Hungary Guest Self-Employment Permit
Support, coordination, and legal facilitation
We help you understand the Guest Self-Employment permit process and connect you with a licensed Hungarian immigration attorney who handles your application.
What Is the Guest Self-Employment Permit?
A Guest Self-Employment permit is a residence permit for foreign entrepreneurs and business leaders who want to establish or manage a business in Hungary.
It allows you to:
- Legally reside in Hungary for up to 3 years
- Work as a registered self-employed person/sole proprietor
- Serve as managing director of a Hungarian company
- Build a business presence in the EU
Important: This permit does NOT allow you to perform actual work beyond executive duties. If you need to work hands-on in your company, you’ll need a different permit type.
Who This Is For
Self-Employed Individuals:
- Freelancers and independent contractors
- Small-scale farmers/producers
- Service providers working independently in Hungary
Business Owners/Executives:
- Managing directors of Hungarian companies (LLCs, etc.)
- Entrepreneurs establishing a Hungarian business entity
- Investors actively managing their Hungarian company
Not suitable for: Remote workers (see White Card instead), employees of foreign companies, or those needing to perform hands-on work in their Hungarian business.
Not sure if Guest Self-Employment fits your situation? Start with a free discovery call.
How the Process Works
Free Discovery Call
We’ll help you clarify:
- Whether Guest Self-Employment is right for your business structure
- If you need to establish a Hungarian company first
- What documents are likely needed
- Which next step (consultation or direct application) fits
This call is not legal advice — it’s general guidance.
Paid Legal Consultation
With a licensed Hungarian immigration attorney:
- Get a detailed assessment of your business case
- Understand employment/tax registration requirements
- Receive a tailored list of required documents
- Discuss strategy and potential timelines
Consultation fees are credited toward full service if you proceed.
Full Application Support
Once you decide to move forward:
- Your attorney prepares and reviews all documents
- Submits your application via the official Enter Hungary system
- Monitors progress (21-day processing time)
- Handles communication with immigration authorities
You remain in contact with both Hungary Visa (coordination) and your attorney (legal representation).
Key Requirements
You must demonstrate:
For Self-Employed Individuals:
- Registration number as self-employed person
- Annual income exceeding minimum wage × 24
- Tax certificate showing no tax/contribution debts
For Managing Directors:
- The company employs at least 5 full-time Hungarian/EU nationals for 6+ consecutive months, OR
- Your residence is essential for business operations with proof of sufficient income generation
- Tax certificate showing company has no debts and is not under enforcement/liquidation
All applicants must demonstrate:
- Sufficient financial means for subsistence
- Valid accommodation in Hungary
- Health insurance coverage
- Valid passport and exit/return travel capacity
Important Restrictions & Considerations
Key limitations you should know:
- 3-year maximum: Initial validity up to 1 year, extendable for 2 more years (max 3 years total from first issuance)
- Physical presence required: Must reside in Hungary at least 90 days in any 180-day period to extend
- No permit switching: Cannot apply for employment permit or Hungarian Card while in Hungary with this permit
- Family reunification delay: Family members cannot join you for the first year (unless you give birth in Hungary)
- No long-term residence: This permit type doesn’t lead to the 10-year National Residence Card
- Regular reporting: Must fulfill periodic reporting obligations to immigration authorities
- Managing directors only: If you need to do actual hands-on work beyond executive duties, you need a different permit
Indicative Fees
Final prices are confirmed after consultation.
| Service | Indicative Starting Price |
|---|---|
| Paid Legal Consultation | from €150 |
| Full Guest Self-Employment Assistance (Sole Proprietor) | from €1,250 |
| Full Guest Self-Employment Assistance (Managing Director) | from €1,250 |
These figures are indicative only and subject to change. Final pricing will be confirmed after case review.
Processing Timeline
Standard processing: 21 days from complete application submission
- Additional time may apply for: Document deficiency corrections, additional authority requests, appeal processes
- Biometrics: Facial photo and fingerprint required during application
Why Work With Us
Clear Next Steps
Tailored guidance for your specific business situation
Full Coordination
We manage all administrative steps
Licensed Attorneys
Access to qualified Hungarian immigration lawyers experienced in business permits
Structured Support
No guesswork, just clear process
Business Setup Guidance
Help determining if you need to form a Hungarian company first
What’s Not Included
These costs are separate and paid directly by you:
- Government application fees (NDGAP administrative fees)
- Embassy or consular fees
- Hungarian company formation costs (if establishing an LLC)
- Business registration fees
- Tax registration with Hungarian authorities
- Translations or document authentication/apostille
- Travel or biometric appointment costs
Application Locations
Outside Hungary:
- Must apply at Hungarian consulate in your country of nationality or habitual residence
- Required if you’re not visa-exempt OR if you previously held this permit type
Inside Hungary (limited cases):
- Only if you’re visa-exempt AND it’s your first Guest Self-Employment application
- OR you hold a valid “Residence Permit for Seeking a Job or Starting a Business”
- Submit via Enter Hungary electronic platform or NDGAP regional directorate
Ready to Start?
Let’s determine if Guest Self-Employment is the right path for your business in Hungary.