How to Apply for the Hungary Residence Permit for Guest Self-Employment

What is the Guest Self-Employment Permit?

Hungary’s guest self-employment residence permit is designed for third-country nationals (non-EU/EEA citizens) who want to:

• Perform self-employed activities as a freelancer or independent contractor
• Serve as a chief executive of a profit-oriented legal entity (business organization, cooperative, etc.)

This permit offers a flexible option for entrepreneurs, consultants, and digital nomads who want to base themselves in Hungary while maintaining their professional independence.

Who is Eligible?

You qualify for this permit if you’re a third-country national who plans to:

• Work as a self-employed individual offering services or products
• Act as the chief executive of a Hungarian business entity

Important note: If you’ll be performing actual work beyond executive functions in a company, you may need to apply for an employment permit or Hungarian Card instead.

Permit Duration and Limitations

Before diving into the application process, it’s worth understanding the timeline and restrictions:

• Initial validity: Maximum of 1 year
• Extension option: Up to 2 additional years
• Maximum total duration: 3 years from first issuance

This permit comes with several limitations you should be aware of:

• You cannot switch to another residence permit type while in Hungary
• You cannot apply for family reunification for 1 year (exception: if you give birth in Hungary)
• You cannot obtain a national residence card (long-term residence)
• Your passport must remain valid for at least 3 months beyond your permit’s expiration date

Where to Apply

The application process differs depending on your location and situation:

Applying from Outside Hungary

You must apply from abroad if:

• You require a visa to enter Hungary
• You’ve previously submitted this type of application

In this case, apply at:

• The Hungarian consulate or embassy in your home country or legal residence
• Authorized honorary consuls, trade offices, or external service providers (where available)
• In exceptional cases, from a third country if you’re legally staying there and can justify your reason

Top tip: When you apply for a residence permit, it automatically includes a visa application—no need to apply separately.

Applying from Inside Hungary

You can apply while in Hungary only if:

• You entered Hungary visa-free
• You don’t already hold another type of residence permit
• You have a valid extended guest self-employment permit nearing expiry (apply at least 40 days before expiry)
• You hold a permit to seek a job or start a business

Submit your application via:

• The Enter Hungary online platform
• In person at the regional NDGAP office based on your accommodation address

Note: Only lawyers or legal representatives can submit applications exclusively through the Enter Hungary platform.

Required Documentation

Gathering the right documents is crucial for a successful application. Here’s what you’ll need:

1. Proof of Purpose

If you’re self-employed:

• Registration number of your self-employed status
• Detailed declaration of your business activity
• Contracts or business/service agreements
• Tax authority certificate proving:
  • Annual income exceeds 24× Hungarian minimum wage
  • No outstanding tax or contribution debts

If you’re a chief executive:

• Proof your business:
  • Employs at least 5 Hungarians full-time for 6+ consecutive months, OR
  • Requires your presence for essential operations and will generate sufficient income
• Declaration of business activity with supporting contracts
• Tax certificate showing no debts or ongoing proceedings
• Proof of proper employee registration and tax compliance

2. Financial Means

• Bank statements under your name (typically 3-6 months of history)
• Tax authority documents confirming your income
• Other credible evidence (such as minutes of income distribution)

3. Accommodation Proof

One of the following:

• Lease agreement
• Courtesy housing document
• Property ownership certificate
• Paid accommodation reservation

4. Health Insurance

Evidence that you:

• Have access to Hungarian social security, OR
• Are covered by an international treaty, OR
• Can pay for healthcare from your own financial means

5. Travel Documents

• Valid passport (with at least 2 blank pages, issued within the past 10 years)
• Valid return ticket or funds to cover exit from Hungary

6. Other Required Items

• One facial photograph (unless using Enter Hungary)
• Completed and signed application form
• Administrative service fee payment proof

Keep in mind: For permit extensions, you don’t need to resubmit unchanged documents.

Application Process Step by Step

Initial Application

1. Gather all required documents as listed above
2. Submit your application at the appropriate location (consulate abroad or NDGAP in Hungary)
3. Pay the administrative service fee
4. Provide biometric data (photo, fingerprint) and signature within 15 days of submission
5. Wait for processing (typically 21 days, not including document correction periods)

After Approval

If applying from abroad:

• You’ll receive a Type “D” visa valid for one entry and 30 days
• You must enter Hungary within 3 months of approval, or the permit becomes void
• Your residence permit card will be posted to your stated address in Hungary

Important note: In-person pickup is only allowed with proper justification.

Permit Extension

To extend your permit beyond the initial year:

1. Submit your extension request at least 30 days before expiry
2. Apply exclusively via the Enter Hungary platform
3. Prove you’ve:
   • Resided in Hungary for at least 90 days in any 180-day period
   • Fulfilled your regular reporting obligations
   • Maintained your business activity
   • Complied with tax requirements

The extension can grant up to 2 additional years, never exceeding a total of 3 years from initial issuance.

Practical Setup Tips for Success

Beyond the official requirements, here are some practical steps that can strengthen your application:

Before Applying

• Create a strong business plan including:
  • Description of your services
  • Target market analysis
  • Explanation of why you need to be based in Hungary
  • Financial projections
  • Marketing strategy
• Secure client work before applying:
  • Signed contracts or service agreements
  • Emails showing intent to work together
  • Invoices or proof of payments
• Prepare a detailed CV/résumé highlighting your qualifications and experience

After Arrival

• Get a Hungarian tax number (adószám) at any NAV office
• Register as self-employed (e.g., “egyéni vállalkozó”)
• Set up a Hungarian bank account for business transactions
• Consider joining coworking spaces to network and build connections
• Track your work carefully using project management tools

Ongoing Obligations

Regular Reporting Requirement

As a guest self-employment permit holder, you must submit regular activity reports:

• Typically every 3 months
• Include your personal details, permit number, and business information
• Report revenue generated since receiving the permit
• Attach income documentation from NAV (tax authority)

Submit these reports via:

• The Enter Hungary platform
• The E-Paper Service if Enter Hungary is unavailable

Top tip: Set calendar reminders for these reporting deadlines—missing them could jeopardize your permit extension.

Appeal Process

If your application is denied, you can:

• File an appeal within 8 days of receiving the decision
• Submit it to either:
  • The first-instance authority, OR
  • The Hungarian consulate where you originally applied

Be aware that your appeal will be dismissed without review if:

• It’s submitted late
• It’s filed by an unauthorized person
• It contains new facts not previously disclosed
• No grounds are provided for the appeal

FAQ

Choosing the Right Permit for Your Situation

Hungary offers several residency options for foreign nationals. The guest self-employment permit works best for those who:

• Plan to operate as self-employed individuals in Hungary
• Intend to establish or run a Hungarian business entity
• Need a permit for up to 3 years

If you’ll be working primarily for foreign employers or clients while living in Hungary, consider exploring the Hungary White Card (Digital Nomad Visa) instead, which may offer more flexibility for remote workers.

Preparing for Success

Hungary’s guest self-employment permit offers an attractive option for entrepreneurs and freelancers looking to establish themselves in Central Europe. While the application process requires careful preparation and documentation, following the guidelines in this article will help you navigate the requirements successfully.

Remember that demonstrating a genuine business purpose, financial stability, and compliance with Hungarian regulations are key to both obtaining and maintaining this permit.

For the most up-to-date information on fees and specific requirements, always check the official National Directorate-General for Aliens Policing website before starting your application.