Simplified employment in Hungary

Good news for Russian  and Belorussian citizens – according to new decree, Hungary has eliminated the need to obtain a working permit when applying for a national card. The National Card (nemzeti kártya) is a new type of residence permit that is given to citizens who intent to work in Hungary.  Previously, employment without the process of approval through governmental employment center was available only to Hungary’s closest neighbors: Serbia and Ukraine. Now the list of countries, that can receive working visas in 21 working days has been expanded: it includes Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia, Belarus, Moldova, Montenegro and the Russian Federation.

Applying for Hungarian National card is as simple as possible: the applicant or employer needs to fill out a form and present a preliminary contract. The salary, specified in the contract, cannot be less than the established minimum wage for an unskilled worker. The card grants residency for a maximum period of 2 years and can be subsequently extended for 3 years. If a person changes employer, he is obligated to go through the procedure of renewing the national card, since each company must notify the immigration office about the hiring and dismissal of an employee immediately.

Previously, the processing period for employee’s residence permit took at least 70 days from the date of submission of the application, not counting the time for translation and notarization of the certificates of education. According to the new order 179/2024. (VII. 8.) – annex to the law 2023 XC, the application for a residence permit, if submitted correctly and completely, takes only 21 days.

Hungary has a large job market and plenty of offers for skilled and unskilled workers. The country is facilitating big foreign companies to build factories, which often hire foreigners, provide hostels and career opportunities.

If you are considering Hungary for permanent residency, then the national card is suitable for you. It gives a residential status, that allows its holder to request the status of permanent residency. If conditions and requirements are met, the card is issued for 10 years and you get the right to vote on local elections, receive social benefits and apply for loans. The owner of a permanent national permit and address card can proceed to apply for Hungarian citizenship after 8 years.