How to Apply for the Hungarian Card
The Hungarian Card is a residence permit for third-country nationals working in Hungary in a narrow set of high-value roles. It targets people with specific recognised qualifications, professional sportspeople and coaches, performers, and film industry workers. It is valid for up to 3 years and can be extended by a further 3 years.
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Eligibility Requirements
The Hungarian Card uses a two-part test. You must first have a qualifying work purpose, and you must also fall into one of four specific groups. Meeting only one part is not enough.
Part 1: A Qualifying Work Purpose
Your purpose in Hungary must be one of the following:
- To perform actual work under an employment relationship
- To act as an owner or managing director of a company, association, or other legal entity established for gainful activity, while performing actual work that goes beyond the ownership role itself
- To work as a highly qualified employee under an agreement between a third-country employer and a domestic employer
Part 2: One of Four Specific Groups
Even when your work purpose qualifies, the Hungarian Card is granted only if you also belong to one of these groups:
You May Qualify If:
- You hold a professional qualification listed in the decree issued by the minister responsible for higher education
- You are a professional sportsperson or a professional coach
- You are a performer
- You work for a filmmaker or a film production company registered under the Act on motion picture
You Do NOT Qualify If:
- Your role does not involve actual work, for example an ownership stake with no active duties beyond holding the company
- You do not hold a qualification listed in the higher education decree and you are not a sportsperson, coach, performer, or film industry worker
- You are seeking a permit for a purpose covered by a different permit type, such as the EU Blue Card or the standard Employment Permit
- You are assigned through a staffing agency rather than employed in a qualifying capacity
Critical Restrictions to Know
Before applying, understand these key limitations:
- The Four Groups Are the Gate: The Hungarian Card is not a general work permit. If you do not hold a qualification listed in the higher education decree and you are not a sportsperson, coach, performer, or film industry worker, you cannot use this permit even with a valid job offer
- Ownership Alone Is Not Enough: Company owners and managing directors must perform actual work beyond the ownership role. The authority can ask you to prove that the company genuinely operates
- Extensions Run Through Enter Hungary Only: You can submit an extension only via the Enter Hungary platform, only while you hold a valid permit, and only if you have resided in Hungary for 90 days within any 180-day period
- Strict Extension Window: Apply for an extension no earlier than 90 days and no later than 30 days before your current permit expires
- Passport Validity: Your passport must remain valid for at least 3 months beyond the expiry date of your Hungarian Card
Hungarian Card Overview
| ⏳ Duration | Maximum 3 years, extendable by up to 3 additional years |
| 🌍 Eligibility | Third-country nationals in qualifying work who also hold a listed qualification or work as a sportsperson, coach, performer, or in film production |
| 💰 Application Fee | EUR 110 (outside Hungary) | HUF 39,000 (in-person) | HUF 24,000 (online) |
| 🏥 Health Insurance | Required |
| 🛂 Passport Validity | Must remain valid for at least 3 months beyond permit expiry |
| ✈️ Type D Visa | Single entry, 30-day stay, 3-month validity |
| 📧 Card Delivery | By post. In-person pickup only if you prove you cannot receive it by post |
| ⚖️ Appeal Deadline | 8 days from delivery of the decision |
What the four groups mean: The listed qualification route depends on a decree maintained by the minister responsible for higher education, so the accepted qualifications can change. The sportsperson, coach, performer, and film production routes do not require a university degree at all, which sets the Hungarian Card apart from most other Hungarian work permits.
How to Apply
Applying from Outside Hungary
If you require a visa to enter Hungary, apply at the Hungarian embassy or consulate in your home country or country of legal residence. You do not need to submit a separate visa application. Your Hungarian Card application includes the visa request.
Note: If there is no Hungarian consulate in your country of nationality, you may submit your application from another country where you are legally staying, provided you can prove the reason for the exceptional submission.
Applying from Inside Hungary
You can apply while in Hungary if you entered visa-free, are within your legal period of stay, and do not already hold a residence permit. Submit your application online via the Enter Hungary platform or in person at the NDGAP regional directorate based on your accommodation address.
Note: If your application is handled by a legal representative or a legal entity acting on your behalf, it can only be submitted through the Enter Hungary platform.
Biometrics for Online Applications
If you apply online via Enter Hungary, you have a 15-day window to appear in person and provide your biometric data. Minors over the age of 6 must also appear in person. For minors, the legal representative submits the application.
