Qualified Professionals
Specified Qualifications
Professionals holding qualifications specified under Hungarian regulations, where the position corresponds to these requirements.
🇭🇺 Hungary
Hungarian Card
Residence for Qualified Professionals in Hungary
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The Hungarian Card is a residence and employment pathway for certain qualified third-country nationals who intend to perform qualifying professional work in Hungary.
It can also be relevant for certain company owners and managing directors who perform actual professional work in addition to their management activities.
CETO Global Immigration Consulting & Partners assists international professionals and companies in assessing eligibility and coordinates the immigration process together with qualified legal and immigration professionals.
What is the Hungarian Card?
The Hungarian Card is a dedicated residence permit for qualifying professionals who wish to work in Hungary. It combines residence and employment authorization into a single procedure.
The permit may be granted to third-country nationals who intend to perform actual work for remuneration under an employment relationship, or perform actual professional work as an owner or managing director of a Hungarian company in addition to their management activities.
In qualifying cases, it also covers highly qualified professionals working in Hungary under an agreement between a foreign employer and a Hungarian employer.
Who Can Qualify?
The Hungarian Card is not a general work permit; applicants must fall within one of the recognized professional categories:
Sports Professionals
Athletes & Coaches
Professional athletes and qualifying professional sports coaches performing activities in Hungary.
Performers & Artists
Professional Performers
Individuals performing professional artistic or performance-related work.
Film Industry Specialists
Cinematography Professionals
Professionals working for filmmakers or production companies registered with the Hungarian cinematography authority.
Foreign Employer Arrangements
Highly Qualified Professionals
Qualified professionals employed in Hungary through an agreement between a foreign employer and a Hungarian employer.
Employment & Professional Evidence
Applicants generally need a preliminary employment agreement or a valid employment contract for a position that requires their specific professional qualifications.
- University Degrees and Higher-Education Diplomas
- Professional Qualifications and Certificates
- Official Recognition of Foreign Qualifications (where required)
- Evidence of specialized experience for the position
Company Owners & Managing Directors
Professional Activity Requirement
Company owners, managing directors, and executives may qualify for the Hungarian Card, but ownership or management alone is insufficient.
The applicant must perform actual professional work (e.g., as an engineer, IT specialist, or other qualified role) in addition to their management or ownership activities.
Example: An engineer who owns a Hungarian company and personally performs engineering work may qualify, whereas a passive investor would not.
Financial & Accommodation Requirements
Applicants must demonstrate sufficient resources to maintain their residence in Hungary.
Financial Resources
Lawful income or savings sufficient to cover living expenses, healthcare, and return travel.
- Employment Contract
- Bank Statements
- Tax Documentation
- Income Certificates
Suitable Accommodation
Demonstration of a legal place of residence in Hungary.
- Lease Agreement
- Property Ownership
- Courtesy Accommodation
- Employer-Provided Housing
Healthcare Coverage
Access to comprehensive healthcare services or resources to cover medical expenses in Hungary.
Application & Processing
Hungarian Card applications are processed through a Single Application Procedure, assessing both residence and employment conditions simultaneously.
- Outside Hungary: Application via Hungarian Embassy or Consulate (includes residence visa).
- Inside Hungary: Visa-exempt nationals or existing permit holders may apply via the Enter Hungary platform.
- Processing Time: The official administration period is 21 days.
- Biometrics: Requires facial photo, fingerprints, and signature specimen.
Residence Validity & Extension
The Hungarian Card can be issued for a maximum period of 3 years and may be extended for another period of up to 3 years, subject to continued eligibility.
Initial Validity Up to 3 Years
- Extension Submission: Via Enter Hungary, 90 to 30 days before expiry.
- Presence Requirement: Applicant must generally reside in Hungary for at least 90 days within any 180-day period.
- Employment Changes: Changes in employer or position must be assessed as they affect permit validity.
Family Reunification
The Hungarian Card serves as a basis for qualifying family members (spouse and minor children) to apply for family reunification in Hungary.
Long-Term Residence Prospects
Unlike some more restrictive work permits, the Hungarian Card is well-suited for long-term residence goals.
Depending on residence history, holders may eventually transition to a National Residence Card or an EU Residence Card.
Comparisons With Other Programs
vs. Guest Self-Employment
The Hungarian Card is for professional work; Guest Self-Employment is for independent economic activity and chief executives.
vs. EU Blue Card
Both are for highly qualified professionals, but the EU Blue Card has separate salary thresholds and qualification requirements defined by EU-wide rules.
Our Coordination Process
- 01
Professional Review
We assess your education and background against the Hungarian Card framework.
- 02
Eligibility Assessment
We verify if your specific profession and qualifications fall within the recognized categories.
- 03
Employment Audit
Review of the proposed employer, employment agreement, and professional position.
- 04
Strategic Planning
Comparison with other pathways like the EU Blue Card or Guest Self-Employment.
- 05
Document Coordination
Preparation of professional, financial, accommodation, and healthcare evidence.
- 06
Application Management
Coordinating the submission through the appropriate Hungarian authority.
- 07
Family Relocation
Assessing and coordinating family reunification options where applicable.
- 08
Long-Term Strategy
Reviewing future residence and long-term immigration options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Hungarian Card available to every foreign worker?
No. It is restricted to specific professional categories and qualification levels defined by Hungarian law.
Do I need a university degree?
In many cases, yes. The qualification must correspond to the requirements of the recognized professional category.
Can I qualify as a company owner?
Yes, provided you perform actual professional work for the company in addition to your ownership or management duties.
How long can the permit last?
Initially up to 3 years, with a possible 3-year extension.
Can my family join me?
Yes, qualifying family members can apply for family reunification based on your Hungarian Card.
Can I change employers?
Changes in employment conditions may affect your permit and should be assessed by immigration professionals before being finalized.
Related Hungarian Pathways
Build Your Professional Future in Hungary
Professional Immigration in Central Europe
If you are a qualified professional planning to work in Hungary, CETO can assess whether the Hungarian Card, EU Blue Card or another Hungarian immigration pathway may be appropriate for your circumstances.
CETO coordinates the process together with qualified legal and immigration professionals.