1. Managers
Senior employees who primarily direct the management of the host entity or an important part of the organisation.
🇭🇺 Hungary
Intra-Corporate Transfer (ICT)
Corporate Employee Mobility to Hungary
← Back to Hungary
Hungary provides a dedicated residence pathway for qualifying third-country nationals who are temporarily transferred within the same company or group of companies from outside the European Union to a Hungarian host entity.
The Intra-Corporate Transfer (ICT) Residence Permit is designed primarily for multinational companies transferring managers, specialists and trainee employees to their Hungarian operations.
CETO Global Immigration Consulting & Partners assists international companies and employees in assessing ICT eligibility and coordinates the immigration process together with qualified legal and immigration professionals.
What is an Intra-Corporate Transfer?
An Intra-Corporate Transfer is the temporary transfer of a third-country national who resides outside the European Union and works for a company established outside the EU.
The employee is temporarily transferred for employment or training purposes to a Hungarian entity belonging to the same company or the same group of companies. The employee remains connected to the same company or corporate group before and during the transfer.
This pathway is designed for temporary corporate mobility and is not an ordinary permanent recruitment route. The foreign employee is transferred to Hungary for a defined period while maintaining the qualifying corporate relationship.
Who Can Qualify?
The Hungarian ICT pathway is primarily designed for three categories of employees:
2. Specialists
Employees who possess specialised knowledge essential to the company's activities, techniques, management or operations.
3. Trainee Employees
University-educated employees transferred for professional development or training within the corporate group.
Core Requirements
The employee must already have worked within the company or corporate group before the transfer. Under current Hungarian requirements, the transfer must generally be immediately preceded by at least 3 months of continuous employment.
The foreign company and Hungarian host entity must demonstrate that they belong to the same company or the same group of companies. This is fundamental to the ICT pathway; the permit cannot be used to recruit unrelated foreign employees for an ordinary Hungarian company.
3 Months Continuous Employment Required
The ICT permit is intended for transfers within a qualifying corporate group, not for first-time hires from abroad.
Documentation & Proofs
Purpose of Residence
Demonstrated through an employment contract or letter of assignment between the applicant and the non-EU company.
Evidence must show the qualifying corporate transfer and the employee's relationship with the company.
Qualifications
Managers and specialists may need to provide university education or vocational qualifications.
Trainee employees must demonstrate a university qualification.
Professional Experience
The Hungarian host entity must provide confirmation that the employee possesses the experience required for the transfer.
Financial Resources & Healthcare
The applicant must demonstrate sufficient resources to cover living expenses, accommodation, healthcare, and return or onward travel.
Healthcare access can be demonstrated through Hungarian social security coverage, international healthcare agreements, or other qualifying coverage.
- Employment Contract
- Letter of Assignment
- Bank Statements or Savings
- Employer Income Confirmation
- Tax Authority Documentation
Accommodation in Hungary
The applicant must declare a genuine Hungarian residential address. Under current procedures, a separate accommodation document is not generally required solely to support this declaration.
Application Process
Applications are generally submitted at the competent Hungarian Embassy or Consulate in the applicant's country of nationality or habitual residence.
Visa-exempt third-country nationals may generally submit the application while legally staying in Hungary.
The Hungarian employer or host entity may also submit the application electronically through the 'Enter Hungary' platform on behalf of the employee, provided written consent is given.
All applicants must personally complete the required biometric procedures (facial photograph, fingerprints, and signature).
Processing & Decisions
- 01
Administrative Period
The official procedural administration period is currently 21 days.
- 02
Decision on Merits
A decision is typically adopted within 70 days from submission, subject to procedural rules and additional document requests.
Residence Validity
Managers & Specialists
Up to 3 Years
ICT residence can be granted for a maximum total period of 3 years. This total validity includes any extensions from the first issuance.
Trainee Employees
Up to 1 Year
For trainee employees, the maximum total period is 1 year. Extensions are possible within this period, but total validity cannot exceed 1 year.
Extensions & Physical Presence
Extensions can be applied for from within Hungary through the Enter Hungary platform. The applicant must hold a valid ICT permit, continue to satisfy all requirements, and maintain the qualifying transfer.
The applicant must generally have resided in Hungary for at least 90 days within any 180-day period to qualify for an extension.
Apply 90 to 30 Days Before Expiry
EU ICT Mobility
One major advantage of the ICT framework is corporate mobility within participating EU Member States.
Short-Term Mobility
For transfers to Hungary from another EU Member State for up to 90 days.
Notification must be made via Enter Hungary no later than 5 days after starting work.
Long-Term Mobility
For transfers exceeding the short-term mobility period, a Permit for Long-Term Mobility may be required.
Applications must generally be submitted at least 20 days before long-term mobility begins.
Family Reunification
Qualifying family members of an ICT residence holder may apply for family reunification, subject to Hungarian requirements. This makes the ICT route suitable for international executives and specialists relocating with their families.
Comparison with Other Pathways
ICT vs. Normal Employment
ICT is designed for existing employees transferred within an international group. Standard residence for employment is for workers taking roles under ordinary recruitment frameworks.
ICT vs. EU Blue Card
The EU Blue Card is designed for highly qualified employment and provides a different framework for family residence, mobility, and long-term residence prospects.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can any Hungarian company use ICT to bring a foreign worker?
No. The Hungarian host entity and foreign company must belong to the same qualifying company or group of companies.
Does the employee need to work for the foreign company first?
Yes. The transfer must generally be preceded immediately by at least 3 months of continuous employment within the same company or group.
Who can be transferred under this permit?
The ICT framework primarily covers Managers, Specialists, and Trainee Employees.
How long can a manager or specialist stay?
Up to a maximum total period of 3 years.
How long can a trainee stay?
Up to a maximum total period of 1 year.
Can my family join me?
Potentially yes. Qualifying family members may apply for Family Reunification subject to the applicable requirements.
Can I use ICT to hire someone from abroad for the first time?
No. ICT is designed for existing employees transferred within the same company or corporate group.
Can an ICT holder move between EU countries?
Potentially yes. The EU ICT framework provides short-term and long-term mobility mechanisms subject to the applicable conditions.
Move International Talent Within Your Organisation
Expert Guidance for Corporate Mobility
If your international company needs to temporarily transfer managers, specialists or trainees to its Hungarian operation, CETO can assess whether the Intra-Corporate Transfer pathway is appropriate.
CETO coordinates the immigration process together with qualified legal and immigration professionals to ensure a smooth transition for your global talent.