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Hungarian Card
(Magyar kártya)
- The Hungarian Card offers entrepreneurs from around the world the opportunity to establish a company and obtain a 3-year Hungarian residence permit, and after 3 years of residence, permanent residency in the country
- You can also hire employees for your Hungarian company under the Hungarian Card program
Hungarian Card: New Status for Highly Skilled Professionals and Businesspeople
The Hungarian Card is a fundamentally new type of residence permit that the Hungarian government launched on March 1, 2024, as part of a sweeping reform of immigration law. This status was created as a local equivalent of the “EU Blue Card,” but with more flexible eligibility requirements. It is designed to attract talent capable of contributing to the country’s economic development: engineers, IT specialists, creative professionals, and business executives.
Unlike simplified «guest» work visas, the Hungarian Card grants the right to family reunification and a clear path to permanent residency, making it one of the most reliable tools for long-term relocation to Europe.
Unlike simplified «guest» work visas, the Hungarian Card grants the right to family reunification and a clear path to permanent residency, making it one of the most reliable tools for long-term relocation to Europe.
Benefits of the Hungarian Card
The Hungarian Card is your reliable gateway to Europe: it grants you three years of legal status right away, allowing you to work and do business in Hungary, reunite with your family, and set you on a direct path to permanent residency after just three years.
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Long-term residence permit (3+3 years)
Receiving a residence permit valid for three years immediately, with the option to extend it for another three years. This eliminates the need to deal with the annual bureaucratic hassle. -
The Fast Track to Permanent Residency
After just three years of continuous residence (provided you meet the requirements), you can apply for permanent residency in Hungary. -
The opportunity for the whole family to move
The card allows you to apply for family reunification with your spouse and minor children. -
Freedom of movement within the EU
With a Hungarian ID card and a residence permit, you can travel visa-free throughout the Schengen Area and the EU. -
Access to banking and social services
You will be able to open a bank account at a local bank, sign up for utilities and internet service, and receive medical care through the Hungarian health insurance system.
Who is eligible for
the Hungarian Card?
the Hungarian Card?
Hungarian law clearly defines the group of individuals who are eligible to apply for this type of residence permit.
- Company executives and ownersA related status (often considered a type of Hungarian Card) is available to business owners and senior managers. You can establish or lead a company in Hungary. Unlike the “National Card,” this status emphasizes your qualifications as a manager and the benefits you bring to the Hungarian economy.
- Highly qualified professionalsThis is the program’s target audience. Under the new immigration laws, highly qualified professionals in certain fields are eligible to apply for a Hungarian Card. Your salary must meet the requirements set forth in Hungarian law. We will provide you with detailed information during your consultation.
- Professional athletes, coaches, and artistsHungary values world-renowned figures in sports and culture. If you have a contract with a Hungarian sports club or work in the performing arts (ballet dancers, musicians, film industry professionals), the Hungarian Card is your professional pathway to legal residency.
Validity period and renewal options
The Hungarian card is valid for three years. This immediately gives you a long-term planning horizon: you don’t need to renew your status annually or worry about changing visa stamps.
Upon expiration, the card can be renewed for another 3 years. The main condition is maintaining your employment status (or business operations) and complying with Hungarian tax laws.
Upon expiration, the card can be renewed for another 3 years. The main condition is maintaining your employment status (or business operations) and complying with Hungarian tax laws.
The Path to Permanent Residency and Citizenship in Hungary
The main advantage of this status over “work” and certain “visitor” residence permits is the possibility of naturalization.
- After 3 years: following three years of continuous and lawful residence in Hungary under the Hungarian Card, you are eligible to apply for permanent residence.
- After obtaining PR, provided you pass a Hungarian language proficiency exam, you can apply for Hungarian citizenship and an EU passport.
Reuniting with family
The 2024 law significantly restricted the ability of families to relocate under certain visa categories (such as the “guest worker” visa). However, the Hungarian Card preserves your right to family reunification. You may apply for your spouse and minor children to join you.
Why do people choose our Hungarian consulting firm, IST Hungary?
Our Hungarian experts and lawyers will help you prepare the necessary documents and successfully navigate every step of the process.
The 2024 law significantly restricted the ability of families to relocate under certain visa categories (such as the “guest worker” visa). However, the Hungarian Card preserves your right to family reunification. You may apply for your spouse and minor children to join you.
Why do people choose our Hungarian consulting firm, IST Hungary?
- Experience and Expertise: Many of our clients have already obtained a Hungarian Card. Read more about this in our case studies.
- A personalized approach to each client.
- Confidentiality and security of your data.
- Comprehensive support
Our Hungarian experts and lawyers will help you prepare the necessary documents and successfully navigate every step of the process.
including intermediary services.