Travel to Hungary for work

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This guide is for British citizens travelling for business or other work purposes. It explains what employers, employees, or the self-employed need to do if they need a visa or permit.

This information is provided as a guide only. You must always check the exact application process and document requirements with Hungary’s embassy or immigration authorities.

Entry requirements

If you’re going to Hungary to work (or any other EU country, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein) you must make sure you meet passport and other travel requirements.

Hungary is in the Schengen area. If you’re travelling for business for up to 90 days in a 180-day period, you may be able to do some business-related activities without needing a visa or permit, such as attend business meetings. It does not matter how many countries you visit in the Schengen area. Your total stay must be no more than 90 days in every 180 days. The 180-day period keeps ‘rolling’.

If you’re staying for longer, or for other types of work, you may need a visa or permit.

The Hungarian authorities are responsible for setting and enforcing entry rules. They decide which activities need a visa or permit, or which may be exempt.

You must always check with Hungary’s embassy or immigration authorities before you travel, to make sure you meet their legal requirements.

If you’re working in more than one country, you need to check the entry rules of each country.

If you need a passport, visa or permit, you should apply well in advance of travel.

Visa and work permit documents

This guide explains the general application process for some of the visa or permit types available in Hungary. It includes a checklist of documents that you’ll usually need to include when applying.

It may not cover all scenarios so you must always check the exact application process and document requirements with Hungary’s embassy or immigration authorities.

You must also check what format the documents should be presented in, including if they must be:

translated and attested by OFFI (Hungarian Office for Translation and Attestation)
‘legalised’ (with an apostille) or notarised
originals, or if copies are acceptable
signed in ink (a wet signature), or if they can be signed electronically (an e-signature)
dated within a certain period of time, such as 30 days before you submit your application

Countries often use the terms visa, work permit and residence permit differently. For example, some may refer to a work permit as a visa.

This guide uses the same terms used in Hungary, so you know which ones to use when speaking to Hungary’s authorities.

Check if you need a visa or work permit

You do not need a visa or work permit if you’re travelling to Hungary for up to 90 days in a 180-day period for specific business-related activities. These activities can include:

attending business and sale meetings
buying goods for sale outside the country
running or attending job interviews
meeting with recruitment agencies and talent
acquisition trips, such as buying business operations, carrying out due diligence prior to purchase and pre-closing activities)
attending court as a witness
attending a trade fair, seminar convention or workshop
attending board meetings
team building activities
meeting colleagues, contractors or sellers
meeting clients or customers (including entertainment like eating at a restaurant)
fact-finding visits
touring a company facility
negotiating, signing and executing deals or contracts
attending, speaking or presenting at a conference (paid or unpaid)

Or for the following types of training:

classroom-based training
on-the-job training
shadowing someone’s job

These activities are covered by the Schengen visa waiver.

However, if you are planning to perform any paid working activities in Hungary for up to 90 days in a 180-day period, you must obtain a short-term work permit from the Hungarian Labour Office. You can start working in Hungary once this short-term work permit is issued.

Border checks

At the border, you may be asked to show:

proof of return travel, such as plane or train tickets
health insurance that covers your entire stay
proof of accommodation for your entire stay
enough money for the duration of your trip
your work permit (if applicable)

Check Hungary’s exemptions

Certain types of work and activities do not require a visa or permit because they’re exempt.

All countries have their own exemptions. What may be exempt in one country may not be in another. You should always check with the country’s authorities.

The following people may not require a visa or work permit in Hungary:

diplomats
professional sportsmen
internationally recognised artists
researchers carrying out research for accredited research bodies

After-sales technical work

You may not need a visa or work permit if you’re providing a guaranteed service under the terms of a private contract between a UK and Hungarian business. This could be:

carrying out repairs under warranty
ensuring machinery or devices are in full working condition (commissioning)
maintenance work

This only applies in exceptional circumstances. Your stay must not be more than 15 business days in a 30-day period. The 15-day limit includes any days spent in Hungary not related to this work.

EU intra-company transfer permit holders

If you have an EU intra-company transfer (EU ICT) from another country you can work in Hungary for 90 days in a 180-day period within the same group of companies. This applies to all work activities as long as you’re not on Hungary’s payroll.

All these activities are covered by the Schengen visa waiver.

Your employer must submit a notification to the Occupational Safety and Health Hungarian Labour Authority online before you start your work in Hungary.

