Relocation

Work permit in Hungary

Residence permits for employment: the Hungarian Card, the EU Blue Card, the National Card and the standard work permit. We choose the right permit for your profession and citizenship and prepare the documents together with your employer.

types of work permits

up to 4 years

validity of the EU Blue Card

3 years

to permanent residence with the Hungarian Card

21 days

processing time at OIF

ImportantSince 6 June 2026, no new “guest worker” (vendégmunkás) permits are issued. Permits already issued can be renewed. Other work permits remain in force, but the government is reviewing the rules for hiring foreigners, so we check the current conditions before every application.

How to choose

Three questions — and you know which card is yours

For any work card you first need an employer in Hungary who is ready to hire you.

Are you a citizen of Russia, Belarus, Ukraine, Serbia, Moldova, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina or North Macedonia?

Yes → National Card. The simplest option: no degree needed, your family can join you.

Do you have a university degree in IT, engineering or natural sciences? Or are you an athlete, coach or artist?

Yes → Hungarian Card. For specialists, with family and a path to permanent residence.

Do you have a degree matching the job, a high salary, and want the right to change employers?

Yes → EU Blue Card. After a year you can move to another employer.

If none of these fit, there is the standard residence permit for employment. But it is not available for all nationalities, your family cannot join you on it and it does not lead to permanent residence. Tell us about your situation — we will find the best route, including through business or study.

Comparison

How the work cards differ

Easiest option

National Card

Nemzeti Kártya

Who it is for

Any employment

Degree required

Not required

Citizenship

Only 8 countries (see the list above)

Validity

2 years + 3 years

Family

Yes

Permanent residence after 3 years

Yes

Changing employer

Through a new application

Hungarian Card

Magyar Kártya

Who it is for

IT, engineers, scientists, sport, arts

Degree required

Yes, in the field

Citizenship

Any non-EU

Validity

3 years + renewal

Family

Yes

Permanent residence after 3 years

Yes

Changing employer

Through a new application

EU Blue Card

EU Kék Kártya

Who it is for

Highly qualified specialists

Degree required

Yes, matching the job

Citizenship

Any non-EU

Validity

2–4 years + renewal

Family

Yes

Permanent residence after 3 years

Yes

Changing employer

Yes, after 1 year

Work-based residence permit

Foglalkoztatási célú

Who it is for

Work under an employment contract

Degree required

Not required

Citizenship

Not for all countries

Validity

Up to 3 years

Family

Permanent residence after 3 years

Changing employer

Through a new application

We also handle intra-company transfers within international companies (ICT) and residence permits for directors of their own company — see the Business immigration page.

How it works

Employer first, then the residence permit

You can apply for a work permit only once a Hungarian company is ready to hire you. You cannot look for a job after receiving the permit. We work with both the employee and the employer.

A preliminary or employment contract with a Hungarian company is required
The permit is tied to the employer: changing employers requires a new application (except the Blue Card after one year)
Citizens of visa-required countries submit their first application at a consulate abroad
Work requires a tax number and a TAJ social security number — we arrange them
Renewal is only possible from within Hungary, 90 to 30 days before expiry

For employers

Hiring staff from outside the EU? We take care of the documents, correspondence with the immigration authority, tax numbers and TAJ, and the arrival and onboarding of your employees. Special price for 3 or more employees.

Pricing

Prices

Price per employee. All prices are + VAT 27%.

Hungarian Card

1 190 € + VAT

EU Blue Card

1 290 € + VAT

National Card

1 190 € + VAT

Residence permit for employment

1 190 € + VAT

Family reunification, per person

890 € + VAT

Renewal or change of employer

590 € + VAT

For employers, from 3 employees

from €990 per person + VAT

What is included

Choosing the permit type for your profession and citizenship
Checking the contract and the employer’s documents
Submission of the application
Biometrics and support at the immigration authority
Tax number, TAJ and address card
Translation of authority letters into English
Renewal reminder 3 months in advance

Paid separately: government fees, certified translations and apostille of the diploma, health insurance before starting work, rent.

Questions

Frequently asked questions

Can I come and look for a job on the spot?

No. First you need an employer in Hungary and a contract, then the residence permit application is submitted. We do not do job searches, but we will help once you have an offer.

What changed in 2026?

Since 6 June 2026, new guest worker applications are not accepted. The Hungarian Card, the EU Blue Card and the National Card remain in force, but the rules are being reviewed, so we check the conditions before every application.

Can my family join me?

With the Hungarian Card, the EU Blue Card and the National Card — yes. With the standard employment permit — no.

Does a work permit lead to permanent status?

The Hungarian Card, the Blue Card and the National Card allow you to apply for a national permanent residence card after 3 years. The standard employment permit does not give this right.

Can I change employers?

Usually this requires a new application. With the EU Blue Card you can work for another employer after a year without a new permit.

How long does it take?

The immigration authority reviews the application in 21 days, with a final decision within 70 days. Including document preparation and the consulate appointment, it usually takes 1–3 months.