usually up to 1 year).

Employers are required to partner with authorized labor brokers or recruitment firms who manage the permit process and worker logistics.

This permit helps you address labor shortages or expand your workforce quickly and cost-effectively for temporary needs.

💡Best work permit option if: You need to onboard foreign labor at scale for temporary projects or high-demand operations. Particularly useful for industrial or manufacturing settings.

Residence Permit for Family Reunification

The Residence Permit for Family Reunification allows the spouses, children, or dependent parents of non-EU nationals legally residing in Hungary to join them. While not a work visa, in many cases, adult dependents may be eligible to apply for a separate work permit after arrival.

This process is initiated by the primary permit holder, often with HR support from their employer.

Offering family reunification assistance as an employer helps improve talent retention, satisfaction, and relocation success, especially for senior or long-term employees.

💡Best work permit option if: You’re relocating key talent to Hungary and want to ensure their families are supported as part of a comprehensive relocation package.

Schengen Business Visa

The Schengen Business Visa (Short-Stay Type C) allows foreign nationals to travel to Hungary and other Schengen countries for up to 90 days within a 180-day period for non-employment purposes such as meetings, training, or contract negotiations. It does not allow paid work within Hungary.

This visa is useful for:

• Prospective employees attending interviews
• Business partners visiting company offices
• Executives conducting site visits or evaluations

This visa offers a fast, flexible solution for bringing foreign nationals into Hungary on short-term, business-related engagements.

💡Best work permit option if: You need to host international colleagues, consultants, or potential hires for temporary, non-salaried activities. Ideal for short-term business visits before or during a formal work permit process.

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Work Permit Application Process in Hungary (Step-by-step)

In Hungary, most non-EU/EEA nationals work under a single permit that combines the right to reside and work. The process is document-heavy and requires close coordination between the employer, the employee, and the Hungarian immigration authorities.

• Step 1: The employer defines the role and confirms that it meets Hungarian labor law standards, including salary, working hours, and job description. In some cases, the employer may need to demonstrate that the position cannot be filled from the local or EU/EEA labor market.
• Step 2: The employer gathers corporate documentation and drafts the employment contract or binding job offer. This typically includes company registration details, tax number, proof of lawful operation, and a contract that meets Hungarian minimum wage and sectoral requirements.
• Step 3: The employee collects personal documents required for the residence permit for the purpose of employment or EU Blue Card, such as a valid passport, CV, qualifications, proof of accommodation, and health insurance. Documents may need to be translated into Hungarian and legalized or apostilled, depending on their origin.
• Step 4: The application for the single permit is submitted, usually at the competent Hungarian consulate abroad or, in some cases, at the National Directorate-General for Aliens Policing in Hungary. The application package includes both employer and employee documents, along with the completed forms and payment of applicable fees.
• Step 5: Authorities review the application, including labor authority input on the job and salary, and immigration checks on the employee. During this period, the authorities may request additional documents or clarifications, and the employee may need to attend an interview or provide biometric data.
• Step 6: Once approved, the employee receives a visa or entry permit (if required) to travel to Hungary and collect the residence permit card. The employee can then start work in the specific role and for the specific employer indicated in the permit, and the employer must ensure registration for tax and social security purposes.

Requirements and Eligibility for a Work Permit

Eligibility for a Hungarian work permit (single permit or EU Blue Card) depends on both the employer’s status and the employee’s qualifications and role. Authorities will assess whether the employment is genuine, compliant with labor standards, and aligned with the employee’s skills.

Common requirments inlcude:

• Valid employment offer or contract: The employee must have a signed employment contract or binding job offer from a Hungarian employer that specifies job title, salary, working hours, and duration. This helps authorities confirm that the role is real and meets local labor standards.
• Employer’s lawful operation: The sponsoring company must be properly registered in Hungary, tax-compliant, and actively operating. Authorities may review company records to ensure the employer is not a shell entity or in serious non-compliance.
• Appropriate salary and working conditions: The offered salary must at least meet Hungarian minimum wage or sectoral collective agreement thresholds, and for EU Blue Card, a higher salary threshold applies. This protects the local labor market and prevents underpayment of foreign workers.
• Relevant qualifications and experience: The employee should have education, professional qualifications, or work experience that match the role. For regulated professions or highly skilled roles, diplomas or professional licenses may be required and sometimes recognized by Hungarian authorities.
• Clean immigration and criminal record (where checked): Authorities may review the applicant’s immigration history and, in some cases, request a criminal record certificate. This is to ensure public order and security are not compromised.
• Adequate accommodation and health insurance: The employee must show proof of accommodation in Hungary and health insurance coverage for the duration of stay. These requirements ensure that the individual will not become a burden on public services.

Work Permit Processing Time in Hungary

Processing times for Hungarian work permits and related residence permits can vary depending on the type of permit, the applicant’s nationality, and the workload of the authorities. Seasonal peaks and incomplete documentation can significantly extend timelines.

