Residence Permit for Employment Purposes

What Is the Residence Permit for Employment Purposes?

The Residence Permit for Employment Purposes allows citizens of Philippines, Georgia, and Armenia to legally work and reside in Hungary under an employment contract.

It provides:

• Legal right to work in Hungary under employment contract
• Residence authorization for employment duration
• Schengen Area travel access
• Path to long-term residence after qualifying period
• Family reunification eligibility (after 1 year)
• Ability to change employers (requires permit extension/modification)

Who This Is For

You May Qualify If:

Nationality Requirement:

• You are a citizen of Philippines, Georgia, OR Armenia
• Other nationalities are not eligible for this specific permit type

Employment Requirement (Choose One Path):

Path 1: Direct Hungarian Employment

• Offered employment contract with Hungarian employer
• Will perform work for or under direction of Hungarian company
• Work will be for remuneration under employment relationship
• Position does not require exclusions specified by government

Path 2: Third-Country Employer Agreement

• Employed by company in your home country (Philippines/Georgia/Armenia)
• Your employer has agreement with Hungarian company
• You will be sent to work in Hungary to fulfill this agreement
• Hungarian company considered your employer for permit purposes

Work Authorization:

• Hungarian employer willing to sponsor your permit
• Position not on government’s restricted occupations list
• Valid job offer or preliminary employment agreement

Not suitable for:

• Citizens of other countries (see Hungarian Card or National Card)
• Highly qualified professionals (see EU Blue Card)
• Self-employed individuals (see Guest Self-Employment permit)
• Seasonal agricultural workers (see Seasonal Employment permit)

How the Process Works

Single Application Procedure

Key Requirements

Nationality Eligibility:

• Must be citizen of Philippines, Georgia, OR Armenia
• As specified in Hungarian Government Decree
• No exceptions for other nationalities under this permit type

Employment Documentation:

• Preliminary employment agreement OR
• Valid employment contract
• For third-country employer cases: Agreement between home country employer and Hungarian company

Financial Requirements:

• Proof of sufficient means for subsistence, accommodation, return travel, healthcare
• Can be demonstrated through: Preliminary employment agreement, employment contract, bank statements, employer certificates, regular income documentation

Accommodation:

• Valid Hungarian address
• Proof of accommodation (ownership, lease, or employer-provided)

Health Insurance:

• Comprehensive health coverage in Hungary
• Can be via employment-based social security, international agreement, or private insurance

Travel Documents:

• Valid passport (must exceed residence period by required margin)

Additional:

• No threats to public security or national security
• Not subject to expulsion or entry ban
• Clean criminal record (or circumstances considered)

Important Restrictions & Considerations

Extension & Employer Changes

Extending Your Permit:

• Must hold valid permit at time of extension application
• Must have resided in Hungary 90+ days in any 180-day period
• Submit via Enter Hungary platform (online only)
• Up to 90 days before expiry

Changing Employers:

• Cannot simply switch to new employer
• Must submit extension application via Enter Hungary
• New employment contract required
• Permit modified to reflect new employer
• Work only for employer specified in permit

Validity Period:

• Initial permit validity determined by employment contract
• Extensions possible based on continued employment
• Maximum validity tied to passport expiration (must have 3+ months validity after permit expiry)

Path to Long-Term Residence

After 3 Years:

• Time on employment permit counts toward permanent residence eligibility
• Can apply for National Residence Card (10-year permit)
• Requires passing Hungarian cultural knowledge exam
• Provides indefinite residence rights

Family Reunification:

• Available after 1 year with valid employment permit
• Spouse and dependent children can join you
• Family members receive residence permit matching your validity
• Separate application required for each family member

Indicative Fees

Final prices are confirmed after consultation.

Processing Timeline

Why Work With Us

What’s Not Included

Government fees:

• HUF 26,000 (approx. €65) if submitting via Enter Hungary platform
• HUF 39,000 (approx. €98) if submitting in person in Hungary
• EUR 110 if applying at Hungarian consulate abroad

Additional costs paid directly by you:

• Embassy or consular fees
• Document apostille/authentication
• Certified translations (Hungarian or English)
• Travel for biometrics (if applicable)
• Health insurance premiums
• Accommodation deposits or rent

Application Locations

Outside Hungary (Most Common):

• Required if: You are NOT visa-exempt for Hungary, OR you previously applied for employment permit (even if visa-exempt)
• Where: Hungarian consulate in your country of nationality or habitual residence. Check with consulate for alternative submission locations.
• Process: Submit application → Type D visa issued → enter Hungary → receive residence card

Inside Hungary (Limited Cases):

• Only if: You are visa-exempt for Hungary AND you have NOT previously applied for employment permit AND you are currently in Hungary legally
• Where: Via Enter Hungary electronic platform or NDGAP regional office

Extensions (Must Be in Hungary):

• All extensions via Enter Hungary platform only
• Submit up to 90 days before current permit expires
• Required when changing employers