How to Apply for the Hungary Guest Self-Employment Permit
Hungary’s residence permit for entrepreneurs, freelancers, and independent professionals who want to live and work in Hungary while running their own business.
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Permit Overview
| ⏳ Duration | 1 year initial, extendable up to 3 years total |
| 🔄 Extension | Up to 2 additional years (3 years maximum total) |
| 🌍 Eligibility | Non-EU/EEA nationals pursuing self-employment or managing a Hungarian business |
| 💰 Income Requirement | Annual income exceeding 24× the Hungarian minimum wage (for registered self-employed) |
| 🏥 Health Insurance | Required |
| 👨👩👧👦 Family Members | Cannot apply for family reunification for the first year |
| 🚫 Permit Switching | Cannot switch to another permit type during or after this permit expires (in Hungary) |
Critical Restrictions to Know
Before applying, you need to understand these significant limitations. Some of them are deal-breakers for certain long-term plans.
1. Cannot Switch Permits — In Hungary
During the validity of this permit AND after it expires, you cannot apply for a different type of residence permit inside Hungary. If you want to eventually switch to another permit type, you would need to leave Hungary and apply from abroad.
2. Cannot Apply for an Employment Permit or Hungarian Card While Holding This Permit
If you are already a Guest Self-Employment permit holder, you cannot apply for a residence permit for employment purposes or a Hungarian Card inside Hungary. This is relevant if your situation changes — for example, if you take on employment with a Hungarian company.
3. No Long-Term Residence Pathway
This permit does not lead to a National Residence Card (long-term/permanent residence). If your goal is eventually settling in Hungary permanently, this permit alone will not get you there.
4. Family Reunification Blocked for 1 Year
Family members cannot obtain family reunification permits for the first year after your permit is issued. The exception is children born in Hungary during your permit’s validity. Note: if you reach the 3-year maximum, leave Hungary, and later apply for a brand new permit, this 1-year block resets and applies again.
5. Maximum 3 Years Total
The permit can only be extended up to a combined maximum of 3 years from the date of first issuance. There is an option to re-apply for a fresh permit after this, but this requires a separate new application process.
Who Is Eligible?
This permit is for third-country nationals (non-EU/EEA nationals) who plan to work independently in Hungary.
✓ You May Qualify If:
- You plan to work as a self-employed individual offering services or products
- You will act as the chief executive of a Hungarian business entity (company, cooperative, or other profit-oriented legal entity)
- You are a non-EU/EEA national
✗ You Do NOT Qualify If:
- You are an EU/EEA national (or family member of one)
- You already hold another type of residence permit
- You only work remotely for a foreign employer without any Hungarian business setup (consider the White Card instead)
- You are in Hungary as a posted worker, trainee, or seasonal worker
- You plan to perform actual work beyond executive management — you may need an employment permit instead
Guest Self-Employment vs White Card
These two permits are often confused. Here is the key difference: the Guest Self-Employment permit is for people building a professional life in Hungary, while the White Card is for people working remotely for a foreign employer while simply living in Hungary.
| Guest Self-Employment | White Card | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Setting up a business or freelancing in Hungary | Working remotely for a foreign employer |
| Business in Hungary | Required / Expected | Not allowed |
| Duration | Up to 3 years | Up to 2 years |
| Family reunification | Allowed after 1 year | Never (with limited exception) |
| Long-term residence | Not available | Not available |
| Income requirement | 24× Hungarian minimum wage annually | EUR 3,000/month for 6 months |
Not sure which is right for you? If you want to actually set up and run a business in Hungary — or work as a registered freelancer here — Guest Self-Employment is the right route. If you want to keep working for your existing foreign employer while simply living in Hungary, the White Card is the better fit.
Where to Apply
Applying from Outside Hungary
You must apply from abroad if you require a visa to enter Hungary, or if you are visa-free but have previously submitted a Guest Self-Employment application in the past.
Apply at the Hungarian consulate or embassy in your home country or country of legal residence. Where no consulate is available, you may approach honorary consuls, trade representations, or authorized external service providers.
Note: You do not need to submit a separate visa application. Your residence permit application automatically includes a visa application.
