Hungary National Card

Coordination and legal facilitation for bilateral agreement country nationals. We connect you with a licensed Hungarian immigration attorney who handles your National Card application from start to finish.

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What Is the National Card?

The National Card is a Hungarian residence permit for third-country nationals from bilateral agreement countries who want to work in Hungary. It covers both employment (working for a Hungarian employer) and business ownership (running a Hungarian company).

It allows you to:

Legally live and work in Hungary for up to 2 years
Work for a Hungarian employer under an employment contract
Run a Hungarian business as owner or chief executive
Extend your stay for up to 3 additional years at a time

Good to know

The National Card is available only to nationals of countries covered by a specific Government Decree (bilateral agreement countries). Your attorney will confirm whether your nationality qualifies during the consultation.

Which nationalities are eligible?

The National Card is open to citizens of eight countries that hold a bilateral agreement with Hungary. As of 2026 these are:

Serbia
Ukraine
Belarus
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Moldova
Montenegro
North Macedonia
Russia

The list was expanded from Serbia and Ukraine in 2024, and eligibility can change, so it is worth confirming your country is still included before you apply. If you are not from one of these countries, a different residence permit is usually the right route, and we can help you find it.

Who This Is For

Employees

Third-country nationals with a job offer or employment contract from a Hungarian employer
Workers being hired through a temporary work agency in Hungary
Professionals relocating to Hungary for an employment-based role

Business Owners

Owners or chief executives of Hungarian-registered companies
Entrepreneurs performing actual work through their Hungarian business
Cooperative or legal entity leaders engaged in gainful activity

Not suitable for: Remote workers for foreign employers (see White Card), students, family members joining a permit holder, or nationals of EEA countries.

Not sure which permit fits your situation?

Book a one-hour consultation with a licensed immigration lawyer. €150, credited toward full service if you proceed.

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How the Process Works

Legal Consultation

With a licensed Hungarian immigration attorney:

Confirm your nationality qualifies under the bilateral agreement
Review your employment contract or business registration
Receive a tailored list of required documents
Discuss strategy, timeline, and whether your employer can submit on your behalf

Consultation fee (€150) is credited toward full service if you proceed.

Document Preparation

Your attorney reviews and prepares all documentation:

Verifies employment contract or business ownership documents
Arranges certified Hungarian translations where needed
Confirms accommodation and health insurance requirements
Prepares subsistence proof (bank statements, income certificates)

Application & Follow-Up

Once you decide to move forward:

Your attorney submits your application via Enter Hungary or at a consulate
Monitors progress through the 21-day processing period
Coordinates biometrics appointment and card delivery
Handles all communication with immigration authorities

Your employer can also submit the application on your behalf with your written consent.

Key Requirements

Employment or Business Documentation (Mandatory)

You need one of the following:

Employment contract or preliminary agreement with a Hungarian employer
Business ownership documents proving you are an owner or chief executive performing actual work in a Hungarian company, cooperative, or legal entity

Proof of Subsistence

You must demonstrate sufficient resources to cover living costs, accommodation, return travel, and healthcare. Accepted documents include:

Employment contract or preliminary agreement showing salary
Bank statements or savings certificates in your name
Income certificate from employer or tax authority

All applicants must also provide

Valid accommodation in Hungary (lease, ownership, or booking confirmation)
Health insurance coverage (social security, international treaty, or private)
Valid passport (must remain valid 3+ months beyond permit expiry)
Proof of exit capability (return tickets or funds)

Important Details

Key things to know

Bilateral agreement only: Your nationality must be covered by the relevant Government Decree. Your attorney confirms this during consultation.
Employer submission option: Your employer can submit the application on your behalf via Enter Hungary, with your written consent.
Extension rules: Submit your extension 30 to 90 days before your current permit expires.
90-day residency rule: You must reside in Hungary at least 90 days in any 180-day period to qualify for extension.
Change of employer: If you switch employers, you must submit a new extension application.

Indicative Fees

Pricing

Legal Consultation: from €150

Full National Card Assistance: from €800

Consultation fee is fully credited toward the full service if you proceed. These figures are indicative and subject to change. Final pricing confirmed after case review.

Processing Timeline

Application submission → 21-day processing by immigration authority
Decision deadline → final decision within 70 days of submission
Type D visa issued (if applied from abroad) → valid 3 months, single entry, 30-day stay
Entry to Hungary → must enter within 3 months of approval
Biometrics → facial photo, fingerprint, and signature within 15 days
National Card delivered → by post to your address in Hungary

Validity: Up to 2 years initially, extendable for up to 3 years at a time.

Why Work With Us

Eligibility Check

Confirm your nationality qualifies before you spend time on documents

Document Support

Help preparing employment contracts and business documents for immigration

Employer Coordination

We work with your employer if they submit the application on your behalf

Licensed Attorneys

Qualified Hungarian immigration lawyers who handle National Card applications regularly

21-Day Processing

Standard processing timeline with full progress tracking throughout

Transparent Pricing

Fixed fees with no surprises. Consultation fee credited toward full service.

What’s Not Included

Government fees

Varies by submission method (Enter Hungary platform, in person at NDGAP, or at consulate)
See the official OIF fee schedule for current amounts

Additional costs paid directly by you

Embassy or consular fees at your local Hungarian embassy
Document apostille/authentication costs (varies by country)
Certified Hungarian translations of non-English/non-Hungarian documents
Travel to Hungary or biometric appointments
Accommodation costs (lease deposits, booking fees)
Health insurance premiums

Application Locations

Outside Hungary

Required if: You don’t hold a biometric passport or your entry to Hungary isn’t visa-exempt
Where: Hungarian consulate in your country of nationality or habitual residence
Process: Submit application → Type D visa issued → enter Hungary → complete biometrics → receive card by post

Inside Hungary

Only if: You hold a biometric passport
Where: Via Enter Hungary electronic platform or NDGAP regional office in person

Via Your Employer

When: Your employer can submit on your behalf via Enter Hungary, with your written consent
You still need to: Appear in person for biometrics (photo, fingerprint) when requested by the authority