Hungary Work VISA

Hungary is a part of the European Union, Its rule and regulations with respect to immigration and visa are similar to those of other EU nations. They are dynamic and keep evolving according to the economic and labor requirements of the country. Most non-EU citizens require a work permit and visa to earn an income against any work done in Hungary.

EU/ EEA Swiss citizens do not require a permit to work in Hungary. Non-EU citizens can work if they are the spouse of a Hungarian citizen.

For non-EU citizens who need a work permit to legally work in Hungary, most of the documentation needed to obtain a visa is handled by the employer directly through the immigration authorities. Documentation includes proof of qualifications, medical certificates, and work experience letters.

Students studying in Hungary may decide to work part-time while studying or in summer breaks to cover the cost of their education and living costs in Hungary. Students belonging to the EU or EEA nation or citizens of Norway, Switzerland, Iceland, and Lichtenstein can work unlimited hours provided they hold a registration card. Even for non-EU nationals rules differ for each country’s students. You can be employed while studying in Hungary if you have a residence permit for study and work. You can work 24 hours per week when your semester is active and 90 days or 66 working days in holidays and breaks. Employers in Hungary offer flexible working hours to students e.g. 4 to 6 hours/ day.

Residence permit rules for fresh graduates in Hungary

To obtain a residence permit you should be a student, or have a job, or should be operating a business of your own. A student’s visa will be valid only till the time you complete your course. It is tough to get a job or start a business immediately after you graduate. To mitigate the gap between completing graduation from a Hungarian institute and starting a gainful activity, the immigration authorities in Hungary have introduced a new type of residence permit known as the ‘study-to-work’ permit that allows international fresh graduates to stay back for 9 additional months after completing their studies. In this time, graduates can have plenty of time to search for employment or start a business. Once they get a valid job offer the interim permit can be changed to a residence permit.

Who can apply for the “study-to-work” residence permit?

All foreign students who receive a degree from any of the Hungarian higher education institutes/ universities/ colleges can apply for the study-to-work visa. However, it is a must to apply for this visa no later than 15 days before the expiry of the student’s residence permit.

If you are applying for this permit, you will need to prove to the immigration authorities that:

· You have enough funds to stay in Hungary for this period with a bank statement or show that you are a regular recipient of money sent from a foreign country

· You are searching for a job or planning to start a business

· You have taken a health insurance

· You have arranged for accommodation while you stay in Hungary

· You have resources to leave the country in case your permit is rejected

The authorities might ask you to fulfill more conditions. If a student’s study-to-work permit is denied for any reason then he is expected to depart Hungary immediately after his student visa expires. Hence, we suggest that you apply for this permit with a sufficient time margin at disposal. A foreign student at a Hungarian university who wants to stay in Hungary after graduation can apply for a residence permit after starting a new job or business.

A few other ways of going to Hungary for work and stay are:

· Residence permit for paid activity

· Schengen Business visa

· Working (Employment) Schengen visa

· EU Blue card

· Seasonal employment visa

· Residence permit for employment or other gainful activities