The typical processing time for a work permit or visa in Hungary can vary depending on whether you apply for a standard single permit, an EU Blue Card, or another residence permit for the purpose of employment. The authorities may also pause the clock if they request additional documents or clarifications. Generally, you can expect the following timelines:

• Temporary Residence or Work Permit: Around 2 to 4 months after all required documents are submitted and the application is deemed complete, though complex cases can take longer.
• Permanent Residence: Approximately 6 to 12 months or longer, depending on eligibility category, background checks, and the completeness of long-term residence documentation.
• Short-Term Business or Work Visas: Roughly 2 to 6 weeks after submission, particularly for Schengen C business visas used for meetings, negotiations, or short assignments without full local employment.

Expected Processing Timeline: Employer vs Employee

While each case is different, you can roughly map the process into weekly milestones to help plan start dates and onboarding.

• Week 1–2: Employer finalizes the role, drafts the employment contract, and gathers corporate documents; the employee starts collecting personal documents and translations.
• Week 3–4: The complete application for the single permit or EU Blue Card is submitted to the consulate or Hungarian immigration authority, and fees are paid.
• Week 5–8: Authorities conduct initial checks, may request additional information, and the employee may provide biometrics or attend an interview if required.
• Week 9–12: Many straightforward single permit applications are decided in this window, and the employee receives a visa or entry permit (if needed) and prepares to travel.
• Week 13–16: Employee arrives in Hungary, registers residence as required, collects the residence permit card, and the employer completes tax and social security registrations.

Who Does What During Hungary Work Permit Sponsorship?

• Employers are responsible for: Defining the role, ensuring it complies with Hungarian labor standards, preparing and submitting or supporting the work permit and residence permit application, paying applicable government fees where agreed, and registering the employee for tax and social security. They must also monitor permit validity, initiate renewals in good time, and maintain ongoing compliance with labor and immigration rules.
• Employee is responsible for: Providing accurate personal information and supporting documents, arranging translations and legalizations where needed, and attending any required interviews or biometric appointments. They must also maintain a valid passport and health insurance, comply with the specific terms of the permit (such as employer, role, and location), and keep their address and personal details up to date with the authorities.

Work Permit Renewal Periods in Hungary

In Hungary, single permits and residence permits for the purpose of employment are typically granted for up to the length of the employment contract, often one to three years, and can be renewed if the employment relationship continues. Renewal applications generally need to be filed before the current permit expires, and it is prudent to start the process several months in advance to avoid gaps in status.

Practice may vary depending on the region and the specific permit type, so employers and employees should always check current guidance from the National Directorate-General for Aliens Policing or consult local counsel. Setting internal reminders 6–9 months before expiry, keeping employment contracts and payroll records up to date, and ensuring tax and social security compliance will help smooth the renewal process and reduce the risk of delays.

What Are the Fees for a Work Permit or Visa in Hungary?

The fees associated with work permits and visas vary based on the type of permit.

Note: The above fees reflect government fees for work permits and visas in Hungary, and is not associated with Playroll's fees for visa support services. Please contact our team for detailed information on our visa support services.

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Visa Requirements For Digital Nomads in Hungary

Hungary offers a "White Card" for digital nomads, allowing remote workers to stay in the country for up to one year, with the possibility of extension.

• Valid Passport: Must be valid for the entire stay.
• Proof of Remote Employment: Evidence that the applicant works for a non-Hungarian company or runs a remote business.
• Sufficient Funds: Proof of income that meets the minimum requirement.
• Health Insurance: Coverage for the duration of stay.

Employer Compliance & Obligations in Hungary

Employers may encounter several challenges when hiring international employees in Hungary.

• Labor Market Test: Meeting the requirement to prove no local candidates are available can delay the process.
• Bureaucratic Complexity: Navigating Hungary’s immigration system can be complex; partnering with legal experts can help.
• Processing Delays: Permit processing times may vary; plan for potential delays.

Hire Global employees without hassle with an EOR solution

Expanding your workforce across international borders is an exciting step, but it can be a logistical nightmare to hire and pay employees in different countries. That’s the advantage of using a trusted Employer of Record like Playroll. They can:

• Handle your international payroll: An EOR will act as your payroll provider, paying your employees on your behalf in the local currency. The company will also have in-depth knowledge of local tax codes, regulatory practices, and everything else that goes into managing global payroll.
• Alleviate compliance concerns: Different countries each have their own federal and local laws governing employee payments. An EOR helps ensure that you are compliant with the unique set of laws for any country in which your company operates. This is extremely important since a compliance slip-up can result in heavy fines or even a lawsuit.
• Hire and pay international contractors: Sometimes a particular project or role doesn’t require hiring a full-time employee. An EOR gives employers the flexibility to also hire contractors as needed, and avoid the potential for misclassification under local labor law.