Hungary Work Permit Application Process

Hungary's standard Work Permit (Munkavállalási Engedély) is now usually issued as a Combined Work and Residence Permit (KMP) under the 2024 reform — one card covering both work rights and residence. It's the route for any non-EU employee in Hungary other than:

• Seasonal workers (separate permit, ≤6 months)
• EU Blue Card holders (separate scheme for highly qualified university graduates)
• Intra-Corporate Transferees (ICT permit, separate scheme)

Initial validity: 2 years Renewable: in 2-year increments Path to PR: 3 years of continuous residence (2024 reform shortened from 4) Family reunion: spouse + minor children + dependent parents

• ✓ Concrete job offer from a Hungarian employer
• ✓ Labour-market test cleared (15-day public job ad) OR job on the Shortage Occupation List (currently includes IT, engineering, healthcare, hospitality management, German/Russian/Chinese-speaking customer service)
• ✓ Salary ≥ Hungary's minimum wage AND ≥ industry going rate
• ✓ Recognised qualifications (university degree or vocational diploma + apostille + sworn translation)
• ✓ Health insurance via Hungarian TB (auto-enrolled after first payroll)
• ✓ Clean criminal record (last 5 years, apostilled)
• ✓ Proof of accommodation in Hungary (lease or property ownership)

Path A — Apply from outside Hungary (most common):

1. Employer side: Hungarian employer files the Combined Permit application via e-NetCenter to the National Directorate-General for Aliens Policing (OIF). Includes job description, labour-market test result, employer financials, your CV + diplomas.

2. Resolution: 60–90 days. OIF emails decision to employer.

3. You side: Apply for National D Visa at the Hungarian consulate with the approved Combined Permit. Bring passport, biometrics, fee €60–€80, criminal record, accommodation proof.

4. Decision: 15–30 days.

5. Arrive in Hungary within visa validity.

6. Registration: within 30 days register your address (lakcímbejelentés) at the local government office. Pick up your physical Combined Permit card (sent by post).

Path B — Switch in Hungary: if you're already in Hungary on another permit, the Combined Permit application happens entirely with OIF; no consulate visa required.

Hungarian government:

• Combined Permit fee: HUF 18,000 (≈€46)
• National D Visa: €60–€80
• Address registration: free
• Initial card pickup: HUF 3,000 (≈€8)

Translation + apostilles: €200–€500 Workium service: €1,200 — includes employer-side filing coordination, OIF liaison, consulate appointment, post-arrival registration