Job Search / Business Start-Up Permit

What Is This Permit?

The Job Search / Business Start-Up permit gives graduates and researchers up to 9 months to find employment or launch a business in Hungary after completing their studies or research programme.

It allows you to:

• Stay in Hungary for up to 9 months after completing your studies or research
• Search for employment that matches your qualification level
• Start a business related to your field of study or research
• Transition to a Hungarian Card, EU Blue Card, or Guest Self-Employment permit

Who This Is For

Recent Graduates

• Third-country nationals who have successfully completed studies in Hungary
• The position or business must match the level of your completed degree
• You must still hold a valid student residence permit when you apply

Post-Research Professionals

• Researchers who have completed their research programme in Hungary
• The position or business must match the level of your completed research
• You must still hold a valid research residence permit when you apply

Not suitable for: People without a Hungarian student or research residence permit, those who haven’t completed their programme, or applicants outside Hungary.

How the Process Works

Key Requirements

Eligibility (Mandatory)

• Valid student or research residence permit at time of application
• Completed programme: Proof that you finished your studies or research
• Matching qualification: The job or business you pursue must match the level of your completed degree or research

Purpose of Stay Documentation

One of the following:

• Certificate from the Government Office confirming you are registered as a job seeker
• Confirmation from a Hungarian-registered company that your employment will start within 3 months of application

Financial Documentation

• Income certificate from employer or tax authority
• Bank account statement or savings certificate in your name
• Proof of regular foreign income (if applicable)

All applicants must also provide

• Valid accommodation address in Hungary (declared on the form, no separate document required)
• Health insurance coverage
• Valid passport (must remain valid 3+ months beyond permit expiry)
• Proof of exit capability (return tickets or funds)

Important Details

Indicative Fees

Processing Timeline

1. Application submission → 15-day processing by immigration authority
2. Decision deadline → final decision within 60 days of submission
3. Biometrics → facial photo, fingerprint, and signature within 15 days of submission
4. Permit delivered → by post to your address in Hungary

Validity: Up to 9 months. Cannot be extended.

What Comes Next?

Why Work With Us

What’s Not Included

Government fees

• Administrative service fee payable via Enter Hungary platform
• See the official OIF fee schedule for current amounts

Additional costs paid directly by you

• Government Office registration fee (if registering as job seeker)
• Certified Hungarian translations of non-English/non-Hungarian documents
• Health insurance premiums
• Accommodation costs

Document Checklist Summary

• Valid passport (must remain valid 3+ months beyond permit expiry)
• 1 recent facial photograph
• Proof of completed studies or research programme
• Government Office registration certificate OR employer confirmation letter
• Financial documentation (bank statements, income records)
• Health insurance documentation
• Valid accommodation address in Hungary
• Proof of exit capability (valid passport, return ticket, or funds)

All non-Hungarian/non-English documents require certified Hungarian translation.

Disclaimer: Hungary Visa is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. All legal services are provided by independent, licensed Hungarian immigration attorneys.