Work Visa Rules & Regulations in Hungary

Rules governing the issuance of work visas to EEA citizens and other nationals working in Hungary

As of January 1, 2008, citizens of the member states of the European Economic Area (E.U. plus Norway, Lichtenstein, Switzerland and Iceland) who are in possession of the requisite qualifications for a specific job, no longer need a work permit to take up employment in Hungary. However, their prospective employers will be required to declare their employment to the Hungarian Labor Office. It must be pointed out that, to date, the definition of such ‘skilled and/or qualified’ workers remains vague, although it would appear that those who hold a third level qualification or have a trade (and accompanying documents) would probably fall into this category.

EEA citizens will still need a ‘Registration Card’ – a document which replaced their ‘Residence Permit’ in July 2007. The ‘Registration Card’ is issued for an indefinite period and will not need to be renewed – although it must be returned to the issuing authority upon repatriation. A passport or other official form of photo-identification must be carried with the Registration Card at all times as the Registration Card does not display a photograph (note: a Driver’s License is not regarded as official identification in Hungary). EEA citizens will also receive an ‘Official Address Card’ by post (needed if you wish to purchase a car), a ‘Social Security Card’ (if your social welfare contributions are being paid in Hungary) and a ‘Tax Card’.

Non-EEA citizens fall into two categories: those who need a visa to enter Hungary at all and those who can enter Hungary on a 90-day tourist visa. For those who come from a country where an entry visa is necessary (e.g. Serbia) and wish to come to Hungary to work, they must apply for a Residence Permit at the Hungarian Consulate in their country – approval will be based on their meeting the previous requirements for a Work Permit. Following this procedure they will be issued a document that states the application has been approved and will be allowed into Hungary for a period of 30 days. At the end of this period they should pick up their Residence Permit from the authorities in Budapest. The permit may be valid for a maximum of up to two years.

For foreign nationals not obliged to obtain a visa to enter Hungary, they can come on a tourist visa for up to 90 days and during this time apply for a Work Permit and Residence Permit, if required. Experts still advise obtaining the Residence Permit before entering Hungary.

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