Extensions
Extensions can only be submitted via the Enter Hungary platform. To be eligible:
- You must hold a valid Hungarian Card at the time of application
- You must have resided in Hungary for at least 90 days within any 180-day period
- Apply no earlier than 90 days and no later than 30 days before your current permit expires
Fee Rates
| Outside Hungary | EUR 110 |
| In-Person (within Hungary) | HUF 39,000 |
| Online via Enter Hungary | HUF 24,000 |
Document Checklist
You will need the following documents for your Hungarian Card application:
A preliminary agreement or valid work contract for employment that requires a higher professional qualification
Certificate of the higher education or professional qualification required for the job. This is not required for professional sportspeople, coaches, performers, or film production workers
If you work under an agreement between a third-country employer and a domestic employer, the agreement between the two employers
The authority may request proof that the company genuinely operates, such as an economic activity statement, an enterprise contract, a contract of assignment or agreement, a sales or purchase contract, a tax authority certificate of no tax liability, or an employee declaration certificate
Evidence that you can support yourself, such as a preliminary agreement, an employment document, bank statements, or an income certificate
A lease, proof of ownership, a courtesy accommodation declaration, a hotel booking, or an employer accommodation certificate
Coverage through Hungarian social security, an international treaty, or your own funds
A valid passport plus a travel ticket or sufficient funds to cover your departure
Consent given in a private or authentic instrument, with a Hungarian or English translation
1 recent facial photograph meeting official requirements
For extensions: Documents that have not changed since your last application do not need to be resubmitted.
Important: Documents not in Hungarian or English may require certified translation and may need apostille authentication. The immigration authority can request additional documents during processing.
Step-by-Step Guide
Confirm You Fit Both Parts of the Test
Check that your work purpose qualifies and that you fall into one of the four groups. Your purpose must be actual work under an employment relationship, work as an owner or managing director who performs real duties, or work as a highly qualified employee under a third-country and domestic employer agreement. You must also hold a qualification listed in the higher education decree, or work as a professional sportsperson, coach, performer, or for a registered film production company.
Secure Your Work Arrangement
Obtain the document that proves your work arrangement:
- Employees: a preliminary agreement or valid work contract for a role requiring a higher professional qualification
- Owners and managing directors: evidence that the company operates and that you perform actual work
- Workers under an employer agreement: the agreement between the third-country employer and the domestic employer
Prepare Your Qualification Evidence
If you qualify through the listed qualification route, gather the certificate of higher education or professional qualification required for the job. Professional sportspeople, coaches, performers, and film production workers do not need to submit this certificate. Documents not in Hungarian or English may require certified translation, and documents issued abroad may require apostille authentication.
Gather All Supporting Documents
Collect every item on the document checklist above. Pay particular attention to:
- Proof of subsistence, such as bank statements or an income certificate
- Proof of accommodation in Hungary
- Health insurance through social security, an international treaty, or your own funds
- Exit conditions: a valid passport plus a travel ticket or sufficient funds
- A recent facial photograph
Submit Your Application
From outside Hungary (visa-required nationals):
- Apply at the Hungarian embassy or consulate in your country
- No separate visa application is needed. The Hungarian Card application includes your visa request
- Pay the EUR 110 application fee
From inside Hungary (visa-free nationals during a legal stay):
- Submit online via the Enter Hungary platform (HUF 24,000) OR
- Submit in person at the NDGAP regional directorate (HUF 39,000)
Provide Biometric Data
Provide your facial photograph, fingerprints, and signature specimen in person. If you applied online via Enter Hungary, you have 15 days to appear and complete this step. Minors over the age of 6 must appear in person, and the legal representative submits the application on a minor’s behalf.
Await Processing
Standard processing takes 21 days, with a final decision within 70 days under the single application procedure.
Important: Time spent requesting and receiving additional documents from you is not counted within these deadlines. Respond to any requests as quickly as possible to avoid delays.
Receive Your Hungarian Card
If you applied from abroad:
- You will receive a Type D visa: single entry, authorising a stay of up to 30 days, valid for 3 months from approval
- Enter Hungary within 3 months of approval. If you do not enter and start your residence within this period, the approved permit itself becomes invalid
- Your Hungarian Card will be sent to you by post
Card delivery:
- The card is delivered by post. In-person pickup is available only if you prove you cannot receive it by post
If refused: You have 8 days from delivery to file an appeal. Submit it to the authority of first instance, or to the Hungarian consular mission where you applied if you applied from abroad. An appeal is dismissed without review if it is received late, submitted by an unauthorised person, introduces new facts that were known before the decision, or is submitted without stating grounds.
