Residence and work permits in Hungary

Obtaining residence and work permits in Hungary is challenging.

In may ways, Hungary is the ideal location to live and work since it is located in the heart of Europe’s Schengen Zone. This modern nation with its thriving arts and culture scene also offers an attractive low cost of living and a business climate that is friendlier than in most other EU countries. Depending on the circumstances of your immigration, you might need a residence permit or a work permit to stay here, or perhaps you need both. Let us look at the differences between residence and work permits and who needs to apply for which permit.

Understanding residence and work permits in Hungary

Residence permit

The Hungarian residence permit allows you stay in Hungary far beyond normal visitor days. You can apply for a temporary residence permit, which is valid for up to five years. After you have been living in Hungary for at least three years, you can then apply for a permanent residence permit, which allows you to live in the country indefinitely.

Work permit

A work permit allows you to, as the name implies, be employed in Hungary. Since 2014, it has been possible for expatriates to apply for a combined residence and work permit if they wish to live and work in the country. In the past, applicants needed to apply for two separate processes to obtain these two separate permits. It is however essential that you apply for the combined permit since some types of residence permits do not allow you to work in Hungary.

Options for investors

You can immigrate to Hungary as an investor, in which case you will fall under special guidelines. For a five-year, 300,000 Euro investment, you are granted expedited permanent residency for yourself, your dependents, and your parents over the age of 60. Keep in mind that if you want to pursue employment in Hungary once you are there, you will still need to apply for a work permit.

What happens after residence and work permits are granted?

The next step that follows after residence and work permits is Hungarian citizenship, which is not the same as residency. Permanent residency in Hungary grants a lot of the same benefits of citizenship, such as healthcare and free travel throughout Europe for the duration of your stay.

When you become a neutralised citizen of Hungary, it means that you should have stayed in the country for at least 8 years. You will also have to pass Hungarian constitutional studies tests and meet a few other basic requirements.

Individuals that are able to prove their Hungarian ancestry and are able to speak the Hungarian language can apply for expedited naturalization. Dependents of Hungarian citizens and those who lost their Hungarian citizenship due to time-specific emigration are also subject to shorter waiting periods when applying for citizenship.

Need some help?

If you need help determining the difference between residence and work permits in Hungary or you can decide which one you need to apply for, the team of professional immigration lawyers at Hngary.com can lend a helping hand. We can help you determine the best pathway to a new life in Hungary, so get in touch with us today to learn more about our services!