Show proof of exemption

You need to be able to show proof that you’re exempt to the authorities on request. This could be:

an assignment letter
employment confirmation
a contract
proof of required qualifications, such as diploma and professional certificates

Further checks

If you’re not sure if you need a visa or permit to travel you can get advice from the Hungarian embassy.

Applying for a visa or permit

This guide outlines the steps required for each visa or permit to help you prepare, but you’ll need to check the exact rules and processes with the Hungarian embassy.

Taking your family

For the short-term permits listed in this guide your family won’t be able to get dependant visas. They may be able to join you for up to 90 days under the Schengen visa waiver rules.

There may be different rules for taking your family if you have a long-term permit. Find out about family reunification.

Short-term and long-term permits

You need a short-term work permit if you are in Hungary for up to 90 days and you are:

transferring short term to a Hungarian branch, or working on a Hungarian contract
providing short term services to a client in Hungary

You need to apply for a long-stay work permit if you’re working in Hungary for more than 90 days in a 180-day period.

Long-term permits are valid for 6 months to 4 years depending on which one you need.

You must always check the exact application process and document requirements with Hungary’s embassy or immigration authorities.

If you are a British national, you can enter Hungary without a visa and you can apply for one of the permits below.

Transferring short term to a Hungarian branch, or working on a Hungarian contract

You need a short-term work permit if you’re in Hungary for up to 90 days in a 180-day period because you’re:

transferring to the Hungarian branch of a UK-based company
working for a company in Hungary on a Hungarian contract

To qualify you must:

have the relevant professional and educational experience
stay on your UK contract and UK payroll if you’re transferring branch
have a Hungarian contract for up to 90 days and be on Hungary’s payroll if you’re working for a company in Hungary

A short-term work permit can take 2 to 6 weeks to get. It’s valid for up to 90 days and you can’t extend it. If you need a new work permit, you must submit a new application.

How it works

You need to check with Hungary’s embassy or consulate on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.

If you’re working on a Hungarian contract your employer carries out a labour market test. They have to advertise the position with the Hungarian labour office for 15 to 60 days (unless the role is exempt).
Your employer submits your permit application, annex 2 (melléklet a 445/2013. (XI. 28.) Korm. rendelethez) to the responsible Labour Office.

Application documents

Hungary’s authorities may request different documents at different stages of the visa and the short-term work permit process. Usually, they need:

completed permit application form
UK passport, valid for at least 6 months
degree or qualification certificate (with a Hungarian translation attested by OFFI)
signed employment contract with your UK employer
signed assignment agreement with your employer
organisational charts or documents showing the relationship between your UK employer and host company in Hungary
certificate of health insurance coverage in Hungary
proof you have enough money until you receive your first pay
proof of accommodation

Providing short-term services to a client in Hungary

You need to apply for a short-term work permit to provide services if your UK employer has a contract or work order with a Hungarian company.

To qualify you must:

have relevant professional and educational experience
keep your UK employment contract
stay on UK payroll

This permit can take 2 to 6 weeks to get. It’s valid for up to 90 days in a 180-day period.

How it works

You need to check with Hungary’s embassy or consulate on the exact process.

Your employer must submit your permit application, annex 2 (melléklet a 445/2013. (XI. 28.) Korm. rendelethez) to the responsible Labour Office.

Application documents

Hungary’s authorities may request different documents at different stages of the visa or Short-term work permit process. Usually, they need:

completed permit application form
UK passport, valid for at least 6 months
degree or qualification certificate
signed employment contract with your UK employer
contract or work order between your UK employer and the Hungarian company
assignment letter from your UK employer
social security cover certificate from your UK employer (certificate of coverage)
proof you have enough money
proof of accommodation

Living temporarily in Hungary as a guest worker

Seasonal employment residence permit

You need this permit if you’re living in Hungary only while doing seasonal work.

The residence permit takes 70 days to get. The permit initially lasts for 6 months, which can be extended to 1 year.

Your family cannot join you with this permit type.

After the permit expires, you must leave Hungary before applying for a new type of permit.

How it works

You need to check with Hungary’s embassy or consulate on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.

You submit the residence permit and appendix forms and your biometrics to the Hungarian consulate or embassy.
You’re issued with a long-stay visa.
Your employer notifies the Hungarian immigration office online within 5 days of you starting work.
You collect your residence permit when you get to Hungary.