Applying from Inside Hungary
You can apply while in Hungary only if:
- You entered Hungary visa-free and do not currently hold a residence permit
- You hold a valid Guest Self-Employment permit nearing its 3-year expiry (apply at least 40 days before expiry)
- You hold a valid permit to seek a job or start a business
Applications in Hungary can be submitted online via the Enter Hungary platform or in person at the regional NDGAP office based on your accommodation address.
Note: Only lawyers or legal representatives may submit applications exclusively through the Enter Hungary platform.
Required Documents
You will need the following documents for your Guest Self-Employment permit application:
Completed and signed application form with proof of administrative service fee payment
Must remain valid for at least 3 months beyond your permit’s planned expiry date
One recent facial photograph (unless submitting via Enter Hungary, where a photo is taken in person)
Self-employed: registration number, business declaration, contracts, tax certificate. Company executive: proof of business meeting employment/essentiality criteria, tax certificates, no-debt confirmation
Bank statements (3–6 months), tax authority documents confirming income, or other credible financial evidence
Residential lease agreement, courtesy housing declaration, property ownership certificate, or confirmed accommodation reservation
Access to Hungarian social security, international treaty coverage, or financial means to cover healthcare costs
Valid return ticket OR sufficient funds to cover your exit from Hungary
Important: All documents not in Hungarian or English must be accompanied by a certified Hungarian translation. Documents issued abroad may require diplomatic authentication (apostille). The immigration authority may request additional documents during processing — respond promptly.
Step-by-Step Guide
Prepare Your Business Documentation
Before anything else, build a strong business foundation:
- Write a detailed declaration of business activity covering your services, target market, why you need to be based in Hungary, and your financial projections
- Secure client contracts or service agreements — signed agreements or credible evidence of work are essential
- If registering as self-employed in Hungary, obtain your Hungarian tax number (adószám) at any NAV office and register as an “egyéni vállalkozó” (sole proprietor)
- Prepare a CV/résumé highlighting your professional qualifications and experience
Gather All Required Documents
Collect all documents listed in the section above. Pay particular attention to:
- Ensuring employer/business certificates are properly authenticated
- Having all non-English/Hungarian documents translated by a certified translator
- Checking apostille requirements for documents issued in your home country
Submit Your Application
From abroad (non-visa-free or returning applicants):
- Schedule an appointment at your local Hungarian consulate or embassy
- Attend in person with all documents
- Pay the administrative service fee
- Your residence permit application doubles as your visa application — no separate visa needed
From inside Hungary (visa-free nationals, first application):
- Submit online via Enter Hungary, OR
- Submit in person at the competent NDGAP regional directorate
Provide Biometric Data
Within 15 days of your application being received, you must provide your facial photograph, fingerprints, and signature specimen. This applies whether you applied online or in person.
Await Processing
Standard processing time: 21 days. Maximum decision time: 30 days from submission.
Important: Time spent requesting and receiving additional documents from you is not counted within these deadlines. Respond to any document requests as quickly as possible.
Receive Your Permit
If you applied from abroad:
- You will receive a Type D visa — a single-entry visa valid for 30 days and authorising entry for up to 3 months from approval
- You must enter Hungary within 3 months of approval or your permit becomes void
- Your residence permit card will be posted to your stated Hungarian address
If you applied in Hungary:
- Your permit card will be delivered by post to your registered address
Extending Your Permit
Standard Extension (Within the 3-Year Maximum)
You can extend your permit before reaching the 3-year total, provided:
- You hold a valid Guest Self-Employment permit at the time of applying
- You have resided in Hungary for at least 90 days in any 180-day period
- You have fulfilled your regular reporting obligations to the immigration authorities
- You continue to meet the original eligibility conditions
How to extend: Submit exclusively via the Enter Hungary platform. Apply no more than 90 days before your current permit expires. The extension can bring your total permitted stay up to a maximum of 3 years from the original issuance date.
Re-Applying After the 3-Year Maximum
If you want to continue living in Hungary after reaching the 3-year limit, you can submit a new issuance application — treated as a fresh application, not an extension.
