If you're an EU/EFTA national, you don't need a residence permit to stay and work in Hungary, though you must obtain a registration card/certificate if staying longer than 90 days. All you need to do is register yourself at the regional office of the National Directorate-General for Aliens Policing. For third-country nationals, there are different types of residence permits depending on your situation, i.e., the reason you want to immigrate to Hungary. See below what applies in your particular case.
Be mindful of the new, strict restrictions: there is a strict quota of 35,000 annual work permits issued to third-country nationals for 2026 (down from the previous 65,000).
Applying for a long-term residence permit
If you're a third-country national and you've known all along that you plan on staying in Hungary for more than 60 or 90 days, then the best course of action would be for you to apply for a residence permit before even reaching the country. If the application is successful, this will also grant you a D-type visa, or 'single entry visa for receiving a residence permit'. The D-type visa authorises your stay for 30 days, which is as long as it takes for the process of the residence permit to be completed. If you choose to apply while in Hungary, you should do so right away at the regional office of the National Directorate-General for Aliens Policing.
Good to know: During the application, your fingerprints and your facial likeness will be processed and stored with biometric data.
Specifics may differ based on your case, but as a general rule, you'll need the completed application form, a portrait photo taken within the last three months, the identification required and a procedural fee of 110 euros if you apply back at your home country or 39,000 HUF (90 euros) if you apply in Hungary.
Good to know: Online applications via the "" platform are often discounted.
Provided that all goes well, the residence permit will reach you via post.
Good to know: You can apply to extend your residence permit 30 days before it expires, procuring the necessary documents. The cost for that is 35,000 HUF (85 euros).
To find out specifically which type of residence permit is for you, read below.
Residence Permit for the Purpose of Employment
This residence permit is the best option for you if you've already secured a job in Hungary or if you perform work for (or own) a non-profit organisation. You can apply for this type of permit in person, or your prospective employer can do it for you with your consent. In order for your employer to apply on your behalf, he needs to be considered a 'preferred employer' which means that they either are in a strategic partnership agreement with the Hungarian Government; plan to employ third-country nationals from a neighbouring country for professions that the Ministry of National Economy has specified; or they're implementing an investment project that would benefit national economy.
For this permit, you must have a confirmed job offer and the professional qualifications required to fulfill it. You will also need a valid passport, proof of accommodation and financial means, proof of health insurance (either your eligibility to be enrolled in the state system by your employer or proof of private insurance), a confirmation of means for return travel, and a document showcasing that you have paid the associated administrative fee to file the permit request. You will have to attach a passport-sized biometric photo to your application. If your employer is a strategic partner of the Hungarian government, they can file this application on your behalf - but you will still need to provide a signed consent form for them to do so. Otherwise, you will have to do it yourself.
The simple "Guest Worker" permits are now valid for a fixed period (usually 2 years) and cannot always be renewed or allow for family reunification. Ensure your work contract clarifies which specific permit type you are receiving. If your employer does not meet the above criteria, then you need to apply for the residence permit in person.
Under 2026 rules, highly qualified workers (those with university degrees working in shortage occupations like IT or Engineering) should apply for the "Hungarian Card" or "EU Blue Card," which offers better family reunification rights than the standard Guest Worker permit.
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Residence Permit for the Purpose of Seeking a Job or Starting a Business
This permit is primarily for those who are already in the country, mainly as a bridge to students wrapping up their studies. This type of permit for the purpose of job-seeking or entrepreneurship is the right one for you, if you're already in possession of a valid residence permit for conducting research (and able to prove you have completed your research activity); if you're already in possession of a valid residence permit for studying (and can prove you have completed your studies); if the employment you're seeking corresponds to the type and level of research or studies completed.
Good to know: The procedural fee for this particular type of residence permit is 39,000 HUF (95 euros).
Residence Permit for Guest Self-Employment
You should opt for this guest self-employment permit (formerly 鈥減ursuit of gainful activity鈥�) if you intend to work as a self-employed individual, own or manage a business in Hungary.
Good to know: If you intend to also perform actual work in the business you own, you'll also need to apply for a residence permit for the purpose of employment (see above). You will have to prove that the business generates enough profit to support you living in Hungary-
Residence Permit for the Purpose of Seasonal Employment
If you're coming to Hungary for seasonal work, then is for you. It is strictly for temporary work (max 6 months) in sectors like agriculture.
Getting your contributions back
Hungary operates on a territorial insurance principle, which means that the contributions you pay into the Hungarian state system are generally not refundable in a lump sum when you leave. However, if you move to a different EU/EEA country, or one Hungary has a bilateral agreement with (like the US, Canada, Australia, or India), the years you worked in Hungary will count towards your contributions there, too.
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