Application documents

Hungary’s authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:

completed permit application forms
UK passport, valid for at least 6 months
degree or qualification certificate (with a Hungarian translation attested by OFFI)
preliminary agreement or employment contract
proof of accommodation
certificate of health insurance cover for Hungary
proof you have enough money until you receive your first pay

Residence permit for investment implementation

The investment residence permit is for those who are employed to implement a local investment in Hungary.

To qualify, the employer will have support from the foreign economic affairs governmental department or prior approval for group employment of guest workers.

This permit takes 70 days to get and lasts a maximum of 3 years.

Your family cannot join you with this permit type.

After the permit expires, you must leave Hungary before applying for a new type of permit.

How it works

You need to check with Hungary’s embassy or consulate on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.

You submit the residence permit and appendix forms and your biometrics to the Hungarian consulate or embassy.
You’re issued with a long-stay visa.
Your employer notifies the Hungarian immigration office online within 5 days of you starting work.
You collect your residence permit when you get to Hungary.

Application documents

Hungary’s authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:

UK passport, valid for at least 6 months
filled application form with related appendix form
preliminary agreement or proof of employment
proof of accommodation
certificate of health insurance cover for Hungary

Residence permit for the purpose of employment

You need a residence permit for the purpose of employment if you want to perform work in Hungary as an employee.

It can also be for those employed outside of Hungary, but fulfilling an agreement their employer has with a Hungarian employer – in this case the Hungarian employer is considered to be the individual’s employer.

This permit takes 70 days to get. It initially lasts two years, which can be extended to three years.

Your family cannot join you with this permit type.

After the permit expires, you must leave Hungary before applying for a new type of permit.

How it works

You need to check with Hungary’s embassy or consulate on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.

You submit the residence permit and appendix forms and your biometrics to the Hungarian consulate or embassy.
You’re issued with a long-stay visa.
Your employer notifies the Hungarian immigration office online within 5 days of you starting work.
You collect your residence permit when you get to Hungary.

Application documents

Hungary’s authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:

UK passport, valid for at least 6 months
filled application form with related appendix form
preliminary agreement or proof of employment
proof of accommodation
proof of health insurance cover for Hungary

Guest worker residence permit

You need a residence permit for guest workers if you’re employed by a preferential employer or a registered qualified work agency.

Preferential employers are:

strategic partners of the government of Hungary
employers carrying out an investment of outstanding significance for the Hungarian economy
partners under the Outstanding Exporter Partnership Programme

Qualified temporary work agencies are employers registered in the Registry of qualified temporary work agencies.

The permit initially lasts two years, which can be extended to three years total. The permit takes 60 days to get.

Your family cannot join you with this permit type.

After the permit expires, you must leave Hungary before applying for a new type of permit.

How it works

You need to check with Hungary’s embassy or consulate on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.

You submit the residence permit and appendix forms and your biometrics to the Hungarian consulate or embassy.
You’re issued with a long-stay visa.
Your employer notifies the Hungarian immigration office online within 5 days of you starting work.
You collect your residence permit when you get to Hungary.

Application documents

Hungary’s authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:

UK passport, valid for at least 6 months
completed application form with related appendix form
preliminary agreement or proof of employment
proof of accommodation
proof of health insurance cover for Hungary

The permit initially lasts two years, which can be extended to three years total.

Your family cannot join you with this permit type.

After the permit expires, you must leave Hungary before applying for a new type of permit.

Highly skilled work

Hungarian Card

You need a Hungarian Card if you work in Hungary as an employee, or are an owner or managing director of a company, association, or other legal entity in Hungary.

The Hungarian Card may also be issued to third-country nationals with higher professional qualifications, who are fulfilling an agreement their employer has with a Hungarian employer.

The permit initially lasts three years, which can be extended for an additional three years occasionally. It takes 70 days to get.

The period of this permit can be included in the permanent residence permit application which may be applied for later.

Your family can join you with this permit type. Find out how to apply for a family reunification residence permit.

How it works

You need to check with Hungary’s embassy or consulate on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.

Your employer carries out a labour market test by advertising the position with the Hungarian labour office for 15 to 60 days unless the role is exempt (section 15).
You submit the residence permit and appendix forms and your biometrics to the Hungarian consulate or embassy.
You’re issued with a long-stay visa.
Your employer notifies the Hungarian immigration office online within 5 days of you starting work.
You collect your residence permit when you get to Hungary.

