Highly Qualified Employment in Hungary
The EU Blue Card is a residence and employment permit for highly qualified third-country nationals who intend to perform highly qualified employment in Hungary.
It is particularly relevant for university-educated professionals and certain experienced ICT professionals who have received a qualifying employment opportunity in Hungary.
CETO Global Immigration Consulting & Partners assists international professionals and employers in assessing eligibility and coordinates the immigration process together with qualified legal and immigration professionals.
The EU Blue Card allows a qualifying third-country national to legally reside in Hungary, perform highly qualified employment, and relocate with eligible family members.
It provides specific advantages including EU Blue Card mobility rules and a pathway toward building long-term EU residence.
Applicants must satisfy professional qualification, employment, and salary requirements.
The applicant must generally possess the higher-education or professional qualification required for the proposed position.
For certain ICT managers and specialists, 3 years of relevant professional experience acquired during the 7 years before the application may be recognised as a high-level professional qualification.
A valid employment contract or a preliminary agreement for highly qualified employment is required.
The employment relationship must be for a fixed period of at least 6 months.
HUF 1,001,048 per month
The applicant must receive at least the minimum remuneration applicable to the Hungarian EU Blue Card.
This general threshold must be satisfied for both issuance and extension of the permit.
HUF 800,838 per month
A reduced salary threshold applies to certain specified healthcare professions, including general practitioners, pharmacists, optometrists, and tertiary-education nursing professionals.
Evidence of professional qualifications is central to the application. Depending on the profession, this includes university degrees, professional certificates, or evidence of relevant ICT experience.
Applicants must also demonstrate sufficient financial resources, which can be proven through the employment contract, employer income documentation, or bank statements.
Applicants not entitled to visa-free entry generally submit their application at a Hungarian Embassy or Consulate. The residence permit application includes the visa required to enter Hungary.
Visa-exempt third-country nationals legally staying in Hungary may submit an application through the Enter Hungary platform or the competent Regional Directorate.
Hungarian employers can submit the application on behalf of the employee with written consent, using the Enter Hungary electronic system.
The EU Blue Card authorises highly qualified employment. During the first year of issuance, the holder is entitled to work only within the approved highly qualified employment relationship.
Changes to employment during this first year should be assessed carefully before starting a new position.
1-Year Initial Employment Restriction
Extensions must be submitted in Hungary through the Enter Hungary platform. Applicants must continue to meet all salary and qualification requirements.
For an extension, the applicant must generally have resided in Hungary for at least 90 days within any 180-day period.
Extension applications must be submitted between 90 and 30 days before the current permit expires.
One of the major advantages of the EU Blue Card is the possibility of relocating qualifying family members under Hungarian family reunification rules.
Additionally, Blue Card holders may move between participating EU Member States under specific mobility rules. This generally applies to those who have resided as Blue Card holders in another Member State for a required period.
The EU Blue Card provides an accelerated pathway to an EU Residence Card.
Applicants may qualify if they have legally resided in Hungary for at least 2 continuous years immediately before the application and have accumulated at least 5 years of qualifying legal residence in EU Member States under Blue Card, research, or study rules.
5 Years Total EU Residence / 2 Years in Hungary
The EU Blue Card is designed for highly qualified employment with specific salary thresholds and offers EU-wide mobility. The Hungarian Card is a national pathway for specific professional categories defined by Hungarian regulations.
For qualifying professionals, the EU Blue Card offers stronger rights, including easier family reunification, intra-EU mobility, and a clearer pathway to long-term EU residence compared to the more restricted standard employment permit.
ICT managers and specialists can qualify without a degree if they have 3 years of relevant experience acquired within the 7 years preceding the application.
We review your professional background, qualifications, and the proposed Hungarian employment offer.
Your profile is assessed against salary thresholds, qualification requirements, and ICT experience rules.
We assist in preparing professional evidence, financial documents, and the employment agreement.
The application is coordinated through the Embassy, Consulate, or Enter Hungary platform as applicable.
Following approval, we assist with the relocation process and provide guidance on family reunification where needed.
Highly Qualified Professional Immigration
The EU Blue Card is the premier pathway for international professionals seeking to build a career in Hungary and the European Union.
CETO Global Immigration Consulting & Partners provides expert coordination to ensure your application meets the high standards required for this residence category.
