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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Not Sure What to Pay in Hungary? Compare fair, local salaries with our free benchmarking tool.

Requirements For a Work Permit in Hungary

Employers must meet specific criteria when applying for a work permit in Hungary. The process ensures that both the employer and employee are eligible for the permit.

• Proof of Employment: A valid job offer or employment contract specifying the job role, salary, and work conditions.
• Employee Qualifications: Documentation proving that the employee possesses the skills and qualifications required for the role.
• Labor Market Test (if applicable): In some cases, proof that no qualified Hungarian or EU candidate is available for the position.
• Valid Passport: The employee’s passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the intended duration of employment.
• Health Insurance: Proof of health insurance coverage for the duration of the stay.
• Employer’s Registration: The company must be registered and compliant with Hungarian labor laws.

Hungary Work Permit Application Process

• Step 1: Prepare Documentation: Gather all required documents, including the job offer, employee qualifications, and proof of health insurance.
• Step 2: Submit Application: The employer submits the work permit application to the relevant Hungarian immigration authority.
• Step 3: Labor Market Test: If required, demonstrate that no suitable local candidate is available for the role.
• Step 4: Application Review: Authorities process the application, verifying eligibility and documentation.
• Step 5: Approval & Issuance: Once approved, the employee receives their work permit, allowing them to work legally in Hungary.

Process for Visa Sponsorship In Hungary

Employers sponsoring a visa in Hungary must ensure they meet all legal obligations during the process. The sponsorship involves submitting an application on behalf of the employee, which includes key documents such as the employment contract, proof of the employee's qualifications, and the company’s registration details.

As a sponsor, the employer plays a crucial role in supporting the employee through the process. This includes ensuring compliance with Hungarian labor laws, assisting with documentation, and covering any fees associated with the visa application. Employers should also track the validity of the employee’s visa and work permit, managing renewals or extensions as needed to avoid any interruptions in employment.

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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Processing Time for a Work Permit Or Visa in Hungary

The typical processing time for a work permit or visa in Hungary is between 30 to 60 days. Factors such as the type of permit, the accuracy of documentation, and whether a labor market test is required can impact this timeline. Employers should plan ahead to avoid delays.

Work Permit Renewal Periods in Hungary

Work permits in Hungary are typically valid for up to two years, with the option to renew. Employers and employees should begin the renewal process at least 30 days before the permit's expiration date to avoid legal complications and disruptions to employment.

For highly skilled workers holding an EU Blue Card, the validity can extend up to four years. Renewal applications for the EU Blue Card must also be submitted well in advance, and employees must continue to meet the eligibility requirements, such as proof of ongoing employment and sufficient salary thresholds.

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.

Common Challenges and Tips for Employers Hiring 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.