Application documents

Hungary’s authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:

UK passport for you and any dependants, valid for at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave
filled application form with related appendix form
preliminary agreement or valid employment contract
evidence of higher professional qualifications
proof of accommodation in Hungary
proof that you have enough money to cover expenses until you receive your first pay
marriage certificate, if married (legalised with an apostille and a Hungarian translation attested by OFFI)
birth certificates for any children (legalised with an apostille and a Hungarian translation attested by OFFI)
certificate of health insurance cover for Hungary, for you and any dependants

EU Blue Card

To qualify for an EU Blue Card you must:

have an offer of employment with a company in Hungary for at least 1 year
have a 3-year university-level degree or a masters, or have at least 5 years’ relevant work experience
earn at least 1.5 times the gross salary of a local employee working the same position

An EU Blue Card can be issued for up to 4 years maximum, but it can be extended if the employment contract is extended.

An EU Blue Card takes 70 days to get.

Your family can join you with this permit type. Find out how to apply for a family reunification residence permit.

The period of this permit can be included in the permanent residence permit application which may be applied for later.

How it works

You need to check with Hungary’s embassy or consulate and NDGA Enter Hungary on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.

Your employer carries out a labour market test by advertising the position with the Hungarian labour office for 15 to 60 days unless the role is exempt (section 15).
You submit the residence permit and appendix forms and your biometrics to the Hungarian consulate or embassy.
You’re issued with a long-stay visa.
Your employer notifies the Hungarian immigration office online within 5 days of you starting work.
You collect your residence permit when you get to Hungary.

Application documents

Hungary’s authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:

completed permit application forms
UK passport for you and any dependants, valid for at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave
original degree or other qualification certificate (with a Hungarian translation attested by OFFI)
signed employment contract with your Hungarian employer
detailed job description
proof of accommodation in Hungary
proof that you have enough money to cover expenses until you receive your first pay
marriage certificate, if married (legalised with an apostille and a Hungarian translation attested by OFFI)
birth certificates for any children (legalised with an apostille and a Hungarian translation attested by OFFI)
certificate of health insurance cover for Hungary, for you and any dependants

Intra-corporate transfer residence permit (ICT)

You need an intra-corporate transfer residence permit (ICT) if your UK-based company moves you to a branch in Hungary for:

up to 3 years
1 year if you’re a trainee

To qualify you must:

be a manager, specialist or trainee
have worked for the UK company for at least 3 months
have relevant education and professional experience
keep your UK employment contract
stay on UK payroll

An ICT takes 60 to 70 days to get. You can’t extend it beyond 3 years, or 1 year if you’re a trainee.

How it works

You need to check with Hungary’s embassy or consulate on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.

You submit the residence permit and appendix forms and your biometrics to the Hungarian consulate or embassy.
You’re issued with a long-stay visa.
Your employer notifies the Hungarian immigration office online within 5 days of you starting work.
You collect your residence permit when you get to Hungary.

Application documents

Hungary’s authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:

completed permit application forms
UK passport, valid for 6 at least months
degree or qualification certificate (with a Hungarian translation attested by OFFI)
signed employment contract with your UK employer
signed assignment agreement with your employer
organisational charts or documents showing the relationship between your UK employer and host company in Hungary
certificate of health insurance cover for Hungary
proof you have enough money until you receive your first pay
proof of accommodation in Hungary

Residence permit for research work

To qualify for a long-term permit for research work you must:

have a PhD, or a higher education qualification which gives you access to a doctoral programme
intend to carry out a research project under a hosting agreement with an accredited research organisation
have written confirmation from the research organisation that they will cover the costs of your return travel to the UK if you’re expelled from Hungary

The permit can be issued for up to 2 years with the ability to extend further.

You family can join you on this permit. Find out how to apply for a family reunification residence permit.

The period of this permit can be included in the permanent residence permit application which may be applied for later.

This permit takes 60 days to get.

How it works

You need to check with Hungary’s embassy or consulate on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.

You submit the residence permit and appendix forms and your biometrics to the Hungarian consulate or embassy.
You’re issued with a long-stay visa.
You collect your residence permit when you get to Hungary.