- Submit this application at least 40 days before your current permit expires
- This resets the 3-year clock
- Note: the 1-year family reunification block also resets with a new issuance
Ongoing Obligations: Regular Reporting
As a Guest Self-Employment permit holder, you are legally required to submit regular activity reports to the immigration authorities.
What to Include
- Your personal details and permit number
- Your business activity and income generated since the permit was issued
- Supporting income documentation from NAV (Hungarian tax authority)
How to Submit
- Via the Enter Hungary platform (primary method)
- Via the E-Paper Service if Enter Hungary is unavailable
Important: Set calendar reminders for these reporting deadlines. Failure to comply with your reporting obligation can jeopardise your permit extension.
Need Help with Your Application?
Get expert guidance on the Guest Self-Employment permit — from document preparation to submission.
View Our ServicesFrequently Asked Questions
What is the Guest Self-Employment Permit actually for?
It’s for non-EU/EEA nationals who want to work independently in Hungary — either as a registered freelancer/sole proprietor, or as the managing director of a Hungarian company. Unlike the White Card, which is for people working remotely for foreign employers, this permit is designed for people who are actually building their professional life in Hungary.
How does this differ from the White Card?
The White Card is for remote workers employed by or owning a business outside Hungary. The Guest Self-Employment permit is for people actively setting up and running a business or freelancing inside Hungary. The GSE permit also allows up to 3 years (vs 2 for the White Card) and eventually allows family reunification after the first year.
Can I switch from a White Card to a Guest Self-Employment permit?
Not while in Hungary. Both permits carry restrictions on switching to other permit types inside Hungary during and after their validity. If you want to transition from one to the other, you would need to leave Hungary and apply from abroad. This is an important strategic consideration — consult with an immigration lawyer before applying for either permit if you are uncertain about your long-term plans.
Can I work for multiple clients?
Yes. As a self-employed permit holder you can work with multiple clients, as long as the work falls within your declared business activities.
Can I bring my family?
Not for the first year. After one year from permit issuance, family members can apply for family reunification permits. The exception is children born in Hungary during your permit’s validity — they can receive a family reunification permit immediately upon notification of birth. Note: if you reach the 3-year maximum and re-apply for a new permit, this 1-year family reunification block resets.
What happens if my income drops below the required threshold?
Your permit is issued on the basis of meeting the income requirement at the time of application. However, ongoing compliance matters — particularly at the extension stage, where you will need to demonstrate continued business activity. If your income drops significantly, it could affect your extension. This is a question best discussed with an immigration lawyer.
How much income do I need?
For registered self-employed individuals, you need to prove annual income exceeding 24 times the Hungarian minimum wage. For company executives, you need to demonstrate the business is financially sustainable and that your presence is essential.
Can I work as an employee for a Hungarian company on this permit?
No. If you want to work as an employee for a Hungarian employer, you need a different permit (employment permit or Hungarian Card). Importantly, if you already hold a Guest Self-Employment permit, you cannot apply for those permits inside Hungary — you would need to leave and apply from abroad.
Can this permit lead to permanent residence?
No. The Guest Self-Employment permit does not lead to a National Residence Card (long-term permanent residence). If permanent residency in Hungary is your goal, you should consult an immigration lawyer about the appropriate pathway before committing to this permit.
What happens after the 3-year maximum?
After reaching the 3-year total, you can submit a fresh application for a new Guest Self-Employment permit — this is treated as a new issuance, not an extension, and resets the 3-year clock. You must apply at least 40 days before your current permit expires.
Can I travel within the Schengen Area with this permit?
Yes. Your Hungarian residence permit allows you to travel within the Schengen Area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without additional visas.
What if my application is refused?
You can appeal the decision within 8 days of receiving it. The appeal must be submitted to the first-instance authority or the Hungarian consulate where you originally applied. Appeals will be dismissed without review if submitted late, by an unauthorized person, without stated grounds, or if they contain new facts that were known before the original decision was made.
Do I need to speak Hungarian?
Application forms are available in Hungarian and English. You do not need to speak Hungarian to apply, but having basic Hungarian or working with a consultant can help navigate practical aspects of living and doing business in Hungary.
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