Processing Timeline
Standard processing begins. 21-day target, decision within 70 days maximum (single application procedure)
Single-entry visa, 30-day stay authorised, valid for 3 months from approval
For applicants who applied from abroad. Enter within this period using the Type D visa
Appear in person to provide biometric data. For online applications, this falls within the 15-day window
Card sent by post. In-person pickup only if you prove you cannot receive it by post
Validity: The Hungarian Card is valid for a maximum of 3 years and can be extended by a further 3 years. Your passport must remain valid for at least 3 months beyond the permit expiry date.
Additional time not included in processing:
- Time spent requesting and receiving additional documents from the applicant
- Time spent remedying deficiencies, for example submitting missing documents
- Time for other procedural actions
Not sure which permit fits your situation?
Book a one-hour consultation with a licensed immigration lawyer. €150, credited toward full service if you proceed.
Book ConsultationFrequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for the Hungarian Card?
The Hungarian Card uses a two-part test. First, your purpose must be qualifying work: actual work under an employment relationship, work as an owner or managing director who performs real duties beyond ownership, or work as a highly qualified employee under an agreement between a third-country employer and a domestic employer. Second, you must also fall into one of four groups: you hold a qualification listed in the decree of the minister responsible for higher education, you are a professional sportsperson or coach, you are a performer, or you work for a filmmaker or film production company registered under the Act on motion picture. You must satisfy both parts.
Do professional athletes and performers need a university degree?
No. Professional sportspeople, professional coaches, performers, and film production workers do not need to submit a certificate of higher education or professional qualification. The qualification document is required only for applicants using the listed qualification route. This is one of the features that sets the Hungarian Card apart from permits such as the EU Blue Card, which requires formal qualifications or equivalent experience.
How is the Hungarian Card different from the EU Blue Card?
The EU Blue Card is for highly qualified workers and requires meeting a minimum salary threshold and holding formal qualifications or equivalent professional experience. The Hungarian Card has no published salary threshold and instead limits eligibility to four specific groups: holders of a qualification listed in the higher education decree, professional sportspeople and coaches, performers, and film industry workers. The Hungarian Card is valid for up to 3 years and extendable by 3 years, while the EU Blue Card runs up to 4 years and is extendable by up to 4 years. The right permit depends on your role and qualifications.
How long is the Hungarian Card valid?
The Hungarian Card is valid for a maximum of 3 years and can be extended by a further 3 years. Your passport must remain valid for at least 3 months beyond the expiry date of the permit. Extensions must be submitted via the Enter Hungary platform, no earlier than 90 days and no later than 30 days before your current permit expires, and you must have resided in Hungary for at least 90 days within any 180-day period.
Can company owners and executives apply for the Hungarian Card?
Yes, if you are the owner or managing director of a company, association, or other legal entity established for gainful activity and you perform actual work that goes beyond the ownership role itself. The authority can ask you to prove that the company genuinely operates, for example through an economic activity statement, an enterprise contract, a contract of assignment or sales contract, a tax authority certificate of no tax liability, or an employee declaration certificate. You must also fall into one of the four eligibility groups in the same way as any other applicant.
Can I apply from inside Hungary?
Yes, if you entered Hungary visa-free and are within your legal period of stay. You can submit your application online via the Enter Hungary platform for HUF 24,000, or in person at the NDGAP regional directorate based on your accommodation address for HUF 39,000. If you apply online, you have a 15-day window to appear in person and provide your biometric data.
What documents do I need to prove my qualifications?
If you qualify through the listed qualification route, you need a certificate of the higher education or professional qualification required for the job. Professional sportspeople, coaches, performers, and film production workers do not need this certificate. If you work under an agreement between a third-country employer and a domestic employer, you also need the agreement between the two employers. Documents not in Hungarian or English may require certified translation and may need apostille authentication.
What happens if my application is refused?
You have 8 days from delivery of the decision to file an appeal. An appeal is dismissed without review if it is received late, submitted by an unauthorised person, introduces new facts that were already known before the decision, or is submitted without stating grounds. Because the grounds and deadline are strict, it is worth reviewing the reasons for refusal carefully before deciding how to respond.