Application documents

Hungary’s authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:

completed permit application forms
UK passport for you and any dependants, valid for at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave
the hosting agreement concluded with the accredited research institute
proof of accommodation in Hungary
proof you have enough money until you receive your first pay
proof that you have enough money to cover expenses until you receive your first pay
marriage certificate, if married (legalised with an apostille and a Hungarian translation attested by OFFI)
birth certificates for any children (legalised with an apostille and a Hungarian translation attested by OFFI)
certificate of health insurance cover for Hungary, for you and any dependants

Digital nomads

White Card

The White Card permit is for:

those employed outside Hungary but work from Hungary using an advanced digital technology solution
those who own a share in a non-Hungarian company with a verified profit but work from Hungary using an advanced digital technology solution

The permit is issued for 1 year, with the option to extend. This permit takes 30 days to get.

Your family cannot join you for this permit type.

How it works

Check NDGA Enter Hungary for the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.

Submit the residence permit and appendix forms and your biometrics to the Hungarian consulate or embassy.
You are issued with a long-stay visa.
You collect your residence permit.

Application documents

Hungary’s authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:

completed permit application forms
proof of accommodation in Hungary
proof that you have enough savings to cover expenses until you receive your first salary
certificate of health insurance cover for Hungary

You also need a certified statement from the employer stating:

the scope of the employer’s activities
the provision on remote, electronic work and its authorised duration
the duties and the position of the applicant
proof of the real and actual operation of the employer

If you run a company with proven profits from Hungary, you need a document stating:

the real and actual operation of the company
the job title and position held by the applicant in the company
the scope of the company’s activities
ownership of shares in the company

Self-employed work

Guest self employment residence permit

You need to apply for a guest self-employment residence permit if you want to carry out self-employed work.

You qualify if you work as:

a self-employed person
the executive officer of a for-profit business, or other legal organisation

This residence permit takes 21 days to get. It’s valid for one year and can be extended for two years to a maximum three years.

The period of this permit can be included in the permanent residence permit application, which you can apply for later.

Dependants can join you after one year.

How it works

You need to check with Hungary’s embassy or consulate on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.

You submit the residence permit, and appendix forms  and your biometrics to the Hungarian consulate or embassy.
You’re issued with a long-stay visa.
Your employer notifies the Hungarian immigration office online within 5 days of you starting work.
You collect your residence permit when you get to Hungary.

Application documents

Hungary’s authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:

completed application forms
proof of purpose of stay, such as a business plan, primary farmer’s card or private entrepreneur’s licence
proof of accommodation in Hungary
proof that you have enough money to cover expenses until you receive your first pay
certificate of health insurance cover for Hungary, for you and any family member
a contract for works, agency contracts, agreements, contracts for sales and purchases
proof the company has been employing at least 5 Hungarian citizens or EEA citizen full-time for at least 6 months without interruption
proof the company generates enough income to provide a livelihood for the managing director
a certificate from the tax authority stating that the annual income from self-employment exceeds the current minimum wage 24 times
a certificate stating that you do not owe any taxes or contributions
a marriage certificate, if married (legalised with an apostille and a Hungarian translation attested by OFFI)
birth certificates for any children (legalised with an apostille and a Hungarian translation attested by OFFI)

Hungarian government guidance

Read official Hungarian government information on visas, work permits and residence.

Check for travel changes

European governments may update or change their rules without notice.

You should always check general travel advice for Hungary, for updates on issues such as safety and security, entry requirements and travel warnings before travelling, or planning to travel.

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Travel to Hungary for work

Entry requirements

Visa and work permit documents

Check if you need a visa or work permit

Border checks

Check Hungary’s exemptions

After-sales technical work

EU intra-company transfer permit holders

Show proof of exemption

Further checks

Applying for a visa or permit

Taking your family

Short-term and long-term permits

Transferring short term to a Hungarian branch, or working on a Hungarian contract

How it works

Application documents

Providing short-term services to a client in Hungary

How it works

Application documents

Living temporarily in Hungary as a guest worker

Seasonal employment residence permit

How it works

Application documents

Residence permit for investment implementation

How it works

Application documents

Residence permit for the purpose of employment

How it works

Application documents

Guest worker residence permit

How it works

Application documents

Highly skilled work

Hungarian Card

How it works

Application documents

EU Blue Card

How it works

Application documents

Intra-corporate transfer residence permit (ICT)

How it works

Application documents

Residence permit for research work

How it works

Application documents

Digital nomads

White Card

How it works

Application documents

Self-employed work

Guest self employment residence permit

How it works

Application documents

Hungarian government guidance

Check for travel changes

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